25th October

Thirtieth Sunday Year A

Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,

This weekend we have an exchange of pulpits, and we welcome Fr John Waters from Wolstanton who will be saying Masses here while I go over to his parish in return. Please make him welcome and explain any procedures he may need to know about.

Half term is here and a chance for families to spend a little extra time together and hopefully have a little rest and recreation. Let us all come back refreshed for the work ahead. If you are travelling, go safely and return safely. Perhaps take St Christopher along with you, the patron saint of travellers.

Next Sunday is the Feast of All Saints, a celebration of our hope for life in heaven and a recognition of all those who have gone before us marked with the sign of faith. Remember that as well as famous Saints there are also many less famous such as our own relatives and friends who have lived a good life in the eyes of the Lord!

During the month of November, we pray for our loved ones and all the faithful departed. To this end we bring to the altar the names of those for whom we ask daily prayers. There are envelopes at the back of church to place lists of people you want remembered. There will be a box at the back of church to place the names of your loved ones in. Should you wish to include a donation, it will be put towards continuing Masses for the Holy Souls. Secondly, should you wish an individual Mass said for someone, then there are different envelopes to put your intentions forward. You can place those in the box too or bring them to the office.

This week we also give thanks to one of our past members, Mildred Brennan who in gratitude to the parish left £10,000 in her will for its needs. Many thanks to Mildred and may she rest in peace!

As some of you may know Bishop Tim Menezes has been appointed to the diocese of Brentwood. He will be leaving us at the end of November. His last act as a Bishop here will be to celebrate our Confirmations on Friday November 27th. Please keep him in your prayers as we wish him “bon voyage.”

Please remember in your prayers all the sick and housebound and especially little 4-year-old Elliott who is seriously ill in hospital.

Finally, I hope you have remembered that this weekend the clocks go back giving everyone an extra hour in bed, a good start to half-term for many.

God bless and keep safe, especially if you are travelling.

Father Anton s.c.j.