29th Sunday of the Year, October 19th

Today was World Mission Sunday and the church was packed for our Sunday celebration. The preacher was Deacon John. It was good to see Father Ted (pictured) back after his recent illness.
There was good news for the Francis and Potter families. Holly Rebecca had been born on Friday to Hannah who is married to Paul Francis. Congratulations to them all.
There were prayers, too, for Ted White who had been taken ill during the night. Our best wishes go to Ted who is well-known for his work with the Holiday Club and as a sacristan.
There were also prayers for Colin Silver, a parishioner at St Mark's, and well-known to many at Sacred Heart. He had been a leading light in Churches Together for many years. There will be a memorial service at St Mark's at 3pm on Friday (October 24th).
Rehearsals continue for the parish concert (on Saturday November 8th) with many parishioners brushing up their acts after mass today. Tickets are selling very well indeed, and will be on sale again after masses next weekend.

28th Sunday of the Year

Father Ted was not able to celebrate mass today as he is unwell. We wish him all the best in his recovery. Father Tony Baxter was able to step in ato be held at the last minute.
It was the first Sunday for the new Little Disciples group for children aged four and under. This is not a creche, but a chance for our young parishioners to learn about Jesus. Thanks to Kate Browning for organising this. It was good to see such a large number of children at the service.
There were prayers for George Fitzpatrick and Michael Gallway who both died during the week. Details of their funeral services are on the parish website.
The fourth and final Living Faith meeting is this Thursday - when the subject will be migrants. There are will spaces available.
Tickets are selling well for the parish concert on Saturday November 8th. Last year it was a sell-out so make sure you get your tickets early. They will be on sale after both masses this weekend.
A meeting is to be held on Thursday November 6th for parents of First Communion candidates.
Our best wishes go to two parishioners who were taken ill during masses this week, and our thanks to those who cared for them.

27th Sunday of the Year

On a gloomy rainy morning, attendance was understandably down for the Sunday morning mass. Father Ted's sermon was about duty and obligation being one reason why people should attend mass.
Today is also the time for a special service of thanksgiving for creation, to mark the harvest and the feast of St Francis yesterday. The church has been beautifully decorated with flowers ahead of the service at 3pm today which will be followed by tea and cakes.
Tickets have gone on sale for the Parish Concert on Saturday November 8th. They are £2 for adults and £1 for children.
October is the month of the Rosary which will be said before each weekday mass during the month. The Living Faith talks continue - the next one on Thursday will be about homelessness.