TAKEHOMENEWS SUNDAY 9 AUGUST 2026

NINETEENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME YEAR A

Fixing Our Gaze Upon Jesus

It is God’s presence that brings the calmness and victory for which we truly long. We are, therefore, to cling to him and his promises in prayerful obedience, even amid the storms of life; lest our gaze be unanchored from him who is our Eternal Anchor of Life. The storms will pass. God’s abiding presence will surely break through for our victory.  No wonder Jesus says, “In the world, you will have troubles, but do not be afraid, for I have conquered the world.” (See Jn 16:33, Mark 4:17)

However, to experience the victory that God’s presence brings, we are to patiently wait on the ‘Mountain-top of prayer’, fixing our gaze upon God who has called us.  Through prayer, our gaze is fixed on Jesus, who, in this Sunday’s Gospel (Matthew 14:22-33), calls St Peter and indeed us to walk upon the stormy and raging seas of life and never to be overwhelmed (see Isaiah 43:2). 

As long as we fix our gaze on Jesus in prayerful obedience, walking in his will, we find divine courage and are held up to walk triumphantly upon our daily fears. And should we fall on account of our weaknesses or fears, God’s hand is there to support and hold us up.  Lord, give us the grace to reach out to you, allowing you to hold our often-shaky hands and to raise us beyond the fears that try to assail us. Amen

Happy Sunday

Fr. Chinedu

APPEAL ON BEHALF OF AID TO THE CHURCH IN NEED (ACN)

This weekend of August 8th and 9th, there will be an appeal on behalf of Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) given by Eileen Murray, Community Fundraiser for the Archdiocese of Westminster.

The appeal will focus on our work in Nigeria, Lebanon and the Holy Land. There will also be a trade stall selling hand-made devotional Items from Syria, Nigeria, Ukraine and the Holy Land after all Masses

FOR YOUR INFORMATION

The Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary is next Sunday, 16th August, not on Saturday 15th.

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. 

GIFT AID & PARISHIONER UPDATES

We thank all parishioners who are paying by direct debit or envelopes and have signed a Gift Aid Declaration. We ask any parishioner who is a tax payer and donating through the loose plate to please consider donating instead by standing order or envelope.  If you wish to become a planned giver or Gift Aid your donations please fill out our Gift Aid and Donation Form, it can be found on the table at the back of the church. Please give it to one of the priests or pop it through the presbytery letterbox, 4 Thirleby Road.  Thank you.

Any parishioner who has stopped being a tax payer and were previously a Gift Aider should inform the office.

RECENTLY DECEASED

JOSEPH McDONNELL, reception into the church Monday, 24 August at 6pm, funeral Mass Tuesday, 25 August at 11am. May his soul and the souls of all the departed rest in peace.

LUMINISCENCE EXPERIENCE WESTMINSTER CATHEDRAL

Hear the story of London and one of its most important cathedrals voiced by star of Paddington and Downtown Abbey, Hugh Bonneville, blended with live performances of classical music’s greatest composers brought to life by the phenomenal Lux Aeterna choir. Tickets are available from LUNINISCENCE.COM

SUPPORT FOR COUPLES IN CRISIS

When we experience marital stress, we need help to move from isolation toward renewed communication, consolation, and hope. https://rcdow.org.uk/news/when-love-needs-first-aid/

CALLED TO SERVE – SATURDAY 3 OCTOBER 10AM-4PM

Westminster Youth Ministry Retreat Centre, Pinner, £10 per person.

Catechists, youth leaders, and all those involved in parish ministry are warmly invited to Called to Serve Day - a day of prayer, fellowship and formation celebrating our call to serve Christ and others.Join the Agency for Evangelisation, Westminster Youth Ministry, and Caritas Westminster for workshops, reflection and the chance to meet others serving in our parishes.  For more information Phone: 0207 798 9000

Email: catadmin@rcdow.org.uk

READERS' FORMATION WORKSHOP

Proclaiming God’s Word: Exploring the Ministry of Reading is a workshop for current and aspiring Readers (Lectors). Deepen your understanding of

Scripture, explore the Liturgy of the Word, and grow in confidence as you

proclaim God's Word at Mass. Saturday 12 September 2026 10.00am-1.00pm Cost:£5 The Niland Conference Centre, Rosary Priory, Bushey Heath, WD23 4EE, for more information contact the Agency for Evangelisation Phone: 0207 798 9000 Email: catadmin@rcdow.org.uk