Twenty-fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A
The Unfairness of God’s Boundless Generosity?
In this Sunday’s Gospel, the labourers who were called first became envious of the eleventh-hour people who they thought received more than they deserved. They felt that their master was unfair to them. By their calculation, they deserved more. Immediately, we see the dangers of an undue sense of entitlement. God is the Master who has called us. The vineyard represents our Christian life. The labourers represent us.
Now, it is natural to think that we deserve more than we often get in life. However, we must examine this claim prayerfully. Through prayers, we realise that, for our sake, ‘God has been unfair?’ because we have all received more than we deserved. Besides, we are because of his grace which alone makes our works meritorious.
Only God knows what each truly deserves. Ours is to rejoice in others’ blessings as we await Our Eternal Reward, God Himself, beyond whom there is nothing extra to give.
Lord, may we always be grateful, and thus rejoice in others’ blessings.
Happy Sunday Fr Chinedu
RCIA
The Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults usually starts next month (October). If you know anyone who may want to become a Catholic, invite the person to speak with any of the priests.
Who is RCIA for?
1. Unbaptised adults asking for baptism, confirmation, and communion.
2. Adults baptised in another Christian tradition or candidates asking for reception into full communion in the Church.
3. Baptised Catholics asking for Confirmation and Eucharist.
World Day of Migrants and Refugees Today
Sunday 24th September 2023
We pray for those persons living on the margins of society, in inhumane life conditions; may they not be overlooked by institutions and never considered of lesser importance. Pope Francis.
LATELY DEAD
Please pray for the repose of the soul of KATE DONOGHUE
Macmillan Coffee Morning
Join us for a Macmillan Coffee Morning next Sunday (1st Oct) 9am-1:30pm. A selection of cakes, treats and drinks will be available.
Help us do whatever it takes to support people living with cancer. You can also support by putting a donation through the Priests front door marking your envelope Macmillan cake sale.
Pastoral Visits
If you need or know a parishioner who needs a pastoral visit at home or at the hospital, please, feel free to speak with any of the priests here.
Practising Synodality – Mondays 7:30-8:30 pm
from 25th Sept to 20th Nov
A series of eight free webinars looking at the practicalities of becoming a listening Church with speakers from both England and Wales and from across the world. Hosted by the School for Synodality. https://www.schoolforsynodality.org.uk/news/practicing-synodality-webinar-series
Fr Colin & Fr David Farewell Mass 14th October 2pm
We will be having a celebration in the Hall after the Mass and need your help to organise, please take a look and add your name to the volunteer list, we also have a food sheet for the event, both lists can be found on the table at the back of the church. Do you have any photos of Fr Colin and Fr David, if so please email them to four12.oak@gmail.com by the 9th October.
On the table at the back of the church we have baskets with envelopes for donations for Fr Colin & Fr David. (Please only cash donations, they have limited space in their new dwellings). Your envelope can be placed in a box on the Sacristy marked Fr Colin & Fr David at the weekend Masses until 7th/8th October. You may also put the named envelope through the Presbytery door.
Beginning Experience Weekend
If you have suffered a divorce, separation or the death of your spouse, a residential weekend to help you to heal will be held from 13th to 15th October 2023 at the Sion Community, Brentwood, Essex. For details of the weekend, please ring Maura 07795-498445 or Mary 020-8647 4760 or email besouthofengland@gmail.com
Foodbank for the community
Non – perishable food is required for the foodbank, please leave your donations in one of the marked boxes in the church porch. Thank you.
LORETO COLLEGE OPEN EVENING (SECONDARY TRANSFER 2024)
Hatfield Road, St Albans, Herts, AL1 3RQ
The Open Evening for prospective pupils applying to Loreto College for September 2024 will take place on TUESDAY 26th SEPTEMBER 2023 from 4.30pm to 7.30pm.
Marriage Encounter non-residential enrichment weekend for couples:
30th Sept & 1st Oct at St. George's Parish Centre – Sudbury. (Saturday 9am to Sunday 5.00pm). This is a great opportunity as a couple to affirm, enrich and explore your unique relationship (NB: There is no group sharing). For more information go to: https://wwme.org.uk/book-a-weekend/
The Divine Mercy Apostolate, London is hosting a Pilgrimage to the Shrine of Our Lady of Knock, Co Mayo
From November 9 to 14 to Pray for the Holy Souls. It will be by the Marian Fathers. Package includes: Return flights by Aer Lingus from Heathrow Airport, half board, 5 nights, accommodation in en suite twin rooms, hand-luggage (10 kgs), all transfers and Airport Development fee. The Retreat will include daily Mass and Hour of Mercy and retreats at Glendalough and Kylemore Abbey. Cost £800. All Welcome. Please call Millie on 07957594646 for more information.
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