32nd SUNDAY OF YEAR B
Our readings today relate to two widows. Both are poor. Both have little to give. But both give all they have to the Lord. The widow in the first reading has a minimal amount of food left and she prepares it to have a last meal with her son. But Elijah the prophet asks her to share the little food with him. She does so and finds that her food is not spent– there is plenty left over. The widow in the Gospel has 2 small coins but instead of keeping one for herself, she puts them both in the treasury in the temple. Jesus observed this and uses this as an example of generosity for the richer members of the community. The lesson for us is to give all we possibly can to the Lord, whether money or any other gift. If we do, we will be rewarded. Following the Beatitudes which we considered last week on All Saints Day will help us to do this.
SICK AND RETIRED PRIESTS’ FUND
Today’s second collection is for the Sick & Retired Priests’ Fund. Please give generously and help ensure our sick and older priests are financially supported, having given us a lifetime of dedicated service. They have baptised us, welcomed us into the church, and offered comfort and prayer at times of sorrow. Now we have a chance to give back and ensure they have peace of mind during their senior years, when they may be facing failing health and declining mobility. Please give generously using the envelopes in the church. You can also donate online at www.rcdow.org.uk/donations—the envelopes and posters feature a ‘QR Code’ that you can scan with a phone camera to give online, reducing the risks to everyone handling cash. Thank you in advance for your kindness.
BEREAVEMENT MASS
On Saturday we are having our Bereavement Mass at 3pm. We will be remembering in particular those who have died in the last two years.
Recently Deceased
Please pray for MARK JOHN who died on All Saints Day, JAMES TISDALL of Dryfield Road and LEONILDE AGOSTINHO. The Funeral Mass for PAT ROBERTS will be on Tuesday 23rd November at 11am. May they rest in peace.
Right To Life UK
We pray for our Government, that their ability to support pregnant women would increase and that they would anchor themselves on the desire to protect all human life. Lord hear us”
The Passage Working with Homeless People
The Passage, a Christian Charity working with homeless people, is holding a fundraising concert at the Royal Festival Hall on Thursday 25 November on the theme Bohemian Rhapsody, featuring popular works by Dvořák, Mahler and Smetana. The performers includes Andrei Ioniță, Cello; Anush Kovhannisyan, Soprano; Streetwise Opera; Toby Purser, Conductor; and the Orion Orchestra. Full details and booking at https://passage.org.uk/night-under-the-stars-2021/ or telephone 020 75921856.
Finance COMMITTEE MEETING
The Finance Committee meet this Thursday at 7.30pm in the Canon Smyth Parish Centre.
PARISH COUNCIL
The Parish Council meet on Thursday 18th November at 7.45pm in the Canon Smyth Parish Centre.
SYNODAL PATHWAY
After the 12 Noon Mass today, (7th November) you are invited into the Canon Smyth Parish Centre to listen to each other about the experiences and dreams that we each have for the church as we move out of lockdown.
This week we are asking you to answer another question relating to our experiences as we move out of lockdown.
The question is:
IN WHAT WAY DOES THE CHURCH COMMUNITY FAIL TO JOURNEY TOGETHER AND SHOW LOVE?
Please put your answer on a green post-it note and put it on the board by the statues on the left-side of the church. There is no need to sign your response-it can remain anonymous.
Thank you.
BAPTISM PREPARATION
The next session for parents who wish to have their baby baptised is on Sunday 14th November at 4pm in the church.
CONFIRMATION PROGRAMME 2022
Application forms for those who wish to be confirmed next year are available on the table at the back of the church. They are in a blue colour. Please return the form to the presbytery no later than 5th December. The programme starts in January and Bishop John Sherrington will minister the confirmation on Thursday 12th May at 7pm, with the following Thursday as a reserve date if numbers are high.
BLESSING OF THE GRAVES
Fr Colin & Fr David will be available for the Blessing of the graves at Hendon Cemetery on Sunday 21st November at 2pm.
FOODBANK FOR THE COMMUNITY
Items for the local foodbank can be left in one of the boxes in the porch. Many thanks to those who have donated already. It has been very much appreciated.
INFANTS SCHOOL ADMISSIONS MEETING NEW DATE AND VENUE
There will be an admissions meeting for families who are considering a place for their child in the Annunciation Infants School or Nursery next September. The meeting has been moved to 17th November at 6.30pm via Zoom for further information please contact the office 020 8959 2325. It includes those who wish to move from Nursery to Reception Class in September 2022.
VINNIE PACKS
"The SVP are distributing 11.500 Vinnie Packs containing cold weather essentials to the homeless and those spending the principal part of their day on the streets. Each pack contains thermal gloves, thermal hat, two pairs of socks, wet wipes, toothbrush, toothpaste, Pavement magazine, information sheet and pen. Please could you consider sponsoring packs at a suggested donation of £3.70 per pack? Donations can be sent to Vinnie Packs, PO Box 72264, London SW1P 9EZ with cheques made out to SVP or by bank transfer to Nat West sort code 60-60-04, account no. 4608 8237. Thank you so much for your support."
FIRST COMMUNION PROGRAMME 2022
Application forms for parents who wish their child to receive 1st Holy Communion next year are available on the table at the back of the church. Children should be in Year 3 or above. Please return the form to the presbytery by 5th December 2021. They are in a yellow colour.
There will be a meeting for the parents of those who apply on Tuesday 11th January at 7.45pm in the Canon Smyth Parish Centre. The first of seven sessions for the children will be on Sunday 16th January at 9am, also in the Parish Centre. The dates of the First Communions will be Saturdays 11th and 18th June, at 2pm and 3.30pm. The allocation of these dates will be revealed at the first parents meeting on 11th January.
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