23rd Sunday Year C
Today’s Gospel indicates that to be a true follower of Christ means putting everything else in the background in order to concentrate on fulfilling God’s will. Jesus is calling on undivided loyalty even above family loyalties. He is calling on his people to give up their possessions. In other words, Jesus wants us to forget about all the things we have and value our own faith, our possession of the Lord inside us. Today’s first reading helps us to see God as Wisdom personified. What may not appear wise in human terms may be wise in godly terms. Following Jesus and keeping his Word is indeed wise even if the world does not see it that way.
Education Sunday
As schools, colleges and universities start their new academic year, we celebrate today Education Sunday. We pray for pupils, students, teachers and lecturers and all involved in education. 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.
Home Mission Day
Next weekend we celebrate Home Mission Sunday, an opportunity to focus on the spread of the Gospel in England and Wales. There will be a second collection to support the work of the Home Mission Office. It provides training and support to the diocesan evangelisation personnel and initiates projects to inspire people to share their faith.
Care of Creation
The period between 1st September and 4th October has been designated as The Season of Creation, a global ecumenical celebration of prayer and action to protect our common home. The Church calls us to consider our role and to question what we are each doing to protect the earth. This starts with saving energy and with recycling at home. We can use the following prayer during this Creation Season:
Father, Lord of all creation, we praise you with all your creatures and the whole universe that comes forth form the work of Your hands. We acknowledge the privilege and responsibility that You give us as stewards of Your creation. In our ignorance we have done damage to our common home and our brothers and sisters are suffering. Through faithfully following your Son guide and direct us to prepare for a better future. Teach us to contemplate You in the beauty of the universe, for all things speak of You. Give us the grace to recognise, respect and protect all You have created, using wisely all that you have entrusted to us, Holy Spirit, who first hovered over the dawn of creation and drew order our of the chaos help us to build your kingdom of justice, love, peace and beauty where the poor of the earth are crying out.. You, who live and reign, world without end, Amen.
Parish Council
The Parish Council meet on Thursday 19th September at 7.45pm in the presbytery
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.
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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.
Finance Committee
The Finance Committee meet on Thursday at 7.30pm. In the Dominic Room.
Mass in Infants School
On Wednesday, Mass will be at 9.15 in the Annunciation Infants School next door, not at 9.am. in the church. Everyone is welcome.
Lately Dead
Please pay for the Repose of the souls of JOHN MARSHALL. MICHAEL HURST, DINA CORPUZ and MINNIE JACKSON who have died over the last few weeks and whose funerals have already taken place.
First Communion in 2020
If your child is starting in Year 3 or above 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 meeting for parents on Tuesday 24th September at 7.45 pm. in the Canon Smyth Parish Centre and they will have a further 7 sessions over subsequent months. The first session for the children will be on Sunday 6th October at 9.15am, the first of 7 sessions, The First Communions will take place over three Sundays in May 2020.
Baptism Preparation
There will be a preparation session for parents who wish to have their baby baptised next Sunday 15th September, at 4.pm in the Dominic Room
Baptism for older children
We will be starting sessions next month for older children (aged 7 upwards) who wish to be baptised. Parents who wish their child to join should speak to Fr. Colin.
Novena and Holy Hour
The Novena to Our Lady of Perpetual Help resumes on Tuesday 17th September at 8pm. The Wednesday Holy Hour resumes on 18th September at 9.30am.
Let them eat cake!
You are all invited to the world’s biggest coffee morning. Enjoy a cup of tea/coffee and a slice of cake and other treats on Sunday 29th September 2019, 0900-1330, outside the Church of the Annunciation. All proceeds will go to Macmillan Cancer Support.
Invitation CAFOD information afternoon - Wed 18th Sept 2.30pm-4pm, Oakwood, North London.
CAFOD will be hosting a supporter’s information afternoon with a guest speaker, Laura Ouseley, who has first- hand experience of our work Overseas.
Come and hear how CAFOD is helping communities, thanks to your support.
Meeting will take place from 2.30 – 4pm at CAFOD’s Volunteer Centre, 1st Floor, Church of Christ the King, 29 Bramley Road, Oakwood, London, N14 4HE
Bookings taken on 0208 449 6970 or e mail westminster@cafod.org.uk
St. Columba’s College, the independent Catholic boys’ day school in St Albans, will be holding an ‘Stay and Play’ session in the Prep School on Friday 13th September 2019 between 9am and 11am. Boys aged 3+ are invited to stay and play while their parents visit. For more information, please see our website www.stcolumbascollege.org or contact the Admissions Registrar, Mrs Hilary Causer: admissions@stcolumbascollege.org
Catholic History Walks
Forthcoming Walk, Westminster
Monday, 23rd September, 6.30pm. We'll explore St James Park, Westminster and Whitehall: monks and mysteries and a leper hospital. Meet on the steps of Westminster Cathedral. Nearest Tube: Victoria. For more information E-Mail: chwalkslondon@gmail.com
or visit our website: https://www.catholichistorywalks.com/about
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