Fr Andrew writes…
I’d like to tell you a simple little story. Shortly after I moved in to the parish and to Clergy House and I suppose at a time when I was having to get my head around all manner of new things and probably feeling a bit weary, I opened the front door one morning and stepped outside. Just at that moment a little Bengali boy (no more than five years old) came bowling down Pekin Street and marched right up to me with a big a smile and thrust out his hand for me to shake, saying “Good morning!”.
That simple little gesture from an innocent child moved me deeply, it felt as though God, through the community here, was saying, you are welcome, you are in the right place. In recent days following the violence and rising tensions in the Middle East and here at home, it strikes me that there may be many people feeling more anxious, less at home than ever. If that simple gesture from that little boy could have such an impact on me, imagine what might happen if every one of us did something similar this week. A smile, a friendly greeting, a handshake may not solve all of the world’s problems in one go but it can go a very long way.
God bless you all!
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 on Saturday 4th November at 10am in the Guild Room. Children’s attendance is not required.
FIRST HOLY COMMUNION—The next meeting for parents and children will be this Saturday 14th October at 4.30pm in the Guild Room.
CONFIRMATION—Would parents with children in year 9 who wish to be confirmed please pick up a form at the back of church and return it to Clergy House as soon as possible.
RCIA—Next meeting will be on Monday 23rd October at 7pm in the Guild Room.
FR ANDREW’S INDUCTION
At 7pm on Friday 17th November Bishop Nicholas will celebrate a special mass here in the parish during which he will formally install Fr Andrew as our parish priest. Everyone is invited and this will be a lovely opportunity to celebrate the life of this special parish and to formally welcome Fr Andrew. There will be a social after the mass. Further details to follow. Fr Andrew says; “come on everyone, any excuse for a party!”
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.
NOVEMBER THE MONTH OF THE HOLY SOULS
It will soon be November, which is the month when we pray especially for all our deceased loved ones. The envelopes for the November Dead List are available now at the back of church and you are encouraged to place in them your donation for mass to be offered and the names of your deceased loved ones whom you wish to be included in our November dead list and masses.
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.
NEXT SUNDAY IS WORLD MISSION SUNDAY
The Holy Father invites all Catholics to contribute to a special collection for Missio, his charity for world mission. Please support Missio in helping missionaries to work alongside communities throughout the world that are poor or in need, regardless of their background or belief. Join in on this special day and take active part in the Church’s mission to share God’s love with all people. Please pick up an envelope at the back of Church or visit Missio’s website (missio.org.uk) to explore the different donation options available.
| Envelopes | Loose | Total |
| £171-50 | £434-99 | £606-49 |
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
| PARISH PLANNING MEETING Next Thursday evening at 7pm in the Guild Room to discuss some social events and other activities for the next few months. The kettle will be on from 6.45pm. WANTED for Refugees and Migrants: Following our recent visit to the Catholic and other Charities working in Calais, these are some of the most wanted items requested by one of the medical teams: tubes of Savlon, toothpaste, Strepsils, anti-histamine tablets, tissues, toothbrushes, bandages antiseptic wipes, cold and throat remedies. Please see full list on Notice Board. 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. 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, especially in Israel and Palestine; Those who have died recently, including James Doran, Alan Giles, Gil Cortez, Thomas Trinh Nguyen, Amanda Charles, Mary Scott, Rose Apicella, Kelly Calliste and All whose anniversaries occur at this time.
FUNERALS
Amanda Charles, Thursday 26th October 10am
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
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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.