Dear friends,
This weekend we will celebrate the beautiful Solemnity of All Saints. As Pope Francis observed, ‘The saints are not perfect models, but people through whom God has passed. We can compare them to the church windows which allow light to enter in different shades of colour… This is life’s purpose: to enable God’s light to pass through.’
After Mass on Sunday, there will be a very short planning meeting to ensure that we are on track to cater the party in the Hall after our Ninetieth Anniversary Mass (on Saturday, 5 December at 3.30pm): please let Pat know what you can bring to share at this reception; and please take home a flier and/or poster, to spread the word. (External guests are invited to RSVP to anniversary[at]stmaryskenton.org.)
Then, on Sunday evening, a special All Souls Mass of Requiem will be celebrated at 6pm, in remembrance of our departed loved ones: this will be followed by light refreshments – and we invite offers of assistance, to bake and bring a cake, and/or to help serve teas and coffees after this Mass. Please note: you are requested not to park on the forecourt in front of the main entrance to the church on Sunday evening – as there will be a light display set up on the paving stones.
The intercessions list (for the living!) is being completely revised: before 22 November, please (re-)add the names of those in need, for whom prayer is requested – and please PRINT these names clearly.
This month, we are supporting the charity Aid to the Church in Need, which brings spiritual and practical help to Christians around the world, where they are persecuted, oppressed or in pastoral need. In particular, the ACN “Red Wednesday” initiative seeks to highlight the plight of persecuted Christians, and will this year be marked on 18 November: a calendar of events around this campaign is attached.
You can contribute cash to this collection by using one of the Gift Aid envelopes and the basket in church; alternatively, there is a QR code to scan – or you can visit this link to donate online. If you donate via this link, your donation will be match-funded and doubled!
ACN also encourages us to sign an Article 18 petition, to protect religious freedom.
Please likewise continue to bring in your gifts for our Christmas “care boxes” for patients looked after by St Luke’s Hospice: suggested items are listed on the fliers and poster in church.
Our “Countdown to Christmas” Market takes place in the Hall on Saturday, 21 November: please continue to distribute fliers and posters (available in church); please speak to Johnette or Jean to reserve a table, and please consider donating high-quality goods for sale (such as toys and toiletries) and/or raffle prizes; or pledging a cake for the day.
Next week on Friday, 6 November the 9.30am Mass will be offered in honour of our secondary Patron, St Leonard – and followed by a complimentary sparkling breakfast; a week on Sunday, 8 November, our Remembrance Sunday Mass will begin with the Act of Remembrance in the memorial garden (weather permitting), at the later start time of 10.55am.
Likewise included with this mailing are fliers for the Patronal festival celebrations in the parishes of Benhilton, Northwood Hills and Kingsbury; as well as an updated poster for the Leading Your Church into Growth Taster Day – which has been rescheduled to Saturday, 16 January 2027: a new sign-up sheet will also go out in due course. (Please note that, on Saturday, 28 November, in order to allow us to support the Patronal Festival Mass at St Andrew, Kingsbury (at 4.30pm), there will be no (public Evening Prayer or) 6pm Vigil Mass here at St Mary’s.)
Please consider signing this petition, to keep a Post Office in Harrow town centre.
And, finally – while Lorna enjoys a well-deserved holiday for one month, please let me or one of the churchwardens (or, this week coming, Lorna herself) know if you could assist with setting up the urn and tea things for the après-Mass refreshments on Sundays (for the next five weeks)!
Give us courage to protect and pray for all those who are persecuted for their Faith,
Fr Richard