Anyone who remembers 'Joseph and The Amazing Techni-colour Dreamcoat' will remember that 'Reuben was the eldest of the children of Israel' and Joseph was Jacob's favourite son. However, as the years passed, the tribe of Joseph declined and its place was taken by the 'half-tribes' of Manasseh and Ephraim (reputedly, Joseph's sons). In the first reading this weekend, Amos berates those who, focussing on their own comfort and ease, 'do not care at all for the ruin of Joseph'. In the well-known Gospel, 'Dives' (the rich man) cares nothing for the beggar, Lazarus, until he is, finally, in need of Lazarus' help. It is a good question to ask ourselves; who are the Josephs in my life? Who is my Lazarus? Are there people and situations that I turn away from and ignore? Because as Amos and Jesus remind us, we are all in this together. We owe it to one another to support each other, in whatever way we can, on our passage through this world. RECENTLY DECEASED
Please remember in your prayers all our beloved departed, especially
Robin Draper (father of Rachel)
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. FIRST RECONCILIATION/COMMUNION Information on preparation for First Reconciliation and Communion will be in the parish newsletter in January 2023. The preparation course is for;
children who will be 8 years old between 1 September 2022 and 31 August 2023
who are attending Catholic school.
ADDRESS TO FAITH LEADERS BY KING CHARLES On Friday 16th, King Charles met with many faith leaders, including Cardinal Nichols. The text is available on the noticeboard in the Narthex and we are happy to make copies for anyone who would like one. In the address, the King says: "I am a committed Anglican...and I have always thought of Britain as a 'community of communities'. ...the Sovereign...has the duty to protect the diversity of our country, including by protecting the space for Faith itself and its practice through the religions, traditions and beliefs to which our hearts and minds direct us as individuals...my Christian beliefs have love at their very heart...This conviction was the foundation of everything my beloved mother did for our country, over her years as our Queen. It has been the foundation of my own work as Prince of Wales. It will continue to be the foundation of all my work as King." EVENING IN AID OF CANCER RESEARCH Don't forget that there will be music and dancing in the parish hall on 1st October from 7.30 pm. Entry £10. Further information from pennydo37@gmail.com or 07930382850.
MILL HILL MUSICAL THEATRE COMPANY The Company, which includes parishioners, has been rehearsing its production of 'Kiss Me Kate' in the parish hall for some weeks now and tickets are available for the production, which will run from Wednesday 26-Saturday 29 October. Remember, before you buy, to 'brush up your Shakespeare'! PRISONERS SUNDAY: 9th October PACT supports prisoners, people with convictions and their children and families to live lives which bear good fruit. We will have a retiring collection to support their work on Sunday 9th October but, if you would like to learn more about their work, or contribute on-line, you can check www.prisonadvice.org.uk A DAY WITH MARY The next day will be at Westminster Cathedral on Saturday 15 October, beginning at 10 am. CATHOLIC NEWSPAPER OFFER You can receive the Universe paper free for four weeks on an introductory offer. After that, you could apply for the quarterly subscription for just £20. To avail of this offer, phone 0743 661 7650 or email sales@universecatholicweekly.co.uk or visit universecatholicweekly.co.uk AND FINALLY... Just a reminder that, since the 27th is the Feast day of St Vincent de Paul, the Vincentians would like to invite everyone for a 'wee drinkie' after both the 11 o'clock and the evening Mass on Sunday 25th. As it also marks Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, it might be a good opportunity to reconnect and have a chat. It won't be anything formal. With every blessing,
With every blessing,
Rev Eugene Curran CM