Saturday 21st October 2023 – Saturday 4th November 2023.
- jonathonrouth
- Oct 21, 2023
- 3 min read
Updated: Oct 30, 2023
Two- week edition.
OCTOBER IS THE MONTH OF THE HOLY ROSARY/ NOVEMBER IS THE MONTH OF HOLY SOULS
Twenty-ninth and Thirtieth Weeks of Ordinary Time
Dear parishioners,
MASS OF OUR LADY, QUEEN OF PALESTINE
AND ALL THE HOLY LAND
Our Lady, Queen of Palestine and all the Holy Land
On Wednesday 25th October, parishes in Southwark archdiocese have been invited to join with the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem in the Mass of the Solemnity of Our Lady, Queen of Palestine and all the Holy Land. I’m in Lourdes next week, so I will say this mass with a small group of parishioners there. We will ask Our Lady, Queen of Palestine for peace in the Holy Land with an end and resolution to the spiralling injustice, which for decades has provoked more injustice and cruelty and more injustice and worse cruelty in return. To quote ‘Embrace the Middle East’,’ Please pray that the killing will stop, that a ceasefire across the whole of the Gaza strip will be brokered, and that humanitarian aid will reach the hundreds of thousands of innocent women, children and men whose lives are in great danger’.
We call upon The Immaculate Heart of Mary for her prayers for all the people of the Holy Land in their unimaginable suffering, that the suffering of sin nailed to the cross will be met with the forgiveness that the Lord Jesus returned to those who crucified him, and which his Sorrowful Mother witnessed on this same land.
The pope has also announced a day of prayer and fasting for an end to the Israel-Hamas war, to be observed on Friday 27th October.
The pope says it is “a day of penance to which I invite sisters and brothers of the various Christian denominations, those belonging to other religions, and all those who have at heart the cause of peace in the world, to join in as they see fit,”.
On that Friday, the pope will preside over a vigil in St Peter’s Square at 6.00 pm (5.00 pm UK) and would like faithful around the world join with him in prayer at that hour “in a spirit of penance to implore peace in our time, peace in this world”.
At Our Lady’s Shrine in Lourdes, I will also be offering mass for several parishioners and lighting candles for those who have requested it. If you attend mass mid-week, please go to one of the other local churches and check their mass times online. I’ll be with you all again at St Thomas More for the Traditional Latin Mass, as always, next Saturday and I will be praying for you all at Lourdes.
God bless and peace be with you,
Fr Jonathon
MISSIO second collection on ‘World Mission Day’, this Sunday, 22nd October 2023
Missio is the Church’s official organ for the support of foreign missions. The collection taken on World Mission Sunday goes in its entirety to support churches, hospitals, schools and vocations in countries where the Church is new, young or poor. Missio works through local bishops, churches and missionary congregations to ensure that resources are distributed equitably and justly on the basis of need. The money goes directly from England and Wales to the bishops in the mission territories: local church directly helping local church.
Make your donation to support the good works of Missio online at: https://missio.org.uk/donate/
Or pick up an envelope after mass to make your donation by cash or cheque
Or donate using your card and our contactless payment devices.
UPCOMING EVENTS
THREE EVENING SESSIONS ON MENTAL HEALTH AT ST JOHN VIANNEY CHURCH HALL, HEATHFIELD ROAD, BEXLEYHEATH. All are welcome to attend on:
Thursday 2nd November 7.00 – 9.00 p.m. Staff from Oxleas NHS Foundation Trust will be talking about Mental Health Services and Support available within Bexley area.
Thursday 9th November 7.00 – 9.00 p.m. This session will be about looking after ourselves and each other and then focus on the work of Re-instate Ltd and the services offered by them in this area.
Thursday 16h November 7.00 – 9.00 p.m. This will focus on upon Children’s mental health and be led by Bexley Counselling Matters and conclude with three themes for discussion.
Coffee, tea and biscuits will be available.
If you are interested in taking part, yellow programmes are available on the table in the porch.
DAY WITH MAY
1. Westminster Cathedral. Saturday 28th October 9.45 – 5.30 p.m.
2. St Chad’s Church, Whitworth Road, South Norwood. Saturday 4th November, 10.00 a.m. – 5. 45 p.m.
3. Our Lady & St Peter, Victoria Drive, Wimbledon Common, Saturday 11th November, 9.30 a.m. -5.00 p.m.
Bring a packed lunch. Tea and coffee provided. See noticeboard or www.adaywithmary.org for further details.
DIVINE MERCY APOSTOLATE PILGRIMAGE TO KNOCK The Divine Mercy Apostolate, London is hosting a Pilgrimage to the Shrine of Our Lady of Knock, Co Mayo from November 9 to 14 to pray for the Holy Souls. It will be led by the Marian Fathers. Package includes: Return flights by Aer Lingus from Heathrow Airport, half board, 5 nights, accommodation in en suite twin rooms, hand-luggage (10 kgs), all transfers and Airport Development fee. The Retreat will include daily Mass and Hour of Mercy and retreats at Glendalough and Kylemore Abbey. Cost £800. All Welcome. Please call Millie Fernandez on 07957594646 for more information.
A WELCOME RETURN OF BINGO NIGHTS.
The St Thomas More Social Club welcomes you once a month for a drink and some Bingo. The next BINGO night is on Friday 17th November and then 15th December, 8.00 pm till 11.00 pm, Eyes down at 9.00pm. Bingo book £5 each, available at the door. For more information call Jenny on 07710 527692 or Mary on 07369 252072
The Macmillan Coffee Morning
I hope our parish will greatly support these wonderful nurses who are with us in our time of need by coming to our fundraising coffee morning this Sunday.
ST JUDE’S DAY (the feast of St. Simon and St. Jude) is celebrated on 28th October.
The feast day is the high point of the calendar in Faversham, and hundreds of pilgrims come here in devotion to the Apostle. Although most come from London and the southeast, many others come from across Britain and even from abroad to celebrate this special time with God and with one another, in the company of the Carmelites.
The programme of activities during the feast includes regular celebrations of the Mass, blessings with the oil of St. Jude, and other devotions. During the celebrations there is a piety stall, a display of Carmelite books, and light refreshments available.
This year, St Jude’s Day falls on a Saturday and there will be celebrations on the Saturday and Sunday.
Saturday 28th October 2023 FEAST DAY
Saint Jude Mass at 12.30 p.m. – 2.30 p.m. and 4.30 p.m.
Sunday 29th October 2023
Saint Jude Mass at 12.30 p.m. – 3.00 p.m.
Please call 01795 539 214 or email shrineoffice@stjudeshrine.org.uk or visit www.stjudeshrine.org.uk for more information.
SHRINE OF ST.JUDE, WHITEFRIARS, TANNERS STREET, FAVERSHAM, KENT
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 9.45 a.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.
High Mass at Westminster Cathedral on the Vigil of the Assumption.
FOOD BANK. The Bexley Food Bank currently particularly requests (please notice the new items at the end):
CARRIER BAGS/ TINNED TOMATOES / RICE / NOODLES / JAM / CUSTARD /TOOTPASTE / SHOWER GEl/ DEODORANT/ TOOTHPASTE/ SUGAR / WASHING PODS/ LONG LIFE MILK / BISCUITS / SWEETS- CONFECTIONARY.
Please follow the link below to view the food donations page of the Bexley food bank site. https://bexley.foodbank.org.uk/give-help/donate-food/
NOTICES FROM MARRIAGE & FAMILY LIFE SOUTH EAST:
PASSING ON THE FAITH AS GRANDPARENTS
What practical steps can we take and what sort of conversations can we have which will help anchor our grandchildren’s faith?
Four online sessions starting Weds eves November 8th, 7:30 – 9pm. Email Lisette on mflse@rcaos.org.uk
PASSING ON THE FAITH FOR PARENTS
How do we start? How do we continue? What works well for children at different stages?
Four online sessions starting Thurs eves November 9th, 8pm – 9:30pm. Email Lisette on mflse@rcaos.org.uk
Growing in Faith Together -- this new online course has been developed in collaboration with the Southwark Marriage and Family Life team, the Diocesan Agency for Evangelisation and SycamOre, a programme about the Catholic faith by Fr Stephen Wang. It consists of four one hour-long sessions via Zoom and is a wonderful opportunity for: · married couples to enrich their friendship and love · engaged couples who have completed their marriage preparation course and want to continue exploring their faith together
The course runs on Tuesday evenings from 8-9pm beginning October 24th. To register click on the link: https://aec.rcaos.org.uk/together
Planning a catholic marriage? Marriage preparation courses are available by emailing mflse@rcaos.org.uk.
BEXLEY CRISIS CAFÉ Experiencing emotional or psychological distress? Access mental health support and advice after hours. Open every day from 6.00 p.m. to 10.00 p.m. including bank holidays. MIND IN BEXLEY at 2A Devonshire Road, Bexleyheath DA6 8DS
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.
EMBRACE THE MIDDLE EAST
Dear Friends
Embrace issued the following statement in response to the tragedy at Al Alhi Hospital.
Statement 18 October 2023
The death and destruction caused by the missile which struck the Ahli hospital last night has shocked the world. As a long-standing partner of Al Ahli we are deeply distressed at the loss of life. We echo the words of the Diocese of Jerusalem, ‘Hospitals, by the tenets of international humanitarian law, are sanctuaries, yet this assault has transgressed those sacred boundaries.’
Please pray with us for the bereaved, and for those whose lives were lost. Many of the dead were seeking sanctuary. Others were staying with their seriously ill relatives who could not be moved. And inevitably hospital staff will be among the hundreds killed.
There is no moral high ground to be claimed by anyone in this horrible conflict.
Please pray with us that the killing will stop, that a ceasefire across the whole of the Gaza strip will be brokered, and that humanitarian aid will reach the hundreds of thousands of innocent women, children and men whose lives are in great danger.
Please pray with us for peace, reconciliation and justice for all in all of the land. And, if you can, please support our appeal for the help that will be desperately needed for a long time to come to heal, to rebuild, to reconcile, to begin again.
Thank you.
Tim Livesey
CEO Embrace the Middle East
In our staff prayers this morning, we found comfort in the words of the Psalmist: “The Lord is near to the broken-hearted and saves the crushed in spirit.” (Psalm 34:18)
GAZA CRISIS APPEAL The people of Gaza are living through an unprecedented humanitarian crisis. Please, can you make a donation to help in their hour of need? Israel’s response to the terrible events of last weekend has led to indiscriminate civilian suffering, with residents forced to move from place to place in search of safety. Food and medical supplies have all but run out; water, electricity, and fuel have been cut off. Your gift will support Embrace’s Christian partners in the immediate aftermath of this humanitarian crisis and to help to heal the wounds it’s caused across Israel-Palestine.
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 EMBRACE 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.
SPUC NOTICES
SPUC COFFEE MORNING
Sunday 5th November after 9am mass in the hall.
MASSES AND INTENTIONS FOR THE TWENTY- NINTH & THIRTIETH WEEKS OF ORDINARY TIME
Instaurare Omnia in Christo: "to restore all things in Christ."
Saturday 21st October Celebration of the Blessed Virgin Mary with comm. of St Hilarion, abbot & Ss Ursula & companions, virgins and martyrs. [TC]. 9.00 a.m. Confessions 9.30 a.m. The Daily Rosary (in Latin & English) + 10.00 a.m. (Latin 1962) William Pinto WB 6.00 p.m. Confessions. + 6.30 p.m. SAID TWENTY- NINTH SUNDAY ‘World Mission Day’, second collection for Missio.The people of the parish Sunday 22nd October 8.30 a.m. The Daily Rosary + 9.00 a.m. SUNG with Liturgy of the Word for children in Church Hall. Roy Braganza WB 10.00 a.m. MACMILLAN COFFEE MORNING in the Church Hall +11.00 a.m. SOLEMN (in Latin with English Readings] Denis McLaughlin RIP 7.00 p.m. Parish Social Evening in the Hall. All welcome. Monday 23rd October St. John of Capistrano, priest The Daily Rosary at home. NO PUBLIC MASS TODAY AT STM. Mass offered in Lourdes for Freny Adagara W.B. Tuesday 24th October. St Anthony Mary Claret, bishop. The Daily Rosary at home. NO PUBLIC MASS TODAY AT STM. Mass offered in Lourdes for Catherine Rayner W.B. Wednesday 25th October Our Lady, Queen of Palestine and all the Holy Land. The Daily Rosary at home. NO PUBLIC MASS TODAY AT STM. Mass offered in Lourdes for Hector Moreira W.B. Thursday 26th October St.Chad & Cedd, bishops. The Daily Rosary at home. NO PUBLIC MASS TODAY AT STM. Mass offered in Lourdes for Rose Castanha W.B. 12.00 noon Thursday Lunch Club Friday 27th October. Feria. Day of Penance, fasting and prayer for Peace in the Holy Land. The Daily Rosary at home. NO PUBLIC MASS TODAY AT STM. Mass offered in Lourdes for WB of the D’ Souza family. No Choir Practice this evening.
Saturday 28th October Ss. Simon & Jude, Apostles [TC]. 9.00 a.m. Confessions 9.30 a.m. The Daily Rosary (in Latin & English) + 10.00 a.m. (Latin 1962) 6.00 p.m. Confessions. Peter Braganza RIP + 6.30 p.m. SAID THIRTIETH SUNDAY OF ORDINARY TIME Willhelmina McCahey R.I.P. Sunday 29th October 8.30 a.m. The Daily Rosary + 9.00 a.m. SUNG with Liturgy of the Word for children in Church Hall. The people of the parish +11.00 a.m. SOLEMN (in Latin with English Readings] Mary Feeney WB 7.00 p.m. Parish Social Evening in the Hall. All welcome.
Monday 30th October feria 9.30 a.m. The Daily Rosary +10.00 a.m. Maria Fernandes R.I.P. Tuesday 31st October feria The Daily Rosary at home NO PUBLIC MASS TODAY Wednesday 1st November ALL SAINTS’ DAY solemnity, holyday of obligation. 9.30 a.m. The Daily Rosary +10.00 a.m. Harry & Emily Yeates R.I.P. +7.00 p.m. Fran Olaj R.I.P. (sixth anniversary) Thursday 2nd November THE COMMEMORATION OF THE FAITHFUL DEPARTED ‘ALL SOULS’ DAY’ 9.30 a.m. The Daily Rosary +10.00 a.m. Holy Souls + 7.00 p.m. Holy Souls 12.00 noon Thursday Lunch Club Friday 3rd November St. Winifride, virgin. 9.30 a.m. The Daily Rosary +10.00 a.m. Mary Etheridge R.I.P. 6.00 p.m. Choir Practice. Saturday 4th November St. Charles Borromeo, bishop & confessor [TC]. 9.00 a.m. Confessions 9.30 a.m. The Daily Rosary (in Latin & English) + 10.00 a.m. (Latin 1962) Holy Souls. November Requiem. + 6.30 p.m. SAID THIRTY-FIRST SUNDAY OF ORDINARY TIME Deceased members of the D’Souza & De Lima families R.I.P
OCTOBER PRAYER
Prayer to Our Lady of the Holy Rosary
