Newsletter- 26th Week of Ordinary Time
Dear Parishioners
On this Sunday, the 26th Sunday in Ordinary Time the Readings at Mass remind us of the dangers of becoming complacent in the privileged lifestyles with which we are blessed. Just as the Lord shows compassion and love for all those who are in need, so must we, as people of faith, try to do the same. The prophet Amos (First Reading) speaks to those who relish their lives in the lap of luxury. In the final reckoning, he foretells how they will be first to be exiled. The Responsorial Psalm is a hymn of praise to the Lord, whose compassion and love are showered upon those who are downtrodden or in need. Our faith demands that we must follow his example. The Second Reading urges Timothy, and us, to live our lives with righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness and gentleness. Jesus reiterates the message of Amos in the Gospel, warning of the torment that will face those with wealth and privilege who ignore the plight of the poor.
As Pilgrims of Hope in this Jubilee Year, we pray that we will be ever more attentive to the needs of those around us. Let us ask the Lord to help us to see more clearly where we can use our gifts and talents in the service of God and one another, and to help us to respond with kindness and generosity to all whom we encounter during our daily lives.
Looking Ahead:
175th Anniversary of the creation of the Diocese of Nottingham – This year marks the 175th Anniversary of the creation of our Diocese by Pope Pius IX. On Monday 29th September, Mass will be celebrated by Bishop Patrick at 12noon in the Cathedral. All parishioners are warmly invited to attend. Priests of the diocese have been invited to concelebrate Mass that day with Bishop Patrick and I intend to be present myself.
St. Mary’s Hosts the Deanery Meeting – This Tuesday 30th September we warmly welcome members of the clergy from the parishes of our deanery to their September deanery meeting and lunch hosted by St Mary’s. Please keep the clergy of our deanery in your prayers today.
CAFOD FAMILY FAST DAY – Friday 3rd October – Envelopes to put your donations in are now available as you come into church. You can put these in the collection plate from this weekend and throughout the month of October, after which all donations will be sent directly to CAFOD.
Jubilee Year – World Day of Migrants & Refugees – 4th and 5th October alongside the Jubilee of Migrants.
In his 2024 World Day of Migrants & Refugees (WDMR) message, Pope Francis invited us to walk alongside migrants and refugees, noting that ‘it is possible to see in the migrants of our time, as in those of every age, a living image of God’s people on their way to the eternal homeland.’ Pope Francis referenced the journeys of hope taken by refugees and migrants, with ‘God as their travelling companion, guide and anchor of salvation.’
Each year, The World Day of Migrants and Refugees invites us to express our Christian concern, care and solidarity with all migrants and refugees. It offers us a moment to reflect on the journeys and hardships that many are forced to undertake to escape war, poverty and hunger. This year, we mark the 111th celebration of WDMR with the theme: “Migrants: Missionaries of Hope.” It is a powerful reminder that those who flee their homes do not leave their dignity behind. They carry with them inspiring stories of resilience and courage; stories that remind us to act with compassion towards those who are strangers to us, to find hope even in difficult times, and to recognize that God is always with us. Behind every migrant is a story of loss and sorrow, but also of hope and resilience.
Pilgrimage is a sacred act of encounter. When we walk in solidarity with those who have been forced to leave their homes, we allow their stories to speak to our hearts. It is in these shared steps that we draw closer not only to one another, but also to Christ Himself. May our journey this Jubilee Year be one of listening, of reflection and of deepening love for the stranger and outsider as we welcome them into our midst and as we walk together, may we become, like those we accompany, missionaries of hope.
Fr Jonathan- annual leave from the afternoon of Sunday 5th October until Wednesday 15th October – I shall be taking a short holiday away from the parish and during my time away Deacon Andrew will be your first point of contact in an emergency; he will be able to put you in touch with a priest. For all other non-urgent parish matters I ask please that you wait to contact me until my return. Mgr. John Hadley will be offering the weekend Masses during my time away. There will be a reduced Mass schedule during the week. Please check the Parish Newsletter for the dates and times of all the liturgies being celebrated during my absence.
Schedule of Liturgies – Monday 6th October – Wednesday 15th October
Weds. 8th October – Mass at 9.30 am
Thurs. 9th October – Service of Word & Holy Communion (Eucharistic Minister) – 11 am
Saturday 11th October – Vigil Mass – 28th Sunday in Ordinary Time – 6 pm
Sunday 12th October – Parish Mass – 28th Sunday in Ordinary Time – 9.30 am
Weds. 15th October – Service of Word & Holy Communion (Eucharistic Minister) – 9.30 am
Thurs. 16th October Normal Mass Times Resume – Mass 11 a.m.
Please note the church will be closed outside of the Liturgies listed above. The church will be open again throughout the day from 8.30 a.m. until dusk – Thursday 16th October.
With my prayers for you and for your families during this coming week,
Your parish priest and friend
Fr Jonathan
2025 28th September – Newsletter – Download