FR DAVID WRITES
Thank you to all involved in our lovely ‘Welcome Mass’ celebrated on Friday to begin the new school year and term. This week we will welcome Father Anthony Fernandopulle who is visiting the parish from the Archdiocese of Columbo. Many of you may remember Fr Anthony as he previously spent some time in the parish for his studies in London. This coming Friday is CAFOD Family Fast Day (Harvest Fast Day) - please see the note opposite. May God bless us all in the coming week.
RCIA (JOURNEY IN FAITH)
If you would like to register your interest to become a Catholic, or a Catholic adult who needs to be confirmed, please speak to Fr David, Fr Tom or the office. If you would like to talk about the possibility or your current situation, please see one of the priests. We have already recruited some candidates and are preparing to begin the course after half-term. Please look out for information in the newsletter.
CONFIRMATION
Confirmation forms are available in the church porch for the next three weeks. The candidates should be Catholic and at least in Year 9 (over-18s should see the note about RCIA). Please use the sign up sheet and take a form with programme attached. All application forms to be returned by Sunday 27th October.
SPECIAL SERVICE OF REMEMBRANCE - SATURDAY 19 OCTOBER
The parish would like to invite families who have lost of child or children (of any age) to a Remembrance Service on Saturday 19 October at 12 noon. The service will be composed of readings and musical reflections. Our gathering is an opportunity to honour the memories of our beloved children, share in a space of comfort and healing, and connect with others who understand the profound journey of loss. Please feel free to bring a photo or special object to place on the altar during the service. There will be light refreshments in the hall afterwards. All welcome.
MACMILLAN COFFEE MORNING
The Scouts are holding a fundraising coffee morning after the 8.30am, 9.45am & 11.15am Masses today (Sunday) for Macmillan Cancer support. Please pop into the hall for a cake and coffee to support this very worthy cause.
CAFOD FAMILY FAST DAY - FRIDAY 4 OCTOBER
We are asked to go without a meal or a treat or to make some sacrifice to save some money and to identify with those who have so little. Please donate any money saved to CAFOD so that those in need will be given a little more. Gift Aid envelopes can be found at the back of the church. There will be a collection after all Masses next weekend. Thank you.
SECONDARY SCHOOL FORMS
Fr David will be available to sign secondary school transfer forms on Saturday 12th October at 5pm. Please have forms completed for each school to be applied to. Fr David politely requests that parents make every effort to attend at this time. If there are any issues or later forms that subsequently need signing or changing, please contact the parish office. Thank you.
NEW PROJECT: JUNIOR CHOIR
We are proposing to start a new choir for young singers, with a view to them singing at the 6pm vigil Mass. Children aged 8-14 are welcome to join. The choir will be led by Deacon Ian. The first meeting and practice will be Saturday 12th October at 5.15pm in the small hall. Please see the poster in the church porch or speak to one of the priests for more information.
BAPTISM
The next Baptism sign up meeting will be on Monday 7th October at 6.30pm in the Parish Centre.
BERNADETTE CLUB NEWS
Our next meeting will take place on Thursday 3 October between 2 and 4 pm in the parish centre. We will have a return visit from fitness coach Tina for a short “Seated Exercise” session for those who would like to take part! Members who bought tickets are reminded of our trip to see “Sister Act” at Wyllyotts Theatre, Potters Bar, on Saturday 19 October. For those who wish, we will take the 298 bus from outside the church at 1pm. Don’t forget your Freedom Pass!
TOILET FACILITIES
Please use the parish centre toilets rather than the church toilet.