This coming week includes the Feasts of All Saints and All Souls - as Sunday's second reading tells us 'we shall all be gathered round Him'. Although we associate this time with Hallowe'en, we remind ourselves that our beloved dead are not people we should be frightened of; they form the 'great cloud of witnesses' that can support and encourage us in this life. While we may each have our own favourite canonised saints, remember that we each have our own beloved departed, the holy ones that we have known and loved. Hallowe'en is the eve of All Hallows - those who have been made holy by God's grace. This month, especially, is a time to remember them; being grateful for all they did, and do, for us and asking God's forgiveness for 'all road ever they offended', as Hopkins says in Felix Randal.
RECENTLY DECEASED
Please remember in your prayers all our beloved departed, especially:
Jessica Bright (Funeral, 28th October at 3pm) Eamonn Sheridan 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. ALL SAINTS AND ALL SOULS DAYS Morning Masses on both days will be at 10 am. On Monday, 31st October, evening Mass will be at 7 pm as usual, with the Miraculous Medal Devotion. On Tuesday, All Saints, evening Mass will be at 7.30 pm. On Wednesday, All Souls, evening Mass will be at 7.30 pm and will be our annual memorial for our dead. All are invited, especially those who have lost loved ones in the past year. NOVEMBER LIST OF THE DEAD This year we will have a book at the Narthex entrance to the Church and people are invited to add the names of their own family and friends. This book will be kept near the altar throughout the year and will be used at all the Masses for the dead during the coming year. 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 It is our intention to hold 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. We will keep you posted about blessings in other cemeteries.
BAPTISM COURSE A reminder of the courses on Thursday, November 10th, and Thursday, November 17th, at 7.30 pm. If you have a child for baptism, please contact Jane at janeyclegg1@gmail.com.
HCPT QUIZ NIGHT, 5th NOVEMBER A reminder that The Knights of St Columba are hosting a quiz night on November 5th in aid of the Handicapped Children's Pilgrimage Trust. 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 Next weekend (5/6 November) is the annual collection for the Sick and Retired Priests of the Diocese. The collection ensures that all clergy are well treated and cared for in their later years. Envelopes will be available in the Narthex from this weekend and donations can also be made on-line. As always, whatever donation you can make is gratefully appreciated.
AMARE ET SEVIRE (To Love and Serve) On 12 November, the United Choirs of Christ will present this concert in Sacred Heart Church at 8pm. This is an initiative of Kappa Mill Hill and all are welcome. Tickets are available at the Parish Office.
AND FINALLY....some reminders Remember that Sr Avril's weekly talks continue this Thursday after morning Mass. The Blessing of the Animals service will be on 5th November at 3pm. Any and all pets welcome. This coming Friday is the first of the month; there will be Stations of the Cross after morning Mass and the monthly Mass for Life in the evening. In the Celtic calendar, 1st November is the feast of Samhain, the last great fire festival and a new beginning; a reminder that each day is a chance to begin afresh, to renew, recommit and restore - especially through the grace of the sacrament of Reconciliation. With every blessing,
Rev Eugene Curran CM