TWENTY-THIRD SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME YEAR B
God is Our Restorer
The Prophecy of Isaiah, in the first reading, came to God's people in exile and said “Courage! Do not be afraid, your God comes to save you.” Though their sins led to their downfall, God, in His mercy, does not treat us as our sins deserve (Psalm 103).
God says, “The eyes and ears of the blind and the deaf shall be opened, the lame shall leap like deer, and the tongues of the dumb will sing for joy. Water shall gush in the desert, streams in the wasteland...” These images of blindness, deafness, and desert represent the spiritual state of God's people.
However, this prophecy points beyond their immediate situation to Christ, in whom the physically and spiritually sick are healed and restored. Thus, in this Sunday’s Gospel, Jesus heals a deaf man with a speech impediment. In awe, the people, proclaimed, “He has done all things well.”
The Lord calls us to trust in His power to save. If you feel exhausted or discouraged while waiting for His promises, God says to you “Courage, do not be afraid, I am coming to save you.” May we be sustained by God's faithfulness and receive all-round healing, physical and spiritual.
In time, may it be said over our lives as in today’s Gospel: “He has done all things well.” So, courage—our God comes to restore. Amen.
You can access Fr Chinedu's full audio reflection on Purifying Word or Spotify
Happy Sunday.
Fr Chinedu
EDUCATION SUNDAY
Today is Education Sunday, a day to give thanks to God for all who teach and all who study, for all who continually have to find the right words and deliver them with enthusiasm and graciousness. There will be a second collection today for the Catholic Education Service.
LAST FRIDAY EVENING OF PRAYER AND ADORATION
There will be an evening of prayer and adoration on Friday 27th September 7-9 pm. There will be Holy Mass, Eucharistic Adoration, and Intercessory Prayers for various intentions.
EVANGELII GAUDIUM SUNDAY, 15 SEPTEMBER 2024.
This year, Evangelii Gaudium Sunday will be celebrated in our parishes on 15 September 2024. A second collection will also be taken on Evangelii Gaudium Sunday to support the work of the Bishops’ Conference Mission Directorate. Please hold this important work in your prayers.
RECENTLY DECEASED
Please remember in your prayers BERNADETTE SULLIVAN. Her funeral Mass will take place here on Friday 13 September at 11.30AM. SR LAETITIA O’BRIEN OP, former headteacher of The Annunciation School Burnt Oak.
READERS, EUCHARISTIC MINISTERS & COUNTERS
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.
BAPTISM PREPARATION
There will be a preparation session for parents who wish to have their baby baptised Sunday 6th October at 4PM in the church.
THE ANNUNCIATION INFANT SCHOOL
We still have a few nursery places available for the upcoming academic year. The nursery provides a nurturing and stimulating environment for young children to learn, grow, and develop essential skills. If your child was born between 1 September 2020 and 31 August 2021 and you are interested in securing a place for your child in the nursery, please email enquiries@annunciationinf.barnet.sch.uk
ST JAMES' HIGH SCHOOL
At St James' Catholic High School, we are hosting an Open Evening for admissions for the academic year 2025/26. The event takes place on Thursday 12 September 5.30-8pm and we look forward to meeting prospective pupils and their parents.
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, Registration - before 12 September: FarmStreetOffice@rcdow.org.uk
MEETING FOR NEW ALTAR SERVERS
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.
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
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.”
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. -No soup- Thank you.
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