Church Schedule

Masses

Private/Individual Prayer only

Wednesday: 10am - 12noon

Friday: 10am - 11am,
5pm - 5.45pm

Saturday: 10am - 11am

Sunday: 5pm - 5.45pm

​Monday & Tuesday: 9:15 am

Wednesday: 7:30 am, & 12 noon

Thursday: 9:15 am

Friday: 9:15 am & 6:00 pm

Saturday: 9:15 am & 6 pm

Sunday: 9 am, 11 am (also livestreamed), 6 pm

Parish Message

17th October 2021

Living a Life of Service

In today's Gospel Jesus continues to teach the disciples on the long road to Jerusalem what it really means to follow him. Even though he has just told them for the third time that he is going to be rejected and put to death in Jerusalem, James and John still ask him in private for a special favour - if they can have the closest seats to him in glory, on his right and left. Imagine Jesus' sadness - he has been trying to teach them that following him is about self-sacrifice, humbly serving others, and yet they still seem to be thinking in very selfish terms of the power and prestige they deserve for being his closest disciples. They just don't get it!

Last Friday saw the shocking murder of Sr David Amess, an MP for almost 40 years. It has been very moving to hear the tributes from across the political parties testifying to his life dedicated to serving those he represented. He was a Catholic, married with 5 children and a politician who was not afraid to campaign to defend the rights of the unborn child and defend family life and religious freedom in our society. He was a true example of a disciple giving his life in service. We pray for his eternal rest and for the comfort and consolation of his family, friends and his home parish community.

One of the issues which Sir David campaigned passionately about was his opposition to attempts to legalise assisted suicide in the UK. This coming Friday, 22nd October, sees the Second Reading of the 'Assisted Dying Bill 2021' in the House of Lords. The Bishops of England and Wales have urged all Catholics to pray a special novena to St John Paul II (whose feast day providentially is on 22nd October) for the defeat of this bill. Here is a link to the novena: https://www.cbcew.org.uk/novena-to-john-paul-ii/

And here is a personal reflection which I have written trying to present the Church's teachings on this complex issue together with some of my own personal thoughts. It is a long read (sorry!), but I would be really grateful if you could find the time to read it and reflect upon this yourself. I would be really grateful to hear your own thoughts and reflections on this. Here is the link:

https://bit.ly/3vrmVbR

We invite you all to our Green Living fair this coming Saturday 23rd October 12 - 3 pm. More details can be found via this link: https://bit.ly/3vmwzg4

With blessings and prayers from Fr Richard, Fr Ephrem & the parish team.

God bless,

Fr Richard

“Never be afraid of loving the Blessed Virgin too much. You can never love her more than Jesus did.”