Today’s readings are about Jesus the suffering servant of God.  Although himself sinless, Jesus felt the full weight of human sin and suffering.  In this way, he identified with us and can be of help to us.  When we approach him, we may....’be confident...that we shall have mercy from him and find grace when we are in need of help.’ (Today’s 2nd reading from Hebrews). 

But Jesus also came ‘to give his life as a ransom for many’ – and although this image of ‘ransom’ for Jesus’ death may not resonate with us very strongly today, the meaning is clear.  As Jesus offers his life, so we, too, must offer ours to God, and to other people in humble, loving service (today’s gospel).  Our love, our time, our money, our talents - we must offer the lot to God if we are to be true disciples of Christ!

But maybe I’m crazy.

Mass attendances last Sunday were 793.
Sunday 21/10/12	Twenty Ninth Sunday (B) 6pm – Ted Bray RIP (1^st Anniversary) (Dolores Bray-Ash & Family) 9.15am – In remembrance of Joshua Canning (1^st Anniversary) (Canning Family) 11am – People of the Parish
Monday 22/10/12	Feria 9.30am – Frank and Sheila Simon
Tuesday 23/10/12	Feria 9.30am – Ted Bray RIP
Wednesday 24/10/12	Feria 9.30am – The work of CAFOD
Thursday 25/10/12	Feria 9.30am – Claire C Popham RIP (Angela Denman RIP)
Friday 26/10/12	Ss Chad and Cedd, bishops 9.30am – Ellen Nelligan RIP (5^th Anniversary) (Ardron Family)
Sunday 28/10/12	Thirtieth Sunday (B) 6pm – John Jagger RIP (Sharon Jagger and Family) 9.15am – People of the Parish 11am – Anthony Blackman (Gloria Ortiz-Tejonero and Christopher Blackman)

THIS WEEK

Today:

2^nd collection for the needs of the diocese (held over from last week) and also Traidcraft goods are on sale after all Masses.  Thank you so much for last week’s Maintenance Fund collection, and also for the generous offering of foods for the Manna Centre - they were really grateful.

Tuesday:

Journey in Faith - new members and former members (one group this week) - 7.30pm in the meeting room.

Convalidation meeting (for those who have been invited) at 8.15pm in 281 Crescent Drive.

Wednesday:

Mass with St James’ School at 9.30am- ‘Harvest’.

7pm.  Bereavement Group in 281 Crescent Drive.

7.45pm.  Justice and Peace Group in hall.

NB Southwark JPIC Autumn Assembly at Amigo Hall (next to St George’s Cathedral) on Saturday 4^th November. 10.30am – 4.00pm.  See details in November’s What’s On.

NEXT Sunday- Taize service at 7pm.

All Saints is a Holy Day of Obligation and we should all be at Mass.  Masses here next Wednesday (31^st) at 8pm (vigil) and on Thursday  (1^st) at 9.30am.  All Saints falls in half-term week this year. Do make sure you know where to go to Mass if you are away from home.

Monday Oct.29^th

Important planning meeting for those involved in the Week of Accompanied Prayer (next Lent). Meeting Room at 8pm This will be a major and exciting initiative next Lent.

Many thanks to the Year 5 parents who cleaned the church this weekend!  Next Saturday it is the turn of the CWL and the week after PAT and MaP. The system is working well - many thanks everyone.

Memorial Service for Maura Dorning RIP known to some of you from past years.  This Friday (27^th) at St Swithun’s at 11.30am followed by refreshments and then ashes in St Mary’s Chislehurst.  All most welcome.

Parish Library

Do join the library and borrow books.  There is a wide variety, including recent titles......Librarians on duty after each weekend Mass.

We welcome visitors and newcomers to Mass today.  Refreshments are served in the adjoining hall after the Sunday Masses - do come in..........

Year of Faith Diary (£2) and Doorway to Faith (£1.50) - please get your copies - excellent value and something to help us all in this Year of Faith. (Monies in CTS slot ion main porch please.)

‘Conkers’ - a poem by Ruth Burgess

You have always been good for me.

Yours is the brown mottled beauty

that has allowed me to say ‘Wow!’ and thank you,

to know that the leaves will come tumbling

that the wind will buffet

that the winter is near.

Yours too the legitimate outlet for anger,

the aim and the balance,

the energy of the downward smash

the bruising of fingers

the destruction

the victory

the permission to be vicious

to let the autumn tiger loose

to let the anger go.

You speak autumn to me

sticks and leaves

and childhood energy,

and the ripeness that this season offers

again and again.

Every blessing, Fr Bryan.