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Thank you for your
offerings last week of £1,649. Mass
attendance 762. |
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Sunday 1st October (Saturday Vigil) |
Twenty-sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time 6pm Kathleen McCabe RIP
(G Coughtrey) |
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9.15am Fr David Camilleri (Howell Family) Francesca Sio RIP (Sio Family) 11am People Of The Parish 3pm Blessing of the Pets
in Church Garden |
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Monday 2nd October (Please note change of time) |
The Holy Guardian Angels 11.30am Requiem Mass for
Margaret Thompson |
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Tuesday 3rd October |
Feria 9.30am Baby Donncha O’Donovan RIP (Wharton Family) |
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Wednesday 4th October |
Saint Francis Of Assisi 9.30am Bridget & Paul
Wiggins |
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10.45am Eucharistic Adoration |
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Thursday 5th October |
Feria |
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9.30am Lyn O’Leary (Jo Keen) |
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Friday 6th October |
Feria 9.30am David Everitt RIP (M Kelly) 7.30pm Eucharistic Adoration |
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Sunday 8th October (Saturday Vigil) |
Twenty-Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time 6pm Reg Griffin RIP (K Griffin) Frank Donelan
RIP 25th Anniversary (Donelan Family) |
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9.15am Francesca Sio RIP (Sio Family) 11am Wladyslaw
Augustyn RIP (E&A Augustyn) |
Confessions heard Saturday 5.00-5.45pm or by
appointment.
Morning Prayer: Takes place Monday – Friday at
9.10am. All are welcome to attend.
Pondering the Word (Lectio Divina)
A quiet
reflective look at the following Sunday’s Gospel. Mondays 11am - 12
noon, except for Bank Holidays, here in the church. All welcome.
Please note that Lectio Divina will be not be held on
Monday 2nd October.
Second Collection
This week’s second collection, 1st
October, will be for the Maintenance Fund.
Next week it will be for CAFOD’s Harvest Fast
Day, which is on Friday 6th October.
Sunday Mornings in the Community Centre
Every
Sunday coffee and tea is served after the 9.15am and 11am Masses. Please join us for a while and get to know
each other over a cuppa!
Fr David writes…
For
me one of the least attractive attributes of a person is when someone promises
that he or she is going to do something and yet they fail to deliver. I can understand that sometimes there are
valid reasons when someone finds difficulty in carrying out their promises
however if it keeps on happening, then one starts automatically not trusting
the person. Every time they promise
something, the words seem to become hollow and empty. It is very difficult to trust someone like
that. He or she starts lacking
credibility and in my own view, once you lose credibility, you lose everything. People very easily start rolling their eyes
and ridiculing you behind your back. Their
word starts to mean nothing. Sometimes people who very easily commit themselves to do something,
without thinking things through, do it because of their need for approval. They like to please people. They are what we call “pleasers”. They are people who are frightened to say no
because they feel that they would not be liked.
So some people over commit themselves with responsibilities and then
find it very hard to carry through their promises. Not being able to say “no” is counter-productive. Other times, people who can never say no, do it initially to impress – they do it because of outer
appearances. Deep down they do know that
they in reality do not believe in what they had committed to and so they know
that they will never carry it through. This
speaks more of someone’s inability to be assertive and they are conditioned by
their need for approval and to being loved.
It can also be seen as deception and hypocrisy. On the other hand there are people who
pleasantly surprise us. That after
coming across as being negative when asked to do something, there comes a time
when they realise that actually they can do it and eventually they do deliver. Somehow these people do not perform because
of their need for the approval of others.
They do what they need to do because they want to do it. They come to the realisation themselves that
it is the right thing to do.
All
this can be seen in today’s gospel where Jesus is confronting the chief priests
and elders of the people. He confronts
them with a story which criticises them for being yes men whose easy promises
are not matched by their performances. This
is a religious deception. He speaks of a
story of a man who had two sons and asks them both to go and work in his
vineyard. The first son says “Yes”
immediately but does not go. Whilst the second one said “No” first and then he did go. Jesus then asks the religious leaders of his
time – Which of the two did the father’s will? Only one son did. The latter. The son who refused but repented stands for
the tax collectors and prostitutes who complied with God’s requests. The other son stands for the priests and
scribes who maintain an outward image of piety and respectability but do not
possess any real devotion to God and Neighbour.
Their preoccupation is themselves.
How are they perceived by the public by following the laws and
regulations and taking the places of privilege within their community but their
hearts are far away from God’s law of love towards God and neighbour. There is neither compassion nor mercy towards
the underdog in them. Their hearts are
astray. Whilst in regards the outcaste
of the community like the tax collectors and prostitutes, their hearts seem to
be more receptive to God and his commandments of love of neighbour and God. They had nothing to lose. Their reputation is in tatters already and so
they can risk to be opened to God’s spirit.
This week we are celebrating the feast day of
St Francis of Assisi one of my favourite saints ever. He started off in his life as a hedonist. His privileged upbringing made him a spoilt
man fuelled by the ego and vanity. It
was only after being captured in war and experiencing a near death experience
that he woke up and realised that his priorities were all up the creek. Only in embracing the Leper, that he
experienced internal freedom and disowned his father’s wealth and gave up
everything to follow Christ in radical poverty.
Francis became in Christianity a symbol of internal reformation within
the Church. Going back to its gospel
roots which Pope Francis is trying to remind us as an institution and on a
personal level what it means to be a Christian in the spirit of love and mercy. No wonder many ultra conservative Catholics
are trying to silence him and ridiculing him by saying that he is a Heretic. Pope Francis is uncovering the hypocrisy of
those who hide behind the respectability of the outer image and the law and yet
forget the real gospel values of love, compassion and mercy which Jesus died
for. Let us pray for the gift of living
our lives authentically according to our conscience and not for our own need to
appear superior or better than others. Let
us allow ourselves be imbued by a spirit of humility in discerning the wisdom
of Christ. Let us try our best to live
our lives with integrity.
“Drop-In”
Evening Surgeries
Please
note the change of day
The next Drop-in Surgery will take place
on Wednesday 4th October between 5pm – 7pm. Please call at 281a Crescent Drive. No appointments are necessary.
One World Week – Sunday 15 October 2017 at 4.00pm in our Community
Centre
Mercy Ships – Good neighbours – My World Depends on Us
Our church will
be the host for members of the local churches to celebrate One World Week. The guest speakers will be Peter and Sonia
Wright from the Mercy Ships charity. The
charity has helped transform the lives of more than 2.54 million people in the
poorest countries of the world since 1978 on its floating hospital ship. Come and hear about the charity’s work and
then meet members of the local churches afterwards for a shared buffet. Please bring a national dish to share at the
buffet.
Confirmation
2018
Calling all Year Nine and above students who wish to be confirmed next
year. There is a “Come and See” meeting
on Monday 6th November at 7.30pm in the Church. This meeting is for candidates and their
parents. At the end of the meeting,
packs will be distributed ready for enrolment into the programme which starts
with a kick off day on Saturday 25th November. If you intend to come to the meeting on the 6th,
please let the parish office know by phone or email: parish.office@stjamespettswood.org.uk. We
look forward to meeting you all. The
Catechists
Liturgy Pillar
Eucharist Adoration
takes place for
an hour each Wednesday shortly after the
morning Mass starting at 10.45 am and finishing at 11.45 am. This Devotion to the Eucharist is a time
of silent prayer and quiet music. Everyone
is welcome for all or part of this time of prayer before the Blessed Sacrament.
First Friday of Month - Eucharist
Adoration also takes place on the 1st
Friday of each month from 7.30 pm – 9pm and concludes with Benediction. Everyone is welcome for all or part of this
time of prayer before the Blessed Sacrament.
Blessing of Pets – St Francis
of Assisi Feast Day
In anticipation of the Feast of St Francis of Assisi on Wednesday 4
October, we are planning to hold a blessing of pets at Church on Sunday 1 October at
3pm. St Francis of Assisi (1181-1226)
was the patron saint of ecologists, florists and poets. Please bring along your pets to the Church
Garden at 3pm.
Songs for the Winter Season
A workshop led by John Bell – Founder of Iona
Community
John is a member of the Iona Community and a
founder of the Wild Goose Resource Group.
He is an occasional broadcaster who lectures and preaches across the
globe. John will lead us in a day of liturgical music
with particular regard to the forthcoming seasons of Remembrance, Advent and
Christmastide. The workshop will be held
at Amigo Hall, St George’s Cathedral. 10.30am
to 3.30pm. Please book in advance via
the parish office. This will be a
wonderful day of song and conversation with John Bell.
To New and Existing Altar Servers
On the 4th
November you are invited to come along to a special meeting to encourage you to
think about whether you would like to become an Altar server. All existing Altar servers are also invited
to attend and chat to any new servers that might be interested in joining us. The meeting is open to anybody who have made your First Holy Communion. Parents please accompany children under 18. We will be serving Pizza so please let the
parish office know beforehand if you are going to attend.
Young Readers for Children’s Mass
We are looking for
children who would like to join in during Mass by reading the bidding prayers
and other parts of the liturgy before the gospel. Please contact the parish office for more
information.
Calling all Musicians and Singers
Would you like to
join in the liturgy by singing or playing a musical instrument during Mass? We
are looking for all sorts of talent and skills.
If you are interested please contact the Parish Office.
Pastoral Care Pillar
Invitation
to a day on the Pope's Post Synodal Apostolic
Exhortation
"Amoris Laetitia" – The Joy
of Love
Saturday
14th October 2017
This event will be
held in St James’ Community Centre from 9.30am to 3.00pm. In Pope Francis' Exhortation he tries to
address all aspects and challenges of modern family life. The document is an invitation to revisit the
sanctity of family based on Christian values with bonds of love, compassion and
commitment. Our key speaker for the day
will be Sr Helen Costigane
SHCJ a lecturer of Pastoral studies at St Mary's University, Twickenham. She will
focus particularly on chapter eight of the document giving an overview of its
meaning and the function of conscience and discernment. There will also be a time for discussion,
questions and answers.
Please bring a shared lunch. Tea and coffee will be provided. All are welcome.
Baby Loss Awareness Week
9-15th October 2017
Many will know and understand the pain of losing a baby at any stage of
pregnancy. National charity lifecharity.org.uk have designated a week to encourage as many people as
possible to provide support in prayer for those who have suffered such a loss. Here at St James’ to mark the week a candle
will be lit at the altar alongside a dedicated display and from 8.30am to
9.30am before Mass each day, people will be able to come into the church for
quiet prayer.
Peace Candle in Our Lady’s
Chapel
A quiet
space has been set aside in Our Lady’s Chapel and a book is available for
anyone who wishes to write a prayer for peace for their own personal
intentions.
Evangelisation Pillar
RCIA – Journey
in Faith begins again
with
a Welcome session on Sunday 29th October 2.30pm – 6.00pm. It is for Adults 18 plus who may be:
Searching
for meaning in their lives and want to explore their spirituality.
Wanting to
know more about the person of Jesus and Christianity.
Feeling the
need to belong to a Community of Faith.
Exploring the possibility of becoming Catholics.
Journey in Faith is also for those
who are already Catholics but feel the need to deepen their faith. And for those who are already Christians but
wish to become full members of the Catholic Church.
Please let the Parish Office know if you would like to join the journey
with us.
St
Joseph's e dintorni
Calling all Italians, their families and friends from St
Joseph's, Bromley, and surrounding Catholic parishes. Our second Italian Sunday Mass will be
presided by Fr Saju on
Sunday the 8th October at St Joseph's RC Church, Plaistow Lane, Bromley, BR1
2PR, at 12.30pm followed by a bring-and-share lunch in the church hall. It'll be in honour of San Francesco d'
Assisi, patron saint of Italy. After
Mass, all children are invited to dress up/face paint as their favourite
"creature" from St Francis' Canticle (sun, rain, water, fire, animal,
etc). If you'd like to
join us and not already on our mailing list. Please show your interest by emailing c.girolamo@libero.it . Further details
will be sent. Do bring a friend - the
more the merrier!
Half day Exploration of the Religious Art of
Caravaggio
Saturday
4th November 10:30am (prompt start) - around 1pm finish.
Caravaggio
was one of the greatest artists the world has seen; as well as being Pope
Francis’ favourite artist. This ½ day
event will look at the man and his religious art, with the aim to deepen our
understanding and appreciation of both.
Fr Geoff Wheaton SJ will return to St James’
to give this talk. Caravaggio is his
hero, and his talk will be a feast of ideas and knowledge. You don’t need to be an art-lover to enjoy
this fascinating and stimulating talk.
Justice & Peace Group
Traidcraft stall
at the Autumn Festival and after all
Masses this weekend. Please come and
browse. Your purchases help people from
many lands who are struggling to support themselves and their families. All profit from the stall is donated to our
Overseas Parish Charity
Foodbank requests this week
Please use this list if you are able to
donate to the Foodbank in the coming week:
Rice puddings, Custard (tins or packets),
Cold meat (spam, corned beef), Coffee (small jars), Tinned tomatoes,
Tinned veg. (carrots, peas, potatoes), Tinned fruit,
Jam/marmalade, Drinks (UHT milk, UHT fruit juice and small bottles of squash),
Toiletries (especially men's), such as shampoo, shower gel, deodorants
As you can see there is great need for
replenishment of stock at the moment.
Thank you as always, and especially to the
person who anonymously donated £15 worth of supermarket vouchers for the Foodbank. J&P
Group.
Parish Life
The Power of Colour
Seven
Sisters Seascape
On
Saturday October 7th 10am to 1pm in the Community Centre, unleash
your creativity with a palette knife workshop with Zsuzsanna
Pataki. Following a step-by-step demo by
Zsuzsanna, you will develop your own seascape in
acrylics, with sponges and palette knives.
Great fun and a new technique if your default tool is
a brush. Professional colours,
canvas and tools provided. Beginners are
very welcome.
Invite friends and sign
up together by calling the parish office on 01689 827100.
Recommended
age 14-144 years, special discount for the parish £25 per person.
Newcomers Event
Saturday 7th
October 3.30pm - 5.30pm
The
Parish would like to invite any new parishioners who have joined our Parish
Community over the last few years to a social event on Saturday 7th
October between 3.30 and 5.30pm. This
will be an opportunity to meet various members of the Community, including
Father David and some parish groups, in a relaxed manner. There will be music and light refreshments
for everyone to enjoy. This is open to
all the family, so please feel free to come along.
Please register your
interest by email to belinda.guyton@stjamespettswood.org by Sunday 1st
October.
Watch RISE
Theatre’s new play about Blessed Oscar Romero
We are delighted to welcome RISE Theatre,
a professional Christian theatre company, who will be performing their original
play ‘Romero – Heartbeat of El Salvador’
at St James’ on Sunday 26th
November at 7.30pm.
The production
tells the true story of Blessed Oscar Romero and his heart for the oppressed
people of El Salvador. Romero chose to
challenge those in power and stand up for social justice. He demanded respect for human rights. Come and experience this exciting new play,
performed with energy and passion by the RISE Theatre team - www.risetheatre.co.uk
“A challenging
and moving production about the life and legacy of this great man of justice.” Bridget Fenwick, CAFOD
For tickets please contact
Parish office on 01689 827100 parish.office@stjamespettswood.org
or visit www.ticketsource.co.uk/risetheatre
Performance lasts approximately 75 minutes and
is suitable for adults and children 11+
Community Centre
We are urgently
looking for people to go on the coffee rota for the Sunday 9.15am and Wednesday
10am Masses. Please contact the Parish
office if you are able to help.
Why
not give Firm Believers a try?
Firm
Believers is our inter-church Fun-Fitness class to music every Tuesday (in term-time),
7.00-7.45 pm, in our Community Centre here at St James’. The class improves all aspects of fitness and
well-being by using a combination of low-impact, pulse-raising activities,
dance activities (for fun, improved co-ordination and balance), Pilates,
stretching, relaxation and toning. Stay
for a cuppa and chat afterwards if you wish.
So come and give it a try, with a
group of friendly ladies of
all abilities - cost £5. You're welcome
to just turn up, or contact us (contact: Fru Bird on 07904
329788 or email firm.believers@stjamespettswood.org). Maybe bring
a friend.
Wear trainers, any comfortable clothing and bring a mat or towel, and get fit and trim.
Job Vacancies – St
Philomena’s Catholic Primary School
KS1 Class Teacher (Year One)
– MPR/UPR. Full time and
permanent contract. Applications
from NQT’s are welcome.
Teaching Assistant – 22hrs
per week, Monday to Thursday, 9am to 3.30pm. Term time only.
Please see notices
at back of the church for more details.
Seeing a Chaplain if You Are Admitted to Hospital
Protecting
personal information (data protection)
is really important when you become an inpatient in hospital.
So please
specifically ask hospital staff to pass on your details to the hospital’s Roman Catholic chaplain as soon as
you are admitted if you would like a Chaplain to visit you.
Fr David would
always be very happy to visit you
too, so please ask a relative or friend to let him know about your admission. You or they can email Fr David on father.david@stjamespettswood.org,
or phone the parish office on 01689 827100.
Weekend Rotas: Thank
you for helping.
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Saturday 7th October |
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Cleaning the Church |
A Haylock, A Crossland, G MacManus, K Evans |
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Wednesday Coffee 11th October |
M Gyi, S Barradell, B D’Arcy |
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8th October |
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Mass |
Saturday 6pm (Vigil) |
Sunday 9.15am |
Sunday 11am |
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Welcomers |
A
Delamain L
Delamain |
L
Samuels J-P
Samuels |
Uniformed
Groups |
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Readers |
K
Salter K
Lams |
S
Cotta B
Cotta |
Parade
Mass |
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Ministers of Holy Communion |
A
Guyton P
Cantopher H
Rothon M
Cahill C
Cahill |
K
Chan M
Smith M
Howell S
Cotta A
Ward |
R
Del Guercio T
Troy B
Bridle A
Bunnage P
Murray |
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Bar |
B
Meehan, O Clutton |
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Coffee |
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L
Lynch S
Barradell |
P
Flockhart A
Huntington S
Ingle |
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Tellers |
P
Cosgrave, P Dabrowski |