27th Sunday of Year B
Today’s Gospel takes on a family theme. Jesus indicates that a man and a woman who are joined together in marriage are no longer two but one body. That is how powerful the Sacrament of Marriage is, and is often symbolised in a marriage ceremony with one lit candle replacing the two spouses’ candles. The product of a loving married relationship is children. Jesus invites children to him because they too are part of God’s kingdom.
CAFOD Harvest Fast Day
Last Friday was CAFOD Harvest Fast Day and today we have a second collection as you leave for this cause, for which you can return the Fast Day envelope. This year’s Harvest Fast Day theme is the need for clean water. For instance £7 would provide a spade and pick axe to help a community maintain their borehole. Envelopes are available at the back of the church, on which you can Gift Aid your donation.
90th Anniversary of Parish
We commemorate this anniversary on Sunday 25th November at the 12 noon Mass followed by a reception in the Canon Smyth Parish Centre. Do you have any photographs from the past? If so, could we borrow them please to produce a slide show during the reception. We are also planning to produce a booklet to include memories from the past and invite you to write down something to include in this booklet. We would like to get this all prepared by the end of October. Thank you.
Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA)
On Tuesday we start our RCIA sessions for adults who are considering to become Catholics and baptised Catholics who have not received the other Sacraments, such as Holy Communion or Confirmation. The sessions take place upstairs in the Canon Smyth Parish Centre, starting at 8pm. If you know of anybody thinking of becoming a Catholic, please bring them along. Anybody else is most welcome to join us as we cover various aspects of our faith over the months until Easter. This Tuesday’s session is an Introductory Session.
Prisoners Sunday
Next Sunday is Prisoners Sunday when we remember all those in prison for whatever reasons and their families as well as those working in the Prison Service. Prisons Week runs from 14th to 20th October and below is a prayer to use during the week.
Lord, you offer freedom to all people. We pray for those in prison. Break the bonds of fear and isolation that exist. Support with your love prisoners and their families and friends, prison staff and all who care. Heal those who have been wounded by the actions of others, especially the victims of crime. Help us to forgive one another, to act justly, love mercy and walk humbly together with Christ in his strength and in his Spirit, now and every day. Amen.
Baptism Classes for Older Children
Baptism classes for children aged 7 or over continue in the Canon Smyth Parish Centre on Saturdays at 11am.
Secondary School Transfer
Fr Colin will be available to sign secondary school application forms for those who attend Mass here regularly on Saturday between 12 and 1pm in the Canon Smyth Parish Centre. There will be another signing session on Thursday 18th October between 4 and 5pm.
Fr Colin will be arranging signing sessions for Junior, Infants and Nursery in November and December - dates to be announced.
Mary’s Meals
Mary’s Meals wants your unwanted clothing and bedding (no duvets or pillows please) and will be at our church until 12 noon on Sunday 28th October to collect them all. Put your clothing/bedding into tied sacks and bring them to Mass where the charity Mary’s Meals will be here to pick them up. Amazingly 4 full black sacks of good quality clothing will feed a child one good nutritious meal every school day for a whole year! Mary’s Meals is a charity that sets up school feeding programmes in communities where poverty and hunger prevent children from gaining an education.
Funeral of May O’Brien
The funeral Mass for May O’Brien will be on Friday at 11am. This is in addition to the 9am Mass that morning. Her body will be brought to the church at 6pm on Thursday.
Baptism Preparation
The next session for parents who wish to have their baby baptised will be on Sunday 18th November at 4pm in the Dominic Room. Application forms are available in the sacristy.
First Communion Programme
Today (Sunday) the First Communion children have their first session in the Canon Smyth Parish Centre at 9.15am. Next Sunday they will take part in a Celebration Mass at 10.30, during which they and their parents will be officially enrolled into the programme.
Mass Count
The number of people at Mass last Sunday was 636. There will be another count today and next weekend.
St James’ Catholic High School
St James’ Catholic High School are looking to recruit Mealtime Supervisors, working two hours per day at lunchtimes, term time only. Please visit:
http://www.st-james.barnet.sch.uk/225/vacancies/careers/1116/lunchtime-supervisors or contact Sharon McGovern (020 8358 2800) for more information.
Four:12 Quiz Night
The autumn edition of Four:12's Family Quiz Night will be this Friday in the Canon Smyth Parish Hall. Doors open at 7pm. £6/adult & £3/child (under 16). Book your places after weekend masses or by calling 07543705135oremail Four12.oak@gmail.com. Light refreshments will be served.
Holy Families
The Autumn prayer and discussion booklet is entitled ‘Holy Families’, and is available in the porch, price £2.00. In August the World Meeting of Families took place in Ireland, proclaiming that the Gospel of the Family means Joy for the World. The faith-sharing resource is a proclamation of this same truth. It explores themes from the Pope’s teaching in Amoris Laetitia, the Joy of Love, 2016 Apostolic Exhortation of love in the Family, It explores the beauty and blessings, the joys and challenges of family life. Please take a copy to use on your own, with your family, or in a group.
47th London Ballycroy Reunion
The longest running Irish association will be having a dance with jiving competition at: The Mazenod Social Club, Quex Road, Kilburn, NW6. on Saturday 13 October 2018. Dancing 8 till late, music by Seamus Moore and his band alongside Slim Attraction. Tickets are £10.00 and limited by capacity, pre-buy from: Martin Campbell 07803231668, Brid Howard 07852167318. Get your dancing shoes on. All welcome.
‘Refugees: Where to Start? A Parish Response’ – Thursday 11th October
Join us for an evening of practical advice on understanding the nature and challenges of the refugee crisis and how parishes, groups and individuals can play their part in alleviating ‘the wounds of refugees’ (Pope Francis). Bishop Paul McAleenan will be leading the event, and will be joined by other organisations including the Jesuit Refugee Service, Enfield Welcome Group, Notre Dame Refugee Service and the Haringey Migrant Support Centre, as well as many others. The event will be held on Thursday 11th October, 7-9pm, at Vaughan House, 46 Francis Street, SW1P 1QN. Tea and coffee will be available from 6.30pm. Please RSVP to caritaswestminster@rcdow.org.uk, or call on 0207 798 9030. Alternatively, you can register your attendance on Eventbrite, by searching for ‘A Parish Response to Refugees: Where to Start?’.