Fr Andrew writes…
This Sunday is Remembrance Sunday which, this year, is just a day after Armistice Day, which is on Saturday. So this weekend is a special time for us to honour the sacrifice of those who gave their lives in the cause of right, and to pray for the souls of all those, forces and civilians, who died in the First World War, the Second World War and the many conflicts since then. It is a time of remembering, giving thanks and imploring God’s mercy not just upon the souls of those who have died but upon our world today which is still scarred by war. According to one source, there are currently 45 armed conflicts going on right now in Middle East and North Africa, 35 in the rest of Africa, 21 in Asia, 7 in Europe and 6 in Latin America. That’s 114 in total! Some of these conflicts are about territory, some about access to resources, some about politics and some about drugs. Many are either about religion or are conflicts in which religion seems to be a negative factor.
This weekend also marks the beginning of Interfaith Week, when we are all encouraged to put out a hand in friendship to our brothers and sisters of other religions in an desire to understand more and to celebrate our common humanity. Not every war is really about religion and even where that does seem to be the case that is often because some cynically use religion as a way to stoke division and mistrust. It is therefore the responsibility of us as people of faith to ensure that at least in our own communities this simply cannot happen by recognising that those around us who do not share our faith are nevertheless still our brothers and sisters. For us Christ is at the centre of everything, Christ and not us and our prejudices and preconceptions. When we truly place Christ at the centre, he helps us and indeed he demands that we listen to our brothers and sisters of other faiths, that we learn from them and that we love them. In this way peace may be more than just a pious hope.
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.
FR ANDREW’S INDUCTION
Bishop Nicholas is coming here to celebrate a special mass at 7pm on Friday 17th November during which he will formally install Fr Andrew as our parish priest, after which there will be a parish party. The Guild Room will be open from 5pm for donations of refreshments. Let’s make this a great welcome for Father Andrew (no matter what the weather!)
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 in memory of Carmen Mana Han Crisostomo.
ST PATRICK’S CEMETERY MASS
On Monday 13th November at 11.30am there will be mass at St Patrick’s Cemetery Chapel. All are welcome.
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
THANK YOU – SICK & RETIRED PRIESTS’ FUND COLLECTION
Thank you for generously supporting the Sick & Retired Priests’ Fund collection last weekend. Our priests give us years of dedicated service and it is only right that we ensure they live out their days with deserved dignity and care. If you didn’t get the chance to donate, it’s not too late. 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.
| Envelopes | Loose | Total |
| £129-58 | £340-42 | £470-00 |
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
| SUNDAY 12th History Night in St Anne’s Church, Limehouse at 7.30pm. Come and hear about the great Wartime Women of Poplar and Limehouse. INTERFAITH WEEK We have two events this week marking the special theme of Peace and Understanding. There will be an Interfaith event in Our Lady and St. Joseph’s School on Wednesday 15th from 4pm to 5pm where we will have short presentations from representatives of the three Abrahamic Faiths: Judaism, Christianity and Islam. Please do come along. TOGETHER FOR PEACE Thursday 16th, a gathering of people of all Faiths or none in the Queen Victoria Seamen’s Hall to pray together for Peace. If you cannot go on a march, perhaps you can spare an hour to pray for Peace (6.30pm to 7.30pm). HELP! We really need some more Deliveroo Angels (on bikes or cars) for our Dinner Project on Wednesdays. Could you spare an hour to deliver a meal to someone in E1, E2 or E3 or down the Isle of Dogs? Our walkers manage over 50 deliveries twice weekly, but some are too far away, even for our brilliant volunteers. Email nip65@msn.com if you can help. |
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.