Parish of Our Lady & St Vincent, Potters Bar
4th July 2021, 14th Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year B)
Where did the man get all this?
To me, the readings for today are about who God is, who Jesus is, and who we are, and how the Holy Spirit works to bring us closer together. That is, if we are open to what that means in our lives. We do not always pay attention even when the Lord speaks to us and empowers us. Instead, we often fear what listening to God can mean in our lives. It can put constraints on us, and it can make us vulnerable. We do not like that. We like to rely on our own power. The prophet Ezekiel knew well that the people in the Old Testament did not like listening to God when the going got rough, or when things were going their way, for that matter. It was his job to remind them sternly that the Lord had a message for their salvation and was still their God. Ezekiel proclaimed that his words were inspired by the Spirit of God. Whether they heed or resist, the Lord said, they are going to know that a prophet has been among them. Some did heed, and some did resist.
And then came Jesus, who was in addition to being the Christ, a good scholar and teacher of the Old Testament. He knew well the problems prophets had, especially among their own people. He too was experiencing the same thing. Despite what Jesus could demonstrate in terms of God’s power, or the words He spoke inspired by the Holy Spirit, if the people did not like what they heard, they would either dismiss him or run him out of town. So, if nothing changed in the human condition from the time of Ezekiel to the time of Jesus, I am certain we are the same kind of people today. If what we hear is not convenient to us, we still either dismiss Jesus and our modern prophets or run them out of town.
Today, I pray that we, like Paul, can learn through our own life experiences with the Spirit that power is not something that we have that we guard against weakness by our human strength. It is a spiritual power we gain through accepting our human weakness. Life does not have to wear us down. With Christ, it can make us stronger. No matter what happens to us in this life, we can not only hear, but be agents of, the good news to the poor that Jesus brings. Through Jesus, we have been made strong enough. Barbara Dilly
01707 654359 Email pottersbar@rcdow.org.uk Website www.olasv.org.uk
All services are live streamed – click on ‘live streaming’ link on website
Recording of Sunday Mass available on 01707 518202 after 10am Sunday
Parish Priest: Canon Shaun Lennard shaunlennard@rcdow.org.uk
Presbytery: 243, Mutton Lane, Potters Bar, EN6 2AT
Deacon: Rev Donal Hopkins donhopkins@rcdow.org.uk
Catechetical coordinator: Mrs. Francesca Khaliq pottersbarcat@rcdow.org.uk
Secretary: Mrs. Bernadette Saunders
Safeguarding Rep. Mike Sibley pottersbarsg@safeguardrcdow.org.uk
Parish Office open Mon, Tues & Fri 10am – 12noon but emails are checked daily
To speak to a priest in an emergency ring 07854 866860
COLLECTIONS
20th June Envelopes £347 Loose £317
Day for Life: £192.04
Collections are counted a week after they are taken.
ENFIELD LAVENDER HILL & STRAYFIELDS CEMETERY
Short service and blessing of graves on Saturday 10th July at 2pm. All welcome.
ALLUM LANE CEMETERY MASS
The annual Mass will take place at Allum Lane Cemetery, Borehamwood at 2pm on Sunday 11th July. The Mass will be in open air but face coverings will still need to be worn. Please book your spaces as numbers are limited.
We need stewards for this Mass to book people in and direct people. Please speak to Fr Shaun if you can help.
BUILD YOUR HOUSE ON ROCK
Potters Bar Churches are running a Holiday Club Afternoon with activities for primary-school-aged children on Saturday 7th August 2021 from 1.30 – 5.30pm at Pope Paul School in Baker Street.
There will be fully-supervised art, craft and outdoor activities including a mini-olympics. Parents/Guardians are invited to join us at 4.30pm for the concluding celebration and BBQ.
Booking in advance is essential and places are limited, so you should book early to avoid disappointment. The afternoon will cost £5 per child and families with two or more children pay £10 maximum. To book please go to https://cclh.churchsuite.com/events/4ydtlykl
TEENTEAM – helpers aged 14-18yrs if you would like to help with crafts and games please email Fr Shaun today.
AUGUST MASS INTENTIONS
Masses for August can be booked in person, by phone or email on Tuesday 6th July from 10.30am
MISSIONARIES WITH MUD ON THEIR SHOES
Catechists should have received an email about this summer gathering on 10th July on Zoom. It is open to all. The speaker is David Wells who is a fantastic speaker. It is an event ‘for the curious and the committed. To register please email catadmin@rcdow.org.uk adding the name of our parish. Full details https://rcdow.org.uk/att/files/faith/catechesis/conference%20flyer%202021.pdf
INTERESTED IN THE CATHOLIC FAITH? – COME AND SEE
RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) is a journey in Faith for those who want to know more of the Catholic Church or wish to become a Catholic. For further information, please contact Francesca Khaliq, Fr Shaun or Deacon Don. Meetings will start in September at a time to suit you. Who can you ask?
‘WOMEN AT THE CROSS’ CARDS
Sheila, who did the powerful painting for our Holy Week cards has had some cards made for sale in aid of the Sisters of Mercy’s ‘place of mercy and hope’ in South Africa. They make beautiful Mass and sympathy cards and are available in the narthex at £1.50 each (incl envelope)
GARDENING TEAM
A small team works on Saturdays to keep the grounds around the church and presbytery neat and tidy. We need more help. You can work at a time to suit you and tools are provided. At the moment the surroundings of the car park are in need of weeding and cutting back. Can you help? Please contact the parish office.
BACS DONATIONS
You can donate directly to the parish account using HSBC Sort Code 40-05-20 Acc. 81095625 WRCDT Potters Bar.
FATIMA
The new film on Fatima is being shown at Wyllyots theat re from 13 – 15 July. See theatre website for details.
CONGRATULATIONS TO REV. DON HOPKINS
Next weekend Deacon Don celebrates his 10th anniversary of ordination. We cannot have a social celebration as we would have liked but we will mark the occasion once restrictions are lifted.
RECONCILIATION/COMMUNION AND CONFIRMATION CATECHISTS
Pope Francis has recently created the ‘Ministry of Catechist’ to recognize the important work that is done in this area. We have a growing team of parishioners who help prepare young people for the sacraments of Confirmation, First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion. They really enjoy the work they do – it is so rewarding to experience young people exploring and growing in their faith.
If you are interested we will be starting new courses in September. Full training and support are given. It is rewarding work with a great team. As our commitment to safeguarding, an enhanced DBS certificate is required for this work and we will help you apply for this – the processing of this is confidential between you and the diocese. Please contact Francesca Khaliq if you would like more information.
FIRST RECONCILIATION & HOLY COMMUNION 2022
Registration forms for First Reconciliation & First Holy Communion in 2022 are available from Fr Shaun after Mass (for children currently in Year 2 or above).
CONFIRMATION 2022
Candidates for Confirmation in 2022 (currently in Year 8 or above) can collect a registration form from Fr Shaun after Mass. Forms can only be collected by the Candidate.
ECUMENICAL NEWS
Following the AGM on Tuesday Rev. Atalie Gaines, Vicar of King Charles the Martyr is now Chair of Churches Together in Potters Bar. You can keep an eye on what is going on at https://www.ctpb.org.uk
BAPTISMS
We have just completed a baptism preparation course. There will be another one in September. If you have a baby to be baptised in the next 6 months (it doesn’t have to be born yet) please email your details to the Parish Office and we will get back to you once the date is decided. You must live in the parish for your baby to be baptised here. If you have some connection with the parish you will need a letter of permission from the parish priest where you live and attend Sunday Mass.
HOLY COMMUNION TO SICK AND HOUSEBOUND PARISHIONERS
We are able to resume the very important ministry of taking Holy Communion to sick and housebound parishioners. If you or a member of your family would like us to visit your home, please contact the office or speak to Fr. Shaun or Deacon Don. Please be assured that we will be following all the guidelines issued by the government and the diocese.
UNDERSTANDING THE SUNDAY GOSPEL
A group meets on Zoom every Tuesday, at 7.30pm for about an hour, to reflect on the readings for the following Sunday. It is always informative and people’s insights into scripture are always interesting. It is a great way of preparing for Sunday Mass If you would like to be included in the Zoom invitation please email pottersbarcat@rcdow.org.uk
CHURCH CLEANING
Team A, Wednesday 7th July, 10.30am (first Wednesday of the month)
Ann McGorman, Bernadette Page, Margaret Clancy, Mary Kennedy.
Team B, Saturday 17th July, 9.30am (third Saturday of the month)
Linda Ahearne, Agatha Okafor, Naomi Foya, Sharon Valencia.
Can you help? Contact the parish office if you can.
PLEASE PRAY FOR
Please remember in your prayers
The sick, their families and all who care for them, including: Damien Grafton, Marsaili MacAuley, Linda Brooks, Patricia Wallington, Grant Davis, Bridie Spelzini, Frank Casali, Susan Lundrigan, Jean Rudd, Theresa Round, Joan Bonner, Antonia Cox, Margaret O’Loughlin, Jean Lowery, Jamie Giles, Mary Lindsay, Paige White, Bernadette Whelan, Christakis Christofides, Philomena O’Sullivan, Cheryl Pereira, Daniel Sardison, Bernard Keown, Ann O’Neill, Ted & Mary Pearce, Jason Mosely, Robert Chambers,Tamara Parrott, Abbey Cummings, Kathleen Gershlick, Anne Conlon, Franco Tzouvanni, Kathy Lavelle,
Recently dead: Margaret (Peggy) Rafferty, Patricia Payne and for all those whose anniversaries occur about this time: Premi Mampilli, Martin Walsh.
READINGS FOR NEXT SUNDAY
11th July, 15th Sunday in Ordinary Time
Amos 7:12-15
Ephesians 1:3-14
Mark 6:7-13
TIMES OF MASS & OTHER LITURGIES
Sunday 4th July, 14th Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year B)
6pm (Vigil) Mattie Walsh RIP Anniversary
9am Doris Wallace RIP
11am Lina Tanzi RIP
Monday 5th July 10am Mass Christopher Kelly RIP
Tuesday 6th July 10am Mass Sr Mary Williams RIP
Wednesday 7th July 10am Mass Fr Patrick Miscampbell OSB RIP
Thursday 8th July No Mass
Friday 9th July 10am Mass Hilario Pestano RIP
Saturday 10th July 5.15 – 5.45pm Sacrament of Reconciliation
6pm (Vigil) Intentions of Rev Donal Hopkins
Sunday 11th July, 15th Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year B)
9am Terry Umapathy RIP
11am Premi Mampilli RIP Anniversary
2pm Annual Mass at Allum Lane Cemetery, Borehamwood
(Please book spaces as numbers are limited)
