17th Sunday of Year C
In today’s Gospel, Jesus presents to his disciples the prayer of all prayers, the Lord’s prayer. It is the pattern of all prayer. God answers our prayers and sometimes gives us more than we expect. Prayer is essential for us not just because we can ask for what we want but because in praying we get to know God. We gradually deepen our love for the one who not only saves us but who reveals to us in the depths of our heart what we really want.
Prayer can be risky. Jesus prayed to his Father in Gethsemane. He asked to be delivered from evil but also to do his Father’s will. It seemed his prayers were not answered, but his Father raised him to life.
The Feast of the Assumption of Our Lady
On Thursday 15th August, we celebrate the Feast of the Assumption of Our Lady. We recall how the Blessed Virgin Mary, when the course of her earthly life was completed, was taken up body and soul into the glory of heaven, where she already shares in the glory of the Son’s Resurrection.
This day is a Holy Day of Obligation which means that Catholics are obliged to attend Mass. If you are away on holiday at that time, it gives you an extra opportunity to attend Mass in a different environment. Masses here at the Annunciation will be at 9am and 7.30pm.
Welcome to Fr. Raphael
We welcome to the parish FR RAPHAEL FREMPONG who will be here at the Annunciation during August while Fr Colin is away.
Holy Communion under one kind
During the month of August and on 1st September, communion will be distributed under one kind only at weekend Masses. One Eucharistic Minister is asked to come forward to help the priest in the distribution of the hosts.
Baptism Preparation
The next session for parents who wish to have their baby baptised will be on Sunday 15 September at 4pm in the Dominic Room. Application forms can be collected from the sacristy.
First Communions in 2020
If your child is starting Year 3 or above in September and would like to receive First Holy Communion next year, please take an application form from the porch and return it to the presbytery by 15th September at the latest. Application forms cannot be accepted after this date.
There will be an Introductory Session for parents of 1st Communion candidates on Tuesday 24th September at 7.45pm in the Canon Smyth Parish Centre. The first of 7 sessions for parents will be on Tuesday 1st October at 7.45 pm. The first of 7 sessions for the children will be on Sunday 6th October at 9.15am in the Canon Smyth Parish Centre. The dates of the following sessions will be given out at the Introductory session.
Tuesday Novena and Wednesday Holy Hour
The Novena to Our Lady of Perpetual Help will resume on Tuesday 17th September at 7pm.
The Wednesday Holy Hour will resume on 18th September at 9.30am.
On Wednesday 11th September, Mass will be at 9.15am in the Infants school nextdoor. Everyone welcome.
RCIA Sessions
Sessions for those adults who are considering baptism, reception in the church or confirmation start on Tuesday 08 October at 8.p.m., upstairs in the Canon Smyth Parish Centre. The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) is a process whereby adults journey in the faith towards receiving the Sacraments and become full members of the Catholic Church. Please let those interested know about this or you may like to introduce them to Fr. Colin.
.
Memorial Mass for Fr John Ball
Is taking place on Thursday 19th September at St. Michael's Catholic Grammar School, Nether Street, North Finchley N12 7NJ at 7pm - followed by refreshments. An email to office@st-michaels.barnet.sch.uk or a call to 0208 446 2256 would be helpful if you are planning to attend. All most welcome.
Mass for Bereaved Parents
The Mass for Bereaved Parents will be celebrated by Bishop Paul McAleenan at St Aloysius Church, Phoenix Road, Euston on Saturday 26th October. All are welcome.
Education Sunday
Education Sunday will be celebrated on 8th September. The theme this year is ‘Form and Flourish’. It is an opportunity to showcase and strengthen the links between schools and parishes, showing the essential role education plays in the life and mission of the Church. There will be a second collection for the Catholic Education Service on that day.
A Suggestion
The following note appeared in the suggestion box at the entrance of the church:
“Please encourage all parishioners to actively pray for you and your ministry. A great bond full of spiritual blessings is granted for those who pray for their priest”.
I am sure that many of you pray for this intention any way. I would not be coping so well if you did not. It is equally important that the priest prays for his people. I certainly do each day and a Sunday Mass (denoted as Pro Pop) is offered each week for the people of the parish.
Finance Committee Meeting
The Finance Committee Meet on Thursday 12th September at 7.30pm in the Dominic Room.
Parish Council Meeting
The Parish Council meet on Thursday 19th September at 7.45pm in the Presbytery.
Takehomenews
This Newsletter is the final one until 8th September. Have a good Summer.