NEWSLETTER: 25th SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME – 24th SEPTEMBER 2023

Dear parishioners,

Over this past week, I have received so many positive comments about the wonderful celebration of my Ruby Jubilee. The word “Thank You” cannot fully express  my gratitude for all the work that was put in by so many to make it such a wonderful celebration of 40 years of priestly ministry, especially the last 10 in Poplar and Limehouse. From the warmth of welcome to visitors, the music provided by Parish, Deaf and Gunnersbury choirs alike, the quality of Altar   serving, and of course, the wonderful buffet afterwards A special thank you to Sr Christine for all her support and organizational skills not just on the day but throughout my ministry.

Sunday’s celebrations were for me more personal and emotional as I celebrated with my parish families and then “left home” for a second time! Thank you for gifts both personal and collective, but most of all for allowing me to share in your spiritual journey.

Last but not least, a word of thanks to Father Andrew for all his support with these celebrations. I have only known him a short while but I am certain that Limehouse and Poplar are in good hands.

With assurance of prayers and with every blessing. 

Fr Keith

SACRAMENTS

BAPTISMS—Parents must attend a Baptism Preparation Course organised by the parish. Cost: £10. Collect an application form from the porch and return it to Clergy House. Next course in October in the Guild Room, date to be confirmed. Children’s attendance is not required.

FIRST HOLY COMMUNION—All Parents/Guardians and Children are  invited to meet on Wednesday 4th October at 7pm in the Guild Room (doors will open at 6.30pm for refreshments) to meet Fr Andrew and for an introduction to the course.

CONFIRMATION—Dates to be announced.

RCIA—First meeting will be on Monday 9th October at 7pm in the Guild Room.

ANNUAL MASS FOR ALTAR SERVERS

On Saturday 7th October the Annual Mass for Altar Servers organized by the Guild of St Stephen will take place at Westminster Cathedral. All servers are  invited. It would be nice to have a group from the parish attend. Fr Andrew has promised that the trip to a local fast food restaurant will continue! Please take home a parental consent form from the sacristy if you are interested. We will    also need a few parents to accompany Fr Andrew and the servers.

A DATE FOR YOUR DIARY

As Bishop Nicholas mentioned last weekend, he will be returning to our parish on Friday 17th November at 7pm for a special mass to formally induct Fr Andrew as our parish priest. This will be a great opportunity to have a parish celebration so do make a note of the date and look out for further announcements.

ANNUAL COUNT

This weekend and for the next three weekends we will be counting the number of people in attendance at Mass so don’t worry if you see a volunteer hanging around. If you would like to volunteer to help with the count then please contact the parish office.

CAFOD FAMILY FAST DAY – FRIDAY 6th OCTOBER

Millions of families are facing a terrible food crisis and the situation worsens day by day. Donations will help CAFOD to provide emergency food supplies in East Africa and affected counties around the world.

NEW: THREE WEEK PRAYER GROUP

An opportunity to explore different ways of praying, to pray with other people and to simply meet and chat. All are welcome to Pope John House, Hale Street, E14 0BS (House of the FCJ Sisters, just opposite Poplar recreation ground) between 7.30pm and 8.30pm on Monday 25th September, 2nd October and 9th October. For more information, please call Chris on 0207 517 9599.

MARRIAGE ENCOUNTER ENRICHMENT WEEKEND

Marriage Encounter non-residential enrichment weekend for couples: 30th September and 1st October at St George’s Parish Centre—Sudbury (Saturday 9.00am to Sunday 5.00pm). This is a great opportunity  as a couple to affirm,   enrich and explore your unique relationship (NB: There is no group sharing). For more information please visit https://wwme.org.uk/book-a-weekend/

EnvelopesLooseTotal
£119-00£318-42£437-42

Standing Orders

JUNE: £563-34 JULY £563-34

Many thanks for your continued generosity.

NEWSLETTER ITEMS—Need to be received by noon on Thursday.

WEDDINGS—The Church requires that at least six month’s notice of any intended wedding be given so that full preparation can be made.

NEIGHBOURS IN POPLAR

CALAIS Our next visit to the Calais Refugee Centre will take place on Thursday October 5th. We will be taking men’s clothing and food for one of the kitchens. All donations welcome. If you would like to come, speak to Sr Christine.
MSF Teas and cakes etc. after Masses this weekend to help Doctors Without Borders in their rescue work in Morocco and Libya. All help appreciated.
DRIVERS AND WALKERS wanted for Dinner deliveries. If you can spare an hour on a Wednesday or Sunday, between 12noon and 1pm, come to St Matthias Community Centre, where you will get all the help you need to do the job! Thank you.

PRAYERS PLEASE

For those of our parish who are sick at home or in hospital; All Refugees; Peace in the Ukraine and in all troubled parts of our world; Those who have died recently: Mary Scott, Rose Apicella, Kelly Calliste and for all whose anniversaries occur at this time.

FUNERALS

Kelly Calliste, Friday 6th October 11.30am

Rosemary Apicella, Wednesday 11th October 10.00am

ART CLASS FOR OVER 60’s

This popular group welcomes new members (aged 60+) on  Tuesdays from 2.00pm to 4.00pm in the Guild Room. Beginners welcome. (Entrance in Canton Street).

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CATHOLIC BISHOPS CONFERENCE

The Bishops Conference of England and Wales website has numerous articles on many other subjects. Go to www.cbcew..org.uk for the latest Catholic News.