We now enter a very special part of the church’s year - All Saints (and Souls) - symbolised by the onset of autumn with its sombre colours (and weather), and we pray for and think of those who have gone before us.  And we thank God for his saints - and especially those who have been good role models for us.  May we be likewise to others.

I do hope you all got to Mass on All Saints.  We logged 243 people over the two Masses here - which was encouraging - but that left a shortfall of about 400 people (our weekend average is about 640).  I know some of you were away from home, some may have attended Mass elsewhere. However.....

‘On Sundays and other Holy Days of Obligation, the faithful are bound to participate in the Mass, or on the evening of the preceding day. Those who deliberately fail in this obligation commit a grave sin.’   (Catechism of the Catholic Church. 2180-2181).

And grave sin should lead us to confession..........

Mass attendances last Sunday were 658.
Sunday 4/11/12	Thirty First Sunday (B) 6pm – People of the Parish 9.15am – The Cotta Family (Anniversaries) (Sofia Cotta) 11am – Desmond Kelly RIP (MT Kelly)
Monday 5/11/12	Feria 9.30am – Cathy Moran RIP (Ann Huntington)
Tuesday 6/11/12	Feria 9.30am – In memory of baby Paddy Moon (The Moon Family)
Wednesday 7/11/12	Dedication of the Cathedral of St George 9.30am – Welfare of Christine Walton (Barbara Bridle)
Thursday 8/11/12	Feria 9.30am – Selma Cotta & Family (Sofia Cotta)
Friday 9/11/12	Dedication of the Lateran Basilica 9.30am – Trevor Lyons RIP (Gaynor Whitley)
Sunday  1/11/12	Thirty Second Sunday (B) 6pm – People of the Parish 9.15am – Oliver Groom RIP (Anniversary) (The Muzzelle Family) 11am – Stewart Stanley Lowe RIP (Teresa & Peter Lowe)

Today (Sunday 9.15am) we welcome through Holy Baptism, Thea Hannah Corcoran (6 months), her parents Claire and David and Godparents Fiona and Stefan.

Do come in to the adjoining hall for refreshments after Mass.  The Library is also open at the back of church - join and read!

Also - please move the publications - keep informed about the Catholic Church - there is so much going on in our nation and throughout the world. Take November ‘Pilgrim.’

Tuesday:

Lectio Divina-   looking prayerfully at next Sunday’s gospel reading led by Peter Robinson - meeting room - 7.30pm. This is mainly for those received into the church earlier this year but ALL are most welcome.  An excellent way to prepare for Sunday Mass (ends 9pm prompt.)

Wednesday:

Baptism preparation (for those parents who have been invited.) Meeting room - 8.15pm.

Thursday:

Mass for Deceased Clergy of the Deanery - St Joseph’s, Bromley at 12 noon.  Please try and get to this Mass to thank God for those who have served in this parish and deanery over the years.

Saturday:

First Communion session at 4.45pm.

Next Sunday - 2^nd collection –Archbishop’s Administration Fund.

Parish Diaries for 2013 available - 50p – monies in papers slot by main door please.

Eucharistic Ministers and Readers:  Day of Recollection, Nov.17th, Streatham.  Please sign today - I am posting the form tomorrow.

Christmas Sale Cards, repository items etc.  This will now be on Sunday 25^th November after the 9.15am and 11 am Masses.

Mass for the Departed:

Sunday 18^th November at 3pm (fulfils the obligation).  Names of your loved ones will be presented at the altar (see porch table). Followed by refreshments.

Military Whist Drive - (CWL):

Saturday 17^th November - 7.30pm for 8pm-  £6 on the door.  Do come along and have fun!

Many thanks to PAT and MaP members who cleaned the church this weekend! Next Saturday it is the parents of children in Reception year (10am-11 am).

Christmas Choir (for Carol Service 23^rd December and Midnight Mass).  First rehearsal Monday 12^th November (8.30pm -10.pm).  All most welcome but you must commit to the 6 rehearsals.

A poem for November  - ‘Tomb’ by Ann Lewin.

The place of remembering:

Where, as the work of grief is done,

Memory recovers its perspective.

Letting the dead one go,

With aching sense of loss,

Opens the way to finding again

A rounded person, gifts and faults

Delights and irritations;

Makes it possible to share again

The jokes, the intimate glance,

Keep company unseen.

May our dearly departed rest in peace - and rise in glory!

Fr Bryan.