Takehomenews Sunday 30 August 2026
Carrying the Cross with the Fire Within
In this Sunday’s Gospel (Matthew 16:21-27), Jesus reminds us that following him means carrying our crosses and often denying ourselves. Jesus did not want to leave his disciples in any illusion that following him makes life easy. Rather, he shows with his own life that an authentic Christian discipleship must lead to the Cross.
We see this truth right from the Old Testament. In this Sunday’s first reading (Jeremiah 20:7-9), Jeremiah lamented the reproaches (crosses) which his obedience to God brought him. He recounted how often he said he wasn’t going to continue his ministry of preaching the word. But each time he did, he eventually went back to preaching. Then he realised that there was a ‘Fire’ shut in his heart and bones that always prevailed over him each time he despaired. Speaking of this fire, Jeremiah says, “….I am weary with holding it in and I cannot”.
The truth is that we cannot faithfully carry our crosses in trust without the fire of God’s Love alive in our hearts (Romans 5:5). It is God’s Love in our hearts that makes our soul thirst for him. It bears in us an unfailing Hope that the crosses of faithfulness eventually lead to the Glory of the Resurrection. O Lord, set our hearts on fire with your love that we may never give up carrying our crosses until we attain the glory of the resurrection. Through Christ our Lord. Amen
Happy Sunday
Fr. Chinedu
RECENTLY DECEASED
JIM MURPHY. May his soul and the souls of all the departed rest in peace.
SAINT VINCENT DE PAUL SOCIETY
There will be a second collection next weekend.
MARCH FOR LIFE
The March for Life UK 2026 takes place in London on Saturday, 5th 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, 6th September at 4pm in the church.
EDUCATION SUNDAY
Sunday 13th 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.
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 week
The Sanctuary Lamp burns continuously before the Blessed Sacrament from Saturday to Saturday and serves as a reminder of Christ's presence among us. Sponsorship of the lamp is both a beautiful spiritual offering and a practical way to support parish funds. The lamp does not burn during Holy Week.
Bookings for October 2026 onwards are now open.
A sponsorship diary will be available in the repository/parish office.
Please see the new posters displayed around the church for further details.
When using the Contactless donation machine mark your donation as Votive Candle stand. Thank you for your support and generosity.
OUR MP COULD BE ONE OF 12
Only 12 MPs need to switch for the assisted suicide Bill to be defeated on 11th 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
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
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/
SAFEGUARDING
For safeguarding purposes, please always accompany your children when they are using the church toilets.
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