CHURCH OF THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION & SAINT JOSEPH
23 ST JOHN’S STREET, HERTFORD SG14 1RX
https://parish.rcdow.org.uk/hertford Email: hertford@rcdow.org.uk Tel: 01992 582109
Parish Priest: Monsignor Séamus O’Boyle
DATE: 12 November
32nd SUNDAY OF THE YEAR – REMEMBRANCE SUNDAY
The page numbers for the prayers for this Sunday’s Mass are at the front of The Parish Mass Book. Please note that there is a Loop system in the Church.
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THE VIEW FROM THE PRESBYTERY
‘They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old;
age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning,
we will remember them.’
(from “For the Fallen” by Robert Laurence Binyon)
I mentioned last week that Pope Francis had celebrated Mass in the Rome War Cemetery on All Souls Day. Before the Mass he spent some time being wheeled up and down the lines of graves, stopping to pray and lay flowers. He commented afterwards about noticing the ages of the soldiers on their headstones – many in their 20’s and 30’s. Lives cut off, lives without a future. And he thought also of the parents hearing that their son had been killed. So many tears. He said that he could not help but think of the wars happening today, and mothers receiving shocking news. I remember as an 18yr old visiting the Commonwealth War Grave in Anzio not far from Rome. A number of those who gave their lives in that battle of World War II were my age. Boys, really. So many young lives taken in their prime. Incredibly sad. Yet, what has humanity learned from the horrors of the Great Wars of the last Century? Today, on this Remembrance Sunday it is still happening – there are wars in Ukraine, the Holy Land, Africa. More senseless loss of lives, countless injured and traumatised, more tears. Let us pray for all who suffer as a result of conflict and ask that God may give us peace.
Fr Séamus
POPE’S INTENTION FOR NOVEMBER
For the Pope: We pray for the Holy Father; as he fulfils his mission, may he continue to accompany the flock entrusted to him, with the help of the Holy Spirit.
IF YOU GO IN TO HOSPITAL: If someone is sick in hospital, please let us know here at the Presbytery, and/or ask the staff on the ward, so that your loved one can be visited whilst in hospital, and receive Holy Communion and any other Sacraments from the Chaplain. John O’Neill 01438 314333 at the Lister hospital. The staff on the wards can also contact the Chaplain.
ROSARY GROUP: Come and join us in the church hall on Tuesday evenings at 7pm for recital of the Rosary and the Chaplet of Divine Mercy.
CALL FROM THE CHOIR LOFT
Together with Father Séamus we are looking to develop church music – can you help? We really need new singers and musicians to join us as following Covid disruption we are sadly depleted. This is limiting what can be offered at 10:30 Sunday Mass and on special occasions. Enthusiasm and some commitment needed, but it is a very uplifting way of contributing to communal worship. Anyone of secondary school age upwards will be very welcome. Please consider giving us a try. For further information please come up to the choir loft after 10:30 Mass or contact Sue Boyle on 07871 186254, 01992 550374 or email sue.m.boyle@ntlworld.com
THE MONTH OF NOVEMBER is the time when we especially remember and pray for the dead. Envelopes and printed lists for names of the departed are available on the chest at the back of the church. Do please fill out the lists with the names of people you want to pray for, and, if you wish, you may put a donation in the envelope. The envelopes can be posted through the presbytery letter box or given to me directly.
ADVENT LUNCH: There will be an Advent Lunch in the church hall on Tuesday 5th December after the 12.15pm Mass. If you would like to come please sign the board at the back of the church.
THE LOBSTER POT LUNCH: Friday 17th November at 12.45pm in the church hall. Lunches cost £15 for a three-course meal, glass of wine, coffee and chocolates.
Please call Sue on 07711 584 517.
CHRISTMAS STALL: There will be a stall each weekend until 17 December selling Advent calendars, diaries, Christmas cards and much more.
ST JOSEPH’S PRIMARY SCHOOL Hertford will be holding their annual Winter Warmer on 2nd December (2.30-5.30 pm). Entry £2 for adults and £1 for children. If you’re interested in a market stall at this well attended event for your business, please email claireborge@hotmail.co.uk £25 per stall.
SENIORS’ EXERCISE CLASSES:
Mondays 11am in the church hall – 1 hour £5. Fiona Walsh Tel: 07860 782403.
MASS INTENTIONS
Saturday:
6pm: Mick Nolan (RIP)
Sunday: 32nd SUNDAY OF THE YEAR
8.30am: People of the Parish
10.30am: Holy Souls
NO EVENING MASS
Monday
10.00am: Eileen O’Connell & Family (Ints)
Tuesday: N.B Mass is at 10.00am today
10.00am: Holy Souls
Wednesday:
10.00am: Graham & Margaret Johnston (RIP)
Thursday: CHURCH CLOSED
Friday
12.15pm: Holy Souls
Saturday
6.00pm: Mr. V.C. Mathew (RIP)
Confessions:
Saturday: 5.15pm -5.45pm
RECENTLY DEPARTED
Elizabeth Hope, Steven Davies
COLLECTION: Many thanks for your contributions: Last Weekend: £600.42