Twenty-Second Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B
Obedience: Life of Wisdom and Understanding
Last Sunday, we were invited to choose to serve the Lord. This Sunday, Moses deepens our understanding of why we need to choose God in obedience. In the first reading, Moses urged the people to serve the Lord by observing His laws. He tells us that obedience leads to life, grants access to God's promises, and is a manifestation of our wisdom and understanding.
But in a world where obedience to God’s word is often seen as foolishness, do we still affirm that obeying the Lord is wisdom and life-giving? Having been made God’s children by God’s word, St James, in this Sunday’s second reading, invites us to accept and obey God’s word which has the power to save us.
To correctly obey the Lord, we need to ask for the Holy Spirit’s guidance, so we do not reduce God’s words to mere observation of external rituals. In this Sunday’s Gospel, Jesus condemns such religious practices that focus on external rituals while neglecting the heart of the relationship with God—the command to love (charity) to which all laws, rituals etc must tend. May our religious practices flow from a deep and loving relationship with God manifested in charity.
Holy Spirit, teach us to obey your word and walk in life, wisdom, and understanding.
You can access Fr Chinedu's full audio reflection on Purifying Word or Spotify
Happy Sunday
Fr Chinedu
YOUNG CATHOLIC ADULTS AND CATHOLICS INTERESTED IN HISTORY
During the weekend of the 26th-27th October 2024, Young Catholic Adults and the Traditional English Association of Catholic History will be organising a pilgrimage to Catholic York, including a visit to, St. Margaret Clitherow’s Shrine, the Bar Convent and St. Mary’s Bishophill – the oldest Church in York. For details of how to book onto this free weekend and for more info see:- https://bookwhen.com/youngcatholicadults-yorkpilgrimage2024.
SOCIETY OF ST VINCENT de PAUL SOCIETY (SVP)
We plan to start a Society of St Vincent de Paul (SVP) here in our parish. So, if you have been a member of SVP in the past, and would like to be part of its formation in our parish; or if you would like to join the society for the first time and are happy to be part of it, please, speak with and give your names and contact number to the priests or stewards after the masses. Thank you.
ALB AMNESTY!
If there are any albs or cinctures hiding in the homes of former altar servers, could they please be returned to the parish so they can be given to current and/or new servers. Thank you.
BAPTISM PREPARATION
There will be a preparation session for parents who wish to have their baby baptised today, Sunday 1st September, at 4pm in the church.
MEETING FOR NEW ALTAR SERVERS
We are blessed with excellent servers in our parish who give faithful service throughout the year, but we are always on the lookout for other parishioners who would like to join our ‘team’. The ministry of Altar Server is open to all who have received their First Holy Communion and demonstrate a wish to uphold the aims and objectives of the Guild of St Stephen.
Those who would like to become altar servers are invited to attend two training sessions – the first on Monday 23rd September at 5.30pm and the second on Saturday 28th September at 11.30am. Both sessions will take place in the church and will last approximately one hour. Prospective servers must attend both sessions and those under the age of 16 must be accompanied to the first session by a parent/carer.
READERS, EUCHARISTIC, STEWARDS, COUNTERS etc.
The Diocese has asked for the above people to complete the Rota Consent Form. They can be found on the table in the porch. Please complete and return in the brown envelope marked Susan Office and give it to one of the priests.
RECENTLY DECEASED
Please remember in your prayers BERNADETTE SULLIVAN Her funeral Mass will take place here on Friday 13 September at 11.30am. Sr LAETITA O’BRIEN OP, former headteacher of The Annunciation School Burnt Oak. May their souls and the souls of all the faithful departed, rest in peace.
DIOCESAN RETREAT FOR CATECHISTS
There will be a retreat for catechists on Saturday 19th October, 10 am to 3:30 pm in Welwyn Garden City. Location TBC. Tea and coffee are provided. Please, bring with you a packed lunch. Suggested donation: £10. To register email: catadmin@rcdow.org.uk . Include the name of your parish.
SYNODAL CONVERSION FOR THE SAKE OF MISSION
A multi-parish day of reflection, discernment, and action to prepare for the October 2024 Synod Assembly in Rome.
Saturday, 14 September 2024, 10.00 for 10.30 - 16.00 London Jesuit Centre, 114 Mount Street W1K 3AH. Tea / Coffee etc available … Bring-&-Share Lunch.
Registration - before 12 September: FarmStreetOffice@rcdow.org.uk
and/or further details 020 8986 0807.
Four:12 Quiz Night has returned
You are invited to enjoy an evening of fun trivia. Friday 11 October 2024, doors open 7pm. Entry is only £10/adult and £5/child (under 16). Admission includes fish and chips. Sign up today by visiting four12.co.uk/quiz
FLOWER ARRANGING
We are very grateful to those who arrange the flowers in the church. However, we do need more flower arrangers to join the rota. No experience is required. If you would like to help, please speak to one of the priests.
SUBSCRIBE TO OUR PARISH NEWSLETTER (TAKEHOMENEWS)
If you would like to get the Takehomenews electronically, please, go to our parish website and subscribe. It only takes two steps and a few seconds.
Marriage Encounter (Book Now!) 21-22 SEPTEMBER 2024
The link is now up on our website for booking a space for yourself in our parish non-residential weekend Marriage Encounter. There are also some leaflets in the Church. Please take some and give to couples you think may benefit from the programme. “Love must be nourished and renewed… and communication is a decisive key at the heart of this nourishment.”
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