NOVEMBER IS THE MONTH OF HOLY SOULS
Thirty- third Week of Ordinary Time
Dear parishioners,
St Thomas More Catholic Primary School recently had its second inspection this calendar year. The first was from the Diocese to look at the religious life of the school and the second was from the state, the (in?) famous OFSTED which takes place at every school, every four years. Both these inspections have come at a time of change in the school, with the recent admission into an Academy Trust called SELCAT and so becoming part of a group of ten catholic schools in the Archdiocese and then there was the change of Head at the start of this year.
We have been part of SELCAT for just over a year now and it has proven a benefit to our school in its support of our head and the staff and the sharing of resources and ideas with other schools. A month into the new term Mrs Grace Lodge, our new Head received the call announcing an OFSTED inspection. Advanced warning is never given for such inspections, so that special provisions are not put in place and the inspectors can see the school in relatively normal circumstances. It also tests a school’s ability to cope with pressure, because hardly a week (or day even?) goes by in a school without some situation needing immediate attention. Now under the leadership of our new head of school, the excellent work over many years has produced a strong school culture which was demonstrated by pupils and staff to the inspectors.
Many of you have children at our school, and even more of you had children or even grandchildren there and remember well the foundation of the school. Mrs Lodge has written the following letter to you all:
Below are some of the points noted by OFSTED about St Thomas More Catholic Primary School:
So not only has our school been rated outstanding in its catholic life and identity by the Diocese but it has been, thanks to hard work and dedication, outstanding by OFSTED. We thank God and from this high point - moving forwards – our school will not rest but confidently continue to do more and be more for the catholic education of our children, placing our trust in the Sacred Heart of Jesus.
THE CONTINUED ATTACK ON THE PALESTINIAN PEOPLE
Please continue to pray for the Palestinian people who are having greater and greater suffering inflicted upon them and read the new letter from ‘Embrace the Middle East’ below regarding the destruction of all hospital services now in Gaza.
On Friday evening, the UN announced that as a direct result of the inhumane actions of the UK government’s ally Israel, the Palestinian people also face imminent starvation. It is known many thousands have been killed, with many more uncounted under the rubble of bombed apartment blocks. The people’s homes are destroyed, they cannot go anywhere, they are being continually bombed and no food, water or fuel is reaching them.
We must no longer look away from this suffering, which would be unacceptable to western governments if inflicted by other countries. No country should be the exception to international law.
Not only are Palestinians the closest neighbours of Israelis, they are our neighbours, and near to Gaza are the beaches of Cyprus or Sharm el Sheikh where many British go on holiday. Let us remember the Lord’s command ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and all your strength and love your neighbour as yourself’. As ordinary people are made victims of an indiscrimate revenge for Hamas members hiding among them, God help them, because there is no help for them from the powers of this dark world.
Winter Warmer Drop-In at St Thomas More provided by the MINI VINNIES of our Primary School. Message from Mrs Wendy McClumpha:
In a world where compassion knows no boundaries…
where every act of kindness makes a difference…
where hope is served alongside hearty meals…
We invite you to join us at the St Thomas More Church Hall on Monday 27th November between 6-8pm for a warm meal.
We are more than just a kitchen; we are a community of caring hearts.
Our Mini Vinnies prepare each meal with love and dedication.
Families, children, and friends of St Thomas More Church who experience food poverty are more than welcome.
Our support to you means everything to us. So please come along!!
From the Mini Vinnies group at St Thomas More Catholic Primary School.
Thank you
Best wishes
Wendy
Continuing the Month of Holy Souls at St Thomas More:
1. Visit the Graves of your departed relatives and friends. ( all the blessings of the graves by local priests have now taken place)
2. Come to our annual Service of Commemoration of the Faithful Departed with Benediction on Sunday 26th November, Feast of Christ the King at 3.00 p.m. followed by tea and cakes.
3. Say the Novena for Holy Souls – our November prayer below.
November Indulgences
As always, a plenary indulgence, applicable only to the Holy Souls, may be gained once in any church either on All Soul’s Day, on the preceding or following Sunday or on the Feast of All Saints, on the usual conditions, viz a visit to a church, where the Creed and Our Father are recited, sacramental confession made, Holy Communion received and a prayer for the pope’s intentions. Those who visit a cemetery between 1st and 8th November and pray for the faithful departed, may obtain a plenary indulgence, applicable to the holy souls ( and at other times a partial indulgence)
Furthermore, a plenary indulgence is granted to all those present, subject to the usual conditions to those who attend our Service at St Thomas More on Sunday 26th November, the Feast of Christ the King at 3.00 p.m. or any church on that day where the Blessed Sacrament is exposed, the consecration of the human race to Christ the King made and the Litany of the Sacred Heart said.
God bless and peace be with you as we pray for Holy Souls,
Fr Jonathon
UPCOMING EVENTS
PARISH NOTICES
WESTMINSTER CATHEDRAL CHOIR
Becoming a chorister at Westminster Cathedral is simple, fun and open to any boy in Year 2 -5 from London or beyond who loves to sing. Your boy will become part of the most famous catholic choir in the world, he will broadcast, record and tour around the world and take part in the beautiful services at Westminster Cathedral. Up to 100% bursaries are offered to attend one of London’s best schools up until year 8, including a comfortable boarding house with expert staff to look after the children in their care at all times. Choristers board during the week only, heading home to their families from Friday afternoon until Sunday morning at 9.45a.m.
‘’ Being a chorister at Westminster Cathedral has given my son a fantastic headstart in life. We are so proud of him and love hearing him sing, and although he lives with his friends, we get to see him every weekend so we are still able to enjoy quality time together as a family. We can’t recommend this experience highly enough to families thinking about choristership!’’ Chorister parent. ‘’ It is a privilege to be able to offer ordinary boys the extraordinary experience of singing in one of the world’s finest choirs. As a chorister attending Westminster Cathedral Choir School, boys can expect to find a family environment in which they can thrive academically as well as musically. With a high degree of specialism in a range of academic subjects and with plenty of sport on offer, we are confident that our choristers leave us as well-rounded individuals with lots of confidence’’. Simon Johnson, Master of Music.
If you have any questions about how to take up this great opportunity, contact Lucy Auger lauger@choirschoo.com and ask her for the link to join the next Zoom introductory session on Wednesday 22nd November.
Liturgy of the Word for Children.
The Liturgy of the Word for our children will meet again this Sunday during the 9.00 a.m. mass.
NOTICES FROM MARRIAGE & FAMILY LIFE SOUTH EAST:
Planning a catholic marriage? Marriage preparation courses are available by emailing mflse@rcaos.org.uk.
Please complete one of the postcards in the porch urging the Health Secretary to abandon the pills by post scheme.
1. The pills by post scheme allows abortion pills to be obtained with just a telephone consultation.
2. There's a high incidence of subsequent hospitalisation.
3. Women have to dispose of their baby's remains themselves.
4. False information has been given during the telephone consultations leading to the death of a healthy baby at 8 months' gestation (amongst other incidents)
5. Abortion providers aim to use their inability to administer this scheme to push for the total decriminalisation of abortion.
Regards
Rob - Bexley SPUC
World Youth Sunday 2023
This Sunday (26th November) is National Youth Sunday, and the retiring collection will be for the work of the Southwark Catholic Youth Service, which is re-launching several activities in 2024 for those aged 10-35. For more details about what is on offer, please see our website tinyurl.com/scys1. Please also sign up to our network at tinyurl.com/scysnetwork to receive regular updates. The Catholic Bishops Conference of England and Wales has produced further World Youth Sunday resources at worldyouthsunday.org/wyd2023.
First Holy Communion 2024
Please note all applications should be in this weekend. All parents please attend a meeting in the church this Thursday, 23rd November at 7.30 p.m. for registration and timetable.
EMBRACE THE MIDDLE EAST
Dear Friends
This morning Embrace issued the following statement in response to the news that Al Ahli Hospital is no longer able to receive patients and has stopped all operations, meaning there is now no a functioning hospital in Gaza City.
Statement 17 November 2023
The news that Al Ahli hospital is no longer able to receive patients and has stopped all operations shocks and dismays. The extreme misery and human suffering experienced by so many these past six weeks is compounded as the last working hospital in Gaza is forced to suspend its vital work.
Words are not enough. The call we and so many other have made for a #CeasefireNOW is more important than ever. Enough is enough. The people of Gaza are suffering, and this needs to stop. The work of our Christian partners, providing vital medical, mental health and livelihood opportunities has been forcibly paused. The injured can no longer be treated. Given the mass destruction of infrastructure we don’t know when these vital services will resume.
The gains for women and children, made through pre- and ante-natal care, osteoporosis screening, and clinics to ensure under 5s have the nutrition and hygiene support they need are fast being unravelled. In their place, the citizens of Gaza are experiencing trauma, sickness, hunger, and loss.
Unfettered humanitarian access and aid is desperately required, including through crossings to Israel. Civilians and health facilities urgently need protection.
Laying waste to Gaza will not bring the desperately needed foundations for peace that both Palestinian and Israeli civilians deserve. We call on international political and religious leaders to exercise all their resources to end this violence and to secure the release of hostages.
Please pray with us:
· Pray and call for an immediate ceasefire, the unconditional release of the hostages held by Hamas, and an end to this conflict.
· Pray for healing for Palestinians and Israelis impacted by the horrors and trauma since October 7th.
· Pray for a safe and prosperous tomorrow for Palestinians and Israelis, a future of equal rights for all and an end to the occupation.
· Pray for Embrace’s partners and their staff. That they would remain safe and know God’s love and protection at this time.
And please write to your MP, your Bishop, your church leaders and urge them to call for a ceasefire and an end to this conflict.
Tim Livesey
CEO
Embrace the Middle East
Embrace the Middle East
As a Christian development charity, EMBRACE THE MIDDLE EAST partners with Christians in the Middle East as they work to transform lives and restore the dignity of the most excluded and marginalised communities. Where there is a need – for refuge, a home, for health care, for education, for justice and human rights EBRACE THE MIDDLE EAST responds with its partners. Their goal is to contribute to a culture of human flourishing in a troubled region.
They have a vision of love in action. It is rooted in, and inspired by, Christ’s invitation to care for those most in need.
CHRISTMAS NOTICES
DEATHS
For all our brothers and sisters who ate the Body of Christ, the bread of Life, that they may be raised up on the Last Day. (Drawn from the intercession of the Funeral Mass)
Please pray for the soul of:
Simon Francis Gorman ‘Frank’, aged 93, who died on Tuesday 31st October 2023. His funeral is on Tuesday 28th November at 11.00 a.m. followed by committal at Eltham Crematorium.
Ann Fanthome who died on Tuesday 14th November 2023. Her funeral is on Monday 18th December at 11 o’clock followed by committal at Hillview.
May the divine assistance remain with them always, and may their souls and the souls of all the faithful departed through the mercy of God rest in peace.
MASSES AND INTENTIONS FOR THE THIRTY- THIRD WEEK OF ORDINARY TIME
Instaurare Omnia in Christo: "to restore all things in Christ."
Saturday 18th November The Dedication of the Basilicas of Ss Peter & Paul [TC]. 9.00 a.m. Confessions 9.30 a.m. The Daily Rosary (in Latin & English) + 10.00 a.m. (Latin 1962) Mary Bane R.I.P. + 6.30 p.m. SAID THIRTY- THIRD SUNDAY OF ORDINARY TIME The Doogan Family R.I.P.
Sunday 19th November 8.30 a.m. The Daily Rosary + 9.00 a.m. SUNG with Liturgy of the Word for children in Church Hall. Hannah Pereira in TG on her 4th birthday. +11.00 a.m. SOLEMN LATIN MASS (in Latin with English Readings] Octavia in TG for her 2nd birthday. 7.00 p.m. Parish Social Evening in the Hall. All welcome. Monday 20th November feria (please note for this and Monday 27/11 & 4/11 church in use by school in morning with mass in evening) 5.30 p.m. The Daily Rosary +6.00 p.m. Bob Penny R.I.P. (for his birthday anniversary) Tuesday 21st November The Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, memorial. 9.30 a.m. The Daily Rosary +10.00 a.m. Pietro Leonilde Mario Albeto Wednesday 22nd November St. Cecilia, virgin & martyr, memorial. The Daily Rosary at home NO PUBLIC MASS TODAY Thursday 23rd November St Clement I, pope & martyr. 9.30 a.m. The Daily Rosary +10.00 a.m. Milita D’Mello R.I.P. 12.00 noon Thursday Lunch Club Friday 24th November St. Andrew Dung-Lac, priest & companions, martyrs, memorial. 9.30 a.m. The Daily Rosary +10.00 a.m. Michael Akhidenor R.I.P. 6.00 p.m. Choir Practice. Saturday 25th November St Catherine of Alexandria, virgin & martyr [TC]. 9.00 a.m. Confessions 9.30 a.m. The Daily Rosary (in Latin & English) + 10.00 a.m. (Latin 1962) Olivero & Carmelina Ranita Pereira TG on 25th wedding anniversary. + 6.30 p.m. SAID OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST, KING OF THE UNIVERSE Bruno Castanha R.I.P.
NOVEMBER PRAYER
THE NOVENA FOR THE HOLY SOULS by St. Alphonsus Liguori
You can say this prayer for nine days in preparation for All Souls Day or for any set of nine days in November.
O most sweet Jesus, through the bloody sweat which you suffered in the Garden of Gethsemane, have mercy on these Blessed Souls. Have mercy on them. R. Have mercy on them, O Lord. O most sweet Jesus, through the pains which you suffered during your most cruel scourging, have mercy on them. R. Have mercy on them, O Lord. O most sweet Jesus, through the pains which you suffered in your most painful crowning with thorns, have mercy on them. R. Have mercy on them, O Lord. O most sweet Jesus, through the pains which you suffered in carrying your cross to Calvary, have mercy on them. R. Have mercy on them, O Lord. O most sweet Jesus, through the pains which you suffered during your most cruel Crucifixion, have mercy on them. R. Have mercy on them, O Lord. O most sweet Jesus, through the pains which you suffered in your most bitter agony on the Cross, have mercy on them. R. Have mercy on them, O Lord. O most sweet Jesus, through the immense pain which you suffered when you gave up your spirit in your last breath, have mercy on them. R. Have mercy on them, O Lord.
(Recommend yourself to the Souls in Purgatory and mention your intentions here)
Blessed Souls, I have prayed for you; I entreat you, who are so dear to God, and who are secure of never losing Him, to pray for me a miserable sinner, who is in danger of being damned, and of losing God forever. Amen