Margate Parish News St Austin and St Gregory, Margate, with St Anne, Cliftonville 5th Sunday of Lent B Consoling the Sacred Heart of Jesus When Our Lord was suffering in the Garden of Gethsemane, he was aware not only of the sins that had been committed in the past, but also of all the sins that would be committed in the future, compounding the betrayal and blasphemy that He suffered. Consideration of Christ’s agony helps us to have heartfelt sorrow for our sins. Our Lord was also aware of all the prayers, penances and works of charity that would be undertaken down the ages until the end of time, not only by the saints but also by His ordinary followers like ourselves. The angel who consoled Him in the garden rejoiced with Him in all the love that would be shown to Him until the end of time. Reparation for sin is not simply a theoretical idea. It is true that the damage caused by sin, and the objective offence that it offers to God, is countered by the prayers and good works of the faithful, but we can also think of the consolation of Christ given by the angel, by Our Lady, and the other holy women, as well as St John and the men who took his body down from the cross. It is a privilege for us to participate with them in an active and heartfelt love for Christ in His passion. Every time we put up cheerfully with our daily sufferings, every time we make a short prayer from the heart, every time we do an act of charity for others, we bring joy to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and truly share in His redeeming work. We also draw close to the Heart of Our Lord who invites us to be his friends. Our faith and our spiritual life is much more than a vague “being religious”, it is a personal share in the saving work of Christ who suffered out of love for us. Passiontide Veiling of the crucifixes statues and statues By ancient custom, the crucifixes and statues in the Church are veiled during Passiontide, the last two weeks of Lent. As with many of our ancient liturgical customs, this has various meanings. Before his Passion, Jesus hid himself and no longer went openly among the Jews. At his passion, the divinity of Jesus was hidden by his humiliation and sufferings for our sake. The statues of Our Lady and the saints are covered because it is not fitting for the servants to be honoured when their Master is hidden. The veiling of the statues gives a striking austerity to the Church, reminding us of the solemn and mournful time of the suffering and death of the Lord as we approach the liturgical celebration of His Passion. We adore Thee, O Christ and we praise Thee; because by Thy Holy Cross Thou hast redeemed the world. 22 March 2015 Lent talk This Wednesday 25 March, we will have English Vespers at 7pm followed by a light supper in the Hall. At 7.45pm, Fr Finigan will give a talk on “The Creed, the Councils, and Jesus Christ.” Confirmation Sunday 21 June 3pm at St Anne’s Archbishop Smith will be visiting the Deanery to celebrate Mass and confer the sacrament of Confirmation for candidates in Thanet Deanery on Sunday 21 June at 3pm. The ceremony will be at St Anne’s in Cliftonville. A course of sacramental preparation for candidates within our own parish will be offered after the Easter holidays, suited to those who are 12/13 years of age (Year 8 at school) who believe in Christ, are regularly practising their Catholic faith, and intend to do so as a permanent way of life. Enrolment forms and a copy of the programme are available at the back of the Church. The enrolment forms must be completed and returned before Easter. The first meeting, for parents and candidates, is on Monday 27 April at 7.30pm. Holy Week and Easter Programme of services The programme of services for Holy Week and Easter at St Austin’s and St Anne’s, is available at the back of the Church. Please note the extra times for Confession at both Churches during Holy Week as well as the additional opportunities to assist at the Stations of the Cross. Please take a copy of the programme of services for yourself. Please also take copies for any Catholics you know who have abandoned the practice of their faith. Holy Week and Easter is a powerful time of conversion when your invitation may be an occasion of grace. Good Friday children’s Stations At the Stations of the Cross at St Austin’s on Good Friday at 12noon, children are invited to bring a home-made cross to carry in procession. There will also be opportunities for any children or young people who would like to read for one of the Stations. Those who would like to read are asked to turn up at 11.45am to prepare beforehand. News and Events John Curling RIP Indulgences in Holy Week Big Easter Clean The Requiem Mass will be on Monday 30 March at 1.15pm, followed by committal at Thanet Crematorium. Special plenary indulgences may be gained at the services of the Easter Triduum for the following pious exercises: Mass at St Gregory’s School Maundy Thursday: Join in the singing of the Tantum ergo at the reposition of the Blessed Sacrament Additional volunteers are invited to help our regular volunteer Church cleaners with the annual “Big Easter Clean” of the Church in preparation for Easter. This will take place on Holy Saturday 4 April, starting at 10am. It would be much appreciated if some men could assist. Wednesday 25 March This Wednesday, Fr Finigan will celebrate Mass for the feast of the Annunciation St Gregory’s school at 9.10am for the whole school. Parents and Grandparents are welcome to attend the Mass. Of your charity, pray for the repose of the soul of John Curling who died recently. Requiescat in pace MASS INTENTIONS FOR THE COMING WEEK St Austin & St Gregory, Margate Saturday 21 Mar 5.00 pm Ulcoq family FM Sunday 22 Mar 9.30 am Bernard Byrne GE 11.30 am Pro populo Monday 23 Mar 6.30 pm Robinson family DRF Tuesday 24 Mar 9.00 am Wednesday 25 Mar 12.00 pm Patrick Joseph Sanneh RIP Thursday 26 Mar 9.00 am Beatrix Robinson GE Friday 27 Mar 6.30 pm Saturday 28 Mar 9.00 am Fr Paul Spellman RIP 5.00 pm Pamela Bolt RIP Sunday 29 Mar 9.30 am 11.30 am Pro populo St Anne, Cliftonville Sunday 22 Mar 10.00 am Maureen Rossiter RIP Monday 23 Mar 10.00 am Fr Damien Walne RIP Wednesday 25 Mar 10.00 am Sotos family DRF Friday 27 Mar 10.00 am Gabriel Falade RIP Sunday 29 Mar 10.00 am Holy souls Booking Mass intentions Please use the envelopes provided, write the name(s) clearly and indicate whether the Mass is for someone who has died or for the welfare of someone who is living. The following standard abbreviations are used in the newsletter: RIP: for the repose of the soul of ... Anniv: anniversary of death of ... GE: for the good estate (welfare) of ... TG: Thanksgiving for ... FM: Foundation Mass. DRF: Deceased relatives and friends. Good Friday: Take part in the Solemn Liturgy, or take part in the Stations of the Cross, or follow the Pope’s Stations on radio or television. Holy Saturday: Renew the vows of your Baptism at the Easter Vigil. To gain a plenary indulgence we must, in addition to the prescribed work, receive Holy Communion, make a sacramental confession, pray for the intentions of the Holy Father, and be free from attachment to sin. Divine Mercy Sunday Sunday 12 April: devotions at 3.30pm St John Paul named the Sunday after Easter “Divine Mercy Sunday” when we recall the great mystery of God’s mercy and forgiveness. At 3.30pm, we will have the Divine Mercy chaplet, followed by Benediction with confessions available afterwards. A plenary indulgence may be gained by participating in the Divine Mercy devotion on Divine Mercy Sunday. Servers for Holy Week Would servers please sign up on the list in the sacristy for the ceremonies of Holy Week. Parents are kindly asked to assist so that servers are free to attend, and to arrive early for the services. There will be a practice for the Easter Vigil from 11am12noon on Holy Saturday 4 April. Easter raffle St Austin’s There will be the customary Easter raffle, at St Austin’s, drawn on Easter Sunday after 9.30am Mass. Prizes for the raffle would be gratefully received. Tickets will be on sale from the 4th Sunday of Lent. St Anne’s St Anne’s will also hold an Easter raffle as usual with the draw taking place on Easter Sunday. Prizes would be gratefully received. Second collection this weekend Aid to the Church in Need After all Mass this weekend, there will be a basket collection following our Family Fast Day. Please put your Family Fast Day envelopes in the basket. (You can also make a donation without an envelope.) All proceeds will go to Aid to the Church in Need, in support particularly of Christians who are persecuted in the Middle East. This cause is of special urgency at the present time, so please be generous. Clocks forward A reminder that next weekend the clocks are put forward one hour. Catholic Church of Ss Austin and Gregory with St Anne, Margate St Austin & St Gregory: Victoria Road, Margate St Anne: Eastern Esplanade, Cliftonville Confessions: Fri after 6.30pm Mass; Sat 9.4510.15am; 4-4.45pm Parish Website — margatecatholic.org Devotions: Tuesday 8.40am: Lauds (Morning Prayer) ; Wednesday 11.30am: Rosary; Friday after 6.30pm Mass: Benediction; Saturday after 9am Mass: Novena to Our Lady of Perpetual Succour. Parish Priest: Fr Timothy Finigan MA STL 38 Charlotte Place Margate CT9 1LP. 01843 220825. [email protected] Assistant Priest: (St Anne’s & OL Star of the Sea): Fr Godfrey Holdstock. 07913774327 Parish Deacons: Rev. Neville Gascoigne; Rev. Ambrose Tuckell St Austin & St Gregory, Margate Sunday Masses: 5pm (Saturday) 9.30am, 11.30am (Latin) Weekday Masses: Mon 6.30pm (Latin); Tue 9am; Wed 12noon; Thur 9am; Fri 6.30pm; Sat 9am St Anne, Cliftonville Sunday Mass: 10am Weekday Masses: Mon, Wed, Fri 10am Confessions: 9.30am Friday; 9.30am Sunday Eucharistic Adoration: Mon, Wed, Fri 9.30am Schools St Gregory’s RC Primary School & Nursery, Nash Road Margate. 01843 221896 Ursuline College (RC Secondary School) 225 Canterbury Road, Westgate. 01843 834431
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