28/01/2021

Dear Parishioners, 

Yesterday evening, Monday 25th, the core team for the Parish Pastoral Council met to reflect on the recent life of the Parish and plan for the forthcoming season of Lent. Despite the lockdown and the obvious need for maintaining Covid-19 regulations St Margaret’s has continued to offer Mass and provide in some small way for the spiritual needs of the neighbourhood. This has been possible through the kind assistance of our weekly stewards on Sunday and a dedicated group of volunteers working in the background. The online provision of Mass and courses has improved over time and will inevitably become a stable part of every Parish’s offering. As regards the immediate future lockdown has been presumed to last till Easter. If matters change for the better, the Parish can adapt!  

Lenten Alms Project: There is still time to make an application should you to present a potential charity. Forms are available by emailing the Parish Office. 

Childrens’ Liturgy: The fortnightly sessions are proving very popular and the new packs for the second half of the spring term are available from the Parish Office.  

Ash Wednesday: 17th February: Mass at 10:00am and 6:30pm. Please note this year a small amount of ash will be sprinkled on the head and your forehead will not be marked. This is to comply with regulations sent out by the Bishops’ Conference. 

This Lent Stations of the Cross will be offered on zoom, along with a Lent Course from Ascension Press, half hour weekly sessions to keep us focused for the season. There will be Stations of the Cross for children too. Nearer Easter, some of our musicians will lead a Lenten Meditation evening. Details forthcoming. A full timetable will be announced next week. 

On a lighter note a number of social events have been planned 

New Parishioners Party; Tuesday February 9th, at 8:00pm. This will be an opportunity to meet with Fr Peter and other recently arrived parishioners. Click here to join.

Parish Pub Quiz:: the second of the new series will take place on Friday 12th February at 8:30pm. Click here to join. 

Shrove Tuesday: 16th February. This year the Parish will host a zoom Mardi Gras with folk music at 8:00pm. (please bring your own pancakes and drinks!). Click here to join.

With good wishes 
Fr Peter 

Caroline Estorninho
20/01/2021

Dear Parishioners

During an idle moment this afternoon I looked at the chart plotting daylight hours and see that we have all benefited from 20 minutes of extra daylight compared to January 1st. Not much maybe but a very early indication that light is emerging out of the darkness. Now we pray that the COVID statistics move in the same direction. The roll out of the vaccine can give us all hope, but like waiting for the days of spring and signs of new life we must remain patient and place ourselves into the merciful hands of Jesus Christ who has conquered sin and death.

May I highlight some of the activities taking place here at St Margaret’s over the next few weeks that might be of interest to you.

Parish Pub Quiz, Friday, 22nd January, 8:30pm
Back by popular demand the Parish Quiz returns. Sadly, no prizes but if you would to join in a community event please log on through your zoom facility. Click here for the Zoom link.

Children’s Liturgy Alternate Sundays 9:45am – 10:15am
Every fortnight the Parish is running a children’s liturgy and should you wish your child to participate please contact the Parish Office for an activity pack with the materials for three sessions. The new packs will be available shortly and cover the alternate weeks after half-term.

The link to join the Zoom sessions is:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81756153513?pwd=QTkwWHR2bkNyQzh5NjNtTi9FVkpadz09

Confirmation
The Parish Confirmation course will begin after half-term (lockdown permitting) and be completed in the summer. If your son or daughter is in Year 9 or above and would like to participate please contact Deacon Joseph Estorninho on josephestorninho@rcdow.org.uk

Enquiry course for those wishing to be received into the Catholic Church
This coming Tuesday, 26th January at 7:30pm Fr Peter will be leading the meetings on becoming a Catholic using material from Alpha and reading through one of the Gospels. If you are interested in participating or might know someone who does please let them know.

The link for the sessions is:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88149772355?pwd=Y2tjV29odG5ON0N2OWpvazlaS01zdz09

Prayer Course
This Thursday the Parish begins the Prayer Course, along with St Elizabeth’s Parish and St Mary’s University. Peter Astley the presenter will be leading us through different forms of prayer to help us build up our own prayer life.

The meetings start this Thursdays, 21st January, 7:30-8:30pm and please register at https://stelizabethofportugal.churchsuite.co.uk/events/khjxephq

Lenten Alms
This year the Parish will support one charity during Lent and if you would like to present a charity as a possible choice for our collective fundraising please contact the Parish Office for an application form. Applications should be received by Sunday 31st January.

With every good wish
Fr Peter

Caroline Estorninho