13th June 2021, 11th Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year B)

This is what the kingdom of God is like.

The parable of the growing seed and the parable of the mustard seed both call to mind God’s grace in our lives and in the building of the kingdom of God; God’s grace that moves mysteriously in ways that we cannot comprehend or grasp. We plant seeds though our words and actions, but we need to remember that God is in control and not us. We are collaborators but it is God who is the builder.

Thus, the kingdom of God grows mysteriously and we are called to trust in God’s presence even when times are dark and difficult. We are called to go beyond calculations, forecasts, tangible results, and to surrender to God’s plans and not be so caught up with our own. We are called to place ourselves in God’s loving hands and to allow him to use us as he sees fit in the building of his Kingdom of peace, justice, and love.

We might be frustrated and even discouraged by continued racism, oppression, hatred, violence, intolerance and so on but we cannot and should not give up. If we are truly committed to living out the gospel values in our lives, then even though we might not see the results, it is possible that we have no idea of how our words and actions are germinating and helping the kingdom of God to grow.

Today’s readings encourage us to continue to be faithful and to trust in God who cares and loves us deeply.

Rosa Parks was a black seamstress.  One day in Alabama in 1955 she was arrested, handcuffed and jailed for refusing to vacate a bus seat reserved for white people.  That episode turned out to be the seed out of which the Civil Rights Movement grew. With God’s care and grace, every one of us can make a difference.

From this week’s ‘Belong & Believe’ course ‘To every new person who comes to our church I always say ‘You are very welcome.  Our community will certainly grow because of your presence with us.’  Do we notice new people?  Do we each take the responsibility to make them feel welcome – with a smile or a word of welcome? 

 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

30th May Envelopes £326 Loose £475

May Standing Orders: £6373

Collections are counted a week after they are taken.

FR PETER BURROWS RIP

Fr Peter, well known to parishioners from his ministry here when Fr Tim was ill, died peacefully on Wednesday.  His funeral will take place in Plymouth.  May he rest in peace.

MARGARET HALLISSEY RIP

Margaret was a parishioner here for over 40 years and lived in Billy Lowes Lane.  A few years ago, she moved to be near her family.  Sadly, she died on Tuesday last.  Her funeral will be at Our Lady & St Vincent’s and the date will be published in the newsletter as soon as it is arranged.

DAY FOR LIFE

This year’s theme for Day for Life focuses on assisted suicide and the respect owed to life. The online resources are produced to inform Catholics about this threat to life and to share with people our response to such a threat: a true compassion as the just response to the immense value of the human person.  There will be a retiring collection for the Day for Life fund.  See more details www.dayforlife.org  The question of ‘assisted dying’ has not gone away.  The subject has been before parliament and is sure to come up again soon.  It is a delicate and emotional subject.  We need to make sure that we are informed and are ready to use the democratic process.

THE ART OF DYING WELL

How do hospices care for people living with a life-limiting condition? What can we learn from this care for a loved one at home? What about hospitals? What about good end of life care for people with a learning disability? Come to listen and  join the discussion: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/how-to-have-a-happy-death-tickets-151066374593

BELONG & BELIEVE

The first session of this on-line course last Monday was brilliant with 25 participants. There are 4 more sessions in this course.on Mondays from 7.30pm until 9:00pm. The registration date has passed but if you would like to join, email  pbalpha@rcdow.org.uk

BAPTISMS

Baptism Preparation will take place on zoom at 7.30pm on Tuesday 15th June with a follow-up session on Sunday 20th at 10am in the hall. This will enable parents to participate without the need for a babysitter!  Please register with the parish office if you have a child for baptism.  If it is your first child you must attend the course but any parent is welcome to attend.

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 and especially if you have a child who has benefitted from this in the past, could you volunteer to give something back for other children?

We will be starting new courses for Sacramental preparation 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 to find out more information about the roles, many thanks.

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.

Completed forms for both courses must be returned to the Parish Office/emailed to Francesca Khaliq by Tuesday 20th July 2021. If you have any questions, please contact Francesca

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?

COVID CHANGES

From next weekend Holy Communion will revert to its usual place, before the Communion Prayer and Blessing.  This means that we will have to be EXTRA VIGILANT and PATIENT about leaving the church safely.  Please continue to leave from both ends of the church and do not step over people to get out of your bench.  Please continue to avoid gathering in the narthex but speak to each other outside.  We hope to be able to return to some more social activities as soon as it is safe to do so.

HALL-HIRE ASSISTANTS

We hope to be able to use the hall for parties soon.  We are looking for people who could show occasional hirers around the building and go through a health and safety check list with them.  Full training given.  Please speak to Fr Shaun if you can help.

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 in order to keep everyone as safe as possible.

MUSIC AT 9.00AM SUNDAY MASS

Now that Government rules allow up to 6 people to sing together indoors (socially-spaced, of course), we would like to invite anyone who misses singing at mass to join an occasional group of up to six to sing hymns at 9.00am mass. Over recent weeks we have been able to have singing, thanks to those who have acted as cantors. Our plan now is to add to the teams of singers so that we can continue to have music at this mass during the coming holiday months and until we are able as a congregation to sing together once more. If you would like to join us, please talk to one of us, or email the church office.

Miho and Philip (Organists)Mark (Choirmaster).

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 (I, Fr Shaun, often drop in and find it great for homily ideas!) 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

PLEASE PRAY FOR

Please remember in your prayers

The sick, their families and all who care for them, including: Peggy Rafferty, 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, Milena Braganza, 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: Fr Peter Burrows, Margaret Hallissey, Michael Mahoney and for all those whose anniversaries occur about this time.

READINGS FOR NEXT SUNDAY

20th June, 12th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Day For Life

Job 38:1.8-11

Corinthians 5:14-17

Mark 4:35-41

TIMES OF MASS & OTHER LITURGIES

Sunday 13th June, 11th Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year B)

                                     6pm (Vigil) Helen O’Sullivan RIP

                                     9am  People of the Parish

                                      11am Michael Brennan RIP

Monday 14th June         10am Mass Jolana Hvozdikova RIP

Tuesday 15th June         10am Mass Sister Joseph RIP

                                       2pm Funeral of Michael Mahony at Enfield Crematorium

Wednesday 16th June     10am Mass John McMorrow RIP

                                         7pm Memorial Mass  Joseph & Georgina Fossu

Thursday 17th June           No Mass

Friday 18th June                10am Mass Intentions of Michal Hvozdik

Saturday 19th June            

                                           5.15 – 5.45pm Sacrament of Reconciliation

                                           6pm (Vigil) Intentions of Kathy Lavelle

Sunday 20th June, 12th Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year B)

                                            9am Elias, Agnes, Maria, Dolphy & Oswald Almeida RIP

                                            11am People of the Parish