TAKEHOMENEWS SUNDAY 12 JULY 2026

FIFTEENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME YEAR A 

Can God and His Words be Trusted? 

From the moment of humanity’s fall in the book of Genesis, the human heart has wrestled with this question. Yet, God has repeatedly proved his faithfulness. Even when his people turn away and suffered the consequences of unbelief, the Lord never abandoned his people. Instead, he fulfilled his promises with steadfast love.

In the first reading from the prophet Isaiah (55:10-11), God reassures his people of his faithfulness and says, just as rain waters the earth and makes it fruitful, his word never returns empty but accomplishes its purpose. This is an invitation to trust. Yes, God’s timing may test our patience, but his promises never fail (see Habakkuk 2:3; Jeremiah 1:12).

However, for God’s faithful words to bear fruits in us and accomplish it purpose, this Sunday Gospel’s parable of the Sower invites us to till the soil of our hearts.  We do that through prayer, the sacraments, charity and obedience to God’s word.

That said, the process of tilling our hearts and waiting for the fulfilment of God’s word can often be very challenging. But St. Paul, in the second reading (Romans 8:18-23) reminds us that the present sufferings are insignificant compared with the glory God that awaits the faithful. Jesus himself is the perfect witness to God’s faithfulness. Jesus trusted, died for us and was raised by the Eternal Father. This has shown us that God can be trusted. O Lord, strengthen my trust in your word. Amen 

Happy Sunday  Fr. Chinedu 

STELLA MARIS

Seafarers and fishers play a vital role in all of our lives, but they often work in difficult, hazardous conditions. Sea Sunday, is Sunday 12th July. It is when the Church prays for all those who live and work at sea. Your support will make a big difference to seafarers and fishers in need. You can donate in church, by visiting www.stellamaris.org.uk/donate, or by texting ‘SEA’ to 70460 to donate £5.00 This collection is vital to enable Stella Maris to continue its important work, so please give generously. Thank you.

BAPTISM PREPARATION

The next preparation session for parents who wish to have their baby baptised is Sunday, 6^th September at 4pm in the church. 

CHURCH CLEANING

We wish to invite the young people, adults and parents for a Saturday all round clean-up of our parish.  On Saturday 18^th  July at 10.30am.  There will be no           Eucharistic  Adoration or Confessions  on that day. 

Let us come to keep the house of God clean.  Thank you for your anticipated       presence.

SUMMER FAYRE

A BIG thank you to everyone who supported our  Summer Fayre, we hope to have more news next week.  Winners please pick up your prizes before the end of July.

 25^th PRIESTLY ANNIVERSARY

To the Glory of God!  We joyfully invite all parishioners to the 25^th Ordination       Anniversary of Fr Ufayissa Dea Madalcho CM, on Sunday 19^th July at the 12:noon Mass.

After the Mass, all are welcome to the church hall for a thanksgiving celebration  and refreshments.

If you wish to make an offering on behalf of the parish, please  place your gift into the brown envelope marked Silver Jubilee.  Your envelope can be placed in the      offertory collection  bag or  posted  through the presbytery letterbox.

RECENTLY DECEASED

DILLON O’FLYNN, her funeral  Mass  will be at 12 Noon on Friday 17 July. 

Ann Kelly, her funeral Mass will be at 10.30am on Monday 27 July. May  their souls and the souls of all the departed rest in peace.

SAINT VINCENT DE PAUL SOCIETY—RAISING AWARNESS

Will be speaking at all Masses next weekend.

In  August there will be no Baptisms or Weekly novena s

THE FOODBANK IS CLOSED AND WILL RESUME AGAIN IN SEPTEMBER

Thank you for your donations.

THREE-DAY CATECHISTS’ COURSE AUTUMN 2026

In September and October, the Catechesis Support team will be running a three-day course for catechists in Vaughan House, Westminster. 

This course will take place over three Saturdays (12 and 26 September & 17 October), from 10am-4pm (4.30pm on the 17^th October), and catechists do need to come to all three days as we shall be covering different material each day.

The course is free and open to all current and prospective catechists in the diocese, however new or experienced they might be.  Please bring a packed lunch.

We ask that all attendees book in advance to say that they will attend all three days.  More information and the booking form can be found by visiting https://rcdow.org.uk/catechists-course/ 

BANNEUX ND GB PILGRIMAGES 2026

Bannneux ND GB Pilgrimages invite you to join our pilgrimage to the Shrine of Our Lady of Banneux, Belgium, a major Catholic Marian pilgrimage site. It marks the spot where the Blessed Virgin Mary appeared eight times between January 15 and March 2, 1933, to an 11-year-old girl, Mariette Beco, calling herself the "Virgin of the Poor". 

During the visions, Mary indicated a stream, stating, "This spring is reserved for all nations to relieve the sick". The shrine was officially approved by the Roman Catholic Church in 1949 and was famously visited by Pope John Paul II in 1985.

We will be travelling by luxury coach on the 12 August and returning on the 18 August. A full program of daily Holy Mass, Rosary, Talks, Divine Mercy devotions is available and a day trip to Beauraing, another Marian apparition site is included in the price. Hotel and full board included. Pls call Millie on WhatsApp 07957594646 for more information.