ST JOHN VIANNEY CHURCH

West Green
4 Vincent Road, London N15 3QH
Parish Office Tel No: 020-8888-5518 E-mail: westgreen@rcdow.org.uk
Facebook: West Green - St John Vianney Church
Our website: http://stjohnvianneywestgreen.co.uk/
(SJV Parish Centre 020-8888-5518)

22nd /23rd April 2017 2nd SUNDAY OF EASTER

(DIVINE MERCY SUNDAY)
Dear Parishioners,
In todays reading we hear about Thomas, one of the disciples. To tell you the
truth, I have a soft spot for this particular disciple. Not just because I have a
brother called Thomas, but I think the poor guy has been quite misunderstood
by many. Doubting Thomas. The sceptic. The one who refused to believe.
But whats wrong with him wanting to see and experience Jesus for himself?
Why is he so often portrayed as the disciple with less faith? If you think about it, actually,
the other disciples were just as doubting as he was. Mary Magdalene already told them
that she saw Jesus, yet there they were, hiding behind closed doors for fear of the Jews,
instead of rejoicing at the fact that their Lord is risen from the dead. Jesus had to physically
stand among them, and showed them his hands and his side and then the disciples were
filled with joy. In a way, I admire Thomas for daring to voice his need. Jesus did say, Ask,
and you shall receive... well, Thomas asked, and he received. He had to wait eight days
before his request was granted, but Jesus did show himself to Thomas, and even went as far
as letting him touch the wounds in his hands and side. Jesus did not scold Thomas or got
angry. He simply wanted Thomas to doubt no longer, and to believe.
Some people really have the gift of faith. And I do see it as a gift blessed are those who
have not seen and yet believe these people are truly blessed, whether they realise it or not.
I honestly dont see myself as being one of them. If I am here, as a missionary sister, its
because I have seen God. No, I never saw any apparitions (unlike St. Faustina, to whom we
attribute the image of Divine Mercy). But I wouldnt be placing my life in Gods hands, if I
didnt have REAL experiences of truly being looked after and cared for at all times (He made
sure that I didnt get hurt even when I was a step away from a mad-man waving a knife
about, didnt He?) I wouldnt be able to say, God is my strength, if it wasnt for that real
experience I had when I was at the lowest point and most painful time of my life. I did
something similar to what Thomas did: I went on my knees and begged in tears, Jesus,
unless you give me the strength, I refuse to continue walking with you. I gave Him an eight-
day ultimatum (I know, Im terribly demanding... or just terrible, period) and lo and behold,
I woke up on the eighth day with an inner strength that wasnt there before. I wouldnt
believe that God loves me, unconditionally, if it wasnt for the times when I really felt there
is nothing lovable in me at all... and yet I still experienced His love, for real.
So for all those who still cant believe that Jesus is really risen ... what do you say? Would
you dare to be doubting Thomas? Would you dare to ask God to show Himself to you, so
that you may believe? Do think about it... as someone one said, when it comes to this, you
have nothing to lose and everything to gain, really.
Happy Easter still, and God bless! Sr. Devy
THANK YOU FOR YOUR GENEROSITY IN THE CELEBRATION OF BAPTISM
LAST SUNDAYS COLLECTIONS If you would like to have your child baptised
on the 13th May 17 or later, the next
CATECHETICAL PROGRAMMES sessions will be on Monday, 8th & 22nd 17.
All the activities take place in the Parish Please contact the Parish Office to book
Hall. Any enquiries please contact your place on the course.
Sr. Devy on 07403 784463
EPIC: A JOURNEY THROUGH CHURCH
RCIA - RITE OF CHRISTIAN INITIATION HISTORY
OF ADULTS: Join us either on Tuesdays (7.30-9.00pm)
Congratulations to our Candidates & or Wednesdays (10.00-11.30am) in the
Catechumen received into the Catholic Jubilee Hall. Next Sessions: Weak Leaders
Church and those Baptised at our Easter and Schism Part II
Vigil. Let us continue to pray for our on 25th and 26th April 2017.
Candidates and Catechumen during their
journey of faith. SURGERY HOURS DROP-IN TIMES
Next session: Sat. 29th April from As a parish team, we want to be available to
4.00-5.45pm in the Parish Hall, meet the pastoral needs of all parishioners
followed by Mass at 6pm. in St John Vianney Church as much as we
can. Complementing the existing office
CONFIRMATION PROGRAMME
hours and our general availability, we
We welcome our Confirmation Candidates
would like to offer the following drop-in
to participate in our 6pm Mass.
times
FIRST COMMUNION PROGRAMME Tue 3.30-4.30pm Fr Joe 4 Vincent
We welcome our First Communion 6.30-7.30pm Road
Candidates to participate in our Wed 10.30am- Fr 4 Vincent
11am Mass today 11.30pm Damian Road
REHEARSAL FOR FIRST COMMUNION 3.30pm 4aVincent
will take place on 4.30pm Road
Wednesday 3rd May in the church at Sr Devy
4:30pm. Thu 11.30am-
All First Communion Candidates and 12.30pm Sr Devy 4a
their parents must attend. 6.30pm Vincent
SATURDAY MORNING RELIGIOUS 7.30pm Sr Road
INSTRUCTION Catherine
We welcome our First Communion
Candidates from the Saturday Morning FUN-D-RAISING EVENTS
classes to participate in our 11am Mass TEAS /COFFEE
today In the Parish Hall after (Sun.) 9am and
11am Masses
Next Session: 29th April, 10am-11.15am ST. JOHN VIANNEY FILM NIGHT
followed by Mass on Showing
CHANGE IN THE PROGRAMME: The Colditz story
The Religious Instruction programme takes place on Sunday 30th April at 5pm in
for 2017-2018 will be held on the parish Hall.
SUNDAYS 9.30am - 10.45am. All welcome.
LIVESIMPLY GROUP ORGANISED WALK in
Downhills Park today, The Diocese of Westminster is supporting the
Sunday 23rd April after the 11.00 Mass in global prayer movement for evangelisation
solidarity with the poor. Thy Kingdom Come which takes place from
We meet in the churchyard after the 11am Ascension to Pentecost.
Mass. Thy Kingdom Come invites Christians
around the world to pray between Ascension
PARISH OUTREACH and Pentecost for more people to come to
SOUP RUN the next Soup Run on know Jesus Christ. What started out as an
Sat. 29th April Group D invitation from the Archbishops of
Canterbury and York in 2016 to the Church of
COME AND SEE - BECOMING A England has grown into an international and
PERMANENT DEACON. ecumenical call to prayer. To have a week of
Men wanting to know more about the prayer for Christian mission is just a
permanent diaconate are invited to come to wonderful thing. Please do join in before
a two hour meeting at Ealing Abbey Parish Pentecost, this drive to pray together for the
gift of Gods spirit for our mission. We know
Centre, Charlbury Grove, W5 2DY on
how rich Pentecost is in the life of the Church
Saturday 29th April from 10am to noon.
from its very beginning. That richness can be
No booking needed. Wives welcome.
ours too - if we ask God for it.
Contact details:
Deacon Adrian Cullen 07961 594725 or
Exploring our Vocational Responsibility
Deacon Anthony Clark 07545 373548.
to Care for the Sick Workshops:
Healthcare Chaplaincy: A Catholic
PILGRIMAGE TO FATIMA
understanding: at St Dominics Priory,
Fr Damian will be leading St. Peters
Haverstock Hill, London Wednesday 7th
Catholic Church, Hatfield, Herts on a
June 2017, 7pm for 7.30pm Register free on
Pilgrimage to Fatima
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/healthcare
From Saturday 21st October to Thursday
-chaplaincy-a-catholic-understanding-
26th October.
tickets-6495848257
If you would like to come, please speak to Fr
Health and Social Care: A particular
Damian for an itinerary, and a booking form.
vocation for Catholics in serving the sick:
Price: 699 per person.
Our Lady and St Michaels, Garston,
Deposit of 200.00.
Watford, Monday 19th June 2017, 7pm for
Places are limited and on a first-come, first-
7.30pm Register free on
served basis.
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/health-
social-care-a-particular-vocation-for-
CANDYS DANCE STARS
catholics-in-serving-the-sick-tickets-
Invites you to their CONCERT performed by
33436168480
Older People today, Sunday 23rd April
Thinking theologically about health: A
from 5pm 8pm in the Parish Hall.
Catholic perspective: St Benedicts Abbey,
Proceeds will go towards the Hall hire and
Ealing; Tuesday 27th June, 7pm for 7.30pm
Free Classes for the Parishioners depending
Register free on
on how many tickets are sold. Please see
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/thinking-
Poster in the Porch. Tickets are available
theologically-about-health-a-catholic-
after 11.00 Mass." Tickets 10.00 inc.
perspective-tickets-33436356041 Speakers
Refreshments For Contact: Rookie on
include: Bishop Paul McAleenan, Prof Jim
07961 044 079
McManus, Dr Pia Matthews & Fr Peter Scot
candydancestars@hotmail.com
rcdow.org.uk/called-to-serve-the-sick/
Tickets will be 12 at the door!
 Entrance Antiphon THIS WEEK WE PRAY FOR
Like newborn infants, you must long for the pure,
spiritual milk, that in him you may grow to The repose of the soul:
salvation, alleluia. Concheta Berdeday Roncesvelles (Nikki
Lewis mother)
First Reading Cynthia Johnson (Mary Johnsons mother)
Acts 2:42-47 Sr Teresa McPaul
John Holmes
Psalm 117
Give thanks to the Lord for he is good, for his love
has no end. RIP

Second Reading RIP Anniversary:

1 Peter 1:3-9 Policarpio David
Kathleen Lyons
Gospel Acclamation Patrick OSullivan
Alleluia, alleluia! Jack Mooney
Jesus said: You believe because you can see me.
Happy are those who have not seen and yet Special Intentions:
believe. Sarah Browne
Alleluia! Marian Quigley
Mr & Mrs Hergarty
Gospel
The Brownes Children
John 20:19-31
Madeleine Holmes
Communion Antiphon
Bring your hand and feel the place of the nails, 25th Wedding
and do not be unbelieving but believing, alleluia. Anniversary/Thanksgiving
Aurora & Joo Ferreira

For the sick and those in our parish

MASS & SERVICE TIMES Anna Breen, Anne OBrien, Frank Fox,
John & Kathy ORouke, Nellie OShea,
Mass 9:15am Sherry Arul, Pauline & John Mooney,
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Rita Mongelard, Sarah Namagambe,
Friday, Saturday Sheila Courtney, Val Eaves, Yvonne Joseph,

(Sat.) 6pm;
Sunday: 9:00am and 11:00am NAMES NOT LISTED ABOVE,
ARE LISTED
IN OUR BOOK OF INTENTIONS.
Sacrament of Reconciliation:
Saturday: from 9:45 am 10:15am

PARISH OFFICE HOURS

PARISH TEAM Tues to Fri 10am-12noon, 1pm-4pm
Fr. Joe Ryan, Parish Priest
Fr Damian Ryan, Assistant Priest To make an appointment
Sr. Devy Pranadjaja, Parish Sister Phone: 0208 888 5518 or email
Germaine Ng Ying, Parish Adm/Secretary westgreen@rcdow.org.uk
We cannot guarantee to have anyone available outside
of these hours.