Takehomenews Sunday 6 September 2026
Jesus came to reconcile us with God. But at the heart of this journey is our own reconciliation with each other. How can I reconcile with God whom I do not see, if I refuse to reconcile with the brothers and sisters I see?
We live in an imperfect and broken world. So, there will be offences and misunderstandings as we journey together. But it is in loving and forgiving each other that the world will know that we belong to God (John 13:35).
In this Sunday’s Gospel (Matthew 18:15-20), Jesus invites us to do our best to reconcile with each other, especially when others’ offences threaten our unity. St. Paul tells us in the second reading (Rm 13:8-10) that the key to striving fruitfully towards this divine invitation for unity and reconciliation is our mutual Love. He tells us that, “Love is the fulfilling of the law.”
As God’s people, let us journey together in this lifetime process of reconciliation, encouraging and forgiving each other. Like the Prophet Ezekiel in the first reading, having been entrusted with the ministry of reconciliation, we are to become agents of unity and reconciliation in our communities. Knowing that the salvation of others is linked to ours, the prophet Ezekiel tells us in this Sunday’s first reading that by so doing, “You will have delivered your souls. Lord, may we truly become agents of Reconciliation. Through Christ Our Lord. Amen
Happy Sunday Fr Chinedu
THE EXALTATION OF THE CROSS (FEAST)
On Monday, 14th September, we will celebrate the Feast of the Exaltation of the Cross, during which we are invited to carefully consider the cost of our salvation, and thus rejoice. The feast reminds us that our faith is not some invented abstract religion. It tells us, firstly, that Jesus’ death was a concrete historical event in which God, in his Son, died for us upon the cross. Secondly, as we consider the outcome of this Great Event, we are invited to exhort and rejoice. That (cross) which was an instrument of shame has now been transformed into a means of our redemption and glory. By the merits of this Cross, a new meaning has been given to our individual and communal crosses and sufferings, as they too can now become instruments of our salvation.
BAPTISM PREPARATION
The next preparation session for parents who wish to have their baby baptised is today Sunday, 6th September at 4pm in the church.
SAINT VINCENT DE PAUL SOCIETY
There will be a second collection this weekend.
RECENTLY DECEASED
ROBERT HELAY, his funeral will be on Saturday 12 September at 12.30pm also, JAMES (JIM) MURPHY. His funeral will be on Friday 25 September at 1pm. May their souls and the souls of all the departed rest in peace.
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.
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
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 register will be available in the repository/parish office.
Please see the new posters displayed around the church for further details.
Thank you for your support and generosity.
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.
YOUTH MINISTRY LEADER
Are you the current or next Youth Ministry Leader? Upper Room Leadership Programme equips Catholics to lead and inspire the next generation through faith, formation, practical training and ministry experience. The programme ends with a youth ministry qualification and pilgrimage to Lourdes with expectation for you to serve and lead in your parish! To sign up by 16 September 2026 and learn more please visit https://youth.rcdow.org.uk/
GOOD COUNSEL NETWORK
Is a life-affirming women’s organisation which offers moral support, support to find medical help, legal advice and practical help to women seeking abortion.
LIFE
Is a UK-based pregnancy support charity that provides emotional help, housing, and practical aid to people facing unexpected pregnancies or pregnancy loss.
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
GOOD NEIGHBOUR SCHEME Thursday LUNCH CLUB:
Cornflower Cancer Support Group
Second Tuesdays of the month 6.30-8.00pm
Disability Access & Loop System
Hall Hire enquiries Please contact the office
Diocese of Westminster Registered Charity No: 233699
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