Dear friends,
Don’t forget that the clocks go back one hour overnight on Saturday!
In this Sunday’s Gospel reading, we are counselled by St Paul to receive God’s Word, even in the midst of trial and troubles, ‘with the joy of the Holy Spirit‘: our faith places within us the unshakeable conviction that, beneath the turbulence of the world around us, is the unchanging goodness of God. This provides a sure foundation upon which to base our lives, and serves as a consolation when we experience difficulties – because we know that all things lie in the hands of God, and that He loves us.
This weekend is the final opportunity to bring to church your Harvest contributions of tinned and packet foods; preserves; cooking oil; confectionery and/or pasta – as well as any cash donations towards the running costs of the Harrow Food Bank: please use a Gift Aid Declaration (to be found in church), and place into the basket at the back.
Please likewise continue to bring in your gifts for our Christmas “care boxes” for patients at St Luke’s Hospice: suggested items are listed on the fliers and posters in church.
Please similarly continue to record on the list in church the names of anyone whom you would like remembered during our All Souls’ Mass, on Sunday, 1 November at 6pm: please PRINT these names clearly, and please likewise extend an invitation to this service to anyone who has lost a loved one. This Mass will be followed by light refreshments – and we would be grateful for volunteers to help serve these. (There will also be a sparkling breakfast after Mass on Friday, 6 November – in celebration of our secondary Patron, St Leonard.)
Please find attached a copy of the flier for our forthcoming “Countdown to Christmas” Market, in the Hall on Saturday, 21 November: hard copy fliers and posters are available in church for distribution to friends and neighbours; please speak to Johnette or Jean to reserve a table; please note the planning meeting after Mass this Sunday, and please consider donating high-quality items, such as toys and toiletries.
Do please likewise continue to spread the word about our celebration of the ninetieth anniversary of the Dedication of St Mary’s Church, during a special Mass on Saturday, 5 December at 3.30pm: please ask your guests to RSVP to the dedicated e-mail address (anniversary@stmaryskenton.org). Please also let Pat know what food you can bring to the party.
Attached with this mailing is a flier for the Willesden Prayer Breakfast to be held at St Mary’s on Thursday, 19 November at 9.30am: we will welcome guests and visitors from other churches in northwest London, to say Morning Prayer together and to enjoy a complimentary continental breakfast. Your support for this event would be appreciated!
And we will be joined at Mass next week on Tuesday (27 October) by the Ven. Catherine Pickford, Archdeacon of Northolt (who is conducting her regular triennial visitation to St Mary’s): do come along at 6.30pm, to welcome her and say hello!
May God, who kindled the fire of His love in the hearts of His Saints, pour upon you the riches of His grace,
Fr Richard