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: 19 November
33rd 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…..And a message from the Cardinal
In this month of November, it is our privilege and our responsibility to pray for the souls of the faithful departed. There are, each year, formal occasions to pray for all the Holy Souls, at the start of the month, and for those who have died in war, around Remembrance Sunday. This year, with all that is going on in Ukraine and the Holy Land, such prayer has a particular poignancy and contemporary resonance.
Within our diocese, we have a tradition of celebrating an annual Requiem Mass for those clergy of the diocese who have died. This year, this includes eight priests who have died in the past twelve months. The Mass is to take place in Westminster Cathedral on Wednesday 22nd November at 5.30pm. Everyone is welcome.
And then there are prayers to be said, and Masses offered, for those who have held, and continue to hold, a special place in our own hearts. Our belief that, in death, ‘life is changed, not ended’, leads us to turn to the Lord in confident prayer that their human imperfections may be cleansed away, and that they might enjoy the presence of God for all eternity.
Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May they rest in peace. Amen.
✠ Cardinal Vincent Nichols
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
ORDER YOUR CHRISTMAS TREE from Friends of St Joseph (school PTA) who are again teaming up with Festive Trees, who are based near Watton at Stone. Forms can be found at the back of the church.
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 15th December at 12.45pm in the church hall. Lunches consist of 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: Mr.V.C. Mathew (RIP)
Sunday: 33rd SUNDAY OF THE YEAR
8.30am: Holy Souls
10.30am: People of the Parish
NO EVENING MASS
Monday
10.00am: Jan Kracinski (Ints)
Tuesday
12.15pm: Holy Souls
Wednesday:
10.00am: Sr Loretta Dooley (Ints)
Thursday: CHURCH CLOSED
Friday
12.15pm: Holy Souls
Saturday
6.00pm: Elizabeth Hope (RIP)
Confessions:
Saturday: 5.15pm -5.45pm
COLLECTION: Many thanks for your contributions: Last Weekend: £574.01