TAKEHOMENEWS SUNDAY 23 AUGUST 2026

TWENTY-FIRST SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME YEAR A

You are Blessed

Like St Peter in this Sunday’s Gospel, we know, believe and confess that Jesus is “The Christ, the Son of the living God.” As Jesus tells St Peter, “You are a happy (blessed) man; even so are we blessed for believing.

But we must remember that the knowledge of this revelatory truth is not by human wisdom. Thus, Jesus tells St. Peter, “Flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father in heaven.” Our faith is God’s Gift.

St. Peter, having believed amid all doubts, Jesus says to him, “You are Peter, and on this rock, I will build my Church.” Jesus gives him the authority as Christ’s Vicar to bind and loose. This immediately echoes this Sunday’s first Reading, where Eliakim (the Shebna, the master and keeper of the king’s palace) receives the key of the house of David (Is 22:19-23). With this authority, like Christ, St Peter is to serve and shepherd Christ’s Church, reconciling them to God.

Through our Baptism, we too share in Christ’s ministry of reconciliation (2 Corinthians 5:18) and service. However, we must be truly convinced that Jesus is the Son of the Living God.

Like Peter, sometimes we may face doubts, confusion, and unanswered questions as we engage with God’s unsearchable knowledge and inscrutable ways (Romans 11:33-36). In those moments, we are to keep trusting and believing because, in believing in him, we are truly happy (blessed). Lord Jesus, strengthen our belief in you. Amen

Happy Sunday

Fr. Chinedu

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. 

RECENTLY DECEASED

JOSEPH McDONNELL reception into the church Monday, 24^th August at 6pm, funeral Mass Tuesday, 25^th August at 11am. JIM MURPHY formerly of this parish.  May their souls and the souls of all the departed rest in peace.

PURIFYING WORD CATHOLIC MINISTRY

Transforming lives through the power of God’s word. The next Purifying Word Ministry meeting will be on Friday (Last Friday) at Sacred Heart, 28th August. It will start with the Holy Mass at 7 pm followed by Eucharistic Adoration and a talk by Fr. Chinedu titled: ‘The Faith of the Centurion’ (Matthew 8:5-13, Luke 7:1-10). All are welcome.

MARCH FOR LIFE

The March for Life UK 2026 takes place in London on Saturday, 5^th 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.

EDUCATION SUNDAY

Sunday 13^th 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.

GOOD COUNCIL NATIONAL DAYS OF PRAYER & FASTING

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

 SAFEGUARDING

For safeguarding purposes, please always accompany your children when they are using the toilets.

GRIEF CAFES

Support and connection for bereaved people. If you or someone you know is navigating loss, Grief Cafés offer a welcoming space for anyone coping with bereavement. Held at various local venues, these sessions are completely free, open to all, and require no advance booking - simply turn up to share thoughts and feelings over a cup of tea and a biscuit with trained volunteers who are there to listen and offer support for more information call 08003687848 Email: nlh@northlondonhospice.co.uk

OUR MP COULD BE ONE OF 12

Only 12 MPs need to switch for the assisted suicide Bill to be defeated on 11^th September.

A face-to-face meeting can make a real difference to how your MP votes. Right To Life UK’s simple tool lets you request a meeting in just 30 seconds and gives you everything you need to prepare, including a short video guide. Please ask your MP today for a meeting and urge them to vote NO to assisted suicide: https://righttolife.org.uk/meetyourmp

THE SACRED HEART LANGUAGE COLLEGE WEALDSTONE

Open Evening / Open Morning at The Sacred Heart Language College.  Those wishing to apply for a place in Year 7 for September 2027 are invited to visit the college during one of our Open Sessions: Open Evening: Tuesday 8^th September 6-8.30pm Open Morning: Thursday 17^th Sept 9 – 10:30am.