Due to limited capacity, please [REGISTER] first if you would like to attend SUNDAY Masses.
(Registration not required for Saturday or weekday Masses)
WEARING MASK OR FACE COVERING IN CHURCH IS COMPULSORY
If you are having trouble registering online, you can also call 020 8888 5518
We will continue live streaming our Masses for now so that those who are unable to attend can still join us online.
Dear Parishioners,
In our first reading today from Isaiah, we hear of the people of Israel returning from exile. This was made possible by the pagan king, Cyrus – a most unexpected source of such compassion.
In the Gospel, we see the attempt to trap Jesus in presenting the question: “Is it permissible to pay taxes to Caesar or not?” Jesus recognises the evil attempt to trap him. Note to start with, the Pharisees and Herodians were bitter enemies. Yet they unite and plot against Jesus. It just shows their deep desire to destroy Jesus by his saying something incriminating. If Jesus denies the need to pay tax to Caesar, he could be charged with treason before the Roman Governor, Pontius Pilate. If he said, yes, he would lose the esteem of the people, and would be regarded as a traitor to the Jewish cause and the Jewish religion.
Jesus responds with those immortal words: “Give back to Caesar what belongs to Caesar – and to God what belongs to God”. His answer implies that there need not be a conflict between the demands of the State and those of God. The State has a role, but its power is limited and does not over rule God’s supreme law. Christians have dual citizenship … citizens of the world and citizens of the Kingdom of God. Here lies the challenge of living today. We have obligations to God and to our Government. We may see difficulties in both camps, and hence the conflicts that face us daily. We need to take into account the Common Good and pray to have the wisdom and courage to live our lives with equal concern. Christians are often reminded to keep out of ‘politics’. It’s not as simple as that. Politics and policies of government are an essential part of life, just as being a follower of Christ in our path in life.
We constantly pray for the wisdom and insight to do what is right. This wisdom and patience is called for in trying to cope with Covid-19 and the daily regulations we need to follow.
Every good wish, Fr Joe
THANKS for your generosity in the CAFOD collection last weekend which came to £676. It is so vital that we support our brothers and sisters who are at the receiving end of the outreach of our CAFOD representatives in so many parts of our world.
STEWARDS/SANITISERS/CLEANERS NEEDED
Thanks to all who have been helping.
We would appreciate help with sanitising/cleaning after our Masses. Please let one of the Stewards know your availability to help with the cleaning and sanitising. Thank you! [Click here] to register as volunteer.
First Holy Communion programmes 2020-2021
We had a zoom meeting with the parents and children in our First Communion group. We have set out our preparation programme. Thanks to all families participating.
Sacrament of Infant Baptism
We will begin celebrating infant baptisms again this month and resume the preparation sessions for parents. If you would like to have your child baptised, please fill in a form (available online or from the back of the church) and contact the office. (Rule of Six applies)
Sacrament of Reconciliation / Confessions
Fr. Joe is unavailable for the Sacrament of Reconciliation/Confession for now due to health/safety reasons. We encourage all parishioners to make a heartfelt and sincere act of contrition instead during this time of the pandemic, until such a time where we can have the sacrament in the church again.
Sacrament of Marriage
There is possibility for a simple celebration for the sacrament of Marriage with a maximum number of 15 attendees. Please contact the Parish Office for more information.
Funeral Services
There is possibility for a simple requiem Mass with a maximum number of 30 attendees. Please contact the Parish Office for more information. Memorial Masses for those who have died during the lockdown will be arranged in due course.
Recently Deceased
We pray for all the faithful departed:
Cristina Bondoc
Anne Comerford
Etta Quinn
Anastasia Francois
Naomi Wright
May they rest in peace, and we keep their families in our prayers.
CAFOD Family Fast Day
Our parish is marking CAFOD’s Family Fast Day to help people facing the worst of the coronavirus crisis. We’ve all felt the impact of this terrible disease – let’s come together to help the poorest and most vulnerable people in the world survive, rebuild and heal. Please pray for all those affected and donate online at cafod.org.uk/give or by using one of the envelopes after Mass. You can also give easily via text. Text CAFOD to 70085 to donate £10.
Texts cost £10 plus one standard rate message and you’ll be opting in to hear more about our work and fundraising via telephone and SMS. If you’d like to give £10 but do not wish to receive marketing communications, text CAFODNOINFO to 70085.
