TAKEHOMENEWS SUNDAY 11 OCTOBER 2026
We Live in Hope of an Eternal Banquet of the Lamb
Like the king in today’s Gospel, who invited guests to his son's wedding, God has in Christ offered all an invitation to the Eternal Banquet of the Lamb. Every genuine act of love, kindness and mercy; every time we forgive or turn away from our sinful habit, we are responding to that divine invitation.
However, sometimes, like, the guests in today’s Gospel (Matthew 22:1-14), we struggle to honour God’s offer of salvation to an Eternal Banquet of the Lamb, which, by the way, is foreshadowed in the Eucharistic Sacrifice of the Holy Mass. There may be times when we are distracted, tired or weighed down by many cares and troubles of life unable to keep following him. In those moments, we should, with hope and an eager readiness, call upon the One who gives us strength, in whom we can do all things as St Paul tells us in this Sunday’s second reading (Philippians 4:12-14,19-20).
At last, when our sufferings are over and we are finally home with the Lord, ‘He will wipe away our tears from every face and take away our reproach’ as the Prophet Isaiah tells us in the first reading (Isaiah 25:6-10a). But in the meantime, having clothed ourselves with the garment of love, kindness and mercy, may we remain hopeful, patient in suffering that when the Lord come he may find us watchful in prayer. Through Christ Our Lord. Amen.
Happy Sunday
Fr Chinedu
SPONSERED SANCTUARY LAMP INTENTIONS
"Keep a flame burning." (Exodus 27:20)
BOURKE, FENNESSY & HACKETT FAMILIES & KENNETH & ANNIE THANKSGIVING
PACT – THE NATIONAL CATHOLIC PRISON CHARITY
As the leading Catholic charity in prisons, we have been helping people in need for more than 125 years. We support prisoners, their families and their children, offering them hope and the chance to turn their lives around. Our work at Pact draws on the values of our faith: dignity, solidarity, and subsidiarity. We believe that everyone can make a fresh start, whatever they may have done. For support or questions: parish.action@prisonadvice.org.uk
07710 170 942
NEXT SUNDAY- 100 YEARS WORLD MISSION SUNDAY
‘One in Christ, united in mission’ Pope Leo XIV. Next Sunday is World Mission Sunday, the Holy Father invites all Catholics to support Missio – his charity for world mission – through a special collection. This day of prayer, solidarity and giving unites Catholics worldwide to share the Good News of God’s love which has the power to transform lives and heal our world. To donate, use the Missio envelopes, 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
MONTHLY CHILDREN'S MASS
The first Children’s Mass of the school year will take place on Sunday 18th October at 10:30am. Children in school years 3 to 10 inclusive who would like to support the liturgy by welcoming the congregation to Mass, singing with the choir, reading, or bringing the gifts to the altar can sign-up by giving their name and their parent/carer’s contact details in at the Repository after Mass. The deadline for registering to take part in the October Children’s Mass is 12 Noon on Sunday 11th October.
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 WEEKEND 8th–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/
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 COUNCIL 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
LORETO COLLEGE (ST ALBANS)
Co-educational Sixth Form Open Evening: 14th October 2026 (6pm to 8pm). Tours for both Year 7 and Year 12 entry available from 12th October onwards.
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.
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
Diocese of Westminster Registered Charity No: 233699
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