FR TOM WRITES
Thank you to everyone praying for me and the 100 pilgrims I accompanied to Spain. It was a precious opportunity to step away from daily life and allow the Lord to speak to our hearts. With the summer holidays finished, we now return to normality. This Tuesday, the Church celebrates the birthday of Mary, the Mother of Christ and our Mother. What gift can we offer the Queen of Heaven and Earth? Perhaps, like any mother, she desires above all that we simply be with her. I encourage you to honour this feast in her presence, allowing Mary to draw you closer to her Son.
MASS SCHEDULE
The weekly Mass schedule here returns to normal this week.
TUESDAY
Tuesday is the Feast of Our Lady’s Birthday. In the evening, Fr David and Fr Tom will welcome priests from the deanery for their first gathering of the new term.
PARISH OFFICE
Our office here will be closed this coming Friday - please try to bear this in mind.
BACK TO SCHOOL
We wish everyone well at the start of the new term, hoping that this week went well and praying for everyone as the academic year begins. Next Sunday is a day of prayer for education: for schools, pupils, teachers, support staff, parents and governors.
SPECIAL COLLECTION NEXT WEEKEND
Next weekend, there will be a retiring collection after all Masses for the work of the Catholic Education Service (CES).
SUPPORT CAFOD’S GLOBAL DEBT PETITION
Many of the world's poorest nations are trapped in a severe debt crisis, spending their limited resources on high-interest repayments instead of healthcare and schools. As the UK prepares to host and chair the G20 summit in 2027, we have a vital window to demand change. Please join thousands of Catholics in signing CAFOD’s petition asking the Prime Minister to enforce debt relief and fix this unjust system.
ADVANCE NOTICE: CAFOD FAMILY FAST DAY
In addition to the above petition, please note that the harvest Family Fast Day is due to take place on Friday 2 October.
FIRST HOLY COMMUNION & CONFIRMATION
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 this new term, Catholic children should be in Y3 (or above) for First Holy Communion, and in Y9 (or above) for Confirmation.
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 - 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. Please speak to Fr Tom or Fr David for details.
BAPTISM
The next Baptism application evening will take place on Tuesday at 6.30pm in the Parish Centre, in the room on your left immediately as you enter.
SECONDARY SCHOOL TRANSFER
The priests will be available soon to sign secondary school forms, once parents have had a chance to attend open evenings. Date and time TBA. Please watch this space.
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.