FR DAVID WRITES
Welcome to all parishioners and visitors. We hope that everyone has had a wonderful summer, and we look forward to the beginning of a new term together. In today’s Gospel, Jesus looks to the future and the events of his own Passion and Death. Perhaps like Peter, we are inclined to look away, but the Lord invites us to recognise the reality and to become sharers in the Paschal journey that leads to salvation and new life. With Jesus, there are always new beginnings and new chances – let’s grasp the new opportunities he brings and place our faith in him. God bless.
BANK HOLIDAY
Monday is August Bank Holiday. Mass here will be celebrated at 10am. Please note that the Parish Office and Parish Centre will be closed for the Bank Holiday.
8AM MASS
Weekday Masses at 8am resume this week on Tuesday morning. Usually, there is 8am Mass from Tuesday to Friday. However, please note carefully that there is no 8am Mass this coming Thursday morning.
NEW TERM
School begins this week for the new academic year and the Autumn Term. We look forward to seeing everyone back at school, and to welcoming new pupils and staff. May the Lord bless us in the new opportunities and experiences that lie ahead. Our Lady of Lourdes Primary School reopens for children on Thursday 3 September.
WELCOME
Today we welcome Fr Mark Walker who will celebrate the 12.30 Mass. Fr Mark is known to many of us here in the parish, and Fr David is grateful for his visit today.
SACRAMENTS FOR YOUNG PEOPLE
Parents should keep an eye on the newsletter for details about sign-up opportunities for First Holy Communion and Confirmation, which will be published here in the coming weeks. In the new term, Catholic children should be in Y3 (or above) for First Holy Communion, and in Y9 (or above) for Confirmation.
SACRAMENTS FOR ADULTS (RCIA / JOURNEY IN FAITH)
The RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) is a group that usually meets from autumn to Easter. It is a journey of preparation for adults who wish to enter into the full life of the Catholic Church - this includes those who would like to be baptised; baptised Christians from another denomination who wish to become Catholic; and for Catholics who still desire to be Confirmed. Enquiries/registration will begin in September. Please speak to Fr Tom or Fr David if you’re interested in this journey.
BAPTISM
The next Baptism application evening will take place on Tuesday 8 September at 6.30pm in the Parish Centre, in the room on your left immediately as you enter.
1 SEPTEMBER
Tuesday 1 September is the annual Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation. Tuesday is also the ninth anniversary of the death of the late Cardinal Cormac Murphy-O’Connor. Please keep these intentions in your prayers on Tuesday.
BERNADETTE CLUB
We look forward to seeing members at our next meeting which will take place on Thursday 3 September 2-4 pm in the Parish Centre.
NEXT SUNDAY: CAFOD
After Mass next weekend, there will be an opportunity for parishioners to sign CAFOD’s petition calling on the Government to address the global debt crisis.
SCHOOL CLEANER NEEDED
Cleaner wanted for Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Primary School, 2.5 hours per day/12.5 hours per week, preferably after school - 3.30pm to 6pm Monday to Friday inclusive. For further information or to express your interest, please contact the school via email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or by calling 020 8361 0767.
PARKING INFORMATION
Parking is free for a maximum of 4 hours in total per day. Beyond this, you will receive a fine for overstaying the time limit. The car park opens at 9am and closes max. 10pm. A gentle reminder that you should note the time of your arrival carefully.