23rd SUNDAY OF Year B
Today’s readings focus on God’s power to put right what we cannot do. In St Mark’s Gospel, Jesus gives the power of hearing to a deaf man and the power of speech because he had an impediment. The prophet Isaiah gives hope to his listeners by indicating that God will open the eyes of the blind, unseal the ears of the deaf, enable the lame to walk and the dumb to speak and sing. These readings are also pointing to the spiritual as well as the physical. God enables us to listen to his word and to proclaim it. He enables us to see his way clearly and to walk in the right direction. The lesson for us, as the letter of St James indicates, is to make no discrimination against the poor and those who are unable to do what we can do—to treat people fairly, to help people with difficulties, to love others as God loves us.
Reviving the Monday Club
The Monday Club which used to meet on Monday evenings for the benefit in particular for adults with special educational needs ceased to operate when lockdown came into force last year. We hope to revive it in a different format. Gail Williams who is the Centre Manager at St Joseph’s Pastoral Centre in Hendon will be speaking at Masses this weekend on how we may be able to get the project going again, and how we can help.
Baptism Preparation
There will be a meeting for parents who wish to have their baby baptised this afternoon, Sunday, at 4pm in the church.
Jury Service
Fr. Colin has been summoned for jury service for at least 2 weeks starting on Monday 13th September so is not expected to be around in the parish during the daytime, but should be available in the evenings and at weekends.
Recently Deceased
Please pray for the repose of the soul of JOHN O’NEILL.
Finance Committee
The Finance Committee meet on Thursday 16th September at 7.30pm in the Parish Centre.
Parish Council
The Parish Council meet on Thursday 23rd September at 7:45pm in the Parish Centre.
Education Sunday
Next Sunday is Education Sunday, taking the theme ‘A Word in Season’. It is a day to give thanks to God for all who teach and all who study, for all who continually have to find the right words and deliver them with enthusiasm and graciousness. We pray for all involved in our own parish schools at the Annunciation as they set out on a new academic year with some changes afoot . There will be a second collection next weekend for the Catholic Education Service.
Dear Lord, Thank you for the gift of Catholic schools.
Thank you for all those who have given their talents to educating our young people. Through the challenges they encounter each day, lead them to an ever deeper appreciation of the sacred duty to which you have called them.
Thank you for all those who contribute to the efficient running of our schools; support staff, kitchen staff, maintenance staff, governors and chaplains.
We thank them for their hard work and dedication.
Thank you for all those who lead our Catholic schools.
May they be people of integrity so that they can be witnesses as well as teachers.
We pray that the schools they lead will become places where our young people can experience your love in their lives.
Thank you for our pupils. May your love strengthen and nurture them through the influence and example of those who care for them.
We pray that through their time at school they will flourish and grow to discover who you have called them to be.
We make this prayer through your Son, Jesus Christ, our teacher and our Lord, Amen.
12 Noon Mass on Mondays
Starting tomorrow, there will be a 12noon Mass on Mondays in addition to the 7.30am Mass.
Two Lines to receive Holy Communion
Now that some of the social distancing rules are being eased, we can re-introduce two lines of people coming forward to receive Holy Communion at weekend Masses. A Eucharistic Minister will distribute Holy Communion together with the priest. However, receiving from the chalice is still not possible. Please watch for the guidance of the stewards as when to come forward. Very many thanks for your great co-operation in the communion procession.
RCIA
We plan to start sessions for adults who wish to be baptised, received into the Catholic Church or Confirmed, in October. If you know of anybody interested in this please speak to Father Colin or Father David.
First Communion Catechists
There will be a meeting for First Communion Catechists on Friday 24th September at 7pm to plan the 2022 programme.
Prayer and Life Workshop
Vicky Vinegas will be speaking to us at Masses next weekend about Prayer and Life Workshops which will be starting again after having to stop because of COVID restrictions.
Season of Creation
The World Day of Prayer for the Care and Creation took place on 1st September and the season continues until the 4th October, the Feast of St Francis of Assisi. During this season we are encouraged to pray and engage in community events in order to deepen our relationship with our God, our neighbour and the earth we share, being even more attentive to the cry of the earth and the cry of the poor.
Father, Lord of all creation, we praise you with all your creatures and the whole universe that comes forth from 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 out 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.
Gift Aid
We thank all parishioners who are paying by direct debit or envelopes and have signed a Gift Aid Declaration. We ask any parishioner who is a tax payer and donating through the loose plate to please consider donating instead by direct debit or envelope.
Any parishioner who has stopped being a tax payer should inform Susan in the office.
Retrouvaille
Covid 19—a very challenging time for many marriages.
So much uncertainty around, health, income, employment, vulnerable family members, children, housing. Different ways of seeing things, coping with change, managing fears can be a source of conflict and stress. It can be difficult to talk, to listen to support and comfort when there is so much uncertainty. Being together all the time, brings different challenges. You wonder would we be better apart?
Retrouvaille is a programme to support couples, it brings a positive focus, new hope and helps nourish and grow your marriage ….and you don’t need to leave home, it comes to you!
For confidential information about Retrouvaille’, or to register for the next programme, a Virtual weekend commencing 24th October 21st- 2021 Call or text 086 8211795.
Email: info@retrouvaille.uk – or visit www.retrouvaille.uk