Today's Bible Readings
The Old Testament reading on the Sundays of Lent gives us the story of God's covenant with his people as it unfolds over the centuries, reaching its climax with the prophets' promise of a new covenant, which is fulfilled through Christ's death and resurrection. Today the beginning of the story is the universal covenant made with Noah, following the destruction of life on earth through the flood, due to sin, and a new beginning, symbolised in the rainbow as the sign of the covenant.
The New Testament reading from St Peter explains how we are saved through the waters of Baptism, in which we share in Christ's death and resurrection to new life, just as Noah and his companions were saved through the waters of the flood. All this we will celebrate at Easter, for which Lent is preparing us.
In the Gospel we hear how, following his baptism, when he was declared by God to be his beloved Son, the Holy Spirit who had anointed him drove him out into the wilderness where he remained for forty days, being tempted by Satan. Our Lent of forty days is modelled on this, so we shall not be discouraged when we too find ourselves tempted. As in the case of Jesus, the Angels will look after us.
Fr Rajiv’s homily will be updated on https://castingfire.wordpress.com
Meeting Fr Rajiv:
“As mentioned during mass, it’s been quite difficult to meet people since moving here in November. Last week, I made myself available online on Zoom in the evenings. Some of you logged in and it was great to meet you. Going forward, for those who did not get to meet last week, I’ll be online every Tuesday between 8-8:30 PM on Zoom. The meeting id is Meeting ID: 953 8796 9747, password as announced at Mass.
Do log in if you remember and say hello or even if you want to talk about anything else.
If you have trouble logging in or need the password please mail me: rajivmichael@rcdow.org.uk or brookgreen@rcdow.org.uk.”
Keeping safe in Church during the Pandemic
We are most grateful to our volunteer stewards, without whose ministry we would not be allowed to open the church for Mass each day. It is they who provide for our safety in gathering for worship, by ensuring the regulations for social distancing and sanitising are kept. It is therefore essential that we follow their directions: giving our details when we arrive, sanitising our hands, ensuring that we (apart from children) wear a mask covering our nose and mouth, sit in the seat where we are asked to sit, follow the directions given for going up to the altar for Holy Communion so that we keep two metres apart, returning to our place via the side aisles. When we leave church, those on the left hand side leave via the side aisle and side porch, those on the right hand side leave via the side aisle and main porch, using the sanitiser in the porch and then going straight home without gathering together outside the church. After Mass the stewards spend further time sanitising or washing the seating areas that have been used, and other areas of frequent touch. The church doors are never entirely closed when the church is open, to ensure the church is well ventilated for our safety. It is therefore important to wrap up well against the cold when you come to church. If you feel in any way unwell, or are vulnerable health wise, you must not attend church. Do remember that the obligation to attend Sunday Mass is lifted during this time of the pandemic.
If you wish to help with stewarding, please contact the parish office. Thank you.
Times of Mass and Devotions
for the Week beginning Sunday 21st February 21
(Made possible due to the generosity of our volunteer stewards, who will ensure safe social distancing is maintained and that the hygienic cleaning of the seating etc takes place.)
Saturday 20th February 6.00 pm Mass (church opens 5.45 pm)
Lent feria followed by Confessions
Sunday 21st February 8.30 am Mass (church opens 8.15 am)
1st Sunday of Lent 10.00 am Mass (church opens 9.45 am)
11.30 am Mass (church opens 11.15 am)
followed by Confessions
Monday 22nd February 6.00 pm Mass (church opens 5.45 pm)
Chair of St Peter
Tuesday 23rd February 6.00 pm Mass (church opens at 5.45pm)
Lent feria followed by Rosary
Wednesday 24th February 9.00 am Mass (church opens at 8.45am)
Lent feria 6.00 pm Stations of the Cross (church opens at 5.45pm)
Thursday 25th February 9.00 am Mass (church opens at 8.45am)
Lent feria
Friday 26th February 9.00 am Mass (church opens at 8.45am)
Lent feria followed by Divine Mercy Prayers
Saturday 27th February 6.00 pm Mass (church opens 5.45 pm)
Lent feria followed by Confessions
Sunday 28th February 8.30 am Mass (church opens 8.15 am)
2nd Sunday of Lent 10.00 am Mass (church opens 9.45 am)
11.30 am Mass (church opens 11.15 am)
followed by Confessions
Confessions at other times by arrangement.
Lent 2021
"Now is the healing time decreed"
(Lent hymn)
“It is my desire that everyone reflect and work together, as followers of Jesus
who heals to construct a better world, full of hope for future generations”.
Pope Francis
In Lent we are invited to draw closer to the Lord, to seek his spiritual healing,
as we prepare for Easter.
Our Lenten Journey: Jesus was led by the Holy Spirit into the wilderness – as Lent begins the Holy Spirit leads us there too. But we shall not be alone: we shall be with Jesus. We are on a journey in Lent – a journey towards Easter, towards Jesus passing through death to new and eternal life, and sharing that life with us. Even though he was God's dear Son, Jesus was subject to the devil's temptations: we must not be discouraged when we are tempted too. Jesus was made strong to remain faithful to God through his fasting and his prayer. We imitate him by our Lenten self-denial, increased prayer and alms-giving to those in need.
Prayer in Church: Mass every day in church – Rosary after Mass on Tuesday evening – Divine Mercy Prayers after Mass on Friday morning.
Stations of the Cross: beginning on 24th February in Church on Wednesdays at 6.00 pm.
Thursday evenings at 8pm: We will be running an online course called ‘Metanoia’ for five weeks, starting from the 25th February. We hope you’ll be able to join in and that it will help us grow spiritually this Lent.
There is no need to register, please sign in at the right time on Zoom.
The Zoom meeting ID will be 953 8796 9747 and password will be our usual password (communicated at Church).
If you need any assistance logging in, knowing the password or otherwise, please do send us an email!
Friday evenings at 8pm: We will do an online Way of the Cross, for those unable to come to the Church on Wednesday evenings.
The Zoom meeting ID will be 953 8796 9747 and password will be our usual password (communicated at Church).
Again, if you need any assistance logging in, knowing the password or otherwise, please do send us an email!
Lenten Alms are for the Cardinal’s Lenten Appeal.
Sacraments
Good news for our Confirmation candidates! Bishop Michael Campbell OSA has kindly agreed to celebrate the Sacrament of Confirmation t 7.30. pm. on Friday 21st. May.
Candidates continue to meet on Zoom until government restrictions are lifted.
First Holy Communion. Please pray for the families waiting to begin the preparation for First Holy Communion. There will be a meeting for parents on Zoom, shortly. We look forward to welcoming the children when schools reopen.
Meetings for those interested in the Catholic Faith continue via zoom. For more details, email All recently received Catholics and new enquirers are welcome.
The ever popular Children’s Liturgy can be viewed by clicking on the new icon on the parish Facebook page. Thank you Laurence, Vittoria and all the team.New volunteers always welcome!
Click here:
Preparation for the Sacrament of Baptism
If you have a child for Baptism under 5 years old please email us for an application form. You will be contacted once the form has been received. A copy of one of the Catholic parents’ baptism certificate will be required. Baptisms can only take place on Saturdays at 11am with special Covid safety measures in place,however, during lockdown baptisms are not allowed.
Nightshelter Update – Glass Door
This year has been a very different year to others! Due to the pandemic, Glass Door is not operating a night shelter at all its member churches, but is providing a three course hot meal every evening at Chelsea Methodist Church, each night of the week being run by a different member church – Holy Trinity on Tuesdays! Feen and Marguerite as always have provided the most amazing food, and we are known to be the busiest night on the circuit, serving up to 30 meals a night. The really good news is that from last week we were again able to serve guests sit-down meals inside, rather than handing it to them outside in a brown paper bag! I am sure you can all imagine what a difference being able to sit in the warm for a hot meal, and to interact a little, makes to the guests and the volunteers - although of course everyone has a mask and visor on and is socially distanced.
Thank you to all those volunteers who are able to help, (although we have been strictly limited on the number allowed,) and for those who kindly donated. The money is being used to provide fresh fruit for the guests. The Nightshelter is due to close at the end of March: if you would like to volunteer or help in anyway before then please do get in touch (hja@rawpsace.co.uk). And let us hope that next year we will be able to provide the warm welcome and wholesome food in Holy Trinity Brook Green next season!
Heather Alston
Thank you to all who have been able to continue giving in these difficult times.
If you wish to make a one-off donation, or continue giving, please use the red DONATION button on the right which will allow you to easily use your credit or debit card Please make sure to label your donation as Planned Giving (when you normally use envelopes) or simply donation (if not gift aiding).
Alternatively, you may make any offering via bank transfer to:
HSBC
Acc Name: Westminster Roman Catholic Diocese Trustee, Brook Green Holy Trinity
Acc no: 01308173
Sort Code: 40-05-20
Thank you for remembering that without your donations the parish cannot run. A lot of expenses remain whilst our income has been drastically reduced. We are very grateful for your continued support.
Christian Marriage: a journey of healing
On Friday 29th September the Church celebrated the Great Feast of the Three Archangels: Michael, Gabriel and Raphael. Can you identify them in the picture above?
Michael carries a sword in his hand to defend your marriage from the Devil who accuses us when we sin, lies to us about what makes us happy, and puts in our minds doubts about the love of God.
Gabriel carries a pregnant womb, the visible sign that every Word of God carries new life and can become flesh in your marriage, because ‘nothing is impossible to God’.
The third angel, in the middle, is Raphael, meaning ‘God’s healing’. This Angel carries the hand of a young man - called Tobias - and is walking with him towards the marriage with Sarah. Raphael is the Guardian Angel of Tobias and Sarah,and of EVERY married couple.
Planning to get married?
Marriage Preparation Course 2021
Our course is open to all couples intending to marry in a Catholic Church, regardless of which parish you live in. If you are interested in attending a course in the future please email us:
Due to lockdown there is currently no date set for a marriage course.
