Parish of Our Lady & St Vincent, Potters Bar
11th July 2021, 15th Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year B)
This week’s Gospel describes how Jesus sent his disciples to minister in his name. Mark’s Gospel tells us that Jesus sent out the twelve, also called “apostles”. The word apostle means “one who is sent”. If God sent a prophet into our church or into our living room today, we would probably listen carefully to what he had to say. At least, that’s what we would like to think. But listening to God’s word isn’t always as easy as it appears.
In our first reading, we see Amos, a true prophet, chosen and sent by God, totally rejected. He had been telling the people of Israel about the need to return to the basics of their religion, to follow the commandments and give up their self-indulgent idolatries. You would think that with God’s authority and power behind him, everyone would listen, hear and obey. However, the message wasn’t comfortable for them, so they rejected it.
In our Gospel, Jesus’ instructions to the apostles are very specific. They are sent out to preach, to heal and to drive out demons. Jesus sends them out in pairs, establishing a shared mission. He instructs them to travel lightly, without the customary food, money, and any extra clothes. To wear sandals rather than go barefoot to move quickly and safely. They will need to be totally dependent on the hospitality of others, just as he was dependent on others to provide all that he needed. He prepares them well for the times they will be rejected, what to say and what to do.
God speaks to us in many ways, including through the Sunday Scripture readings, yet listening to God can at times be uncomfortable. Think of your heart as like the house Jesus mentions in the Gospel. If we welcome
God’s word, his grace will come and stay there, bringing peace and understanding into our lives, if we don’t, God’s word will shake the dust from its feet and move on.
Let us be known as a community who listen and hear Jesus’ instructions to be his missionary disciples. To be ready to go out into the world, knowing we are not alone, we are part of the community, the Church. In our work with others, let us build a community of faith and love, always open and ready to invite others to join and share with us.
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
27th June Envelopes £256 Loose £282
Peter’s Pence £239.80
Collections are counted a week after they are taken.
ALLUM LANE CEMETERY MASS
The annual Mass will take place at Allum Lane Cemetery, Borehamwood at 2pm this afternoon. 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
COVID REGULATIONS
We do not know exactly what will be announced on 19th July and we will have to wait for a few days for the bishops and insurers to interpret the regulations. As a result arrangements for 25th July will remain as they are currently. Any changes will be implemented at the beginning of August.
Sunday Mass in August will be at 9am and 11am to keep us comfortably distanced in the church.
THE WEEK AHEAD
The wedding on Monday is limited to invited guests only (COVID regulations)
There is no Mass on Tuesday and the Leaver’s Mass is limited to invited guests only (COVID regulations)
All are welcome to the Funeral Mass for Peggy Rafferty on Thursday.
RETREAT
Fr Shaun will be away for his annual retreat from 19 – 26 July inclusive. Mgr. Tom Egan will be celebrating Masses that week and Tommy is resident in the presbytery for security.
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)
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.
ALL COMPLETED FORMS MUST BE HANDED IN TO THE OFFICE BY 20th JULY – NEXT MONDAY!
CONFIRMATION
Next Sunday, at 11am Mass, Alice Kelly, who was stranded because of COVID regulations earlier in the year, will receive the Sacrament of Confirmation. We hope to see others who have been confirmed at Mass to support her.
STUDENTS ON PLACEMENT
James Boyle, a second-year student for the priesthood for our diocese at the Beda College in Rome, will be working in the parish from 1st August for a 6-week placement.
Dale Cutlan, a third-year student at Allen Hall Seminary for Cardiff Diocese, will be joining us in September for a year’s full-time placement. It is great for the parish to have students in formation living with us. They will bring their gifts and also grow in receiving our gifts. Please remember them in your prayers.
Fr Alex Balzanella, who was with us on placement from the English College in Rome two years ago has been appointed Assistant Priest at Holy Rood Parish, Watford from September.
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.
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 peoples 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
BACS DONATIONS
You can donate directly to the parish account using HSBC Sort Code 40-05-20 Acc. 81095625 WRCDT Potters Bar.
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? Contact the parish office if you can.
CHURCH CLEANING
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.
WELCOME
To Rev Mark Moloney who will be licensed as Vicar of Christ Church, Little Heath on 19th July.
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, Kathy Lavelle, Vincent, Lee & Abigail Clark
Recently dead: Peggy (Margaret) Rafferty, baby Oliver Clark, Patricia Payne and for all those whose anniversaries occur about this time.
READINGS FOR NEXT SUNDAY
18th July, 16th Sunday in Ordinary Time
Jeremiah 23:1-6
Ephesians 2:13-18
Mark 6:30-34
TIMES OF MASS & OTHER LITURGIES
Sunday 11th July, 15th Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year B)
6pm (Vigil) Intentions of Rev Donal Hopkins
9am Terry Umapathy RIP
11am Premi Mampilli RIP Anniversary
Monday 12th July 10am Mass Premi Mampilli RIP Anniversary
11.15am Wedding, Alwyn & Irene Joby
Tuesday 13th July NO MASS
9.30am Leavers’ Mass, Pope Paul School
Wednesday 14th July 10am Mass Intentions of Sr Mary Meaney
Thursday 15th July 10.30am Funeral Mass, Margaret (Peggy) Rafferty RIP
Friday 16th July 10am Mass Intentions of Betty Dwyer
11.15am, End of term Mass at Nicholas Breakspear School
1pm Funeral Mass, Patricia Payne RIP
Saturday 17th July 11am Baptism, Victoria Holly
12.30pm Baptism, Baby Yacoub
5.15 – 5.45pm Sacrament of Reconciliation
6pm (Vigil) Margaret Rafferty RIP & Confirmation of Alice Kelly
Sunday 18th July, 16th Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year B)
9am Jolana Hvozdik RIP
11am People of the Parish
