Fr Andrew writes…
November, the month of the Holy Souls begins, this Wednesday. And we begin the month on 1st November, All Saints Day, by celebrating all those who already enjoy the vision of God in heaven from where they assist us with their prayers. This is a beautiful reminder that as the Church on earth we are united with the Church in heaven, and a reminder of the wonders that God’s grace can work often in the most unlikely souls—there really is hope for us all! To celebrate All Saints Day, which is a Holy Day of Obligation, there will be a Vigil Mass at 7pm on Tuesday 31st at Limehouse and mass at 10am at Poplar (when our primary school will join us) and at 7pm in the evening (both in the main church).
On the 2nd of November we turn our attention to that other part of the church to which we are just as much united, the Holy Souls who have not yet arrived at the heavenly banquet, especially those we have known and loved. As we assist them with our prayers and as they draw closer to God they are able to help us on our journey to heaven. There will be Mass for All Souls on Thursday 2nd November at 10am in the Canon Wright Chapel and a special mass at 7pm in the main church during which we will light candles in memory of our dear departed.
The envelopes for the November Dead List are still at the back of church and there is still time for you to hand them in with the names of the loved ones you wish to include in our November masses for the Holy Souls and your donation for mass to be offered.
Finally just a reminder that on 17th November we will have a celebration for our little portion of the third part of the church, those of us still on the way, when Bishop Nicholas will come to formally install me as parish priest. This will be a great opportunity to celebrate our communion with one another as a parish.
God bless you all!
SACRAMENTS
BAPTISMS—Parents must attend a Baptism Preparation Course organised by the parish. 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 on Saturday 11th November 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 6th November at 7pm in the Guild Room.
Prayer for Peace
Friday 3rd of November is our usual First Friday Adoration starting at 6pm and ending with benediction at 6.45pm. This month we will be praying especially for peace in the Middle East.
SANCTUARY LAMPS
If you would like to have our Sanctuary Lamps burning for a week before the Blessed Sacrament in memory of a loved one, please make a donation using the envelopes at the back of Church. This week the lamp is burning in memory of William “Bill” Sauntry.
Fr keith’s induction – commercial road
Fr Keith induction will take place at St Mary & St Michael on Saturday 11th November at 6pm. It would be nice for a group from our Parishes to attend.
OLSJ PRIMARY SCHOOL – ADMISSIONS CONSULTATION
The Governing Body of Our Lady and St Joseph Catholic Primary School is currently reviewing proposed admission arrangements for admissions to the School in September 2025. As determined by the School Admissions Code, we are required to consult on these arrangements, and are inviting comments on the proposed changes. Please see the school website for more information: www.olsj.towerhamlets.sch.uk/parents/admissions
CAFOD FAMILY FAST DAY COLLECTION
A total of £573.20 was raised in our Parish. Many thanks for your contribution.
THANK YOU FOR CELEBRATING WORLD MISSION SUNDAY
Thank you very much for your donations to World Mission Sunday last week. Your prayers and support will help missionaries to work alongside communities throughout the world that are poor or in need, regardless of their background or belief. Please keep prying for the work of Missio, that we remain strong in our witness to Christ’s love for all peoples. You collected £55.
THE SICK & RETIRED PRIESTS’ COLLECTION IS NEXT WEEK
The second collection next week will be for the sick and retired priests of our Diocese. By supporting the Sick & Retired Priests’ Fund, you can help cover essential costs and give our Priests peace of mind that, in the event of an emergency, their needs will be met. Please pick up a leaflet or an envelope for more information on ways to give, and please continue to pray for the wellbeing of our Clergy: active, retired and ill. Thank you.
| Envelopes | Loose | Total |
| £153-26 | £377-36 | £530-62 |
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.
REPOSITORY—Now well stocked with Christmas Cards, Calendars, and other religious items.
NEIGHBOURS IN POPLAR
| MSF Calling all our young bakers!!!!! Cake sale (with your cuppa) after Masses next weekend for Doctors without Borders whose volunteers are working on both sides of the Palestine border. Let’s make a few hundred next weekend! INTERFAITH WEEK November 11th-18th. A number of events are being planned, full details next week. BOX FOR MEDICATIONS at the back of the Church. Collecting for Calais. WARM CLOTHES NEEDED Ladies warm clothes wanted and baby warm clothes needed for a 10 month old baby. CARDS AVAILABLE for visiting Kew Palace, Hampton Court, Kensington Palace and Tower of London for £1 or free! DRIVERS WANTED for Wednesday and Sunday dinner deliveries. St Matthias Community Centre, 113 Poplar High Street. |
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 Harry Collins, Maureen West, James Doran, Allan Giles, Amanda Charles and All whose anniversaries occur at this time.
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.