We are told today that resentment and anger are foul things (1st reading)- and indeed they are. Jesus also tells us (gospel) that our penalty for failing to forgive others is pretty painful- we shall be made to forgive and (unless we have a genuine change of heart) it will be torture!
We know this only too well (or do we?). ‘Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us.’ Do we really forgive people who have hurt us? Jesus teaches us that we shall only be able to do this if we know, deep down, that we have been forgiven our sins. Which are many.
Which is precisely why Jesus instituted (on Easter evening) the sacrament of reconciliation (confession) – so that, having sinned, we can get things right again- by being reconciled with God, with the church, with other people – and not least, with ourselves.
Church teaching is that we should all use this sacrament at least once a year. Barring serious sins, I recommend (and it is only a suggestion) every three months or so. This start of the new academic year gives us all a great opportunity to ‘start again’ if necessary. You will be given a warm welcome (by the priest) and will cause joy in Heaven. Remember -Saturdays 5.30pm- 6.0.pm and (usually) Tuesdays 10am-10.30am. Or, of course, by appointment, or ‘at call’ (just knock at the presbytery.)
Do not neglect this wonderful means of God’s grace and spiritual growth.
We welcome, through Holy Baptism Olivia Maria Gregory (6 mths), her parents Susana and Martin, and godparents Susana and Alex (Sat.4.30.pm); and Susannah Elizabeth Wells,(5 mths), her parents Dominique and Tim, and godparents Laura, Raymond and Jonathan (Sun. 11am).
Welcome also to Fr.Joseph Karukayil who will celebrate at 9.15 am today. Fr Joseph works with the Indian community in Londonderry, N.Ireland.
Many congratulations to Peggy and Gerry Colman who celebrated 70 years of marriage last month! Our prayers and best wishes are with them and their family at this time.
CWL – Bring and Buy Sale after both Sunday Masses today- please support. Welcome back also today to our uniformed organisations (11 am).
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Mass attendances last Sunday were 621. |
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Sunday 11/9/11 |
24th Sunday in Ordinary Time (A) 6pm – Dr Margaret Evelyn Ledger (Found. Mass) 9.15am– Michael Feeney RIP (Feeney Family) 11am – People of the Parish
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Monday 12/9//11 |
Feria 9.30am – Colm Foy and Family (E. Melling)
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Tuesday 13/9/11 |
St John Chrysostom. 9.30am – Welfare & Recovery of Frank O’Leary (Keen Family)
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Wednesday 14/9/11 |
The Exaltation of the Holy Cross 9.30am – Irene Hilborne RIP (Huntington Family)
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Thursday 15/9/11 |
Our Lady of Sorrows 9.30am – Bernard Rooney RIP (Mrs Rooney)
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Friday 16/9/11 |
SS Cornelius and Cyprian 9.30am – Michael Feeney RIP (Feeney Family)
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Sunday 17/9/11 |
25th Sunday in Ordinary Time (A) 6pm – People of the Parish 9.15am – Kitty O’Riordan (Ned O’Connor) 11am – Holy Souls
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TUESDAY – NO exposition or confessions after 9.30am Mass. Servers’ practice: 5.30pm to 6.30pm (new servers welcome – boys and girls!). Firm Believers 7.00pm.
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FRIDAY – Our Bishops request that we abstain from meat on Fridays, as an act of penance, from today. This is a simple discipline that can unite us as a Catholic community – don’t forget!
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Saturday (17th) – First Communion sessions (children and parents) 4.45pm to 5.45pm – all meet in Church. CWL Beetle Drive (with sausage & mash supper) £7 – children £3.50. Tickets on the door. 7.30pm for 8pm start.
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Coloma Convent Girls’ School (Shirley) – open evening this Thursday (15th) for year 7 entry in 2012 (see boards for other open evenings and days).
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Readers’ training session at St Joseph’s Bromley on Sat 24th Sept 10am to 12pm. I ask all our readers who did NOT attend the training session (about 13) last year with Barbara Dilworth to attend please (and any others who wish to). Barbara is again giving the input. (Please sign list in porch).
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Harvest Supper – a joint get together for ALL the Petts Wood churches in Southborough Lane Baptist (opposite St James). On Saturday October 8th – 6.30pm to 8.30pm. Bring and share. More details next week but please put in your diaries (suitable for children, with activities etc) – a great way to bring our communities together.
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Scout Leaders Urgently needed! Please see Graham’s letter on the porch board and contact him if you are interested. graham.price@stjamespettswood.org . Several people indicated an interest on the Time and Talents form – please follow that up.
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St Joseph’s Bromley needs a Parish Secretary Mon –Fri, 9am to 1pm. Details on board (closing date 23rd Sept).
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Theresa Saunders (Crest View Drive) died in the PRUH last Thursday – Our Lady’s birthday. Theresa was a devout soul and had a great devotion to Our Lady. Details in due course. May she rest in peace.
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Fr. Pat’s possessions – the books and things at the back are NEW (i.e. different from last week). Please take and make a donation in the Mass offerings box (by the entrance to the toilet).
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Only 4 people returned their Time and Talents sheets last week. Disappointing. I do hope many, many more come in today or during the week – thanks.
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Every blessing, Fr Bryan |
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