On this Fifth Sunday of Easter, we continue to rejoice in the joy of Christ’s Resurrection. The whole Easter season invites us to deepen our faith and renew our commitment to follow Our Lord, who has overcome sin and death for our salvation. In the Gospel that Holy Church gives us for this Sunday, Jesus describes Himself as the “true vine,” and ourselves as the branches. This image reminds us that our spiritual life depends entirely on our connection to Him. Just as a branch cannot bear fruit unless it stays attached to the vine, so we cannot live as true disciples unless we remain rooted in Jesus through prayer, the sacraments, and love. Without Him, we can do nothing. Our Lord also teaches us here about love and unity. He commands us to love one another as He has loved us. This love calls us to show kindness, patience, forgiveness, and respond in service to others. When we love in this way, we become witnesses of Christ’s presence in the world. The Gospel also speaks of the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of truth, who dwells within us and guides us. It is the Spirit that strengthens us in our faith and helps us bear good fruit - acts of charity, humility, and justice that reflect Christ’s love. So as we prepare to receive the precious gift of the Holy Eucharist, we remember that Christ is truly present within it through the power of the Holy Spirit. We ask for His help to stay close to the Lord, the true vine, so that our lives may produce abundant fruit and bring glory to God. Let us, therefore, pray for unity within our parish family, local community and across the world, so that everyone may see Christ’s love shining through us. May this Easter season continually inspire us to remain rooted in Jesus and to live as faithful disciples, sharing His love with all. Father Victor THE WEEK AHEAD 18th May THIS SUNDAY - THE 5th SUNDAY IN EASTER Lauds (Morning Prayer) at 9.15 am. PARISH MASS at 10.00 am. 20th May TUESDAY Low Mass at 6.30 pm. 21st May WEDNESDAY Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament at 11.45 am. Low Mass at 12.15pm. 22nd May THURSDAY Lauds (Morning Prayer) at 9.00 am. Low Mass at 10.00 am. 23rd May FRIDAY Lauds (Morning Prayer) at 9.00 am. Low Mass at 10.00 am. 24th May SATURDAY Lauds (Morning Prayer) at 9.00 am. Low Mass at 10.00 am. 25th May SUNDAY - The 6th SUNDAY IN EASTER Lauds (Morning Prayer) at 9.15 am. PARISH MASS at 10.00 am. TEA AND COFFEE IS AVAILABLE AFTER MASS ON SUNDAYS - DO JOIN US FOR FELLOWSHIP. PARISH NEWS OUR HALF HOUR BIBLE STUDY GROUP ON SUNDAY This is a regular meeting that takes place after Sunday Mass and Coffee every week - Father Tunji leads us to reflect more closely on the Holy Scriptures, which are one of God’s most precious gifts to us. Bibles texts will be supplied. YOUTH GROUP The Youth Group meets for a Meal, for Fellowship, Discussion or some other Activity, usually at 6.45 pm on Wednesdays in the Vestry Hall. LOOK OUT ON THE YOUTH GROUP WHATSAPP FOR MORE DETAILS. PENTECOST - WHIT WALK TO MILL FIELDS AND PICNIC After Mass on Pentecost Sunday 8th June. Bring yourselves, a rug or camping chair and food to share. All Welcome. CONFESSIONS - As well as Saturday mornings, the Sacrament of Confession can be celebrated 20 minutes before any of the Weekday Masses and immediately afterwards. Please speak to Father Victor, Father Ian or Father Tunji. REPOSITORY - OUR PIETY STALL This is open before and after Mass on Sundays and weekdays selling a wide range of items from religious cards, rosaries, books, crucifixes and icons to mugs, fridge magnets, church diaries, pens and note books. THE PROCEEDS OF EVERYTHING WE SELL ON OUR PIETY STALL GOES TOWARDS WELL NEEDED CHURCH FUNDS. Items can be seen in the glass case by the font at the back of church and in the glass case in the Vestry Hall. Please take a look. OUR SUNDAY SCHOOL takes place each and every Sunday during school term time. If you have children between the ages of 5 - 12 they will be most welcome from 10 am in the Vestry Hall. Hope to see you there. FATHER VICTOR IS ALSO BROTHER CUTHBERT OF THE BENEDICTINE COMMUNITY OF THE HOUSE OF INITIA NOVA - WHAT’S THIS ABOUT? We are a Christian and monastic community officially recognized by the American Episcopal Church (our Sister Church in the United States). This means we are an officially recognised community of the worldwide Anglican Communion. And may be its for you. What are you looking for? Does life seem like one distraction after an other – and yet the end is never insight? Does one’s history keep you from becoming more? Do you yearn to live a more intentional, Christian life? If any of these ring true, you may be the perfect inquirer into Religious Life. If you are someone who desires a Contemplative life, God – You – Community; centered in prayer, dating back 1,500 plus years yet speaking to contemporary life: this Benedictine House may be what you are looking for!! Members are found in the United States, England, Scotland, Cuba, Australia. For more information: houseofinitianova@org Motherhouse is in Ponce, Puerto Rico. Abbot Michael-John Austin – Superior – tel:2816304842 So, if you are interested in knowing more, please speak to Father Victor / Brother Cuthbert. IF YOU HAVE ANY PRAYERS or Mass intentions you would like me to offer at Mass or if would like someone added to our parish prayer list of the Sick or Departed. My contact details are as follows: Telephone: 07714190663 Email: Vicarstmartin@outlook.com I am also available in person during Surgery Hour on Saturday’s in Church between 10.30am - 11.30am. THE SACRAMENT OF CONFESSION AND RECONCILIATION is also available at this time. Please continue to remember the following in your prayers: For JOY to continue to fill our hearts as we continue tovcelebrate the Resurrection of Our Lord Jesus Christ and the future pledge to us of New, Eternal and Abundant Life in Him. For our Church community, that we may continue to grow into the likeness of Our Lord through worship, prayer and service. For our Parish that we may emulate him in our faithfulness to the Gospel and its proclamation and to the care of our brothers and sisters in their need. For our Youth Group and all our young people that the Lord may fill their hearts with living faith that they may serve Him faithfully in worship and in service. For our Bishop Paul and all the Parishes that look to him in the See of Oswestry. For our Sunday School and for the children attending. That the gifts of the Holy Spirit may be ours so that we may grow our Parish and serve the people of Fenny and Bletchley more effectively. For the successful implementation of our ‘Growing Healthy Churches’ initiative. For a deepening of our faith and a greater commitment to Christ. For the strength to remain firm in our Christian faith and to give witness to it through our own example. For the people of Israel and Palestine and for an ending of the conflict there. For an end of war in the Ukraine and in Gaza and the Holy Land and the re-establishment of Peace. That we may continue to remember, the needs of those so less fortunate than ourselves. For those at school, college or University, that they may be kept safe and well. For those who work, particularly those who have families or other dependents. For our Government, that we may see increased integrity within the world of politics. For peace to reign within our homes and between one another. For the elderly, housebound and those living in residential and nursing homes. For our Ambulance Service and for our other Emergency Service Staff and for Milton Keynes Hospital and all who work there. For Father Victor, Father Ian, Father Tunji and for all parish clergy as they seek to continue to make present in our midst the Sacrifice of the Holy Mass, the other Sacraments of Christ and offer continuing Pastoral care. For our Monastic Community of the House of Initia Nova of the Order of Saint Benedict and for its Motherhouse in Ponce, Puerto Rico. For it’s Abbot, Michael-John Austin, for all of the community and for those new to its life. For the Sick: For Margaret Namisi, Yvonne and Denis Simpson, Gary Ashby, Heather Burke, June Reid, and Nicola Monaghan. For the Departed: For John Kemp, Father Ronald Crane, Margaret Kanindo, Agnes Ashiono, and all the recently departed, and for Douglas Stanley, Thomas Pummery, Herbert Stevens, Peter Meadows, Betty Debenham, Lizzie Bodsworth and all whose anniversaries fall at this time. Rest eternal grant unto them, O Lord. And let Light Perpetual shine upon them. May we take strength and courage from our faith in the Resurrection of Our Lord Jesus Christ. Alleluia. The Lord is Risen. He has Risen indeed. Alleluia. Every Blessing. Father Victor (Brother Cuthbert)