In this month of November, we remember, in a special way, all our beloved departed: the canonised saints, the holy one we ourselves have known and loved and those 'whose faith is known to God alone'. We do so because we believe in the resurrection: that, in Christ, all live - some in this world and some in the Kingdom of God. This is not always an easy belief to hold to: the Sadducees could not and some people today have difficulty believing. But, though we may not know what Heaven is, we believe that those who have died have returned to the loving presence of the one who created them. For He is God 'not of the dead but of the living'.
RECENTLY DECEASED
Please remember in your prayers all our beloved departed, especially
Eamonn Sheridan (Funeral; Friday 4th, 12.30 pm) Sislia Khazali-Tchasebe
those who died recently and those whose anniversaries occur at this time. We continue to remember in our prayers all those who are sick and those who care for them. ALTAR SERVER REGISTRATION AND TRAINING For current and new participants. 1st Session; Saturday, 12th November, from 2.00-3.30 pm 2nd Session; Saturday, 17th November, from 2.00-3.30 pm. All participants must attend both sessions. Email ramrquel@yahoo.com for further information. PROPOSED CHANGES TO MASS TIMES Given the current situation, and after consultation with the Parish Pastoral Council, the Vincentian community and others, I propose that we increase the number of Sunday Masses, beginning on the First Sunday of Advent, 27th November, as this is the first day of the new Liturgical year. This would involve a change in some times of Masses. I am suggesting; Vigil Mass on Saturday at 5.30 pm (It seems that, for many people, 5.30pm is preferable to 6pm) Sunday morning Masses at 8.30, 10 and 11.30. Sunday evening Mass at 5.30 pm. If you have any thoughts on the subject, please feel free to contact me at any time, by email or phone. NOVEMBER LIST OF THE DEAD Just a reminder that we have a book at the Narthex entrance to the Church and people are invited to add the names of their own family and friends. There will also be envelopes available in the Narthex for those who would like to make a contribution for Masses in honour of the dead. BLESSING OF THE GRAVES A reminder about the blessing of the graves on Sunday, 6th November. The blessing in Hendon will begin at 2.30 pm and that in Mill Hill at 3.30 pm, to facilitate people who may wish to attend both. The blessing of graves at Bells Hill will be on Sunday 13th at 3pm. A Mass for the Dead will be offered in St Pancras Cemetery at 2pm on Thursday 17th.
HCPT QUIZ NIGHT, 5th NOVEMBER A final reminder that The Knights of St Columba are hosting a quiz night this Saturday, November 5th, in aid of the HCPT. Doors open at 7pm, quiz starts at 7.30. Cost £15 per person and fish supper provided. Tickets from Dave Kennedy or the Parish Office. SICK AND RETIRED PRIESTS FUND If you wish to support this weekend's collection you can also do so at rcdow.org.uk. GETTING THE MOST FROM THE MASS Public Lecture at Amigo Hall, Southwark Cathedral, on Saturday 5th November at 7.00pm by Fr Paul Turner, Dean of the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Kansas City, a consultor for the Dicastery for Divine Worship, and a facilitator for ICEL. HOMES FOR UKRAINE MATCHING SERVICE CARITAS, in partnership with St John of God Hospitaller Services, has launched a service to bring together Ukrainian people, displaced by the war, with Catholics willing to host them in their homes for six months. We know that coping with the cost-of-living-crisis will be a major concern for many but, if you have room in your home and heart to consider welcoming a stranger, then we'd love to hear from you. Please visit sjog-homesforukraine.uk for more information. ADVENT GIVING CALENDAR As we get closer to the beginning of the Church's year, CARITAS has also produced an Advent Giving Calendar. It suggests items that you could supply to a foodbank. You can download a copy of the calendar at caritaswestminster.org.uk We are happy to receive the items at the Church and will pass them along to Trinity Church Foodbank in Colindale, with whom we have been collaborating. POPE FRANCIS AND CLIMATE CHANGE Given the forthcoming COP27, you might like to watch this very powerful YouTube video, particularly in light of Pope Francis' encyclical Laudato Si.
AND FINALLY... As we get closer to the arrival of the contractors for the build of the new presbytery, please note that the carpark will be closed from Monday, 14th November. It is hoped that the work will be completed, and the carpark reopened, some time around Christmas 2023. With every blessing,
Rev Eugene Curran CM