TAKEHOMENEWS SUNDAY 20 SEPTEMBER
In this Sunday’s Gospel, the labourers who were called first became envious of the eleventh-hour people whom they thought received more than they deserved. They felt that their master was unfair for paying everyone the same. By their calculation, they deserved more. Even though their Master’s generosity was not at their expense, they begrudged those who enjoyed their Master’s favour.
Here, we see the dangers of an undue sense of entitlement. First, it can often make us ungrateful/prideful, thinking that the blessings we enjoy are only by our power. Second, it can make our hearts bitter at others’ blessings, making us enemies of God’s work in others’ lives.
Yes, we can often think that we deserve more than we often get in life. However, we must prayerfully examine this claim. Through sincere prayers and careful consideration, we surprisingly realise that, for our sake, ‘God might have been unfair to others as well’ because we have all received more than we ‘deserved’.
From Jesus, we have received grace upon grace (John 1:16, Ephesians 2:8, 1 Cor 4:7). Only God knows what each truly deserves, if at all we deserve anything. Because it is God’s grace that makes our works meritorious. However, if we remain faithful to the end like the labourers, we shall all receive the Eternal Reward, which is God Himself, beyond whom there is nothing more to give. O Lord, help us by your grace. Amen
Happy Sunday Fr Chinedu
RECENTLY DECEASED
JAMES (JIM) MURPHY. His funeral will be on Friday 25 September at 1pm. May his soul and the souls of all the departed rest in peace.
RCIA REGISTRATION
For anyone who is thinking of becoming a Catholic or baptised adult Catholics who have not received the other Sacraments, the RCIA programme will be starting in October. Please ask one of the priests for an application form.
MASS COUNT
This weekend and for the following three weekends, we will be counting heads at Masses.
INTERNATIONL MASS – SUNDAY 27 SEPTEMBER (12 NOON)
The Parish joyfully invites everyone to the Annunciation Parish International Mass on Sunday, 27 September 2026 at 12 noon. This celebration brings together our diverse cultures and traditions as one community of faith.
Parishioners are encouraged to come wearing national attire or traditional dress. Please bring flags and flaglettes, especially for the children who will join the processional at the beginning of Mass.
Those who wish to participate in the multi‑lingual Bidding Prayers are invited to speak to one of our priests today. Your language and cultural heritage are a blessing to our liturgy.
After the Mass, all are welcome to gather at the Canon Smyth Parish Centre Main Hall for a shared community lunch. Please bring a native dish or dessert to share. The Parish will provide drinks for everyone. This is a wonderful opportunity to enjoy fellowship and celebrate the richness of our cultures.
We are also seeking volunteers to assist with setting up the Parish Hall before the shared lunch, the aftercare and clean‑up following the event. If you are available to help, please speak to any of our Stewards.
Thank you and we look forward to see you at our International Mass
HOME MISSION SUNDAY
Today, we will celebrate Home Mission Sunday, a day for us as the Catholic community in England and Wales to celebrate our faith in these lands, and our shared commitment to communicate the beauty and the joy of knowing Jesus Christ. The Second Collection this weekend is to support the work carried out by the Bishops’ Conference Mission Directorate.
SVP MILL HILL AND BURNT OAK CONFERENCE
Thank you for your very generous contribution of £338.00. There will be a list at the back of the church for those interested in joining or finding out more. Also, please take a look at the SVP Poster on the Notice Board
ST JAMES’ CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL OPEN EVENING EVENT
Thursday 1 October 2026 Preparation for Year 7 Intake for 2027/2028 We would like to welcome you to St James' Catholic High School to experience our educational setting, take a tour of the school and meet our staff and pupils. This event takes place on Thursday 1 October from 5:30pm.
There will be parking on the school site at the end of Great Strand NW9 5PE
SANCTUARY LAMP SPONSORSHIP SCHEME
"Keep a flame burning." (Exodus 27:20)
Parishioners are invited to sponsor the Sanctuary Lamp for one week: In memory of a loved one, For a special intention Or In thanksgiving for blessings received.
Suggested Donation: £10 per intention, two intentions per week, when using the Contactless donation machine mark your donation as Votive Candle Stand.
A sponsorship diary will be available in the repository/parish office. Bookings for October 2026 onwards are now open. Thank you for your support and generosity.
LORETO COLLEGE OPEN EVENING
More details are available on the school website www.loreto.herts.sch.uk
BAPTISM PREPARATION
The next preparation session for parents who wish to have their baby baptised is Sunday, 4th October at 4pm in the church.
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.
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