29th Sunday Of Year C
Last week’s readings focussed on the prayer of thanking and how it is an act of faith when we thank God. This week the prayer of supplication or intercession is the theme. The advice Jesus gives in his parable is to persevere in our pleading and to never lose heart. Again, we need to have faith and be assured that God always makes sure that justice is done.
CAFOD Harvest Fast Day
Last week’s collection; the Parish raised £701.12 for CAFOD, thank you.
Mercy Mass & Presentation to Fr David
The next Mercy Mass will be on Friday 28th October at 7.30pm. This is the Feast of St Simon and St Jude and during the Mass the new statue of St Jude will be blessed. The Mass will be celebrated by Fr David Burke, after which there will be a reception and presentation to Fr David. Envelopes will be available at the back of the church. We invite you to bring a dish of food to the reception, but being a Friday, no meat items please. We will provide the drink.
Next Sunday is World Mission Day
Next Sunday, the Holy Father invites all Catholics to contribute to a special collection for Missio, his official charity for overseas mission. World Mission Sunday is a special day that unites Catholics all over the world in prayer, celebration and care for the mission of the Church. By supporting World Mission Sunday you are directly helping missionaries in Rwanda and around the world to help heal the broken-hearted. You will be able to Gift Aid all donations by using envelopes provided by Missio. Thank you.
Mary’s Meals
Mary’s Meals will be coming to our church in a couple of weeks time to take away your unwanted clothing and bedding, but no duvets or pillows please. Over the next few weeks please collect your unwanted clothes and put them in tied sacks, then bring them with you when you come to Mass on Sunday 30th October. Not only will you be getting rid of unwanted clothes/bedding and giving yourself a little more space but you will also benefit a really worthwhile charity. Mary’s Meals feeds children one good meal every day at school in over 12 countries. Because of their low costs, Mary’s Meals can do this for as little as £12.20 per child per year.
Leaving a Legacy to your Parish
If at some time in the future, you are making or reviewing a will, parishes have been invited to encourage leaving a gift to your own Parish. Please pick up a leaflet from the back of the church to explain how this can be done. Many thanks.
Four:12 Quiz Night
This takes place on Friday in the Parish Hall. Doors open at 7pm. £6/adult & £3/child (under 16). Book your places after weekend masses or by calling 07543 705135 or email Four12.oak@gmail.com. Fish and chips will be served for refreshments.
Baptism Preparation
There will be a session for parents who wish to have their baby baptised on Sunday 20th November at 4pm in the Dominic Room.
Secondary School Transfer
Fr Colin will be available to sign secondary school forms (and indeed any other forms which need signing) on Wednesday between 4 and 5pm in the Parish Centre.
First Communion Programme
Today at the 10.30 Mass, the children who are preparing to receive First Holy Communion will be enrolled into the programme. They will be making a promise together with their parents that they will make a good preparation. They will present doves with their names, which will be placed around the church. This will be a reminder to the whole parish to pray for them.
R.C.I.A Sessions
On Tuesday evenings between 8 and 9 upstairs in the Parish Centre, we are having sessions for those who are thinking about becoming a Catholic and baptised adult Catholics who have not received the other Sacraments. The sessions are open to all who are interested in learning more about the faith. Everybody is welcome.
Baptism Classes for Older Children
We will be starting classes for children aged 7 or over who have not been baptised on Friday 4th November at 5pm in the Dominic Room in the Parish Centre. Please let Fr Colin know if you are bringing your child, giving their name and age, and your telephone number.
Takehomenews
Next week’s newsletter will cover two weeks.
Annunciation Schools
Annunciation Schools Admission Meetings
The Infants School will be having their annual admissions meeting in the Parish Centre on Wednesday 9th November at 7.30pm. Parents are invited to attend this meeting if they wish their child to be considered for a Nursery or School place at the Infants School in September 2017. This would include those who wish to move from the Nursery to Reception Class.
The Junior School will be having their Admissions Meeting on Monday 28th November at 7pm. This will take place in the school itself in The Meads, NOT in the church Parish Centre. This is for parents who wish their child to be considered for a place in September 2017, including those currently in Year 2 of the Infants School.
At these meetings, application forms will be available. This will include a Certificate of Catholic Practice which needs to be signed by the Parish Priest. The Parish Priest can sign this form only if the family is observing the Church’s precept of attending Mass on Sundays and Holydays of Obligation. Dates of signing will be announced in due course.
Month of the Holy Souls
November is the month of the Holy Souls when we remember all the faithful departed. The Rememberance Book is on a table near the statues. You can write the names of those you wish to be remembered in this book, but there is no need to rewrite names you have entered in previous years. The book will be placed at the front of the altar during November.
Youth Mass
On 9 December at St Aloysius Parish, Euston the Westminster Youth Service host their annual Youth Mass – Bishop Nicholas leading. The Mass begins at 6.30pm and the music will be led by Edwin Fawcett and the young music scholars; the evening is a celebration of youth throughout our Diocese. Light refreshments will follow Mass – all young people and teenagers are encouraged to take this opportunity to meet their peers from across Westminster.
Closing of Doors of Mercy
The Year of Mercy is approaching its conclusion. It officially closes on 20th November, the Feast of Christ the King. Our nearest Door of Mercy is at St William of York, Du cros Drive in Stanmore. There will be a ceremony of ‘closing the door on Sunday 23rd October at 4pm. The Door of Mercy at Westminster Cathedral will be closed on Sunday 13th November at 3.30pm. You are invited to both of these events.
SPUC Pro-Life Pledge
The Society for the Protection of Unborn Children (SPUC) are sending postcards for us to complete calling on our Member of Parliament to make a pro-life pledge. When you have completed the card, please leave it in the marked basket at the back of the church unstamped or return it directly to SPUC for which you would need a stamp.
Thank You.
WATCH THIS SPACE—J.D.S
Did you know…..
Soho is named after a medieval hunting cry. Until the late 17th Century, the area was open fields;
Covent Garden is a spelling mistake, the area used to be the market garden for a convent;
Hitler had plans to dismantle Nelsons Column and display it in Berlin;
In the early 1950s anyone could get in touch with the Prime Minister, Winston Churchill, his name was in the phone book.