27th SUNDAY OF YEAR B
Jesus gives us a lot to think about in today’s Gospel. He speaks especially on behalf of married women and of children. Both groups were vulnerable in Jesus’ time and had little value or official protection. Women were too often seen as property, without social power to protect themselves from the whims of a husband’s disloyalty or disinterest. Jesus re-iterates the unity of marriage. Husband and wife become one. They are no longer two but one body. Jesus gives us a glimpse or vision of God’s loving plan. Jesus’ words urge us to see the importance of marriage, rather than seeing commitment and love as fleeting.
Jesus then rebukes the disciples who try to block children who are being brought by the parents for his blessing. “Let the little children come to me”, Jesus says. While the disciples see the small children as unimportant, with little economic or social power, Jesus wants to meet them for they are precious and worthy of his blessing. Jesus blesses the children because he loves vulnerable people and has compassion for those whose innocence and powerlessness, make them susceptible to abuse and exploitation. It is a lesson for us in our attitudes and dealings with others.
MASS COUNT
The number of people attending Mass here last weekend was 393. There will be another count this weekend.
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. This will run until half term16th October and restart again on 1st November.
BAPTISM PREPARATION
The next session for parents who wish to have their baby baptised is on Sunday 14th November at 4pm in the church.
RECENTLY DECEASED
Please pray for the repose of the soul of NORAH CASEY, formerly of this parish, whose funeral takes place on Thursday 14th October.
PRAYER AND LIFE WORKSHOP
Next weekend Vicky Vinegas will be here to speak at the end of Masses about the Prayer and Life Workshops which we hope to start again soon after the Covid break.
RCIA
On Tuesday at 8pm, we start The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) programme. We will meet in the Canon Smyth Parish Centre. This is primarily for adults who are considering baptism or reception into the Catholic Church as well as for baptised Catholics who would like to prepare for the other Sacraments. Anyone else is welcome to join the group to find more about our faith. The session on 5th October is an introductory session so you can just come along and see what it is all about. Sessions last an hour and will finish at 9pm.
BEFRIENDING THE BEREAVED
Over several years in Burnt Oak and Mill Hill, there has been a group of people available to meet up with individuals or families suffering from the effects of bereavement. In more recent times, there has also been a drop-in facility for those who wish to talk about their bereavement in a group environment. This has taken place at the Sacred Heart Church in Mill Hill. Over the last 18 months, these facilities have been in abeyance because of COVID but it is hoped that they will start up again soon. However, we are in need of more befrienders. If you think you would be able to take this on or would like to know more about it, please speak to Fr Colin, who has been involved in the project since he first came to the parish. It is emphasized that this is not a Counselling Service. The main attribute required is to be a good listener. Training can be provided.
CHURCH ETIQUETTE
We welcome everyone, adults and children and babies to the Annunciation Church. In order for everyone’s attendance at Mass or visit to the church to be comfortable and spiritual, we are making the following requests:
Please sanitise your hands on entry.
Please switch off or turn to silent mobile phones and other electronic devices.
Please arrive at Mass on time to avoid distractions to those already there.
Please keep aisles clear. This is particularly important for the opening and closing procession, for the communion procession and for any emergency evacuation.
Pushchairs should be parked on the left side of the church under the arches
or in the space by the middle statues.
At Mass please wait in your bench, for the steward to direct you
to come forward for Holy Communion.
When receiving Holy Communion,
please consume the host in sight of the priest or minister.
Males are asked to remove any headgear when entering the church.
Please do not consume any food, drink or chewing gum in the church.
Please maintain silence in the church to enable others to pray.
The Sanctuary must be treated with the utmost respect at all times and no person should enter this space unless they have good reason to do so.
Please take a Takehomenews and Mass leaflet home with you.
Unaccompanied children should not approach candle stands at any time.
CAFOD FAST DAY COLLECTION
We have received a letter from CAFOD, thanking us for our contributions towards the last CAFOD Fast Day collection in Lent when the focus was on access to clean water. This time the focus will be on the Climate Crisis. Pope Francis has told us that global politics should look beyond our own needs to the needs of all, most especially to those who are poor and excluded. Our contributions this time will help the poorest people in the world adapt to the climate crisis. This is a crisis that effect each of us and is damaging our world, our common home which is God’s creation.
CAFOD local experts are reaching the most vulnerable and supporting people who are giving their all to protect our world. Last weekend we heard about IVANILDE who is a mother, grandmother and farmer. For the last 19 years, she has been protecting one of the most heavily deforested regions of the American rainforest that she calls home. We heard about communities being helped who are struggling with drought, others with floods, others from devastating cyclones.
Our donations will help in this massive project. There will be a second collection as you leave in which you can return the CAFOD envelope. If you prefer, you can take an envelope and return it next week. Also, you can donate online through the CAFOD website or via text. Text CAFOD10 to 70580 to donate £10. Or choose to give any whole amount between £1 and £20 by texting CAFOD, followed by the amount you would like to donate to 70580.