Thirty-second Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B 2024
A Generous Faith.
Faith is alive and fruitful when expressed through generous acts of charity impelled by one’s trust in God. When God presents us with challenging needs, it is often an invitation to trust in his unfailing divine provision. Responding generously with faith to those in need, even in our limited resources, allows us to participate in something greater than ourselves.
The story of the widow of Zarephath beautifully illustrates this. Facing starvation, she shared her last meal with the prophet Elijah. Her act of faith and generosity, despite her own dire circumstances, brought God’s blessing in ways that exceeded her expectations. Similarly, the widow in this Sunday’s Gospel gave her last coins to the temple, thus catching the attention of Jesus, Our Saviour.
These widows exemplify a living faith expressed through radical generosity which mirrors God’s love manifested in His gifting of his only Son for our salvation. Their actions call us to recognize opportunities for charity and divine provision in our lives. When we give from our limited resources to support the needy and God’s work, we become part of God’s boundless provision, as Elijah’s words remind us: "The jar of meal shall not be spent, and the jug of oil shall not be emptied." O Lord, help us to live lives of generosity and trust in your care. Amen
You can access Fr Chinedu's full audio reflection on Purifying Word or Spotify.
Happy Sunday
Fr Chinedu
REMEMBERANCE SUNDAY
Today is Remembrance Sunday and we will remember all those who have lost their lives at war.
BLESSING OF GRAVES
The date for the blessing of the graves will be on Sunday 17th November 3pm, and that will be for Mill Hill Cemetery and Hendon.
Carpender’s Park Cemetery: Sunday 10th November at 1.30pm.
Pinner New Cemetery: Sat 16th November at 2pm.
PLANNED GIVING DRIVE
Starting on Sunday 1 December, securing the long-term care of our church. As we begin to recover from the impact of the global Covid-19 pandemic, and the cost of living crisis, we are looking to the future with renewed hope. This is a chance for YOU to learn about the parish finances.
MISSION BOXES
If anyone has a red box please can you return it when you come to Mass and leave it in the sacristy. We will be counting on 19th November. Remember to put your name and address on the box. Thank you.
LAST FRIDAY EVENING OF PRAYER AND ADORATION
There will be an evening of prayer and adoration on Friday 29th November 6-8 pm. There will be Holy Mass, Eucharistic Adoration, Sacrament of Reconciliation and Intercessory Prayers for various intentions. All are welcome.
BAPTISM PREPARATION
There will be a preparation session for parents who wish to have their baby baptised on Sunday 5th January at 4pm in the church.
November Holy Souls
The Memorial Book for you to enter names of those you wish to be remembered is on a table near the statues on the left side of the church. There is no need to enter names you have already entered in previous years. There will be a Bereavement Mass on Saturday 23rd November at 3pm to which everybody is invited.
SICK LIST ON OUR BIDDING PRAYERS
From this month the individual names of all the sick will no longer be mentioned in the Bidding Prayer. There will be a prayer for the sick, especially those on our parish sick list.
FIRST COMMUNION APPLICATIONS FOR 2025
Application forms for parents who wish their child to receive their First Holy Communion next year are available at the back of the church. Children should be in Year 3 or above. Please return the form to the presbytery by 24th November. No applications will be accepted after this date.
CONFIRMATION APPLICATIONS FOR 2025
Application forms for those in Year 10 or above who would like to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation next year are available at the back of the church. Please return the form to the presbytery by 15th December.
SICK & RETIRED PRIESTS
The second collection next week will be for the sick and retired priests of our Diocese. Most priests offer their resignation at 75, but many continue to serve in our schools, hospitals, hospices and parishes. Last year, the Diocese of Westminster provided care to 72 retired priests, at a cost of £976,000. Caring for our brother priests in their senior years, or at a time of illness, is a fundamental part of the mission of our diocese. By supporting the Sick & Retired Priests’ Fund, you can help cover essential costs and give them peace of mind that in the event of an emergency, their needs will be met.
You will find a donation envelope at the back of the church today. Please take one home, and bring it back next weekend with your donation. You can make a one-off donation or set up a regular donation and become a Patron by completing section 4 on the envelope form. 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. If so, please take a leaflet home today. And please continue to pray for the wellbeing of all of our clergy: active, retired and ill. Thank you.
CHRISTMAS BAZAAR SUNDAY 1 DECEMBER
As we approach the festive season, we are pleased to announce the return of the
Christmas Bazaar. There will be a variety of activities including themed stalls selling cards, treats, gifts, tombola, raffle, food and drink etc.
Help raise funds for our Church and celebrate the greatest gift of all, the birth of Jesus Christ.
Donations welcomed including for: Prizes for a raffle, Bottles i.e. for our
Bottle Tombola stall, Gift ideas i.e. gift sets, chocolates etc and baked items (cakes, cookie etc)
*** VOLUNTEERS NEEDED ***If you would like to volunteer to help before (setup from Sat 30/11 18:30), during or after the event, please contact Annie on 07523 268994
with your name and availability.
***VENDOR STALLS (Limited availability)***
Vendors interested in having a stall at the event,
please scan the QR code or visit https://tinyurl.com/2p9nktuk
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