16th SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME YEAR B
Compassionate Jesus
Today’s responsorial psalm says, “The Lord is my shepherd there is nothing I shall want”.
This psalm is a prayer, a confession and an invitation. Confident in God’s care, we pray for a divine provision. We confess that God is Our Shepherd and are invited to follow in obedience imitating his compassion.
Due to the lack of compassion in many shepherds of God’s people, God promised to care for his flock by himself in this Sunday’s first reading. Thus, in this Sunday’s Gospel Jesus teaches us compassion. Jesus and his disciples had set off to a quiet place for rest. When he saw the people, he was so moved by compassion because they were like sheep without a shepherd. Therefore, Jesus chose their urgent needs for care and guidance over his need for quiet and set himself to teach them at length.
We are to be compassionately mindful of those gracious moments (in our families, workplaces, among friends etc) when God places people under our care. However, we can only be truly compassionate if we have experienced it and learnt from the Compassionate One, Jesus. It is through compassion that we are healed of our division and break down the barriers that separate us. Let us trust in God’s care, learn from him and be compassionate like Jesus. Amen
You can access Fr Chinedu's full audio reflection on Purifying Word or Spotify
Happy Sunday
Fr Chinedu
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.
Baptism Preparation
There will be a preparation session for parents who wish to have their baby baptised Sunday 4th August, 2024 at 4pm in the church.
Summer Fayre
Thank you to everyone who worked hard to prepare for our parish summer fayre, who donated items and prayed for the fayre and were there to support the event. Total raised £1801.39
Last Friday Evening of Prayer and Adoration
There will be an evening of prayer and adoration on Friday 26th July 6-8 pm. There will be Holy Mass, Eucharistic Adoration, and Intercessory Prayers for various intentions.
First Holy Communion Pictures
The First Holy Communion pictures are ready for collection. I have seen some of them and they are very beautiful. Please, order your copies as soon as you are able.
Society of St Vincent de Paul (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.
Dona Machine
The Dona machine is now working and can now be used for offertory, payment and other donations. Please, feel free to use it. Thank you.
Marriage Encounter (Book Now!)
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.”
The Divine Mercy Apostolate
The Divine Mercy Apostolate, London is holding a Celebration of St Faustina Birthday at Aylesford Priory, Aylesford, Kent on Bank Holiday Monday 26 August 2024 from 10 am to 4:30 pm. The reflection day will include teachings on the Message of Divine Mercy, Holy Mass, Hour of Mercy with Stations of the Cross, Adoration and Benediction and Veneration of the Image of Merciful Jesus. All welcome. Call Millie on 07957594646 for more information. Coaches from Ealing Broadway and Victoria
Used Stamps
If you have any used stamps please can you put them in the box in the porch. Just leave a border around them. They will go to the Royal National Institute of the Blind.
Foodbank for the Community Closed until September
Comments