In this month of the Saints and Holy Souls, we remind ourselves of the truth that the 'life and death of each of us has its influence on others'; it is not for us to evaluate that influence but, rather, to accept the truth of it and seek to live out the truth of it. Jesus points out that the 'widow's mite' may have more significance than the larger sums offered by others, since it comes from a loving and generous heart. We do what we can, where we are, with the gifts that we have and acknowledging our limitations, and leave the rest to God, who can make much of little, as he did with the offering of the Sidonian widow in the first reading. RECENTLY DECEASED Please remember in your prayers all who have died recently, especially;
Maria Galdes
We remember 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.
CONFIRMATIONS Congratulations to all our candidates who are nearing the end of their time of preparation and who celebrated the Sacrament of Reconciliation on Saturday 6th. We look forward to celebrating the Sacrament of Confirmation with them, and Bishop John Sherrington, on 28th November, the first Sunday of Advent. NOVEMBER 23rd; REMEMBERING OUR BELOVED DEPARTED The MEMORIAL SERVICE for all our beloved departed, especially for those who have died in the past two years, will be held on Tuesday, 23rd November, at 7pm. For those who would like their family members and friends remembered during Masses in November and throughout the year, envelopes are available in the Narthex. They can be returned to the Church or Parish Office at any time.
BLESSING OF THE GRAVES; A REMINDER
Bells Hill Cemetery, High Barnet 7 November, 3pm Golders Green (beginning in St Edwards) 21 November, 3pm Hampstead Cemetery 14 November, 2.30 pm Hendon Cemetery (meeting at South Chapel) 7 and 21 November, 2pm Mill Hill Cemetery 21 November, 2pm New Southgate Cemetery 14 November, 2pm Paddington Cemetery, Willesden Lane 21 November, 2pm Trent Park Cemetery 21 November, 2pm The complete list will be available on the Noticeboard outside the Church.
REMEMBRANCE DAY; 11TH NOVEMBER
This coming Thursday is Remembrance Day; perhaps a fitting day to come to the Church and remember all those who, in various ways, sought to preserve peace. 'GUYS AND DOLLS' Congratulations to our Director of Music, Clare Shah, and to the other members of the parish, who performed wonderfully in the Mill Hill Musical Society production of the musical. Clare was a wonderful Sgt Sarah (is it from trying to keep our choir members in order?) and there were other startling revelations too (Francesca!). It is really important to support such wonderful, joyful, life-enhancing community initiatives. VINNIE PACKS A reminder about this SVP initiative; could you consider sponsoring packs (they suggest £3.70 per pack)? Cheques, made out to SVP, to Vinnie Packs, PO Box 72264, London SW1P 9EZ. You can also donate by Bank Transfer to Nat West, sort code 60-60-04, a/c 46088237. RED WEDNESDAY Aid to the Church in Need organises Red Wednesday, 24th November; a day to remind us of the persecution of Christians world-wide and, especially, of acts of violence against women and girls. To find out more and to support their efforts in various ways, see acnuk.org They, like other charities (CAFOD etc) have various Christmas cards/gifts available. CHRISTMAS CARDS Christmas Cards will be available for purchase at the Repository in the Narthex after Masses this weekend. Many thanks to all those who have helped out at the Repository over the two weekends.
SECOND COLLECTION: SICK AND RETIRED PRIESTS
The second collection this weekend, 6/7 November, is for Sick and Retired Priests of the Diocese. Envelopes will be available in the Narthex or you can use a QR code, which is on the envelopes and the poster. On-line contributions can be made at rcdow.org.uk Please continue to prayer for all our clergy; active, retired, ill or deceased. CONTACTLESS GIVING Just a reminder that there are leaflets available to explain how this can be used more effectively, especially in terms of Gift Aid. 'NIGHT UNDER THE STARS' The Passage is holding a fundraising concert at the Royal Festival Hall on Thursday, 25 November, featuring works by Dvorak, Mahler and Smetana. Full details and booking at passage.org.uk or 02075921856 RE TEACHER; ST RICHARD REYNOLDS SCHOOLThe school is looking for someone who can teach GCSE RE mostly in KS3 (A level Philosophy and Ethics desirable but not essential). Full information at recruitment@srrcc.org.uk . DIVALI/DEEPAVALI At this time, our Hindu, Sikh and Jain sisters and brothers celebrate this feast of light. In the words of the Vatican message for this time, let us pray that we, people of different faiths who each seek the light, can bring a light of hope to people's lives in these challenging times. May we shine a light of hope in the darkness of discord, division, destruction, devastation, deprivation and dehumanisation. In the words of Psalm 34, let us all, whatever our differences, 'seek and strive after peace'. Rev Eugene Curran CM