FR DAVID WRITES
This week we welcome Fr Michael who will be with us for a couple of weeks during his summer holidays. Fr Michael will also be able help Fr Jerome and Fr Johnson while I am away. I am looking forward to celebrating the wedding of Consiglia and Daniel this Friday, after which I will leave for my break. I want to send my best wishes to all the children and families of Year 6 who are moving on from Our Lady of Lourdes Primary School. Please remember: you are always part of the parish family! I wish you all a very happy summer holidays and look forward to seeing you—hopefully all refreshed!
TODAY IS SEA SUNDAY—9/10 JULY 2022
Seafarers and fishers play a vital role in all of our lives, but they often work in hazardous conditions. In the last year, more crews have been abandoned by their employers than ever before. Many are still being denied the right to leave their ships for even a short break away. Sea Sunday is when the Church prays for all those who live and work at sea. Your support will make a big difference to seafarers and fishers in need. A collection will take place NEXT weekend for the work of Stella Maris. Alternatively you can donate by visiting www.stellamaris.org.uk/seasunday, or by texting ‘SEA’ to 70460 to donate £5
PARISH CENTRE & HALL
We are planning to have the parish centre and hall redecorated, and the kitchen repaired, during the summer break. I anticipate this work will begin on Monday 1 August and may take up to four weeks. Please note that the hall will be completely out of action during this time, which will mean a suspension of all groups. We have specifically aimed to do this work during the summer holiday to cause minimal disruption to the normal programme. Thank you.
FINANCE COMMITTEE
A reminder that the next Finance Committee meeting is on Tuesday 12 July at 7pm.
FOOD BANK
We continue to collect non perishable food for the foodbank. We especially need pasta, rice, tins & toiletries. All items can be left in the blue box at the back of church.
CEMETERY MASS AND PRAYERS
Thank you to everyone who came to pray at the Mass and short service in the cemeteries on Saturday. Please pray for all the faithful departed of our parish and families.
YEAR 6 LEAVERS’ MASS
The Mass for the children who are leaving our Primary School this year will take place on Tuesday 19 July in the church at 10 am.
CATECHISTS FOR FIRST HOLY COMMUNION & CONFIRMATION
Thank you to those who have volunteered so far—you will hear from us in due course. However, we are still looking for more volunteer catechists. The ministry of catechist is such a special role in the life of the Church. We are looking for new catechists to help in this important work of handing on the faith to our young parishioners. If you would like to help please leave your name and number with the Parish Office.
ST PETER’S ITALIAN CHURCH PROCESSION
The Italian Church procession in honour of Our Lady is back! It will take place next Sunday, 17 July, at St Peter’s, Clerkenwell, beginning at 3.30pm, followed by the Sagra Italian street fete.
‘A DAY WITH MARY’
The day with Mary will take place at Our Lady of Muswell Church, Colney Hatch Lane, on Saturday 20 August, beginning at 9.30am.
FAIR TRADE
The Fair Trade stall is open in the hall today after Saturday after Saturday vigil and all Sunday masses.
STATUES IN CHURCH
Can we respectfully ask that parishioners do not place rosaries, candles or other items on the statues themselves. Please put votive candles in the proper stands. Thank you.
WORLD DAY FOR GRANDPARENTS AND THE ELDERLY
Pope Francis has designated 24th July as the World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly. We are encouraged to visit the elderly who are most alone at home or in the residences where they are guests. The Holy Father’s message, his catechesis on the theme of old age and the official prayer for the day are available at: http://www.laityfamilylife.va/content/laityfamilylife/en/eventi/2022/ii-giornata-mondiale-dei-nonni-e-degli-anziani.html
COST OF LIVING HUB
This useful website is a resource from the London Assembly. It includes information and help for matters such as dealing with debt, claiming benefits, financial management and mental health support. https://www.london.gov.uk/cost-living-hub