29th Sunday of Year C
The readings today encourage us to persevere in our prayer. The parable of the widow who kept on pestering the unjust judge for justice and was eventually answered is an example of how the Lord answers our prayers, even if they are not answered immediately or in the way we would expect. No prayer goes unanswered. Moses’ persistence in holding up his arms to maintain advantage for his army indicates that perseverance may be tiring and painful but it bears fruit in the end.
World Mission Sunday
Today we will be having a second collection to support World Missions. World Mission Sunday supports missionaries who work alongside communities that are poor or in need, regardless of their background or belief. By supporting Missio, the Pope’s charity for world mission, you will help missionaries like Sr Clara share the love of Christ with those most in need. Please pray for the mission of the Church throughout the world and give what you can. If you are a taxpayer, please use the Gift Aid envelopes. For more information, visit mission.org.uk Thank you.
Year of the Word
Please put your favourite scripture, quote on a form at the back of the church and place it in the box nearby, this week’s quotes: If you all should mark our guilt, Lord, who would survive. The Book of Psalms.
Those who listen to me will be secure and will live at ease, without dread of disaster. Proverbs 1:33
Mary’s Meals
Mary’s Meals will be coming to our church in a couple of weeks’ time to take away your unwanted clothing and bedding (no duvets or pillows please)
Over the next few weeks please collect your unwanted clothes and put them in tied sacks. Then before 12.00 noon on Sunday 3rd November bring them with you when you come to Mass. Not only will you be getting rid of un-wanted clothes/bedding and giving yourself a little more space but you will also benefit a really worthwhile charity.
Mary’s Meals feeds children one good meal every day at school in over 18 countries. Because of our low costs we can do this for as little as £13.90 per child per year!
Confirmation 2020
Those who are currently in year 10 or above are invited to apply to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation. Application forms are available in the porch and should be returned by 15th December at the latest. There will be seven sessions for the candidates starting in February and there will be a meeting for parents on Wednesday 29th January at 7.30pm. Bishop John Sherrington will be coming on Friday 22 May to administer the Sacrament.
Clocks Going Back
Clocks should be put back one hour next Saturday night.
RCIA Sessions
We continue our sessions for those considering becoming Catholics and those who wish to know more about their faith on Tuesdays at 8pm, upstairs in the Canon Smyth Parish Centre. Everyone is welcome.
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.
Mass Count
The number of people last weekend was 643, giving an average of 639 for four weeks, the same average as last year. Many thanks to those who have been doing the counting.
Month of the Holy Souls
November is the month to pray for all the faithful departed, including our relations, friends and forgotten souls. The Remembrance Book is on a table near the statues. You can write the names of those you wish to be remembered in this book, but there is no need to re-write names you have entered in previous years. The book will be placed in front of the altar during November. Alternatively, you can write names on a piece of paper and put it in one of the envelopes available in the porch. These names will be placed in a box in front of the altar during November. There will be several Masses for the Holy Souls during November.
Recently Deceased
The Funeral Mass for MARTHA MCEYESON will be on Saturday at 11am. This is in addition to the 10am Mass that morning. Also Please pray for LIAM RALPH.
Baptised and Sent
This month has been designated by Pope Francis as Extraordinary Month of Mission. Copies of the booklet ‘Baptised and Sent’ are available in the porch for £2.00. The discussion groupcontinues on Wednesdays at 11am in the Dominic Room.
Parish Bazaar
This takes place on Saturday 16th November. in the Canon Smyth Parish Centre. You are invited to bring along any unwanted gifts for the tombola, bottles for the bottle stall, books, CD’s and donations for the raffle prizes, as well as tins and cakes. toys, face painting, Santa’s grotto as well as refreshments and other surprises. Children are invited to prepare a poster to advertise the event. Please do not donate clothes, blankets/duvets or electrical goods. Help will be needed on the evening before the event to set up stalls and also on the day. Please contact Frances 07743355748 or Linda 07884046118.
The Passage Working with Homeless People
“The Passage, a Christian Charity working with homeless people, is holding a fundraising concert at the Royal Festival Hall on Tuesday 5 November on the theme Magic of Italian Opera with Petroc Trelawny as presenter. The music includes Chorus of the Hebrew Slaves and Nessum Dorma with soloists Joyce El-Khoury, Michael Fabiano, Clare Presland and Simon Thorpe . For more details call 020 7592 1856 or email tickets@passage.org.uk”
Annunciation Schools Admissions Meetings
The infants will be having their admissions meeting in the Canon Smyth Parish Centre on Wednesday 6th November at 7.30pm. Parents are invited to attend this meeting if they wish their child to be considered for a Nursery or School place at the Infants School in September 2020. This includes those who wish to move from Nursery to Reception Class.
The Junior School Admissions Meeting is on Monday 18th November at 7.pm.in the school itself in The Meads. This is for parents who wish their child to be considered for a place in September 2020, including those currently in Year 2 of the Infants School.
CAFOD Harvest Fast Day-Money Raised
Many thanks for the money raised £712.90.
Catholic History Walks
Westminster: 'Ministers, Monks and Mudlarking'
Monday 21st October, 6.30pm
History was made here when not one but two Popes visited this Cathedral. We also discover the origins of our 'mother of parliaments' from its beginnings as a muddy island to how it became the seat of government and an Abbey where our monarchs are crowned. Explore the home of Kings in St James' Park and nearby leper hospitals.
Meet on the steps of Westminster Cathedral SW1P 1QW
Nearest Tube: Victoria.
The City: 'Fire, Faith and Fury'
Tuesday 22nd October 2.00pm
We'll explore the City where the Great Fire of London started, find out about the ancient Viking King who became St Olaf, St John Henry Newman's birthplace and finish at the Tower of London.
Meet at The Monument, near London Bridge EC3R 8AF.
Nearest Tube: Monument.
There is a bonus talk with this walk. You are invited to an evening of Prayer, Poetry and Prose to celebrate the message of St John Paul II - Venue: The Church of the Precious Blood, near Borough Market SE1 1TD