FR DAVID WRITES
Today there is a pastoral letter from Cardinal Nichols, partly reflecting on some of our recent experiences as well as introducing the diocesan preparatory phase of the forthcoming Synod of Bishops (2023) on Communion, Participation and Mission. Friday was the CAFOD Harvest Fast Day and there will be a retiring collection for this at all Masses this weekend. Thank you for your generosity. Pope Francis hopes to visit Scotland in November to take part in the COP26 summit. Please keep this and the world's poorest in your prayers. Wishing you all a good weekend.
OCTOBER: PRAY THE ROSARY
October is month of the Holy Rosary. Fr Johnson will expose the Blessed Sacrament and say the Rosary each morning Monday-Friday (7am Exposition, 7.15 Rosary) before 8am Mass, if you would like to join either in person or online. Parishioners also say the Rosary before 10am Mass on weekdays - all are welcome to join. On Sundays, there is a Rosary for persecuted Christians after the 10am Mass (in front of the Blessed Sacrament altar). This Thursday is the Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary, also known as Our Lady of Victory.
RCIA—JOURNEY IN FAITH INTO THE CATHOLIC CHURCH
If you are interested or know anyone who is interested in becoming a Catholic and are over the age of 18 please contact the Parish Office.
CONFIRMATION
The next session is next Saturday 9th October at 4.50pm, followed by Mass at 6pm.
ALTERATIONS IN SCHEDULE
Monday—Friday Masses 8 am & 10am (car park will not open till 9.15am)
on Fridays there will be exposition after the 10am Mass
Saturdays 1pm Baptisms, 3pm Confessions, 4pm Vigil Mass, 6pm Vigil Mass
Sundays Masses: 8.45am, 10am (Solemn), 11.15am (Family), 12.30pm.
BERNADETTE CLUB
Next meeting will be this Thursday, 7th October.
COVID GUIDELINES
You should not come to church if you have any symptoms, or if you have been told to self-isolate. Please continue to use the QR code to sign in on your smartphone. You are encouraged to wear a face covering. The capacity of the church has increased to normal levels, but please be respectful of those who may want to keep a distance. Thank you.
NEW SOUTHGATE PARISH FOOD BANK
The food bank is now operating from St Paul’s CoE Church Hall (not the church itself). The day has changed to Wednesdays 2.30pm-4pm. No vouchers or referral needed. There is also a cup of tea/coffee at the same time at the ‘World Café’. Thank you to everyone who is continuing to bring items for the food bank. However, we are looking for more volunteers. If you can help on a Wednesday afternoon at St Paul’s please email the Vicar on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
CAFOD
Ivanilde lives in the Amazon, protecting the small area of rainforest she calls home. She's faced fires and threats, like so many of the small farmers who are trying to save what Pope Francis has called "Our Common Home". With your generous help CAFOD can support her and heroes like her around the world struggling against climate change and encroachment upon God's Creation for political or economic gain. To donate text CAFOD10 to 70580 to give £10, or add the amount you'd like to give e.g. Text CAFOD20 to give £20 etc. or online go to www.cafod.org.uk/climatecrisis or call 0303 303 3030, or use the envelope to give once or become a regular donor by filling in the direct debit form. Thank you.
OFFERTORY COUNTERS’ ROTA
A new rota is now available starting on Monday 4th October. Please note 18th October is group 3. Please take a copy from the sacristy today, or if you would prefer to receive it by email, please send an email to the parish office on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Thank you.
CHANGES TO MEETING NIGHTS FOR OUR SCOUT GROUP
The 22nd Southgate Scouts this year celebrate its 50th Anniversary. From the start of November, Beaver and Cub meetings on Tuesdays will cease and both will move to Wednesday and a second Beaver Colony will open on Monday evenings. So on both Mondays and Wednesdays in the hall, we will have Beavers from 5pm, Cubs at 6.15pm and Scouts at 8pm. If you’d like your child to be a Beaver/Cub, please text Chris on 07803 161292.
SECONDARY SCHOOL TRANSFER
If your child is due to start at secondary school next September, the schools will be holding open days/evenings in the next couple of weeks. Please keep an eye on their websites for details of dates and times. Fr David will be available to sign school forms on Saturday 16th October from 5pm to 6.30pm. There is no need to sign up, but please do come at this time with all your forms ready to be signed. Most Catholic schools will not need a CCP, but some may still be using it so please check the information on the schools’ websites carefully. He will also be able to sign for other schools which require a priest’s reference.