'Who do you say that I am?'
In Sunday's Gospel, Jesus asks this question of his disciples. They know that many people have very different views of who Jesus is or might be, usually in terms of what they have already known and experienced: Elijah, John the Baptist or another prophet come back among them. In the Gospel's only two people explicitly recognise Jesus as the Christ; Peter and Martha. One has been named as 'The Rock' and the Prince of the Apostles - the other as the patron saint of servants and cooks (and that should make us think about how the Church treats its members who are women). But the largest group who recognise Jesus as the Christ, or the 'Holy One', are, in fact, the demons. Amongst other things, this reminds us that simply recognising Jesus may not, in itself, indicate holiness. For St James, our faith, founded on Christ, then has to express itself in our care and concern for our sisters and brothers, especially those most in need. The follow-up question to 'who do you say that I am?' is 'and what difference will this make in your life or in the lives of the others who I send your way in life?'.
RECENTLY DECEASED
Please remember in your prayers all those who have died recently especially
Gino (Luigi) Mansi (Funeral; 10.30 am, Tuesday, 14th September) Fidelis Ashu, father of our Deacon, John (Funeral, in Cameroon, Friday, 17th September) Stella McDaid (sister of Maria Terroni)
We remember also all who are sick at this time and, with them, all who care for them in any way. May the prayers of the community of faith be a support to all at this time.
CHANGES TO TIMETABLE OF SERVICES
Following advice from reliable sources, we will continue with the Sunday timetable and social distancing measures, at least until the beginning of October. Thankfully, with the Hall, we can accommodate all those who are attending Masses. At the moment, this also allows us to offer our services to some of the local clergy who need 'cover' for Masses at weekends.
From Monday 20th October, the morning Mass will be at 10 am.
Beginning on Monday 2oth October, we will return to evening services at 7 pm (which is a change from the previous time)
The Miraculous Medal Novena follows Monday Evening Mass.
We will continue with the Sacred Heart Novena following Mass on Saturday mornings.
BISHOP'S OPEN LETTER ON THE ASSISTED DYING BILL Our local bishop, John Sherrington, who is the Lead Bishop on Life Issues, has written an open letter inviting Catholics to pray for the defeat of the Assisted Dying Bill, which will be debated in the Lords in October. You can read his letter at cbcew.org.uk
MARY'S MEALS
This charity is now feeding 2 million children per day. If you would like to know more or support them, then visit their website at marysmeals.org.uk
BETHANY BEREAVEMENT LISTENING SERVICE This service is available in the Bethany Rom on the second Monday of every month; this month it will be on 13th from 6.30pm-8 pm.
WALK WITH ME The parish 'Walk With Me' programme provides young people (6-14), who attend non-Catholic schools, with an opportunity to understand and grow in the Catholic Faith in a lively and enjoyable way. The programme also provides an opportunity to prepare for the sacraments for young people who have not been able to attend the Parish Baptism, Reconciliation or First Communion courses. The group currently meets every Sunday during term-time from 9.30-10.30 am. Classes recommence this Sunday, 12th September, in the Parish Hall. To register, please use this link. For further information, please contact Chris Rosser at 07779292718
FINCHLEY CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL
The annual Secondary Transfer evening for prospective parents will be held on 14th September from 5.30 pm - 8.30 pm. Further information on their website: finchleycatholic.org.uk
The school also has a post available for 'Admissions and First Aid Administrator': further information on their website
CARDINAL VAUGHAN SCHOOL OPEN EVENINGS
Year 7 open Evenings: Tuesday 14th and Thursday 23rd September. Year 12 Open Evenings: Thursday 7th and Tuesday 12th October. Further infromation can be found on their website: cvms.co.uk BISHOP DOUGLASS SCHOOL OPEN EVENING Open Evening takes place on Wednesday 15th September 2021 from 5:30pm to 7pm Further information on their website: bishopdouglass.barnet.sch.uk
JOHN ASHU
John has returned home for his father's funeral. Thankfully, his travels went well and he is now with the family. He is likely to return about 27th September. He is very grateful for the support and prayers of so many people at this time.
This coming week includes the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross: we recall the words of the Good Friday services - 'We adore you, O Christ, and we bless you because by your holy cross you have redeemed the world' and 'This is the wood of the cross, on which hung the saviour of the world; come, let us worship'.
With every blessing
Eugene cm
Rev Eugene Curran cm