St James the Great R.C. Church

pdf NEWSLETTER MON 13th MAY 2019 SUN 19th MAY 2019 Popular

Published on 10 May 2019 In Newsletter 989 downloads

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The story to cap all stories today: The story of the Good Shepherd. Probably many of us have no appreciation of what it is to be a shepherd. A few of us may have a dog or a cat or a gerbil, to whom we give much love and care. And more importantly they bring the best out of us. That's what Jesus wants to do for us, get the best out of us. He spoils us by feeding us, teaching us, caring for us, dying for us. Loving us into being, so that we may in turn love each other. Why people have problems with Jesus, I will never understand. Problems with Jesus are really problems with loving. Because Jesus is love. Prayer is love and love is faith.

pdf NEWSLETTER MON 6th MAY 2019 SUN 12th MAY 2019 Popular

Published on 03 May 2019 In Newsletter 975 downloads

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The Easter gospels are full of humanity and generosity. Two powerful gifts in any person. Jesus’ concern for Thomas last week: Touch me Thomas, look here are the holes. Today, millions of fish. Sadly most people only see the miracle. Jesus is worried about the disciples going home to their hungry wives and children. "Daddy, daddy, the children are all excited, daddy is coming home and they are going to eat. He probably sold some fish and bought some sweets.....but...... sorry children a bad night, no food again today. And not just a few fish, millions. The joy of the Gospel is a true joy to possess and be part of. Thank you Jesus.

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Published on 26 April 2019 In Newsletter 852 downloads

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When we try to own beauty we corrupt it. That's what I love about Thomas; he did not try to own Jesus. He had a healthy doubt. Lord deliver me from people who say they know Jesus. They not only know Him, they possess Him. The Buddhists say that when you find the Buddha, kill him. Jesus lives and our faith lives in a healthy doubt. "Dark night of the soul." Mother Theresa suffered mega doubt all her life. But in that she remained faithful and committed. I have mega doubts but the community is my strength and support. Thank you. Thomas cut himself off for a while and lost it. But he came back and found it.

pdf NEWSLETTER MON 22nd APRIL 2019 SUN 28th APRIL 2019 Popular

Published on 19 April 2019 In Newsletter 866 downloads

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For those who believe, no proof is needed. For those who do not believe no proof is adequate. Today's feast of the Resurrection is not on trial. You are. The Resurrection has survived for 2000 years and will for many more. Where will you be? Looking into the depths of your heart, what do you find? You see the miracle of healing comes from inside. Happiness is an internal job. How many times has our body healed itself. Remember, the only thing that separates you from God is the thought that you are separated - Your own inadequacies. Life does not have to be perfect to be wonderful. Golf does not have to be perfect to be wonderful.

pdf EASTER NEWSLETTER 2019r Popular

Published on 12 April 2019 In Newsletter 977 downloads

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This is the week of all weeks in the life of the Church: - The death and resurrection of Jesus – Which we should try to imitate in our own lives. Try to be part of the whole week, it is a unit.

pdf NEWSLETTER MON 8th APRIL 2019 SUN 14th APRIL 2019 Popular

Published on 05 April 2019 In Newsletter 1038 downloads

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Today Paul has a terrific surge of energy, or inspiration: "Nothing can outweigh the supreme advantage of knowing Jesus Christ." If only we could make this view our own. For most of us, it will not happen overnight, it may be a slog, but a worthwhile slog. And Paul gives us the secret for those who are interested: Enjoy life, but see it for what it really is, enjoy it and help others to enjoy it. The perfection that comes not from the law, but from knowing Jesus Christ and the power that comes from being filled with His spirit. Yes anyone who claims to be Christian should have moved beyond the law of having to do things and be driven by a love and care for people; that we wish for them, all of them, what we wish for ourselves. The joy is in the journey.

pdf NEWSLETTER MON 1st APRIL 2019 SUN 7th APRIL 2019 Popular

Published on 29 March 2019 In Newsletter 930 downloads

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An ambassador is someone who represents his or her country. Ideally they do not have opinions of their own. They represent their country and should carry the opinions of their government with them, pushing the good of their own country. Paul tells us we are ambassadors for Christ. We represent Christ. An awesome task, but unlike countries’ ambassadors, wherever we go Christ goes with us. This is the real difference, because when Christ is with us we are capable of achieving great things. Paul goes further and says we are reconciling ambassadors. That is the great contribution of the Catholic Church: To be reconcilers in the world. Pope Francis is the master: A Christ like ambassador, going into the most dangerous and controversial countries, facing the challenges of their often hostile people and usually coming up smelling of roses. Yes truly, because Christ goes with him. He is also with you and I and across the table with your partner. Don't disappoint Him.

pdf NEWSLETTER MON 25th MARCH 2019 SUN 31st MARCH 2019 Popular

Published on 22 March 2019 In Newsletter 887 downloads

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Often in the face of natural disaster, people in the name of religion begin to blame God. When a tsunami, cyclone, flood or drought hit certain places, we say they were bad people, they deserve no better. Our God, the God of Jesus, is not a vindictive God. They also may say, "The Will of God, God's plan." God cannot even think evil. How we cope is a completely different question.. Jesus in today's gospel is faced with two contemporary disasters: Pilate and the Galileans and then the Tower of Siloam. Jesus does not waste time in trying to answer. He moves it on to the bigger question of repentance. Tragedy often leads to bad theology about God and humanity. Jesus tells us we have been given choices. Use the experience to choose repentance, to turn away from sin. He uses a parable about a fig tree that we must produce fruit. This Lent let us use the opportunity that God has given us AGAIN, to produce fruit.

pdf NEWSLETTER MON 18th MARCH 2019 SUN 24th MARCH 2019 Popular

Published on 15 March 2019 In Newsletter 844 downloads

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Jesus is transformed in the mountain, giving the Apostles encouragement and inspiration. We say Jesus is the Light of the World, and that is so, but really Jesus coming into the world was like a second Incarnation. The Word was present with God at the beginning, in the creation of the universe when God said, - "Let there be light." So really I talk about the First Incarnation: Light coming into the world at the beginning of time. Light is not so much something I see, but the light by which I see everything. It is because of the light I see everything. So God is present in everything and everyone since the beginning of time.. As there is light all around us, let us pray for eyes to truly see, since there is plenty of light.

pdf NEWSLETTER MON 11th MARCH 2019 SUN 17th MARCH 2019 Popular

Published on 08 March 2019 In Newsletter 896 downloads

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Today's gospel reveals, I believe, a very human side of Jesus. I spent six years in college trying to figure out my vocation. Jesus seems to have got away with 40 days. As he finished, it seems He was full of doubts in the shape of many temptations of one kind or another. Eventually he took the plunge and agreed to be baptised; the beginning of his ministry. I also decide to take the plunge and go ahead. The father told Jesus He was the beloved Son. The bishop agreed to call me and ask me "Jack, are you ready and willing?" I said, "Yes." Throughout the Gospel we see Jesus having doubts and temptations now and again, I can totally sympathise with him. But more importantly, he can empathise with us, in our temptations and doubts But Jesus always kept the Father in his sights and referred everything back to Him. Equally if I don't keep my eyes firmly of the Father, I am lost and so for all of us. Take your eyes off the Father and you too will be lost. So no need to worry about doubts and temptations: Just like a footballer if he takes his eyes off the ball - he loses.

pdf NEWSLETTER MON 4th MARCH 2019 SUN 10th MARCH 2019 Popular

Published on 01 March 2019 In Newsletter 969 downloads

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FR JACK For those of you with cars, you take them for an MOT every year. Lent is like a spiritual MOT, just checking out if I am good for another year.. And more especially, is there need for a serious review of some part of my life? There are a million checks we can make, but I put before you the Church’s tried and tested ways.. PRAYER. Come to an extra mass each week. Help your children with the Wednesday Word from school. Prepare your mass by looking at next Sunday’s Readings. Benediction every Friday at 4pm. Holy Hour and Benediction every Friday 5.30 to 6.30pm. Stations of the Cross, every Wednesday and Friday at 10.30am. Find time to be quiet with Jesus. FASTING Fasting has always been part of the Church’s life. Every Friday should be a day of fast, from meat, in solidarity with others, or from some other food or drink, or entertainment, of which you regularly partake. All this is to put us in solidarity with the poor of the world. ALMS GIVING What you manage to save in your endeavours above, give to the poor. A family fast envelope is included this week.

pdf NEWSLETTER MON 25th FEBRUARY 2019 SUN 3th MARCH 2019 Popular

Published on 22 February 2019 In Newsletter 1140 downloads

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CONGREGATION OF THE HOLY SPIRIT (HOLY GHOST FATHERS) “One heart and one Soul”. We are members of the Congregation of the Holy Spirit (Holy Ghost Fathers), which was founded in the year 1703 by a young noble French man of 24 years – Claude Poullart Desplaces. This religious group is international and of Catholic descent. It comprises of priests, reverend brothers and lay associates. Our mission involves the advocacy, support and defence of the weak and the little ones, against all who oppress them, regardless of class, race, or religion. We opt for missions where the church finds it difficult to get workers, especially where the Gospel message has never been preached, or been scarcely preached. We depend mainly on people’s generosity to carry out most of our missionary activities. Fr. Patrice Anyanwu. C.S.Sp.

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Published on 15 February 2019 In Newsletter 871 downloads

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"Happy is the person who has placed their trust in the Lord." What a beautiful saying. Live it, and find peace. The famous ‘Sermon on the Mount’ in Matthew, suddenly becomes the ‘Sermon on the Plain’ in Luke, where Jesus speaks more directly to the people…"Happy are YOU...” etc. Rich or poor, we are all called to put our trust in the Lord. We will become like Jeremiah says: "He will be like a tree by the waterside ….when the pressure is on he has no fear, he stays green, and never ceases to bear fruit. "Happy indeed is the person who has placed his/her trust in the Lord." This is why listening to the voice of the church is so important, because when we seek Jesus apart from the community of the Church, we end up with a Jesus who looks and sounds like us.

pdf NEWSLETTER MON 11th FEBRUARY 2019 SUN 17th FEBRUARY 2019 Popular

Published on 08 February 2019 In Newsletter 895 downloads

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Two boats filled with fish to sinking point. What is all that about, except the magnificent generosity of Jesus. When will we get it into our heart and soul and mind, that our God is a God of reckless over-abundance? And the only way we can appreciate it, is by trying to imitate Him. Even the poorest of the poorest are generous. So no matter how poor we are, we all have something to give. Don't be shy. AND IN GIVING WE RECEIVE. Other things we learn from Peter:- 1. He did not give up with failure. 2. He was rewarded for trying. 3. He was aware of his sinfulness. 4 He was preaching to the locals. St Augustine asked God for two things:- 1. To know Him. 2. To know himself.

pdf NEWSLETTER MON 4th FEBRUARY 2019 SUN 10th FEBRUARY 2019 Popular

Published on 01 February 2019 In Newsletter 859 downloads

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Priests should be moved about every two years! Because, like in Jesus' day, familiarity breeds contempt. "We know what he is going to say”. "Ah yes, that's Fr So and So”. Equally, from each other, we grow callous and cold. We have decided what, or who a person is, or will say and we do not even listen. We need to be open to the Spirit, He is around every corner. "Out of the mouths of babes” etc. The people eventually got so callous with Jesus that they wanted to kill Him. In today’s gospel, he challenged their own hypocrisy and they did not like it. None of us do. And often that is why it is difficult to move on. Have a look at the second reading again and Paul's great practical advice as to what love is. Those who only think of number one, should remember it is next to nothing.

pdf NEWSLETTER MON 28th JANUARY 2019 SUN 3rd FEBRUARY 2019 Popular

Published on 25 January 2019 In Newsletter 865 downloads

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There are many forms of addiction: smoking, alcohol, drugs, food, hobbies, Ipads, tablets (both kinds), computers, the list is endless. I think it’s fair to say some addictions are better than others, but all addictions are bad. Nothing should control my life apart from myself. And even then I can be addicted to myself, my own importance, which can be the most toxic of addictions and obsessions: Addicted to my own way of doing things and thinking. Jesus went to the synagogue and the Spirit of the Lord was upon him. He anointed him for a job - "to bring the Good news to the poor." To take Him out of himself as it were. To move Him onto God's Agenda. Honesty and humility are needed to bring us on to God's Agenda. I often think my thoughts are reality. - Don't believe everything you think. At mass, through the power of the Holy Spirit, bread is changed into the body of Christ. We in receiving the Body become what we receive. We are changed into the Body of Christ, but we need to listen to Christ to truly become his body, to be freed from our addiction.

pdf NEWSLETTER MON 21st JANUARY 2019 SUN 27th JANUARY 2019 Popular

Published on 18 January 2019 In Newsletter 902 downloads

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A few very significant facts in today's Cana story. Sadly many people see only the miracle, but this is Jesus’ launch of his ministry so:- 1 Wine is flowing out the door. Meaning: THE IMMENSE GENEROSITY OF JESUS. 2. "They have no wine...” Jesus listens to his mother. 3. Jesus’ passionate care for other people. Sure they could have survived without wine! 4. All the water is changed into wine. What about those who come late....they have no water to wash. All rituals of the past are done away with and now Jesus rushes in a totally new era. An era of love and concern. I can't change water into wine but I can do most of the above. Be generous. Listen to Mary. Care for other people. Care about people out of love, not because I have to.

pdf NEWSLETTER MON 14th JANUARY 2019 SUN 20th JANUARY 2019 Popular

Published on 11 January 2019 In Newsletter 874 downloads

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Often, when parents want children baptised and I ask them ‘Why?’ sometimes there are strange answers, often they border on selfishness. 'Want him to go to heaven.' ‘Want her to know God.' 'Want him to get into a Catholic school.' 'Want her to be safe.' All about the child!!! Jesus today is baptised, he is commissioned by the Father to start his public ministry, to go out and preach the love of the Father and to tell us how to live. He came to establish the Kingdom of God on Earth, to show us how to live, so that we too may make the world a better place. You join the army to fight for your country, you are baptised to become a soldier of Jesus Christ and join his army of people who want to make the world a better place for all of us. We are baptised so that we can help Jesus to make the world a better place, so that we may help our brothers and sisters to find happiness by GIVING.

pdf NEWSLETTER MON 7th JANUARY 2019 SUN 13th JANUARY 2019 Popular

Published on 04 January 2019 In Newsletter 864 downloads

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The wise men met Jesus. They went home by a different way. In simple English it just means "If we do meet Jesus, nothing can ever still be the same, things change, I change. If I don't change then, I believe, you have really got to ask a serious question, "Have I really met Jesus?" Meeting Jesus puts most if not all things in perspective. I see things with new glasses. I thought I saw before, but in the light of Jesus, new things have really taken over my life. More important things possess me. I know Christmas is gone, or has it? Yes the glitz and the food and presents have gone which means you really have missed Christmas. But Christmas is about Jesus which means He will be with us all the year around. For the Christian, every day is Christmas Day. Enjoy the peace of the Lord with you and share it with others. Give peace as a present to others every day of the week.

pdf NEWSLETTER MON 31st DECEMBER 2018 SUN 6th JANUARY 2019 Popular

Published on 28 December 2018 In Newsletter 926 downloads

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…I would like to ask you, dear families: Do you pray together from time to time as a family? Some of you do, I know. But so many people say to me: But how can we? …But in the family how is this done? After all, prayer seems to be something personal and besides there is never a good time, a moment of peace… Yes, all that is true enough, but it is also a matter of humility, of realising that we need God… all of us! We need his help, his strength, his blessing, his mercy, his forgiveness. And we need simplicity to pray as a family: simplicity is necessary! Praying the Our Father together, around the table, is not something extraordinary: it’s easy. And praying the Rosary together, as a family, is very beautiful and a source of great strength! And also praying for one another! The husband for his wife, the wife for her husband, both together for their children, the children for their grandparents, praying for each other. This is what it means to pray in the family and it is what makes the family strong: prayer.

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