Fr Andrew writes…
You may be aware of the Synod taking place in Rome at the moment. Pope Francis has called this Synod which brings together representatives from all aspects of the Church’s life and all states of life within it to explore the themes of Communion, Participation and Mission. The Synod Office in Rome has released the following prayer for the Holy Spirit to guide those participating in the Synod. This is an adaptation of the prayer which was recited before every session of the Second Vatican Council. Even though we may not be physically present, praying this prayer for those in Rome at this time is a great way for us to take part and unite ourselves with them.
“We stand before You, Holy Spirit, as we gather together in Your name.
With You alone to guide us, make Yourself at home in our hearts;
Teach us the way we must go and how we are to pursue it.
We are weak and sinful; do not let us promote disorder.
Do not let ignorance lead us down the wrong path nor partiality influence our actions.
Let us find in You our unity so that we may journey together to eternal life
and not stray from the way of truth and what is right.
All this we ask of You, who are at work in every place and time,
in the communion of the Father and the Son,
forever and ever. Amen.”
SACRAMENTS
BAPTISMS—Parents must attend a Baptism Preparation Course organized by the parish. Cost: £10. Collect an application form from the porch and return it to Clergy House. Next course on Saturday 25th November in the Guild Room. Children’s attendance is not required.
FIRST HOLY COMMUNION—The next meeting for parents and children will be Saturday 14th October at 4.30pm in the Guild Room.
CONFIRMATION—Dates to be announced.
RCIA—First meeting will be on Monday 9th October at 7pm in the Guild Room.
OCTOBER, THE MONTH OF THE HOLY ROSARY
After the weekday mass (Tuesday to Friday in the Day Chapel at 10am) during October, anyone who can is encouraged to stay on for a few minutes to pray the rosary together.
FIRST FRIDAYS ADORATION
On the first Friday of each month, at 6pm, there will be Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament in the Church during which Fr Andrew will be available for confessions. Adoration will end with Benediction at 6.45pm.
CAFOD FAMILY FAST DAY – FRIDAY 6th OCTOBER
This week we will be collecting the CAFOD Family Fast Day envelopes. If you have forgotten to bring yours along, don’t panic, please just drop it in to Clergy House during the week or bring it along next week.
MASS IN CANARY WHARF
Every Tuesday at 12.30pm Fr Andrew will celebrate Mass in the Multi-Faith Prayer Room in Canary Wharf. The Prayer Room is located in Churchill Place Mall. When in the mall, walk away from Starbucks towards the Post Office. Proceed through the double set of doors in front of you. You will find the Prayer Room entrance on the right hand side. Do spread the word to anyone who might be interested.
NEW: 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 9th October. For more information, please call Chris on 0207 517 9599.
| Envelopes | Loose | Total |
| £142-06 | £321-33 | £463-39 |
Standing Orders
AUGUST: £533-34 SEPTEMBER: £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
| VISIT TO CALAIS NIP Group had a very satisfying day in Calais on Thursday. We delivered lots of donations from parishioners in both our parishes and met some fantastic young volunteers working with Refugees. One young Doctor from Bristol described her week so far: she and her team had treated 900 sick men and women in the pop up clinics across Calais and Dunkirk (just this week!!) She asked us for some basic items and we are doing a list of donations needed by the small Refuges across the city. Obviously with winter on the way, warm clothes for both men and women are a priority and, as you can imagine, small to medium sizes!! No one we met looked overfed! We hope to travel again in November and it would be great if we had the items most needed. LADIES WARM CLOTHES needed soon for a Refuge. Most of the residents have fled domestic violence with just the clothes on their backs and need some woollies now that winter is on its way. One young pregnant woman this week came with no shoes! Sizes 5 and 6 most needed. No one is on the large side! BOW FOOD BANK This is the largest Food Bank in the Borough and is now situated in Raines Foundation School in Bethnal Green. Open Mondays 8am to 12.30pm and Wednesdays 2pm to 7pm. See poster in the porch. Advice and other help also given. STAND UP TO RACISM Copies of United Eastend and Tower Hamlets Stand Up To Racism letters are available at the back of Church. DINNERS continue to be cooked and delivered to our isolated elders across the Borough every Wednesday and Sunday. We always need help, peeling, preparing vegetables and delivering the dinners. All from St Matthias Community Centre. Alex, our Parish Administrator, can provide further information. |
PRAYERS PLEASE FOR
Those of our parish who are sick at home or in hospital; Refugees; Peace in the world; Those who have died recently, including Thomas Trinh Nguyen, Amanda Charles, Mary Scott, Rose Apicella, Kelly Calliste and All whose anniversaries occur at this time.
FUNERALS
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).
THE UNIVERSE CATHOLIC WEEKLY
We remain true to our mission of being “a light to guide the world, and a mirror to reflect it”, keeping Catholics informed about their faith and bringing them ever closer to God. In order to help us maintain a strong weekly Catholic voice, please consider taking out a subscription. Order your Digital 4 weeks free introductory offer by contacting Michelle (michelle.jones@universecatholicweekly.co.uk).
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.