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The readings this weekend challenge us all to be the person God is calling us to be – namely one of his disciples. This means we must recognise and accept the presence of God in our lives, realise that we are unworthy but at the same time to be willing to let his hands mould us to follow him. The readings tell us, as he told Isaiah, St. Paul and St. Peter. We must remember that God has his own reasons and thinking when he chooses those who are to be his Disciples. We can ask ourselves if we are firmly committed to be a disciple and, if not, resolve to change and be positive about how we do it. St. Paul, as described in the second reading, is a good example of changing ones thoughts and actions and what the result could be.  The Responsorial Psalm is a wonderful example of a prayer of gratitude. The Second Vatican Council teaches that we are all called to Christ’s ministry by virtue of our Baptism into Jesus Christ.

On a different theme his Holiness Pope Francis has reminded us that Friday, February 11, is to be a World Day of the Sick, as instituted by St. John Paul II thirty years ago, with the theme of a quotation from St. Luke: “Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful”. This theme makes us first turn our gaze towards God, who is “rich in mercy” (Eph 2:4); he always watches over his children with a father’s love, even when they turn away from him. Mercy is God’s name par excellence; mercy, understood not as an occasional sentimental feeling but as an ever-present and active force, expresses God’s very nature. It combines strength and tenderness. For this reason, we can say with wonder and gratitude that God’s mercy embraces both fatherhood and motherhood (cf. Is 49:15). God cares for us with the strength of a father and the tenderness of a mother; he unceasingly desires to give us new life in the Holy Spirit.

He finishes with: Dear brothers and sisters, to the intercession of Mary, Health of the Infirm, I entrust all the sick and their families. United with Christ, who bears the pain of the world, may they find meaning, consolation and trust. I pray for healthcare workers everywhere, that, rich in mercy, they may offer patients, together with suitable care, their fraternal closeness.

To all I cordially impart my Apostolic Blessing. Francis.

Children with Cancer Friendship Group are holding an informal meeting at St. Wilfrid’s Church, 90, Broad Road, Lower Willingdon BN20 9RA, on 7th February from 2.30pm to 4.00pm., where there will be hymns,  a Bible Reading, talk and refreshments.  All are welcome

The Bishops of England & Wales have issued the following guidance following the new Covid Virus announcement by the Government:

1. Please continue to wear a face covering in church.
2. Social distancing is now optional.
3. Hymn books and missals, etc can now be used.
4. Continue to sanitise hands.
5. Holy water stoups can now be refilled (but water must be changed weekly).
6. Church cleaning can return to normal.
7. The sign of peace can be reinstated.
8. Holy Communion continues to be given in one kind only.
9. If you feel unwell, please stay at home.

Facilitated by the House of Prayer team, this day will provide a time of quiet reflection during this season of renewal. Based on Ignation spirituality, we will explore prayer and scripture in a new and profound way. Saturday 12^th March 10am-4pm House of Prayer East Molesey Cost £25 email [email protected] for details

Confirmation Catechist Reflection & Formation Day

Join us for a day of Lenten reflection led by The Catholic Bible School. You will have the opportunity to stop, pray, and spend time with the Lord during this season of renewal. You will also discover new and exciting ways to help young people connect to their faith.  Saturday 26^th March 10am-3.30pm St John the Evangelist Horsham Cost £5 email [email protected] for details.

St George’s suggestion box, located at the back of church, please use it to offer suggestions and/or offers of help to support our Church and enjoy more prayerful and social time together.

St George’s Tea and Coffee after mass on Sunday (10am).  Please do try to join us even if only once monthly. Also do you know anyone that doesn’t attend mass but would like to join us, all are welcome to this lovely social time every Sunday morning. 

St George’s – new and nearly new items needed for St George’s table sale in the hall. Please leave donations clearly marked ‘Table Sale’ at the back of church. Money raised is being used for social events and charity fundraising in our parish.

This week we focus on Speaking Out, Mission for our Parish discussions surrounding the important worldwide focus on Synod 2023.  Our third of four questionnaires is being given out at Mass this Sunday and we are inviting everyone to respond either individually, as a group or during the whole parish group sessions, detailed below.

If you missed either or both of the first two weeks’ questionnaires, there are spare copies at the back of Church. You can also request a copy by calling Jackie on 01323 841504 or email [email protected].

To recap:

The Synod, initiated by Pope Francis, is a process in which the Church encourages its people (you) to listen and learn and a vessel by which we can communicate to the Pope what WE believe is needed for OUR future Church.  This is an extremely important step and you, the parishioners of St Wilfrid and St George, are invited to take time to be part of it.

First we concentrated on: Companions on the journey; Communion.  Last week we discussed and responded to the focus on: Listening; Participation.  We are grateful to all who have taken part in these discussions and taken time to respond directly and/or on the Diocese website.  All these responses will be passed to the Bishop.  They will also be used to help us, as a Parish, consider what is needed for us to unite further on our journey in faith.

Week 3 – Our Mission

Once again, as well as providing Private Individual or Group responses to this week’s questionnaire, Week 3 – Speaking out, Mission, you are also invited and very welcome to attend either or both of the following group sessions being held for the Parish.

Thursday 3rd February after 10am Mass – St Wilfrid’s Church

Saturday 5^th February 10am – St George’s Hall

Zoom – for those unable to attend our discussion groups weekly, we could organise a Zoom group. Please contact Bob Waters on [email protected] if you would be interested and like to take part in this, day/time to be confirmed.

Further information:

www.abdiocese/org.uk/synod – this includes the Diocese document and an online easy to use survey.  Even if you undertake this survey though, which we wholly encourage, please also take time to respond to the Parish survey.

https://www.synod.va/en/documents/english-version-of-the-preparatory-document.html

The central theme of the readings this weekend is that we should have, and show in our communities, the courage of our Christian convictions in our Faith and in its practice. 

The first reading tells us how God called Jeremiah as His prophet and gave him the material to face opposition and rejection. In doing this he encountered both rejection and persecution. The Psalm provides us with a prayer to help us in times of persecution together with a knowledge of our trust in God. In the second reading, we hear Paul speaking with the courage of his Christian convictions in correcting the Corinthian Christian community where the exercise of God’s gifts was causing competition, jealousy, and divisiveness. He presents them with a scheme which surpasses all others, namely, the way of love, and tells them that they must exercise their gifts with love.

Today’s Gospel shows us how Jesus faced doubts and criticism with the courage of the prophets. Jeremiah said:(1:4-5): “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; … I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.” He went on to say:(1:17-19) “Get yourself ready! Stand up and say to them whatever I command you. Do not be terrified by them.” Like Jeremiah, Paul, and Jesus believed that they were commissioned by God to proclaim a prophetic message which in those days was disturbing to those who heard it. It is important to note that no matter how strong the opposition, they had the conviction that God was with them and we too must have the strength and courage that those three prophets had.