SCHOOL STREET

HOLY MASS for the repose of the soul of Pope Francis will be celebrated by Bishop Alan in the Cathedral on Sunday 27th April At 11.30am.

VERY MANY THANKS for all your prayers, cards, presents and generous Easter offerings. They are, as always, very much appreciated.

Those who wish to, are invited to gather at the magistrates' court (suggest 9.15am - 9.30am) and walk in small groups, along the pavements to Ken Aston Square as we have done for the past two years. Other than that, please ask people gather at the Square as usual, where we hope to start the service at 10.00am.

Thursday, 17th April at 7.30pm . Volunteers, please, for the Mandatum [Washing of the feet] during the Mass. List on the notice board at the back of the church (women and men, of course).

The debate regarding this issue has been somewhat truncated by the fact that the government has allowed the matter to be dealt with by means of a private member’s bill. Such an important change in the law should never have been allowed to happen in this way. Whilst not impugning the sincerity of those who back this change the amateurish and shambolic way in which it has staggered through a “packed” committee stage in the House of Commons is worrying to say the least. For example, does anyone really believe that a handpicked group of “experts” chosen by the prime minister [who backs the change] is any substitute for an impartial and objective High Court judge being required to oversee the process of dying? Postcards provided by Not Dead Yet UK, a network of disabled people who oppose the legislation, have been included in the newsletter. These are intended to be sent to your local MP. However, please be aware that Wes Streeting, the member of parliament for Ilford North and Secretary of State for Health, has already voted against the bill at second reading. Jas Athwal, the member for Ilford South, voted in favour.

View the APRIL bulletin here

Family Fast Day collection Please donate to our Family Fast Day parish collection and be a pilgrim of hope with CAFOD this Jubilee Year. You’ll be supporting communities suffering the impacts of war, poverty and climate change to find solutions and hope. Use the CAFOD envelope in church or donate online at cafod.org.uk/envelope

These are available at the back of the church in alphabetical order by surname. If your box is not there, please complete one of the slips and it will be available next week.  The Gift Aid scheme will benefit the parish by over £10,000 this year at no extra cost to anyone but the inland revenue! All you need to do is complete a simple form and the parish claims back the tax on any amount you give to the parish during the tax year concerned. Of course, you must pay income tax to take advantage of the scheme. Forms are available at the back of the church or please see me after Mass.

are holding simple LENT LUNCHES , consisting of homemade soup and a roll as follows at 12noon : Wednesday 12th March - Holy Trinity, Mossford Green IG6 2BJ Wednesday 19th St. Francis, Fencepiece Road IG6 2LA Wednesday 26th Gantshill Methodist Church, Gantshill Crescent IG2 6TU Thursday 3rd April Hainault Baptist Church, Franklyn Gardens IG6 2UT Wednesday 9th Barkingside Methodist Church, Freemantle Road IG6 2AZ All are welcome.