FR DAVID WRITES
I returned from my summer break on Thursday in time for the evening Mass of the Assumption. Thank you for your kind wishes - Lemmy and I had a nice time at home. I hope your summer holidays have been relaxing and rewarding too. Best wishes to our young parishioners who have been, or will be, receiving their exam results at this time. Finally, thank you to Fr Andrew and Fr Jerome for their work while I was away. Please keep Fr Andrew in your prayers as his last Sunday here will be 1 September. Fr Tom Blackburn will arrive on 5 September.
FR JOHNSON
Fr Johnson has written to say he has begun his new appointment as Parish Priest of St Anthony’s Parish, Karakkamandapam in Kerala. Please pray for him and his parishioners at this time of change and new beginnings.
GIOVANNI VACCARO RIP
The Funeral Mass will take place on Thursday 22nd August at 10am.
FINCHLEY CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL
The Open Evening for those moving to Secondary School in September 2025 is on Tuesday 10th September from 5–7.30pm.
MASSES
There will be no 8 am Masses this week.
TOILET FACILITIES
Please use the parish centre toilets rather than the church toilet.
RCIA (JOURNEY IN FAITH)
What is RCIA? RCIA stands for Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults, which we sometimes also call ‘Journey in Faith’. It is a course of preparation for adults who wish to become full Catholics. This can include people who were never baptised, or who were baptised in a non-Catholic Church who now wish to become Catholic, or baptised Catholics who did not receive Confirmation when they were younger. Sometimes there is also room for Catholics who wish to learn more about their faith and support the other candidates but these places are limited. The course ends at Easter when the sacraments are celebrated at the Easter Vigil. Many of our parishioners started their journey as members of the RCIA. In October, a new RCIA will begin here, led by our new priest Fr Tom. If you would like to register your interest to become a Catholic and be part of the RCIA, please speak to Fr David or contact the office.
BAPTISMS
Please look out in the newsletter and notice board for details of the baptism sign-up sessions for the new term in September. The first opportunity to book baptisms will be on Monday 9th September at 6.30 pm in the Parish Centre.
FIRST HOLY COMMUNION 2025
Forms will be available from the beginning of September. The programme begins in December and will run on Saturday mornings 10am—11.15am.
SECONDARY SCHOOL FORMS
Dates and details for secondary school transfer will be published at the start of September for those who need forms signing by Fr David. Please look out for these dates which will be published in the newsletter.
ST MONICA’S CATHOLIC PRIMARY SCHOOL
St Monica’s School is celebrating it’s 70th Anniversary this year. As part of the celebrations there will be an Afternoon Tea open house event on Saturday, 14th September from 12— 4 pm. All families and past staff, pupils and school governors are invited. All welcome - please just turn up!
PARISH CENTENARY BOOK
Parish Centenary Books are available at the back of church or in the paper shop, price £5 each.