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: 26 November
Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe
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
As I am writing this, there is finally some respite from the bombing and shelling for all those caught up in the horrors of Gaza and Israel. Please God a more lasting peace may soon be negotiated between the warring factions. The Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, Cardinal Pizzaballa, has appealed for aid particularly for the Palestinian population in the West Bank, for many of whom sources of earning have effectively been ended by the fighting. We will have a special collection after Christmas for relief for those suffering from the conflict in the Holy Land.
Nearer to home, I have this week been appointed as a Governor of the Parish Primary School, St Joseph’s, and have duly become the Chair of Governors for this academic year in succession to Fr Terry. Prayers please for our School and all those involved in the education of our young parishioners.
I have some other news to share with you. The Parish Administrator for the past eight years, Trish Newland, has reluctantly had to resign due to some changes in her personal circumstances. She lives a fair distance away from Hertford and has another grandchild on the way. She will be kept busy! I want to thank Trish for helping me settle in here and wish her all the very best for the future. She will be working up until 8th December. In the new year I will seek out and appoint a new Administrator. Please bear with me in the meantime if office bits and pieces are not dealt with as swiftly as usual!
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.
BY KIND INVITATION OF BISHOP PAUL MCALEENAN all are invited to attend a presentation and discussion on:
Modern Slavery & Human Trafficking
Communities and Parishes
Thursday 30th November 2023
7.00pm – 9.00pm
Our Lady Immaculate & St Andrew Parish Hall
16 Nightingale Road, Hitchin, SG5 1QS
SENIORS’ EXERCISE CLASSES:
Mondays 11am in the church hall – 1 hour £5
Fiona Walsh Tel: 07860 782403.
ST JOSEPH’S PRIMARY SCHOOL Hertford will be holding their annual Winter Warmer on 2nd December (2.30-5.30pm
WESTMINSTER CATHEDRAL the mother Church of our diocese has improved the lighting of its main sanctuary. The previous aged and inefficient system had to be replaced as spare parts were no longer available. The improved lighting is of great benefit on major occasions particularly if they are being broadcast or live streamed. The improvements are being funded by the Friends of Westminster Cathedral. They are asking for our help by supporting their Big Give Campaign with online donations. For donations made from 12.00 noon on Tuesday 28 November and before 12.00 noon on Tuesday 5 December every £1 given is worth £2 with matched funding and £2.25 if you can tick the Gift Aid box. The link to the donation site is https://bit.ly/FriendsBG23
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: 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.
Please call Sue on 07711 584 517.
CHRISTMAS STALL: each weekend until 17 December selling Advent calendars, diaries, Christmas cards and much more.
MASS INTENTIONS
Saturday:
6pm: Elizabeth Hope (RIP)
Sunday: Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe
8.30am: People of the Parish
10.30am: Bobby Parker (RIP)
NO EVENING MASS
Monday
10.00am: Holy Souls
Tuesday
NO MASS
Wednesday:
10.00am: Laraine Newland (RIP)
Thursday: CHURCH CLOSED
Friday
12.15pm: Marcus Shevlin (RIP Anni)
Saturday
6.00pm: People of the Parish
Confessions:
Saturday: 5.15pm -5.45pm
COLLECTION: Many thanks for your contributions: Last Weekend: £484.60