SUNDAY 18 OCTOBER 2026
What Truly Belongs to God?
In today’s Gospel (Matthew 22:15-21), Jesus says, “Give back to Caesar what belongs to Caesar and to God what belongs to God”. But the questions are: What truly belongs to God? What do we have that does not belong to God, since out of nothing he made all (Creatio Ex Nihilo)? Everything, including our lives, belongs to God. Thus, Scripture says, God is worthy to receive all power….(Rev 4:11, 5:12-13). So, we live for the one who gave all for us. (2 Corinthians 5:15).
However, in giving God what is his, we often confront negative forces symbolised by the misguided Pharisees in the Gospel who sought to trap Jesus. But we are invited to cling faithfully to God with our labour of love, as we heard of the Thessalonians in the second reading (Thessalonians 1:1-5b). They remained faithful in their labour of love.
Yes, sometimes things might be rough. But at the appointed time, God will turn things around, as he turned the heart of the Pagan King Cyrus (in this Sunday’s first reading, Isaiah 45:1, 4-6) and made him an instrument of salvation for his people. We pray that, as we labour in love to give all to God, who deserves all, just as the Lord turned the heart of the pagan King Cyrus, he may turn our circumstances to align with his divine purpose and bring us to a place of fulfilment. We make our prayers through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Happy Sunday
Fr Chinedu
SPONSERED SANCTUARY LAMP INTENTIONS
"Keep a flame burning." (Exodus 27:20)
marianita smith family intentions & elizabeth Mathew & family intentions
TODAY IS WORLD MISSION SUNDAY
Today, parishes worldwide celebrate World Mission Sunday. By supporting Missio – the Pope’s charity for world mission – we stand united as God’s global family, in prayer, solidarity and action. The Holy Father has chosen the theme ‘One in Christ, united in mission’ to celebrate 100 years of World Mission Sunday and encourages us to unite with missionaries as they strive to reach out with God’s love to communities in need. Please pray for the work of mission and give what you can to this vital collection. To donate, use the Missio envelope, call 020 7821 9755 (office hours) or visit missio.org.uk to give a gift, set up a Direct Debit and Gift Aid your donation if possible.
BAPTISM PREPARATION
The next preparation session for parents who wish to have their baby baptised is Sunday, 1st November at 4pm in the church
NOTICE FROM THE PARISH FINANCE COMMITTEE RE: REPOSITORY PRICES
Due to rising supplier costs, we have taken the decision to increase the prices of items sold in our parish Repository (shop). We have done our best to minimise the impact of this change and to keep our prices as fair as possible.
The new prices will take effect from the weekend of the 31st October/1st November. We thank you for your continued support.
MARRIAGE PREPARATION WEEKEND8th–10th January 2027
Our residential Marriage Preparation Weekend offers engaged couples time and space to explore the beauty of the Church's teaching of the Sacrament of Matrimony. Find out more and book:https://christianheritagecentre.com/events/marriage-preparation/
GLUTEN-FREE COMMUNICANTS
We are attentive to the needs of those requiring gluten-free hosts. Ministers have been instructed to use the hand that has not touched regular Hosts when administering to gluten-free communicants. Please do not reach into the general ciborium containing the gluten-free Hosts. If it helps, please feel free to bring a pyx and place it on the altar before the Mass and indicate that it is gluten-free. The priest can then put the Host in it once he sanitises his hands for the distribution. The minister will return the pyx to you during Communion without touching the Host. Please consume immediately before the minister. This is simply to reinforce what we already know, which most of us are already doing.
NEW PAYAZ GIVING STATION
Your details will have to be re-registered on your first log in. If you are a tax payer here in the UK please Gift Aid your donation. Thank you.
LEGACY GIVING
Thank you for considering making a legacy gift in your Will in favour of our Parish, Church of the Annunciation Burnt Oak. To find out more about the difference a legacy gift can make, please take a leaflet from the church porch or visit rcdow.org.uk/gifts-in-will
MEN’S RETREAT: SPIRITUAL EXERCISES OF ST IGNATIUS
26th February - 3rd March 2027 OR 5th - 10th March 2027Find out more and book: https://christianheritagecentre.com/events/mens-retreat-spiritual-exercises-of-st-ignatius/
GOOD COUNCI NATIONAL DAYS OF PRAYER & FASTING
For the end of abortion and euthanasia in this country. Monday 28th September, Tuesday 27th October, Tuesday 17th November and Monday 7th December. For more information go to their website: www.goodcounselnetwork.com
A DAY WITH MARY
Is taking place at Westminster Cathedral on Saturday 7 November 2026 (9.45am to 5.00pm). The Most Reverend Richard Moth, Archbishop of Westminster will be the Celebrant & Preacher at 10.30am Cathedral Mass on that day. Further information is available at https://www.adaywithmary.org/
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. Many thanks for your contributions to help families in need.
THANK YOU FROM CAFOD
£545.69 was raised to support their projects.
BRITISH SUMMER TIME ENDS ON 25 OCTOBER CLOCKS GO BACK AT 2AM
REGULAR EVENTS IN THE CANON SMYTH PARISH CENTRE
COFFEE MORNING 1ST SUNDAY OF THE MONTH 9 -10:30am
SATURDAY CLUB: FOR ADULTS WITH LEARNING DIFFICULTIES
LAST SATURDAY OF THE MONTH 2.30-4.30pm
GOOD NEIGHBOUR SCHEME Thursday LUNCH CLUB:
Cornflower Cancer Support Group
Second Tuesdays of the month 6.30-8.00pm
Disability Access & Loop System
Hall Hire enquiries Please contact the office 020 8959 1971
Diocese of Westminster Registered Charity No: 233699
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