FR DAVID WRITES
We are already well through November, and next weekend we will celebrate the last Sunday in Ordinary Time: the solemnity of Christ the King. For now, let us keep praying for the souls of the faithful departed. Today, the 33rd Sunday, is also a day of prayer for the poor, and we will take a collection for the sick and retired priests of the diocese. Thank you to everyone who has already brought Christmas gifts for the Catholic Children’s Society, and to everyone who prayed for me and my young charges from St Dominic’s Sixth Form College on our wonderful pilgrimage in Rome last week. Finally, next Saturday is the seventeenth anniversary of my ordination to the priesthood - please join me in giving prayerful thanks. May God bless you all.
DECEASED CLERGY MASS RIP
The Mass for Deceased Priests is on Tuesday at 5.30pm in Westminster Cathedral.
PARISH CHRISTMAS MARKET
We are looking forward to our Big Christmas Market here next weekend which will take place after all Masses on both Saturday and Sunday. Donations of cakes and bakes will be most welcome on the day. There will be stalls as well as teas, coffees, a raffle, and Christmas cheer! Please make a special effort next weekend to join us in the hall - we look forward to seeing you!
VENERAMUS
On Monday, 17 November, at 7.30pm we will have our next evening of prayer, adoration, and music in the church. The theme is St Gianna Molla. All are welcome.
CAR PARK INFORMATION
There is an information sheet in the church porch. The installation of equipment will be completed this week and we will let you know when it goes live.
SICK AND RETIRED PRIEST COLLECTION FUND
The second collection this week will be for the sick and retired priests of our diocese. Last year, there were 73 retired priests, at a cost of £1,270,000. Donation envelopes are at the back of the church. You can make a one-off donation or you can set up a regular donation and become a patron by completing section 4 on the envelope form. You can also donate online at www.rcdow.org.uk/donations. Please continue to pray for the wellbeing of all of our clergy: active, retired and ill. Thank you.
AID TO THE CHURCH IN NEED: RED WEDNESDAY
This Wednesday is Red Wednesday, an annual day of prayer and solidarity that highlights the millions of Christians around the world who face persecution for the faith. On this day, we are invited to pray for the persecuted Church, raise awareness of their situation, and stand together as a community committed to religious freedom and hope. Please join us for Mass on Wednesday at 10am, followed by a short time of prayer before the Blessed Sacrament. For more information, please see Aid to the Church in Need: acnuk.org
CATHOLIC CHILDREN’S SOCIETY (WESTMINSTER)
Fr David, Chair of the CCS, is collecting gifts to be distributed by the society this Christmas. Gifts should be toys: new and unwrapped. He will be taking them to the society at the beginning of December. Please bring all donations before 1 December.
PRIMARY SCHOOL CHRISTMAS FAIR
All are invited to Our Lady of Lourdes School’s Christmas Fair on Saturday 29th November, from 1-4pm. There will be tombolas, raffles, a cake sale, and we hope to receive a visit from Father Christmas!
A CHRISTMAS GIFT THAT MAKES A DIFFERENCE
Please kindly support the Christmas Appeal of the Sisters who live locally in our parish. You can do this by giving virtual gifts that will make a difference to many poor people in their missions overseas. There are four gifts i.e. one for each country - Vietnam, Bangladesh, Peru and India Central. You may choose one or however 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 are copies of the Christmas Gift catalogue.
FORTHCOMING FUNERALS: RIP
The Funeral for Frances Conway will take place on Friday 21st November at 10am.
The Funeral for Cosmo Cofone will take place on Tuesday 25th November at 10am.
The Funeral for Janet Kao will take place on Thursday 4th December at 10am.
ROSARY
Please join us each weekday morning (Mon-Fri) at 9.30am to pray the Rosary.