TAKEHOMENEWS SUNDAY 16 AUGUST 2026

Solemnity of the Assumption 2026

Our Mother in Heaven

The Solemnity of the Assumption celebrates the falling asleep of the Virgin Mary, who, without decay, was assumed into heaven in body and soul. It was only declared a universal doctrine around the 20th century.

The first reading starts with a vision of the Ark in heaven. The old Ark was overshadowed by God’s glory. But about six centuries BC, it was nowhere to be found. However, the story has it that Jeremiah hid it somewhere (see 2Macc 2:7, Ezekiel 10).

It was at the Virgin Mary’s Presentation to the temple and finally at the Annunciation that the Ark returned in the person of Mary, as the New and Living Ark. “The spirit of the Lord will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you”, says Angel Gabriel (Luke 1:35). So, when Elizabeth and John the Baptist encountered Mary at the Visitation, the latter leapt in the womb, while the former prophesied on recognising in Mary God’s Living Presence.

It is only fitting then that she who bore the Creator in her womb and was closely united with him in his suffering and death should be preserved from corruption and share in his glory (Psalm 16:10). Therefore, the vision of the ark in heaven points to Mary, who is now in the heavenly sanctuary.

As we joyfully envision our glorious future in Mary’s Assumption, we join our voices with Mary to say the ‘Magnificat '.

Happy Sunday

Fr. Chinedu

THANK YOU FROM AID TO THE CHURCH IN NEED (ACN)

Thank you for your generosity, total raised so far is £782.5

RECENTLY DECEASED

JOSEPH McDONNELL, reception into the church Monday, 24 August at 6pm, funeral Mass Tuesday, 25 August at 11am.  May his soul and the souls of all the departed rest in peace.

WORLDWIDE ROSARY

Radio Maria UK is hosting a Worldwide Rosary on Wednesday, 26 August at 3:00 pm at the Shrine of Our Lady of Willesden. We are all warmly invited to join them and add our voices to this moment of global prayer. Further information is available at the Radio Maria website: https://tinyurl.com/4dtxzwzf.

 MARCH FOR LIFE

The March for Life UK 2026 takes place in London on Saturday, 5 September 2026, with the theme Abortion Hurts the Family. The day begins at 10:00 am with "LifeFest" at the Emmanuel Centre in central London. This features a pro-life human rights summit, exhibitions from various national organisations, training workshops, and activities for children. In the afternoon, participants will process through the streets of the capital, concluding at Parliament Square for keynote speeches and a time of remembrance. For more details, go to www.marchforlife.co.uk.

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. 

GOOD COUNCIL NATIONAL DAYS OF PRAYER & FASTING

For the end of abortion and euthanasia in this country.  Nonday 28 September, Tuesday 27^th October, Tuesday 17^th November and Monday 7^th December. For more information go to their website: www.goodcounselnetwork.com

SUPPORT FOR COUPLES IN CRISIS

When we experience marital stress, we need help to move from isolation toward renewed communication, consolation, and hope. For more information - https://rcdow.org.uk/news/when-love-needs-first-aid/

EDUCATION SUNDAY

Sunday 13 September is a day of Special Prayer. It provides an opportunity to celebrate and give thanks to all involved in making Catholic schools places of enlightenment. For more information and to download resources: www.cbcew.org. uk/education-sunday.