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: 5 November
31st 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.
THE VIEW FROM THE PRESBYTERY
Hard to believe that November is already here. I always feel that the clock change affects the general mood of things, bringing in
the dank, dark evenings. The addition of Storm Ciarán these past days just seemed to add to the gloom. But today the sun is
shining, and the skies are blue – it’s good to be alive!
November is the Month of Remembrance and Hope when we think of those we have known and loved who have gone to be with
the Lord. We thank God for all they meant and were to us and pray that they may enjoy eternal life with Him for ever.
On All Souls Day each year, in Rome the Pope usually celebrates Mass in one of the Cemeteries. This year Pope Francis said Mass at
Rome’s Military Cemetery, a Commonwealth War Grave. During his homily, which he delivered off-the-cuff, the Pope reflected on
the graves of the soldiers buried nearby.
‘Looking at these graves, I could not help but think of today’s wars. There are so many deaths. Life is destroyed without any
awareness. There is never total victory, no. Yes, one side may win against another, but behind it there is always the defeat of the
price paid. Wars are always a defeat. Always. Let us pray to the Lord for our dead, for everyone. May the Lord receive them all. And
may the Lord also have mercy on us and give us hope; hope that we might be able to go on and be with Him when He calls us.”
Remembrance and Hope.
Fr Séamus
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
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.
PARENTS’ MEETING ON TUESDAY 7
NOVEMBER: There will be a meeting for all
parents and guardians of children preparing for
First Confession at 7pm in the church hall.
SENIORS’ EXERCISE CLASSES:
Mondays 11am in the church hall – 1 hour £5
Starting 6th November 2023 – Perfect for
Beginners
Gentle, strengthening movements adapted
from Tai Chi (Qigong) – Give it a try!
Fiona Walsh Tel: 07860 782403.
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.
SICK AND RETIRED PRIESTS’ FUND
This important collection goes to help over sixty
priests in our diocese who are elderly, sick or
retired and who need help and support in many
different ways. They are often dependent on the
diocese for many aspects of their care and do not
always have property of their own or any
resources beyond the State Pension. There are
envelopes on the chest at the back of the church,
please give what you can.
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 will be available on the chest at the back
of the church from this weekend. 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.
COLLECTION: Many thanks for your
contributions: Last Weekend: £667.17.
CHRISTMAS STALL: There will be a stall
every weekend from 4 November 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, pay on door –
something for everyone! 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.
MASS INTENTIONS
Saturday:
6pm: Frances Clark (RIP)
Sunday: 31st SUNDAY OF THE YEAR
8.30am: Michael Madigan (RIP)
10.30am: George Robert Emmett (RIP)
NO EVENING MASS
Monday
10.00am: Holy Souls
Tuesday
12.15pm: Ann & Rachel Dunlevy (Ints)
Wednesday:
10.00am: Pauline Furness (RIP)
Thursday: CHURCH CLOSED
Friday
12.15pm: Holy Souls
Saturday
6.00pm: Mick Nolan (RIP)
Confessions:
Saturday: 5.15pm -5.45pm
RECENTLY DEPARTED
Elizabeth Hope, Steven Davies