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: 8th October
27th 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 am back! Interesting being in the vicinity of the ‘Big Apple’ last weekend when the remnants of a tropical storm stalled over the area, and it rained and rained and rained. Now I can imagine just how a monsoon feels! My cousin’s basement was flooded – as were those of many of her neighbours. The insurance people will be busy. The skies were soon blue and the sun shining once the storm moved out into the Atlantic. Beautiful ‘Fall’ weather.
During this past week – on the Feast of St Francis of Assisi, 4th October – the Synod of Bishops was opened in Rome by Pope Francis. It will last as long as the Rugby World Cup – until the end of the month. I won’t try and draw any comparisons between the two events – already the pundits are deciding the outcomes of both!
In his homily at the Opening Mass, Pope Francis urged all those taking part to listen to each other and to make room for God’s Holy Spirit in their hearts, and he added: Let us continue to remember that this Synod is not a political gathering, but a convocation in the Spirit, not a polarized parliament, but a place of grace and communion. The Holy Spirit often shatters our expectations to create something new that surpasses our predictions and negativity.
Let’s remember to pray to the Holy Spirit for Pope Francis and the Synod members – as the Pope often says ‘don’t forget to pray for me please – I need your prayers’.
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 the church hall on Tuesday evenings at 7pm for recital of the Rosary and the Chaplet of Divine Mercy.
THE SAINT JOHN HENRY NEWMAN CATHOLIC SCHOOL is a popular 11-18 mixed Catholic comprehensive school in Stevenage. The roll is currently 1600, 400 of which are 6th form.
WE CURRENTLY HAVE VACANCIES FOR TWO FOUNDATION GOVERNORS.
If you would be interested in joining the Governing Body – in the first instance please contact the Clerk to the Governors: –
As October is the month of the holy rosary ONE DECADE OF THE ROSARY will be said after each weekday Mass in October.
ELIZABETH HOPE Requiem Mass here at St Joseph’s Catholic Church, at 11.30am Wednesday 25th 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.
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.
FIRST HOLY COMMUNION CLASS Tuesday 10 October 4-5pm
MASS INTENTIONS
Saturday: 6pm:
Sunday: 27th SUNDAY OF THE YEAR
8.30am: People of the Parish
10.30am: George Robert Emmett (RIP)
NO EVENING MASS
Monday
10.00am: Fr Terry (Ints)
Tuesday: 11.00am Funeral of James Barber RIP
Wednesday:
10.00am: Michael Donnelly (RIP)
Thursday: CHURCH CLOSED
Friday:
12.15pm: Vetti Vettivelu (RIP)
Saturday
6.00pm: Donagh Parkyn (RIP)
RECENTLY DEPARTED
Elizabeth Hope, Steven Davies, Sara Wilson, James Barber