THE THIRTY-FIRST WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME
OCTOBER IS THE MONTH OF THE HOLY ROSARY/NOVEMBER IS THE MONTH OF HOLY SOULS
Dear parishioners,
St. Thomas More choir and servers visit to St Mary’s University, Twickenham.
Last Saturday our choir and servers went by train via Waterloo to St Mary’s University, Strawberry Hill, Twickenham. This is one of the last remaining catholic universities in England, but is open to all and has always had a particular mission to provide university education to the poor. The oldest building is a fine example of early neo-Gothic with a splendid drawing room in which the Association for Latin Liturgy held its AGM in the afternoon. We also had a tour of the grounds and saw the running track where Mo Farah, as a student there, prepared for his later triumphs. The university church overlooks the main square of the campus, up a flight of steps over the university library. The Church is a surprisingly elegant piece of 1960’s architecture of brick in an early modernist style with fine stained glass windows and a clear orientation, having been built just before extreme modernist and revolutionary styles took hold and churches became unrecognisable. Noteworthy too is a fine mosaic of the Blessed Virgin Mary given by the Vatican to the University in commemoration of our beloved Pope Benedict XVI ‘s visit there. On the other side of the campus square is a tiny gothic chapel of the Blessed Virgin Mary and next to that the chaplaincy buildings where drinks were served before lunch and later on afternoon tea. The university gave us an excellent lunch, but the highlight of the day was the A.L.L. celebration of mass for the commemoration of Pope John Paul II. In addition to servers for the mass, St. Thomas More parish provided the choir and soloists who sang the solo parts of the introit and communion. We have also put in a lot of practice of the mass setting ‘cum jubilo’, one of the most difficult, and led it confidently and well. Comments received afterwards include:
"My own impression was that this was probably one of the most upbeat meetings we have had, certainly in recent years and probably in the whole of the new millennium... the choir show no sign of anything less than enthusiasm for the repertoire they are now getting used to singing with some brio!"
There are some kinds of pride which it is good to have, and I certainly am proud of the achievements of St Thomas More organist, choir and the servers for their contribution to the ALL day, which they would not have done without commitment, practice and dedication over the last couple of years. Thank you for representing our parish so well!
If you are interested in singing catholic chant for the mass, you are welcome to join our choir. You cannot be too young or too old. It is not just a cliché, but ‘singing is good for the soul’ and is a great offering to God. We practice on Fridays at 6.00 p.m. and again with the organist before the 11 o’clock mass from about 10.15 on Sunday. Also, if you would like to find out more about or join the Association for Latin Liturgy, receive their bulletin and join us at future events, this is the link to the web-site:
AIMS OF THE ASSOCIATION FOR LATIN LITURGY (A.L.L.)
The Association was founded in September 1969. Its aims are:
· to promote understanding of the theological, pastoral and spiritual qualities of the liturgy in Latin;
· to preserve the sacredness and dignity of the Roman rite;
· to secure, for the present and future generations, the Church’s unique inheritance of liturgical music.
The Association believes that its objectives are most likely to be achieved by frequent celebrations of the Mass in Latin in the Ordinary Form of the Roman rite, to which the majority of the laity are accustomed, while many are dissatisfied with the shortcomings of much current liturgical practice. The Bishops of England and Wales recognized the Association in 1970 as an approved Catholic Society, and in 1975 Pope Paul VI conferred on it the Apostolic Benediction.
Observing the Month of Holy Souls
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 the Church, where the Our Father and Creed are recited, sacramental confession, Holy Communion and prayer for the Holy Father’s intention. 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).
At St Thomas More Church:
1. All Souls Day. Mass at 10.00 a.m. and 7.00 p.m.
2. Blessing of Graves at Hillview Cemetery at 1.00 p.m., Saturday 12th November; Sidcup and Brook Street, 3.00 p.m. Sunday 13th November;
3. Remembrance Day. Solemn Requiem for the dead of two world wars at 11.00 a.m., Sunday 13th November.
4. November Masses for the Dead:
i. Saturday 5th November 10.00 a.m. ( TLM )
ii. Tuesday 15th November 11.00 a.m. Mass for deceased clergy of Bexley deanery at Our Lady of the Crays, Crayford.
iii. Thursday 17th November 10.00 a.m.
iv. Thursday 24th November 10.00 a.m.
5. Service of Remembrance with commemoration of the faithful departed, the Litany of the Sacred Heart and Benediction. Feast of Christ the King, Sunday 20th November at 4.00 p.m. ( A plenary indulgence is granted to those present, subject to the usual conditions, where are recited in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament exposed, the consecration of the human race to Christ the King and the Litany of the Sacred Heart)
PORCH SALE
On Sunday morning, 6th November there will be a sale of religious items and fine quality children’s knitwear in the porch.
FIRST CONFESSION & HOLY COMMUNIONS 2023. Application forms are available for collection from the priest at the end of all Sunday masses and returned to him after Sunday mass on a following Sunday. The deadline to submit forms is Sunday 13th November. Sun
Key dates:
Closing date for applications. Sunday 13th November 2022.
Parents Meeting: 7.00 p.m. Wednesday 23rd November 2022.
First Holy Communion Group Christmas Choir for the Christmas Vigil Mass. 24th December 2022
First Session: 10.30 a.m. Saturday 7th January 2023.
First Confessions: probably a Saturday morning in March: to be confirmed.
Children’s Stations of the Cross: 10.30 a.m. Good Friday, 7th April 2023
First Holy Communions: Saturday 17th and Sunday 18th June 2023.
The fulfilment of the Sunday obligation to attend mass on all Catholics (with obvious exemptions) is required for all families with their children preparing to receive their First Holy Communion.
Message from: CARITAS. HOMES FOR UKRAINE MATCHING NETWORK. Caritas Social Action Network, in partnership with St John of God Hospitaller Services, an international Catholic charity with many services for the vulnerable in the UK and Ireland, have launched a service to bring together Ukainian people displaced by the brutal war in their country with people in the Catholic community willing to host them in their homes for six months. Once the match is confirmed, the Ukrainian guest can apply for their visa. We Know that coping with the cost of living crisis will be the main concern for many people this winter, but if you have room in your home and in your heart to consider welcoming a stranger displaced by war , then we’d love to hear from you. Please visit https://sjoq-homesforukraine.uk/ for more information. Also see poster in porch.
FEAST OF ST. JUDE, THE APOSTLE (PATRON OF LOST CAUSES) This feast is the highpoint of the calendar at the shrine church of St Jude in Faversham. Many visit Faversham in devotion to the Apostle in the company of the Carmelites of Aylesford who run the shrine. In addition to masses, there is a piety stall, a display of Carmelite books and light refreshments.
Friday 28th October 10.00 a.m. and 5.30 p.m. St Jude Mass.
Saturday 29th October 10.00 a.m. and 2.00 p.m. St Jude Mass.
Sunday 30th October 12.30 p.m. and 3.00 p.m. St. Jude Mass.
Faversham is a fine Kentish town, well worth a visit, accessible by train from Bexleyheath or Abbey Wood, changing at Gravesend. There are some excellent old pubs and other places to eat. Prayers at the shrine of St Jude in Faversham have helped many people, including myself, and I recommend this to you.
The shrine of St Jude is at 34 Tanners Street, Faversham, Kent ME13 7JW.
World Youth Day, Lisbon (31st July to 7th August 2023)
The Archdiocese of Southwark is taking a group of young people (aged 18-35) to World Youth Day in Lisbon from 31 July to 7 August 2023. Bookings are now open; the price is £1,295, which includes flights, 3* accommodation (shared room), transfers, WYD registration fee & meal vouchers. If you are between 18-35, you are welcome to book via https://bit.ly/WYDSouthwark . For further information, please email youth@rcaos.org.uk
The Universe Catholic Weekly
Is true to its mission of being “a light to guide the world, and a mirror to reflect it” Keeping Catholics informed about their faith, and bringing them ever closer to God. In order to keep our high standard going and maintain a strong weekly Catholic voice at a time when it is much needed in the world, please consider taking out a subscription.
We have an excellent website full of trustworthy articles and an online shop with all subscribers receiving a 10% discount.
Order your Digital 4 weeks FREE introductory offer by calling Michelle on 0743 661 7650 or email: michelle.jones@universecatholicweekly.co.uk
We invite you to submit articles/news and celebrations about your local parish activities
Please see link below for this week’s Universe Catholic Weekly.
‘Children’s Liturgy’ this Sunday at 9.00 a.m.
FOOD BANK. Don’t forget the Food Bank collection crate in the Church Porch! People are not managing to afford the basic essentials of life. If you can contribute some long life milk, canned food, packets of pasta, toilet rolls or any other non-perishable basics, you will be helping our neighbours in great need.
THURSDAY LUNCH CLUB This Thursday, 3rd of November.
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 souls of:
Frances Anne Carter who died on Monday 5th September 2022. Her funeral was on Tuesday 20th September 2022.
Clare Cullen who died on Friday 23rd September 2022 aged 92. Her funeral requiem is Monday 31st October 2022 at 11.00 a.m. followed by committal at Camberwell New Cemetery.
Teresa Cooper who died on Wednesday 5th October 2022 aged 77. Her funeral is on Monday 7th November at 12.00 noon followed by committal at Eltham Crematorium at 1.45 p.m.
Denis McLaughlin who died on Tuesday 18th October. His funeral is on Friday 28th October in Belfast, Ireland.
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-FIRST WEEK OF ORDINARY TIME.
Instaurare Omnia in Christo: "to restore all things in Christ."
Saturday 29th October Our Lady’s Saturday
9.00 a.m. Confessions.
9.30 a.m. The Daily Rosary
+10.00 a.m. (Latin 1962) Holy Souls
+ 6.30 p.m. THIRTY-FIRST SUNDAY OF ORDINARY TIME (C). Maria Josephina DaSilva & deceased family members R.I.P.
Sunday 30th October
8.30 a.m. The Daily Rosary
+ 9.00 a.m. SUNG. Christopher Brook R.I.P.
+ 11.00 a.m. SOLEMN LATIN MASS (with English Readings/ missa orbis factor). For the bereaved people of Creeslough, co. Donegal W.B.
7.00 p.m. Parish Social Evening in the Hall.
Monday 31st October feria.
9.30 a.m. The Daily Rosary.
+11.00 a.m. Funeral Requiem for Clare Cullen followed by committal at Camberwell New Cemetery.
Tuesday 1st November ALL SAINTS DAY. SOLEMNITY. HOLY DAY OF OBLIGATION.
9.30 a.m. The Daily Rosary.
+10.00 a.m. Emily & Harry Yeates R.I.P.
+7.00 p.m. SOLEMN MASS (in Latin and English) Milla Goes P.I.
Wednesday 2nd November The Commemoration of the faithful departed (All Soul’s Day).
9.30 a.m. The Daily Rosary.
+10.00 a.m. Holy Souls.
+7.00 p.m. SOLEMN MASS (in Latin and English) Holy Souls.
Thursday 3rd November St. Martin de Porres, religious.
The Daily Rosary at Home.
NO PUBLIC MASS TODAY.
1.00 p.m. Thursday Lunch Club.
Friday 4th November St. Charles Borromeo, bishop, memorial.
9.30 a.m. The Daily Rosary
+10.00 a.m. Donald Tracey R.I.P.
6.00 p.m. Choir Practice. New members welcome.
Saturday 5th November Our Lady’s Saturday
9.00 a.m. Confessions.
9.30 a.m. The Daily Rosary
+10.00 a.m. Requiem. (Latin 1962) Holy Souls. November Requiem.
6.00 p.m. Confessions.
+ 6.30 p.m. THIRTY- SECOND SUNDAY OF ORDINARY TIME (C). Deceased members of the the D’Souza & De Lima Families R.I.P.
OCTOBER PRAYER TO OUR LADY, QUEEN OF THE MOST HOLY ROSARY.
(This prayer was written by, St. Jean Marie Vianney, the Cure d’Ars)
O most holy Virgin, Mary, who evermore stands before the Most Holy Trinity, and to whom it is granted at all times to pray for us to your most beloved Son; pray for me in all my necessities; help me, protect me, and obtain for me the pardon of all my sins. Help me especially at my last hour; and when I can no longer give any sign of the use of reason, then encourage me, make the sign of the cross for me, have me sprinkled with holy water and fight for me against the enemy. Make in my name a profession of faith; assure me with the promise of my salvation, never let me despair of the mercy of God and help me to overcome the temptations of the evil one.
When I can no longer say: “Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, I give you my heart and my soul,” I ask you to say it to me; when I can longer hear human words of consolation, comfort me. Leave me not before I have been judged, and if I have to atone for my sins in purgatory, pray for me earnestly; and lead my friends to pray for my speedy enjoyment of the blessed vision of God.
Lessen my sufferings, deliver me speedily, and lead my soul into heaven with you: that, united with all God’s chosen, I may there bless and praise my God - and you Mother Mary - for all eternity. Amen.
God bless,
Fr Jonathon
Comments