FOURTH SUNDAY OF LENT – CYCLE A

FOURTH SUNDAY OF LENT – CYCLE A

INTRODUCTION

Today is already the fourth Sunday of Lent. There are only three weeks before the Great Easter Vigil, when some will be Baptised and we renew our Baptismal promises. During our Baptism we are anointed with oil, and our eyes are touched. To be anointed means to be sent. This is why Jesus is called the anointed one. We, too, were anointed and sent out when we were baptised, sent to do God’s will.

GOSPEL READING
GOSPEL – John 9:1, 6-9, 13-17, 34-38

As Jesus passed by he saw a man blind from birth. He spat on the ground and made clay with the saliva, and smeared the clay on his eyes, and said to him, “Go wash in the Pool of Siloam” — which means Sent —. So he went and washed, and came back able to see. His neighbors and those who had seen him earlier as a beggar said, Isn’t this the one who used to sit and beg?” Some said, “It is, “but others said, “No, he just looks like him.” He said, “I am.” They brought the one who was once blind to the Pharisees. Now Jesus had made clay and opened his eyes on a Sabbath. So then the Pharisees also asked him how he was able to see. He said to them, “He put clay on my eyes, and I washed, and now I can see.” So some of the Pharisees said, “This man is not from God, because he does not keep the Sabbath.” But others said, “How can a sinful man do such signs?” And there was a division among them. So they said to the blind man again, “What do you have to say about him, since he opened your eyes?” He said, “He is a prophet.” They answered and said to him, “You were born totally in sin, and are you trying to teach us?” Then they threw him out. When Jesus heard that they had thrown him out, he found him and said, “Do you believe in the Son of Man?” He answered and said, “Who is he, sir that I may believe in him?” Jesus said to him, “You have seen him, and the one speaking with you is he.” He said, “I do believe, Lord,” and he worshiped him.

LENTEN APPEAL

There will be a second collection for the duration of Lent. Lenten Appeal Envelopes are on the porch.

Please be mindful of the designated parking for persons with disabilities. Even if you are late for Mass, please leave the spaces FREE for persons with genuine disabilities

• Please be mindful of where you park your vehicles.
• Don’t park in front of the main entrance, making it difficult for the elderly and less-abled to get past.
• Don’t park in the driveway at the side of the hall.
• Don’t park in the designated disabled parking if you are able-bodied.
• THERE IS EXTRA PARKING UP NEAR THE PARISH OFFICE. PLEASE ASK ONE OF THE LEADERS TO OPEN THE MOTOR GATE

FAMILY VISIT AND BLESSING OF HOUSES

After Easter, the Priests will be doing home visits and blessing the houses. If you would like a home visit and your home blessed. Please put your name, a contact number, and a preferred date and time on the list on the porch.

STATIONS OF THE CROSS

Every Friday during lent
Times: St Jude 17:00 & RPP 18:00

List and dates for groups leading the prayers:

• 20/03 Proclaimers
• 27/03 Children of Mary

After the Stations of the Cross, there will be a Faith Formation Session at the RPP hall for 30 minutes

Topic for the Faith Formation Sessions

• 20/03 From the Ashes of Ash Wednesday to the glory of the resurrection.

WHY IS FATHER WEARING ROSE VESTMENTS THIS SUNDAY?

The fourth Sunday of Lent is sometimes called Laetare Sunday. Laetare is a Latin word that means “rejoice.” Traditionally, this Sunday has been a day of celebration within the austere period of Lent. The brightness of the rose is meant to “encourage” us to persevere unto the happiness of Easter.

PALM SUNDAY

• 28/03 Saturday @ 5:30 pm: Blessing of Palms in front of the Parish office and procession to the church (short path)
• 29/03 Sunday @8:30 am: Blessing of Palms followed by procession, which will start from Stevenson Road to Church, followed by Mass
• No Mass @ St Jude.

WASHING OF THE FEET

If you like to volunteer for your feet to be washed on Holy Thursday. Please put your name on the list on the porch.

POPE’S PRAYER INTENTION FOR MARCH

For disarmament and peace.

Let us pray that nations move toward effective disarmament, particularly nuclear disarmament, and that world leaders choose the path of dialogue and diplomacy instead of violence

UPCOMING MEETINGS

21/03 Young Adults @ 18:30
22/03 Children’s Mass
22/03 Teenagers’ meeting after Mass
24/03 PFC meeting @ RPP

SICK & ELDERLY

Please pray for the sick & elderly of the parish, family & friends, especially:

Nokuthula Kubheka, Penny Powell, Jean Smith, Dolly Bimbrish, Alvin Govender, Mavis Makhubo, Norman Browne, Khohli Kunene, Barbara Amod, Sebenzile Molefe, Netta Liebenberg, Mthokozisi Mthembu, Avenel Aarons, Siva Naidoo, Francesca Poonsamy, Dolly Govender and Lorraine Schirge

LAST CALL!

SOUTHERN CROSS MONTHLY CATHOLIC MAGAZINE

For subscriptions, contact the parish secretary.
R540 for 12 months (Mar 26 to Feb 27) payable upfront.