Fr Andrew writes…
First of all I want to say a big thank you to everyone who worked so hard to make our celebration of my induction as your parish priest such a lovely occasion and to all who came along and joined in. I know that Bishop Nicholas was impressed by the warmth of the welcome you extended to him and, once again, I would like to thank you all for the way that you have welcomed me into this, your parish since my arrival in September.
This Sunday marks the World Day of the Poor, an annual event established by the Holy Father in 2016. The Pope urges to reflect and to pray but also to act. Given the scale of the problem of poverty around the world and even in our own society we can feel powerless, as though there is nothing that we can do on our own or even as a parish. But in fact there is a lot that each of us can do and it can begin in the smallest way. We can all resist the temptation to walk on by, or ignore someone’s difficulties, we can stop and speak with someone, listen to them, spend time. Pope Francis says “caring for the poor is more than simply a matter of a hasty hand-out; it calls for re-establishing the just interpersonal relationships that poverty harms.”
The Pope’s point is that part of the evil of poverty, especially in a society such as ours, perhaps especially in an area like this, where great wealth is so close to real poverty, is that poverty is isolating, it can lead to people feeling cut off and excluded. “Re-establishing the just interpersonal relationships that poverty harms” can be as simple as a smile, a conversation, a little helping hand and we can all do that.
God bless you all
SACRAMENTS
BAPTISMS—Please speak to Fr Andrew and collect a form for the preparation course. Next course in January.
FIRST HOLY COMMUNION—The next meeting for parents and children will be on Saturday 9th December 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 20th November at 7pm in the Guild Room.
PLEASE CAN YOU HELP?
If anyone has or knows of any accommodation available temporarily for a teacher at OLSJ who has become homeless please contact Fr Andrew as soon as possible.
SANCTUARY LAMP
If you would like to have our Sanctuary Lamp 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 for the intentions of Aaron Dave Lizarondo.
READEDRS AND EUCHARISTIC MINISTERS
There will be a recollection for readers and eucharistic ministers at 3pm on Saturday 2nd December in the Guild Room. All readers and eucharistic ministers are encouraged 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. Please see the school website for more information: www.olsj.towerhamlets.sch.uk/parents/admissions
NOVEMBER THE MONTH OF THE HOLY SOULS
This month 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.
| Envelopes | Loose | Total |
| £121-63 | £304-96 | £426-59 |
Standing Orders
SEPTEMBER: £563-34 OCTOBER: £562-94
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
| CONGRATULATIONS! Between Church, the Market, St Matthias and some generous donations, all together we have raised over £800, which is magnificent. I am sure many lives will be saved because of your gift and generosity. MSF have had to bury too many members of their team on both sides of the borders. LAST SUNDAY the Dinner Project delivered it’s 42,000th cooked dinner to a lady in Bethnal Green. We need some more Drivers on Wednesdays or Sundays in order to get the meals delivered within a reasonable time. Ring 07813478891 or email nip65@msn.com CHRISTMAS IS COMING! Please keep an eye out for elderly and isolated residents and neighbours. Christmas, winter and the long cold nights can be very lonely and stressful for many, especially those without attentive family members or friends. There are people around us who never hear a knock on their door or receive a friendly telephone call. Remember: Jesus tells us to keep watch! DECEMBER DATES Saturday 2nd: Reflective Afternoon with Father Andrew (as we begin Advent and prepare for Christmas). Sunday 3rd: Caribbean Party in the Guild Room from 2pm to 7pm. NEXT CULTURAL GET-TOGETHER We hope to invite our different cultural groups to party during the coming year, to celebrate their roots and come together. The next party will be for our Polish friends. Details in the New Year. |
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 Barry McCarthy, Elizabeth Annie Jones, Harry Collins, Maureen West, James Doran, Allan Giles, Amanda Charles, Baby Lucia and All whose anniversaries occur at this time.
FUNERALS
Elizabeth Annie Jones, Thursday 23rd November, 11.30am, Our Lady Immaculate & St Frederick, Limehouse
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.