Thank you for your offerings last week of £1,414. Mass attendance 727.
Sunday 22nd October (Saturday Vigil)	Twenty-Ninth Sunday in Ordinary Time 6pm Sharon D’Souza Fernandes RIP (McCabe Family)
	9.15am Francesca Sio RIP (Sio Family) 11am Martin & Bridie Mulroy RIP (G Mulroy)
Monday 23rd October	Feria 9.30am Paddy Moon RIP (Moon Family)
Tuesday 24th October	Feria 9.30am Margaret Thompson RIP (Howell Family)
Wednesday 25^th October	Feria 9.30am Robert Reid RIP (K Mooney)
	10.45am Eucharistic Adoration
Thursday 26th October	Feria
	9.30am Mary Varghese RIP (S Raphy)
Friday 27th October	Feria 9.30am Gerard Ussher-Smith RIP (G Head)
Sunday 29th October (Saturday Vigil)	Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time 6pm Kathleen McCabe RIP (McCabe Family)
	9.15am Francesca Sio RIP (Sio Family) 11am Organ Donors & Recipients

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.

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…

On the 6^th July 1535, Thomas More, one of the most illustrious Englishman of his day, stood at the foot of the scaffold on Tower Hill in London. He had been condemned to death for refusing to take the oath of supremacy which would have been to acknowledge Henry VIII as the only supreme head of the Church of England. Thomas More, “the man for all seasons”, as the playwright Robert Bolt called him, was first headhunted by the King himself to be his Chancellor. He was the friend and advisor of the King. We can only imagine the heart wrenching moments of Thomas’s grappling with the dilemma he found himself in. At stake literally was his own life. Notwithstanding the pleading of his own family to accept what the King was asking of him and spare his life, he stood his ground. He knew that he had to live with his own conscience. He valued integrity more than anything else. He knew that his friendship with his friend the King was going to be severed because of what he believed in. He stood for what he felt was his truth. When it came to choose between what the civil authority was asking of him and what he believed God was asking of him, he chose God. In Thomas More’s time, the temporal power was based on the divine right of kings – it asserts that the monarch is subject to one earthly authority deriving the right to rule directly from the will of God. Thomas More chose God.

With the Enlightenment in the eighteenth century everything changed. There was a definite separation between church and state. Separation of church and state has its benefits. We live in a democracy not a theocracy. We have an established state religion but we also are free to practice our religious beliefs as we choose. On the other hand, many times we experience a clash of ideologies. Civil society legalises moral issues that Christians find objectionable. We are living in a very diverse society. We no longer live in a mono cultural world. On the one hand I find this reality much more intriguing and exciting, however, on the other hand, it has its own challenges. Catholics are vocal on social and moral issues and there is a place of faith in the political arena. On the other hand, we need to accept that our voice although it is a valid voice is just one voice amidst so many other voices.

As Church I believe we are finding this paradigm shift very difficult. Especially when one considers the amount of power the Church had all though the ages. I think that the Church in some countries is grieving this reality and is still trying to understand its place in the world today. Vatican Council II in the sixties had tried to explore extensively this topic. The Council tried to see the Church in the context of the modern world and to explore its relevance. I believe in his own way Pope Francis is also trying to bridge the gap between the exigencies of the current world with the gospel message. It is not always easy. Actually, it can be very hard in some circumstances to reconcile both. As believers, we have the responsibility to engage with the world and not retreat in our little bubble without any relevance at all to the world around us. Our voice as believers needs to be heard. We need to share the wisdom that we have acquired through the ages and yet at the same time we need to listen to, where the spirit of God is working in our world today. Vatican II articulated this reality as the signs of the times. The dance of being in the world but not of the world is easily said than done.

Over the next three Sundays, our Gospel readings tell of stories of conflict between Jesus and the Jewish religious and civil leaders. The Jewish leaders probably saw Jesus as someone whose preaching could easily upset the uneasy peace they had brokered with the Roman authorities. While the Romans were the colonial power, the Jewish leaders maintained their dominant role in the everyday lives of the people. Taxes are never popular even less when they are imposed by an occupying power and the money goes to maintain its army and administration. In today’s Gospel Jesus’ opponents are an unlikely coalition of religious leaders (the Pharisees) and the supporters of the unpopular royal family that controlled parts of the Holy Land (the Herodians). They hated each other. But they stood side by side against their common enemy – Jesus. The question asked to Jesus is designed as a trap. Jesus sees through the game these hypocrites are playing and responds with a master stroke. “Give back to Caesar what belongs to Caesar and to God what belongs to God”. This is a difficult story that has drawn conflicting interpretations through Christian history, especially when it has been involved for guidance in Church/state relations. I don’t think that it means that we need to keep religion and politics strictly separate. I truly believe that God has an interest in human world, including the world of politics, especially when it concerns itself in moral issues. To be a disciple of Jesus means that all other values, including support for a political ideology must always be with an eye to the values of Jesus. Have a safe week! God bless.

“Drop-In” Evening Surgeries

Please note the change of day

The next Drop-in Surgery will take place on Wednesday 25^th October between 5–7pm. Please call at 281a Crescent Drive. No appointments are necessary.

Holy Baptism

This weekend we welcome, through Holy Baptism, Mila Lynn Hansford and her parents Matthew and Angelene.

The Parish Pastoral Council

The next meeting of the Parish Pastoral Council will take place on Monday 30^th October at 7.30pm in the Community Centre. Parishioners are very welcome to come along for the first half hour of the meeting. Alternatively, you may raise any relevant issue using the PPC mailbox which is ppc@stjamespettswood.org

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 1^st 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.

To new and existing altar servers and their parents

On the 4^th 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.

Annual Cemetery Mass and Blessing of the Graves

will take place at St Mary’s, Crown Lane, Chislehurst on Saturday 18th November at Noon, remembering those buried at Saint Mary's and Beaverwood Cemetery. Also, on Sunday 19^th November at 2pm at Kemnal Park cemetery and memorial gardens the annual Catholic blessing of the graves will take place.

Pastoral Care Pillar

Memorial Mass

Sunday 12th November at 3pm

For all those families who have lost a family member in the last year, a special Mass will be held in the Church and all Parishioners are most welcome to attend. This will be followed by refreshments in the Community Centre when members of our Pastoral Care Team will be present should you feel the need to talk to someone. In addition, there will be an opportunity to remember deceased family and friends at all Masses throughout November. From the weekend of 14th/15th October sheets of paper will be available in the Church porch if you would like your loved ones to be remembered. Please place their names in the box provided, the names will then be put in a basket and placed on the altar from the beginning of November.

Dementia Café at St James’

On Saturday 25th November a meeting will take place in the Community Centre from 9.30am to 11.00am with Nicola Fishman, Community Development Worker for Bromley Dementia Support Hub with a view to starting up this worthwhile support within the Parish during the early part of 2018. She will be talking to us about the benefits of the café and the structure required to be able to provide this service. If you feel you would like to know more or wish to be involved in this initiative please do come along to the meeting.

Evangelisation Pillar

RCIA – Journey in Faith

begins again with a welcome session on Sunday 29^th October from 2.30–6.00pm. 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.

Half day Exploration of the Religious Art of Caravaggio

Saturday 4^th November 10:30am (prompt start) - around 1pm finish.

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. Tea and Coffee will be provided. Bring a packed lunch if you wish to stay on afterwards to discuss and share.

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 6^th 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 25^th November. If you intend to come to the meeting on the 6^th, please let the parish office know by phone or email: parish.office@stjamespettswood.org. We look forward to meeting you all. The Catechists.

First Holy Communion 2018

Calling for new Catechists.

We are looking through-out the Parish for anyone who would like to be involved in helping to prepare our children for their First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion.

We have arranged for an experienced Catechist, from the Deanery to meet the current team and any prospective Catechists. If you are interested or inspired by this important task, please come along to the Community Centre from 2:30 - 5:00 pm on Sunday 5th November.

You do not need to be an expert as we have a number of experienced Catechists to help you in this really important work.

To give us an idea of numbers, please register your interest at the Parish Office and if you have any specific queries they will direct you to one of the current Catechist team

NOTE TO ALL PARENTS OF CURRENT YEAR 3 CHILDREN: REGISTRATION FOR THE 2018 PROGRAMME WILL BEGIN SHORTLY AND INFORMATION WILL BE PUBLISHED IN BRIEFLY SOON.

Annual Day of Recollection

For Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion and Readers

On Saturday, 11^th November at Bishop Thomas Grant School, Belltrees Grove, SW16 2HY. The theme for the day is ‘The Gospel of Mark; believing in and following Jesus Christ strengthened by the Eucharist’. The day will begin with registration at 10.30am. This day is an excellent opportunity to renew your dedication and commitment to this ministry. Please let the parish office know by phone or email parish.office@stjamespettswood.org if you would like to attend.

Justice & Peace Group

The Justice and Peace group will meet on Wednesday 25th October at 7.45pm in the Parish Office meeting room (281A Crescent Drive). All parishioners are assured of a warm welcome

Foodbank

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.

Justice & Peace Group

The Justice and Peace group will meet on Wednesday 25th October at 7.45pm in the Parish Office meeting room (281A Crescent Drive). All parishioners are assured of a warm welcome

New Parish Overseas Project

Next weekend a member of the Justice and Peace Group will give a short talk at each Mass to introduce to the Parish the new overseas project which will be in the Philippine. There will also be displays in the church from the Philippines. The first collection for the new project will be over the weekend of 18/19 November.

CAFOD Fairtrade Petition.

As a Fairtrade registered parish we have been asked by CAFOD to support the petition to Sainsbury’s not to remove the Fairtrade mark from their own brand tea and replace it with their own ‘Fairly Traded’ scheme which could mean an unfair deal for poor farmers. This campaign is also supported by Christian Aid, OXFAM and Traidcraft.

Please consider adding your signature to the lists to go with the CAFOD letter to Sainsbury’s (copies available to read) at the back of church. You do not need to add an e-mail or postal address. The letter can also be viewed on the Parish website.

More information at www.cafod.org.uk/campaign/fairtrade. Thank you

Parish Life

Petts Wood Catholic Women's League (CWL)

The next monthly meeting will be held on Monday 30th October at the earlier time of 7.30 pm as at 8 pm Nick Babb will be giving a talk entitled "Development though Economic Empowerment: Grassroots insights from Uganda". Any members of the parish wishing to learn more about this are very welcome to join us.

The Southwark Branch of the CWL will be holding a special Mass on Saturday 28^th October at 11am at St James’ to celebrate their 90th anniversary. CWL members please remember about the Branch AGM in the Social Centre following the Mass.

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 26^th 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 https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/date/411171

Performance lasts approximately 75 minutes and is suitable for adults and children 11+

Community Hall Audio Visual System Demonstration

There is now a reasonably comprehensive audio-visual (AV) system setup in the Community Hall, and all parish groups are encouraged to make use of it. To show what the system can do, and to answer any queries, a demonstration is scheduled to start 5 minutes after the end of the following Masses in the Hall. The Demonstration should last around 15 minutes.

21^st-22^nd October weekend AFTER Sunday 9:15am and 11am Mass

No demonstrations over 28-29^th October weekend as it is half term week

4-5^th November weekend AFTER Saturday 6pm mass and Sunday 9:15am Mass

There is a simple set of instructions so that the AV system can be used more extensively within the Parish. Any parishioners who are interested in using the AV system should come to the demonstration, and all parish groups should arrange for a representative to attend and to learn the setup.

Friends of St James’

Parish Christmas Fayre – 10^th December

If you would like to be involved in this years Christmas Fayre, please join us for an initial planning meeting on 2^nd November at 8pm. If you are unable to join us please email the parish office – parish.office@stjamespettswood.org with your ideas and suggestions. Many Thanks.

Saturday 11^th November, 7.00pm

Iron Mountain in concert at St James’ Community Centre!

Cost: £10 adults, £5 children, £25 family

Bar open, bring your own nibbles.

Tickets on sale after Mass from this week.

Seeing a Chaplain if You Are Admitted to Hospital

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.

Saturday 28th October
Cleaning the Church	CWL and Eucharistic Ministers

Wednesday Coffee 1^st November

M Gyi, S Barradell, B D’Arcy

29^th October
Mass	Saturday 6pm (Vigil)	Sunday 9.15am	Sunday 11am
Welcomers	M Gallagher	C Cook E Froud	S Kavanagh T Connolly
Readers	J Bajorek M O’Mahony	R Lim H Denham	N D’Silva R Morrison
Ministers of Holy Communion	J Bajorek H Rothon M Cahill C Cahill J Callinan	W David A Ward A Hawkins D Hairs B Cotta	R Del Guercio T Troy A Bunnage P Murray
Bar			M Smith N Longhurst
Coffee		L Lynch S Barradell	M Harrington S Paris R Scott

Tellers

A & S Barradell