Dear friends,
This Sunday, we will welcome to Mass Ms Eileen Murray, of the charity Aid to the Church in Need (which we will be supporting during November): Eileen will talk to us about why this support is needed, to resource ACN’s work with persecuted Christians around the world. Each year, Aid to the Church in Need makes grants to help fund over 5,000 projects, including – the provisional of catechetical materials and books; broadcasting the Faith; help with church buildings, even in the remotest locations; support for the training of priests, and stipend support for clergy in poor communities; emergency aid and humanitarian assistance, and the provision of transport for those involved in the Church’s mission.
A particular concern for ACN at this time is the defence of freedom of religion: as Fr Peter Alpha Konteh, who works with Aid to the Church in Need, explains, ‘Jesus himself never forced anyone to follow Him. He invited, He loved and He respected human freedom. The Gospel teaches us that faith must always be a free response to God’s grace. Whenever religion is imposed through fear, hatred or violence, it ceases to reflect the heart of Christ.’
Your Harvest contributions of tinned and packet foods; preserves; cooking oil; confectionery and/or pasta may be brought to church this weekend or next – then to be given to the Harrow Food Bank, for distribution to families in need. We likewise invite cash donations towards the Food Bank’s running costs: please use a Gift Aid Declaration (to be found in church), and place into the basket at the back.
We are now likewise able to receive your gifts of items for St Luke’s Hospice, to be made up into Christmas “care boxes” for the patients they are looking after: please consult the list in church, and place any donations into the box in the south aisle, by Christ the King Sunday, 22 November. We also invite those skilled at knitting to produce some woollen “holding hearts”, according to the pattern on the sheets in church.
Please 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, recently or longer ago. This Mass will be followed by light refreshments – and we would be grateful for volunteers to help serve these.
Last week, invitations were given out – to the ninetieth anniversary of the Dedication of St Mary’s Church: more of these are available, as well as hard copies of the attached poster. All are welcome to a very special anniversary Mass on Saturday, 5 December at 3.30pm: please ask your guests to RSVP to the dedicated e-mail address (anniversary@stmaryskenton.org); please note that there will be a planning meeting for the party afterwards, after Mass on All Saints’ Sunday, 1 November; and please now let Pat know what food you can bring to the party – noting that we anticipate a significant number of additional guests and visitors.
We should soon likewise have fliers and posters available to advertise our forthcoming “Countdown to Christmas” Table-Top Market, in the Hall on Saturday, 21 November: please speak to Johnette or Jean to reserve a table; please note the planning meeting after Mass on Sunday, 25 October (and that volunteers will be needed, to help set up and clear away); and please consider donating high-quality items, such as toys and toiletries.
There will be a Leading Your Church into Growth Taster Day on Saturday, 28 November at St Alban, Holborn: this Fulham Lay Congress event will seek to answer the questions, ‘How do we grow our churches in today’s culture, when wider society seems less engaged with religion, and less encouraged by the Church? What does growth look like in our churches; and how can we follow the model of Christ himself, and see “the one” amongst the crowds?‘ Please sign up in church.
And do let me know if you are a trained First Aider, so that your name can be added to a list of those to turn to in an emergency.
Likewise included with this mailing is a flier detailing four days of free theatre workshops, during the forthcoming school half-term holiday – for young people aged 14-18 who may appreciate financial support to realise their artistic potential. These will take place at the The Kiln Theatre in Kilburn, culminating in an original performance by all those taking part.
I was glad when they said unto me : we will go into the house of the Lord,
Fr Richard