FR TOM WRITES
As we approach the end of October, we begin to think about All Saints, All Souls and the month of praying for all souls. Throughout the year we pray for those who have died, that their sins may be forgiven and they may pass through purgatory and be admitted into the glory of God’s love in heaven.
Please remember that the Feast of All Saints (1st November) is a Holy Day of Obligation, with Masses in the Parish at 8am, 10am, and 7pm.
Mass for the Commemoration of all Souls is at 11am on Saturday 2nd November.
SPECIAL REMEMBRANCE SERVICE
Many thanks to everyone who attended or helped to organise our special service of remembrance on Saturday morning. Let us keep each other in our prayers.
RCIA (JOURNEY IN FAITH)
If you took a form for RCIA please return it to us as soon as possible. We are hoping to finalise the arrangements soon.
FORMATION FOR READERS
The new Lectionary for Mass will begin use on 31 November. We are inviting all our readers (weekdays and Sundays) to a special session on Saturday 16 November at 10.30am in church. The session will include formation, input, practical indications, details about the new Lectionary and help with public speaking. Please attend!
THE CHRISTMAS GIFT THAT MAKES A DIFFERENCE
Please Kindly support the 2024 Christmas Appeal of the Congregation of Our Lady of the Missions CIO. The Sisters live locally in the parish. You can do this by giving virtual gifts that will make a difference to many poor people in our missions overseas. There are four gifts; you may choose one or how many you wish, and for each one you will receive a card which you can give as a Christmas present. At the back of the church there is a poster and some copies of the catalogue. Thank you.
STEPHEN CUSACK RIP
The Funeral will be on Monday 28th October at 10am. May he rest in peace.
‘VENERAMUS’
A monthly meeting of Adoration, prayer, music and teaching will begin in the church on Monday 21st October at 7.30pm. Please come, and bring a friend!
HOLY SOULS ENVELOPES
November will be the month of the Holy Souls. Prayer sheets and envelopes are available in the church porch so that we can collate our Book of Remembrance. Please take one and return to the letter box including an offering if possible.
FOODBANK
This weekend there will be a second collection for our foodbank - a joint enterprise with St Paul’s Parish. Every Wednesday afternoon we provide a walk-in foodbank service in St Paul’s Hall to anyone in need. The foodbank could not run without the support of our generous parishioners, but we also need extra funds to ensure we are able to offer sufficient food, laundry and toiletry items to an average of 45 guests each week. We would also welcome new volunteers on Wednesday afternoons. For more information please contact our co-ordinator Gerry on 07982 463307. Thank you for your support.
CONFIRMATION
All application forms to be returned by Sunday 27th October, payment can wait till the first Parents meeting on March 11th.
FIRST HOLY COMMUNION
Parents who took an application form please return to the Presbytery this week.
OUR LADY OF LOURDES SCHOOL
Are holding a reception & nursery ‘Stay & Play’ on November 16th & 23rd 9.30am-11.am. Please call the school on 020 8361 0767 for further details.
FAIR TRADE
The October Fair Trade stall is after masses next weekend 26th & 27th October, with a limited number of Fair Trade chocolate Real Advent Calendars.
ST MICHAELS CATHOLIC GRAMMAR SCHOOL, SIXTH FORM OPEN EVENING
Thursday 7th November, 6-8 pm. The Sixth Form at St Michael's pursues academic excellence and at the Open Evening you will have the opportunity to listen to subject specific talks and a talk by the Headteacher, Mr Stimpson. Teachers and current students will be available and happy to discuss subject content and life in the sixth form.