Newsletter - 11 February 2024
PARISH NEWS
Season of Lent
Dear Parishioner,
‘The penitential season of Lent is upon us, and we begin preparing to commemorate the passion of Our Lord Jesus Christ. The Church gives us three things to work on during this season: Prayer, Fasting and Almsgiving.’ (1)
It is a time for prayer. As we pray, we go on a journey, one that hopefully brings us closer to Christ and leaves us changed by the encounter with him.
It is a time to fast. A fast turns us outward—towards God and others. Our own time of “going without” can make us more mindful of those who “go without” on a regular basis, those experiencing the poverty of hunger, oppression, loneliness, or pain. A true fast turns us away from a focus on ourselves and creates a space for serving others, to use some of our time to serve those in need. We can fast from unnecessary shopping and give that money to charity. We can fast from cynicism and work against the injustices that plague our world.
Almsgiving is our response to the teachings of Jesus that encourage us to reach out to people in need. Lent gives us the opportunity to cultivate a spirit of generosity. It puts us in communion with others and helps us understand that we are all members of the Body of Christ. “It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35).
Over the Christmas period you donated over 600 kilograms of food and essential items to the foodbank. On behalf of those in need, thank you for your great generosity.
For this Lent we will keep on giving to the Foodbank and arrange the entrance hall as we did for Christmas.
But would you like to DO more? The North Enfield Foodbank in Lincoln Road, Enfield is looking for volunteers to help run their warehouse / distribution centre. If you are fit, willing and able and want to know more contact Caterina cockfosterspa@rcdow.org.uk or Tony tkramer575@gmail.com.
We are shortly going to re-arrange a new recycling facility.
Caterina Schifano
Focus of the Week
LIFE IN THE SPIRIT SEMINAR
As believers we are called to membership in a faith community, and to a life of service using the gifts, fruits and charisms offered through the Holy Spirit.
Partnership between the parishes of Christ the King Cockfosters and Mary Immaculate and Saint Gregory the Great, High Barnet.
Seven sessions including speakers, scripture, music and small groups.
Opportunity to receive the Baptism in the Holy Spirit, whenever we want from week 5.
TUESDAYS 8-9pm
New life (Cockfosters)
13 February
Receiving God’s gift (High Barnet)
20 February
Baptism in the Holy spirit (Cockfosters)
27 February
Growth (High Barnet)
5 March
Transformation (Cockfosters)
12 March