This Sunday's first reading speaks of the 'suffering servant', while the Letter to the Hebrews reminds us that Jesus feels our weaknesses with us and has been tempted in every way that we have. The Gospel tells us that 'the Son of Man' (Jesus) did not come to be served but to serve. We meet Him still especially in ourselves and in our brothers and sisters who are suffering in any way, who experience their own weaknesses and temptations and who are the poor and vulnerable. And we remember that it is the Lord who will rescue us all. RECENTLY DECEASED Please remember in your prayers all who have died recently, especially;
Wilfred Canagretna Darren O’Carroll Natalino Vinciguerra Luisa Torreiro
and all those who have died during this time of pandemic. We continue to remember in our prayers all those who are sick and those who care for them.
JOHN ASHU John has returned to the parish and thanks all those who offered prayers and support during the time since the death of his father, Fidelis. WORLD DAY OF THE POOR: SUNDAY 14th NOVEMBER Caritas Westminster are supporting a number of projects to mark the day. 1. Schools – Vinnie Pack packing. We will once again be supporting the SVP and encouraging school pupils to have a day of solidarity and action, as they pack essentials for Homeless people into “Vinnie Packs”. To get involved contact Rosa: rosalewis@rcdow.org.uk 2. For individuals and prayer groups, CSAN have developed resources, including a Novena, which can be found here: https://www.csan.org.uk/worlddayofthepoor/
RESPONSES TO THE ASSISTED DYING BILL Commencing 14th October, we are encouraged to pray a novena to Pope St John Paul II for the flourishing of the culture of life and the defeat of the Assisted Dying Bill. The novena ends on 22nd October, when there is vote on the second reading in the House of Lords. The text of the prayers can be found at www.cbcew.org.uk ST MICHAELS, FINCHLEY; The school is offering a post as Temporary Student Support Assistant. For further information and to apply see the school website. FIRST COMMUNIONS Congratulations to our younger sisters and brothers who have just completed their preparatory course for First Communion; we are now arranging the dates for their celebrations. Please note that sessions for the children now in Year 3 will begin in the Spring 2022 and details will be in the newsletter nearer the time. THE PASSAGE; ANNUAL COLLECTION The Passage is grateful to those parishioners who have volunteered to help with its street collection on Tuesday 19 October. There is a final opportunity to volunteer. Contact Andrew Hollingsworth andrew.h@passage.org.uk 020 75921886 (07928 703131) by 12.00 noon on Monday 18 October. Do look out for Passage collectors on Tuesday if you are in Westminster in Victoria Street or Oxford Street. You can donate online at www.passage.org.uk/street WESTMINSTER EVENTS 1) Following the opening ceremony in Rome on 10th October, the Westminster Synodal Pathway will be launched by Cardinal Nichols, at 6.00pm Mass on Saturday 16th October. 2) On 7th November at 5.30 pm, Bishop John Sherrington will celebrate Mass at Westminster Cathedral, for all those who have died during the pandemic, all who mourn them, all who have been bereaved or traumatised, those who were ill and those who cared for them, including all in the medical profession and care workers. All are welcome to this Mass, especially doctors, nurses, care workers and all health care professionals. Both services will be live-streamed at westminstercathedral.org.uk SECOND COLLECTIONS Next Sunday, 24th October, is World Mission Sunday. Envelopes will be left in the Narthex for anyone who wishes to make a donation. You can also make contributions on-line at missio.org.uk MISSIO RED BOXES A reminder that Missio Red Boxes may be handed in from now until the end of the year at the Parish Office. If you would like to have a Red Box to collect your small change or would like your box to be collected, please contact Nick Musgrove 0208 958 5917 or 07511 858 729 All foreign coins gratefully received.
With every blessings and good wish, Rev Eugene Curran CM