In the reading from St James, the writer asks: 'where do these wars and battles between yourselves first start? Isn't it precisely in the desires fighting inside your own selves? You want something and you haven't got it; so you are prepared to kill...you are prepared to fight to get your way by force'. At this time, these words ring out loudly: so much war, so much dissention, so much strife. And change begins with honesty with ourselves: as individuals, in our relationships, in our church, in our state. Jesus, in the Gospel, points out that there is another way...but it is not an easier way. It means being willing not to insist on my own way, being willing to see the other's point of view, being able to give way. And even his disciples found that hard! One of the titles of the Pope is 'Servant of the Servants of God': it is an easy thing to claim and a challenging thing to be.
RECENTLY DECEASED Please remember in your prayers all those who have died recently especiallythose who died during the pandemic. We remember also all who are sick at this time and, with them, all who care for them in any way. May the prayers of the community of faith be a support to all at this time.
PARISH PASTORAL COUNCIL ELECTIONS
By November, a number of members of the current council will have completed their terms of office and we will need to hold elections. While some curent members can be considered for reelection, there will be a number of places to be filled. I know parishioners are modest, shy and retiring people but, if you feel called to serve your parish in this way, please let me know. In the meantime, I may also be tapping a few people on the shoulder; if I do, please do seriously consider this call to service. We owe a great deal to those who have served so far but there will be a great deal to be done in the coming years too.
CHANGES TO TIMETABLE OF SERVICES
Once again a gremlin in the works - I got my dates wrong! Weekday Mass at 10 am begins THIS Monday, 20th September (not October, as I stated last week!)
also on Monday 2oth October, we will return to evening services at 7 pm (which is a change from the previous time)
The Miraculous Medal Novena follows Monday Evening Mass.
We will continue with the Sacred Heart Novena following Mass on Saturday morning
NEXT BAPTISM COURSE
The next baptism preparation course will take place on Thursday, 11th November, at 7.30 pm in the Church Hall.
Baptisms are usually held on the first Sunday of the Month. If you have a child you wish to have baptised, please send the name and your contact details to the parish office.
I am also conscious that, over the past few months, quite a number of babies have been baptised; I hope to publish a list of their names soon but, in the meantime, let us give thanks for the gifts of their lives and the faith they have received.
MASS OF ENROLLMENT FOR FIRST COMMUNION
Our younger sisters and brothers who hope to make First Communion this year will have their Mass of Enrollment this Sunday at 12 noon. Please keep them in your prayers. As with last year, once they have completed their course of preparation, they will choose the day on which they will come to the Table of the Lord.
BETHANY BEREAVEMENT LISTENING SERVICE This service is available in the Bethany Room on the second Monday of every month; in October, it will be on the 11th, 6.30 - 8 pm
ALTAR SERVERS
All servers, old and new, are requested to attend a first practice session in the Church on Friday, 1st October, at 4 pm. Please let us know if you are unable to attend. If you have received first communion and would like to serve at the altar, please contact Raquel at champlady89@hotmail.com
ST JAMES CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL OPEN EVENING
This will be held on Wednesday, 22nd September, from 5.30 pm. Further information on their website ST DOMINIC'S SIXTH FORM COLLEGE OPEN DAY This will be held on Saturday, 2nd October, from 9.30 - 3 pm. Further information on their website
JOHN ASHU
For various reason's the funeral of John's father has been delayed. John will, therefore, be staying a little longer in Cameroon. Please keep him and his family in your prayers. We will keep you informed of any developments.
DAUGHTERS OF CHARITY
This coming Friday, the new Provincial Council of the Daughters will be installed at 10 am Mass in our Church. We pray a blessing on the Sisters and their Mission and ministries and give thanks for the blessing they have been to this parish.
With every blessing
Eugene cm
Rev Eugene Curran cm