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: 15th October
28th SUNDAY OF THE YEAR
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
I think we will all have been shocked and dismayed by the sudden escalation of violence in the Holy Land between Hamas and Israel, and the inevitable consequences of it – raised tensions in the Middle East. So many innocent lives have been lost on both sides of the conflict, and countless homes and livelihoods destroyed. The use on the TV News of real time aerial pictures of the bombing raids in Gaza by the Israeli Air Force brings home just how much destruction can be reaped in seconds. In fact, those pictures make it look almost like some kind of eerie video game.
I read this thoughtful piece written by a Palestinian journalist the other day:
‘As a Muslim I cannot support Hamas. They even oppress Palestinians within Gaza. The prophet Mohammed ordered people in a state of war not even to harm a tree let alone innocent civilians. But me being against Hamas does not mean I support the occupation of Palestine. I don’t know what the solution is. I don’t care about politics. I stand with humanity – Muslim, Jew, Christian, Atheist – all innocent civilians.’
Please God there will be an end to the fighting soon. Let us pray for those working hard to bring about a peaceful solution.
Fr Séamus
POPE’S INTENTION FOR OCTOBER for the Synod We pray for the Church, that she may adopt listening and dialogue as a lifestyle at every level, and allow herself to be guided by the Holy Spirit towards the peripheries of the world.
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 thechurch hall on Tuesday evenings at 7pm for recital of the Rosary and the Chaplet of Divine Mercy.
RCIA RITE OF CHRISTIAN INITIATION OF ADULTS: there are some preliminary forms for people to fill in if they are interested in attending the RCIA programme this year. We have these classes for those who are thinking of becoming Catholics, either through Baptism or Reception (if they are already baptised), for those who are already Catholic but wish to be confirmed and also for those Catholics who simply wish to find out more about the faith. Do fill in a form if you are interested and post it through the Presbytery door.
COLLECTION:
Many thanks for your contributions:
Last Weekend: £599.00
COULD YOU BE A FOUNDATION GOVERNOR?
St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School is looking to recruit foundation governors. In particular, we are keen to have people that are not current parents of St Joseph’s pupils and practicing Catholics. If you, a family member, or a neighbour is interested in sparing a few hours a month; please follow the link below for more information.
Become a Governor? | St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School (stjosephs255.herts.sch.uk)
As October is the month of the holy rosary ONE DECADE OF THE ROSARY will be said after each weekday Mass in October.
THE LOBSTER POT LUNCH: Friday 20th October 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.
CAFOD HARVEST FAST DAY was last week. Dr Nasha’s mobile medical clinic gets life-saving help to where it’s needed most, fast – so when her team arrived in Meera’s village in Pakistan after it had been destroyed by flooding, Meera rushed to the clinic to get her children the treatment they needed. Please donate to CAFOD today so that more families can get the expert help they need.
MASS INTENTIONS
Saturday:
6pm: Donagh Parkyn (RIP)
Sunday: 28th SUNDAY OF THE YEAR
8.30am: People of the Parish
10.30am: Private Intention
NO EVENING MASS
Monday
10.00am: Maggie Barber (Ints)
Tuesday:
12.15pm: Tim Fletcher (95th Birthday)
Wednesday
10.00am: Gary Queally (RIP)
Thursday: CHURCH CLOSED
Friday
12.15pm: Anna Pearson (RIP)
Saturday
6.00pm: People of the Parish
Confessions:
Saturday: 5.15pm -5.45pm
RECENTLY DEPARTED
Elizabeth Hope, Steven Davies, Sara Wilson, James Barber