27th Sunday of Year C
Jesus taught us a grand example of service when he washed his disciples feet at the Last Supper. He had told them earlier that he had not come to be served but to serve. The Pope has the title of ‘The Servant of the servants of God’. Those in authority are there to serve the people, not to step outside and be expected that others will serve them. Each of us has a role in service. Our duty is our service. At the end of the day we should be able to repeat what Jesus recommended: ‘We are merely servants: we have done no more than our duty.’
CAFOD Harvest Fast Day
CAFOD tells of a 14-year old called Fabiano who had to walk 3 miles early in the morning to collect water for his family. Not only was it a long walk but on one occasion he was attacked and ran home without the water. Thanks to Family Fast Day donations, a solar powered water pump has been installed in his village. Today, it takes Fabiano just 4 minutes to collect water. Our donations from CAFOD Fast Day will help other villages that are without water. Envelopes can be placed in the second collection as you leave Mass or take an envelope and return it with your contribution next week.
Canonisation of Blessed John Henry Newman
Next Sunday, 13th October, Blessed John Henry Newman, will be canonised in Rome by Pope Francis. You may remember that he was beatified when Pope Benedict came to this country in 2010. On Saturday 19th October at 3.30pm in Westminster Cathedral, there will be Solemn Vespers to mark the occasion. Everyone is invited.
Year of the Word
Last Monday we started the Year of the Word which runs through to the end of 2020. During this period the church invites you to take a deeper focus on the scriptures. A number of events will be taking place. As a parish community, we invite you to write your favourite scripture quote on one of the forms at the back of the church and place it in the box nearby. There is no need to give your name. We will include these in Takehomenews as space permits. Here is a start: ‘Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye,’ when all the time there is a plank in your own eye. Matthew 7:5
‘The Lord is my Shepherd, there is nothing I shall want’. Psalm 23.
‘Never grow tired of doing what is right’. 2 Thessalonians 3:11.
‘Ask and it will be given to you, seek and you will find, knock and the door will be opened to you.’ Matthew 7:7.
Baptised and Sent
October 2019 has been designated by Pope Francis as an Extraordinary Month of Mission. The title given to this special month is Baptised and Sent. For our Autumn Faith Sharing this year, our booklet considers six missionary witnesses who were themselves ‘baptised and sent’ and the distinctive insights they give. Please take one of the booklets from the porch and use it either in a group discussion or individually. They cost £2,00 and money can be put in the papers box. ‘There will be a discussion group on Wednesday at 11am in the Dominic Room starting on 9th October’.
First Communion Programme
The children meet for their first session this morning from 9.15 to 10.15 in the Canon Smyth Parish Centre. Next Sunday the children take part in a Celebration and Enrolment Mass at 10.30. Each family has been issued with a Mass attendance card. These should be sealed and signed by a catechist or member of the Parish Council by the Repository in the porch after each Mass.
Secondary School Transfer
I will be available to sign forms for those who are transferring to secondary school and attend Mass regularly on Wednesday between 4 and 5 pm and on Saturday between 12 Noon and 1pm in the Canon Smyth Parish Centre.
RCIA Sessions
On Tuesday we start sessions for adults who are considering baptism, reception in the church or Confirmation at 8pm upstairs in the Canon Smyth Parish Centre. The first session is an Introduction . Everyone is invited to come along and see what it is all about, including regular Catholics who want to find out more about their faith.
Baptism Preparation
There will be a preparation session for parents who wish to have their baby baptised on Sunday 17th November at 4pm in the Dominic Room. Application forms can be collected from the sacristy.
St. Roses Chapel and Prayer Garden, 160, Anson Road, NW2 6BH
During the month of October, there will be Adoration and Rosary every Thursday evening from 7.00pm to 8.00pm Please join us for this month of the Rosary and to pray for Pope Francis’ intentions for the Church. On Saturday 19th October, The Friends of St. Roses invite you to a Bring and Buy Sale at St. Roses from 11.00am to 3.00pm. Please do come and support this worthy cause.
Social Justice and Peace Forum
This is a morning discussion to explore how we can give practical effect to our gospel commitment to help those in most need. It takes place on Saturday 12th October between 10.30 and 1.30 at Our Lady of Lourdes Parish Hall, 373 Bowes Rd, N11 1AA (Arnos Grove Stn or Bus 251).
Beginning Experience Weekend
A healing weekend for men and women who are separated, divorced or widowed will be held from 18th to 20th October 2019 at Domus Mariae Centre, Chigwell, Essex. For details please contact Freda 01322-838415 or Maura 01322-551503 or email johnabrotherton@hotmail.co.uk.
Mass Count
The number of people attending Mass here last weekend was 627. We will be having another Mass count this weekend.
48th Anniversary London Ballycroy Reunion
Saturday 12th October 2019. Mass at 6.00pm for Ballycroy Deceased at Sacred Heart Church, Quex Road NW6. Dance afterwards in Mazenod Social Club, Kilburn, Music by Johnny McGovern Road Show. Tickets £10. Contact Martin: 07803231668 or Helen: 07941615373.
Fire Wardens
There will be a meeting of Fire Wardens of Wednesday at 7.30pm in the Canon Smyth Parish Centre to plan a Fire Drill and talk about duties.
Macmillan’s World’s Biggest Coffee Morning – Thank You
A huge thank you to everyone for supporting our Macmillan Cancer Support Coffee Morning event. We raised an amazing £596.14.
CHRISTIAN LIFE PROGRAM (CLP)
The Church of the Annunciation in Burnt Oak, together with Couples For Christ (CFC) UK, invites our Parishioners to join the Christian Life Program (CLP) at the Canon Smyth Parish Centre. This program will be every Sunday from 1:30 PM to 4:30 PM, starting on the 13th of October 2019 until the 24th of November 2019.
The Christian Life Program (CLP) is an integrated course leading into a renewed understanding of God’s call to us as Christian. Each session consists of a Talk, Discussion, and Fellowship. The CLP focuses on three specific objectives: Individual renewal, Family renewal and Church renewal.
There is no cost to attend the Christian Life Program (CLP) - this program is being organised by Couples For Christ (CFC) - an International Catholic Lay Ecclesial Movement established in 1981 with a Vatican recognition from the Pontifical Council for the Laity as an International Private Association of the Faithful dated 11th of March 2000.
The CLP is open to all married couples, single parents, widows/widowers, divorced and single individuals (aged 21 and above). The CLP is also the entry point for those who may wish to join Couples For Christ (CFC) and its Family Ministries upon completion of the program.
To know more about the Christian Life Program (CLP), information leaflets will be available to take home at the back of the Church. We pray that our parishioners' support and participate in the renewal program of our Parish.
Bazaar
Our annual Bazaar takes place on Saturday 16th November between 12 Noon and 3pm. Children are invited to prepare a poster to advertise the event. There will be a tombola, bottle stall, books, toys, face painting, Santa’s grotto as well as refreshments and other surprises.