TAKEHOMENEWS SUNDAY 4 OCTOBER 2026
Appreciating God’s Graces
From Christ’s fullness, we have received grace upon grace. However, we can often betray these graces like the unfruitful vineyard and ungrateful tenants in this Sunday’s readings. But then, God remains persistent in his love. He sees us for what his grace can accomplish in us.
The parable of the kingdom about a landowner who planted a vineyard and leased it to tenants who then turned and killed his only son, tells our story, the story of humanity’s response to God’s Generosity. God is the landowner, the owner of our lives whose Son, was nailed on the cross.
God has entrusted us with our lives and invites us to bear fruits onto salvation. To do that, we are to guard our hearts against ingratitude, and greed and then practice filling them with everything that is true, honourable and pure as the second reading tells us (Phil 4:6-9). In that way, we become less anxious, as we strive to overcome greed and ingratitude to God and others.
Yes, sometimes, we are anxious. But the Lord tells us (Phil 4:6-9) not to worry. but rather, through prayers and supplications and thanksgiving, we should make our concerns known to him. So, as we, trustingly present our concerns with thankful hearts, mindful of God’s many graces in our lives, may the ‘Peace Christ, which surpasses all understanding guard our hearts and minds.’ Through Christ Our Lord. Amen.
Happy Sunday.
Fr Chinedu
INTERNATIONAL MASS
Thank you to everyone who attended last Sunday’s International Mass. It was a wonderous occasion celebrating the fellowship and richness of our cultures. We are especially thankful to those who participated in the Mass, or by coming in National Dress, sharing food and clearing up. It was an uplifting experience! If you have any photographs you would like to share please email them to the office: burntoak@rcdow.org.uk
BAPTISM PREPARATION
The next preparation session for parents who wish to have their baby baptised is TODAY Sunday, 4th October at 4pm in the church.
SANCTUARY LAMP SPONSORED INTENTIONS
"Keep a flame burning." (Exodus 27:20)
Deirdre & Kevin Hackett 2. Priests Living & Deceased
MONTHLY CHILDREN'S MASS
The first Children’s Mass of the school year will take place on Sunday 18th October at 10:30am. Children in school years 3 to 10 inclusive who would like to support the liturgy by welcoming the congregation to Mass, singing with the choir, reading, or bringing the gifts to the altar can sign-up by giving their name and their parent/carer’s contact details in at the Repository after Mass. The deadline for registering to take part in the October Children’s Mass is 12 Noon on Sunday 11th October.
MEETING FOR NEW ALTAR SERVERS
We are blessed with excellent servers in our parish who give faithful service throughout the year, but we are always on the lookout for other parishioners who would like to join our ‘team’. The ministry of altar server is open to all who have received their First Holy Communion and demonstrate a wish to uphold the aims and objectives of the Guild of St Stephen.
Those who would like to become altar servers are invited to attend a training session on Saturday 10th October at 2pm in the church. The session will last approximately one hour; those under the age of 16 must be accompanied to the session by a parent/carer.
ALB AMNESTY!
If there are any albs or cinctures hiding in the homes of former altar servers, could they please be returned to the parish so they can be given to current and/or new servers. Thank you.
SVP MILL HILL AND BURNT OAK CONFERENCE
There is 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.
RETREAT: BE STILL AND KNOW THAT I AM GOD
Find out more and book:
ADOREMUS 2026 AT ARCHDIOCESES OF SOUTHWARK AND WESTMINSTER
Adoremus Vigil on Friday, 9 October 2026, 7 - 9 pm at the church of Most Holy Trinity, 39 Dockhead, LondonSE1 2BS (London Bridge/Bermondseyct. The Vigil may specially resonate with young adults.
Adoremus Overnight Adoration at Westminster Cathedral on Saturday, 10 October 2026 starting at 8 pm. The first three hours of Adoration will be focused on Eucharistic Saints. Reflections and prayers will be led by Westminster and Southwark Youth Ministries, and CYMFed. Worship music will be by One Hope Project. Confirmation groups and teenagers are particularly welcomed. Sunday Vigil Mass at Westminster Cathedral will be at 6 pm as usual.
NEWMAN LECTURE 2026: Media beyond the Moment
Friday 9 October 7.00pm, St Patrick’s Catholic Church, Soho
Join Br Alexander Bailey, CO for the Guild of Our Lady of Ransom’s first ever Newman Lecture, exploring how St John Henry Newman used the media of his day - from student journalism and the Tracts for the Times to novels, pamphlets and periodicals - to communicate, defend and deepen the faith.
Doors open at 7.00pm for refreshments; lecture begins at 7.30pm, followed by Q&A. St Patrick’s Catholic Church, Soho Square, London W1D 4NR
Student discount tickets available.
Book tickets: guild-ransom.co.uk/events
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.
REGULAR EVENTS IN THE CANON SMYTH PARISH CENTRE
COFFEE MORNING 1ST SUNDAY OF THE MONTH 9 -10:30am
SATURDAY CLUB: FOR ADULTS WITH LEARNING DIFFICULTIES
LAST SATURDAY OF THE MONTH 2.30-4.30pm HALL
GOOD NEIGHBOUR SCHEME Thursday LUNCH CLUB:
Cornflower Cancer Support Group
Second Tuesdays of the month 6.30-8.00pm
Disability Access & Loop System
For Hall Hire enquiries Please contact the office 020 8959 1971
Diocese of Westminster Registered Charity No: 233699
Comments