THE THIRTY- SECOND WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME
NOVEMBER IS THE MONTH OF HOLY SOULS
Dear parishioners,
Sixty Years since Vatican II and yet another year of the ‘Synod on Synodality’.
The odd sounding ‘Synod on Synodality’has been extended by a year to 2024. We are also commemorating 60 years since the opening of the Second Vatican Council by Pope St John XXIII.
For anyone interested in any of this, there is a programme on EWTN, a channel watched by a number of you, but for those who haven’t seen it, this is the link:
Raymond Arroyo interviews Bishop Athanasius Schneider and covers some of the following questions:
1. Why is this so-called ‘synod’ being extended?
2. What is the real function of a ‘synod’ in the church’s history? Have synods always been ‘a good thing’?
3. Have all Catholics been listened to in this so- called ‘synod on synodality’? Who was shut out?
4. Is this ‘Synod’ a ‘manipulation with a pre-established agenda’?
5. What do many bishops think of this ‘synod’?
6. Did Cardinal Mueller really say the synod is an opening to ‘a hostile takeover of the church’ and an undermining of catholic truth?
7. Could it possibly be true that non-catholics and even non-christians are being asked to give their opinions on the beliefs of The Church in this ‘synodal process on the synod on synodality’? Is this right and just?
8. What are the limits of papal power?
9. Is this process now confusing and diluting the faith?
10. What was the motivation behind ‘traditionis custodes’ and the restrictions placed on the traditional Latin Mass of the ages?
11. Does the direction of Pope Francis seem to be in line with the implementation of Vatican II by popes John Paull II and Benedict XVI?
12. Are we now suffering from an extremist interpretation of the Second Vatican Council which is an abuse of its intentions?
13. Can it possibly be true that a pro-abortionist activist has just been appointed to the Pontifical Academy for Life? What should our response to this be if it is true?
14. Should we despair?
For the answers to all the questions above watch:
But should we despair? The answer of Bishop Schneider is definitely not. We do not despair, but have hope in Christ. Yes, we are currently living in spiritual ruins but in the midst of which we must continue calmly and direct ourselves to Christ in our lives and in the Sacred Liturgy by visibly restoring our orientation to Him in the Mass and by public and personal observance of sacred Catholic tradition and customs.
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:
All Souls Day. Mass at 10.00 a.m. and 7.00 p.m.
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;
Remembrance Day. Solemn Requiem for the dead of two world wars at 11.00 a.m., Sunday 13th November.
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.
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.
ARCHBISHOP’S APPEAL SECOND COLLECTION 13th November
The Archbishop’s Appeal seeks to invest faith, hope, love, and charity into three key areas of mission and ministry in the Archdiocese of Southwark.
Youth and Evangelisation
To strengthen the formation of young people in the faith within our schools and parishes, enhance the faith life of parishioners, support the work of parish catechists, enhance the faith journeys of new Catholics; and for Southwark to become an evangelising and missionary Archdiocese.
Our Faith in Action
To show compassionate and active service in the world around us through love for all people: the protection of human dignity, respect for the inter-connectedness of our world and common home, hearing the cry of the poor and the cry of the Earth. Supporting social outreach projects in parishes and schools.
Clergy Care and Formation
To care for sick and retired priests in their old age and ill health. Supporting the ongoing formation of our priests and deacons. Providing on-going formation of clergy in active ministry. Supporting the work of the vocations team and formation of seminarians and deacons.
Pooled together, your support can have significant impact in our faith community. A portion of the monies raised will be granted to parishes and Catholic schools to support local projects.
Please support the Archbishop’s Appeal today, every gift is welcome.
· Donate Online: rcaos.org.uk/archbishops-appeal
· Or Scan QR Code using telephone camera (right)
· Telephone weekdays 9 am – 5 pm: 020 7960 2504
· Cash / Cheque – please use the Archbishop’s Appeal envelopes at the back of church.
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.
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
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Please see link below for this week’s Universe Catholic Weekly.
Church for Children. The ‘ Children’s liturgy’ will resume on the 13/11 and finish for Christmas on the 11/12.
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, 10th November.
Enjoy an evening out
St Thomas More Parish Club
Presents
A social evening for all the family, everybody welcome
Music by Jerry Kelly
Friday 11th November 2022
8.00 p.m. till 11.00 p.m.
Admission - Adults £3.00 at the door
St Thomas More Hall, Long Lane DA7 5JW
For more information call
Jenny 07710 527692 Mary 07749 197957
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:
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- SECOND WEEK OF ORDINARY TIME.
Instaurare Omnia in Christo: "to restore all things in Christ."
Saturday 5th November Our Lady’s Saturday
9.00 a.m. Confessions.
9.30 a.m. The Daily Rosary
+10.00 a.m. (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.
Sunday 6th November
8.30 a.m. The Daily Rosary
+ 9.00 a.m. SUNG. Deceased members of the Bass family R.I.P.
Repository in porch with sale of religious cards and good, and fine quality children’s knitwear.
+ 11.00 a.m. SOLEMN LATIN MASS (with English Readings/ missa orbis factor). Michael Akhidinor R.I.P.
7.00 p.m. Parish Social Evening in the Hall.
Monday 7th November The Dedication of the Cathedral church of St. George, feast.
The Daily Rosary at home.
+12.00 noon. Funeral Requiem for Theresa Cooper R.I.P followed by committal at Eltham Crematorium.
Tuesday 8th November St. Willibrord, bishop.
9.30 a.m. The Daily Rosary.
+10.00 a.m. Deceased members of the Doogan family R.I.P.
Wednesday 9th November The Dedication of the Lateran Basilica, feast.
The Daily Rosary at home.
NO PUBLIC MASS TODAY.
Thursday 10th November St. Leo the Great, pope & doctor of the church, memorial.
9.30 a.m. The Daily Rosary
+10.00 a.m. Carole Frances Kay R.I.P.
1.00 p.m. Thursday Lunch Club.
Friday 11th November St. Martin of Tours, bishop, memorial.
9.30 a.m. The Daily Rosary
+10.00 a.m. Bisi Asuen T.G. (on her fiftieth birthday)
6.00 p.m. Choir Practice. New members welcome.
Saturday 12th November St. Martin I, pope & martyr [T.C.]
9.00 a.m. Confessions.
9.30 a.m. The Daily Rosary
+10.00 a.m. (Latin 1962) Bryan Sewell W.B.
6.00 p.m. Confessions.
+ 6.30 p.m. THIRTY- THIRD SUNDAY OF ORDINARY TIME (C). Jacob & Helen Fernandes R.I.P.
NOVEMBER PRAYERS FOR THE INTERCESSION OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY, MORNING STAR & GATE OF HEAVEN.
In time of Bereavement O sweet mother Mary, who knew the sadness of mourning those your heart loved most, Jesus, your Son, and Joseph, your devoted spouse, pray for us in our time of loss. Amen
Prayer for the deceased.
Almighty Father,
source of forgiveness and salvation,
grant that our loved ones who have passed
from this life may, through the intercession
of the Blessed Virgin Mary
and of all the saints,
come to share your Eternal happiness
through Christ our Lord.
Amen.
God bless,
Fr Jonathon
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