As we take the time to remember the souls of the departed in this month of November, as we take that minute of silence on Remembrance Sunday, I am struck by the life giving force that comes from this simple act of honouring and acknowledging. Far from being a morbid obsession, it really is about the life of the whole Church, the influence that God has on our lives and the life of the Church as a whole.
The act of remembrance spurns us on. What will we be remembered for?
I believe we will be remembered because we endeavoured to build a real community. We were there in times of real need and we were there to celebrate when the gifts that life brings become visible….
On a more mundane note… Read the newsletter – there is a lot of life there, that would be ever more lively if you were to be a part of it. While you are looking at the things you would love to join in – invite someone else along too…
For the first time in a while, we were able to meet face to face as a Parish Pastoral Council this week. For me, it was one of those moments where you really have to step back and look at the magnitude and shift that has taken place in our lives and our work. It was also a moment where the importance of the community we have shines out as a key to everything we are and do
The gathering was not primarily about looking back but looking forward. Time passes. We really need to listen to the pulse of the times, but the uncertainty that this brings cannot cause us to simply standstill.
There is a lot going on around us. COP26 will be with us shortly (watch out for ways to be involved – CAFOD are inviting to a petition for example – we will be praying during mass for this event too). In the Church the Pope is inviting to a Synodal process, discerning on a wider scale the promptings of the Holy Spirit who is constantly at work. In the Diocese here we have just entered Stage 4 of Hope in the future where we focus on our outreach and Evangelisation.
Interestingly, over the pandemic, we have grown. We have more people in offices and roles than before. There are still many challenges that we need help with – but progress is real.
Challenging is the continued uncertainty that we face. We talked a lot yesterday about our relationship with Church, the Eucharist, Parish. The challenges of busy-ness – all the other institutions are opening up too – parents being full employed taxi drivers to the multitude of programs they are involved in. More important than ever to make conscious choices – and Fatih and Community should belong high up on the list of priorities as you make decisions as to what to actually invest in.
We continue to discern our way. I hope you are doing well as you make the important decisions moving forward.
Keep an eye on the newsletter – there is lots to look forward to in November – our Adult Formation program looks at what this intro is pondering….
Prepare for November and send us your November list to remember your loved ones…
The first two days of November set the tone for the month. All Saints and All Souls. Our focus on these darker days shifts to the heavenly home ready to welcome all of us. This comes just before the season we celebrate the New Life that comes into the world for our salvation.
We celebrate the saints that have been marked out for the way of living that led them to heaven and highlights them as examples and as guides for us to live our life to the full. We remember all souls too. We remember those we have know that have “gone before us with the sign of faith”, we rely on their continued love and support. We accompany them in prayer, believing in God’s mercy that he will “gather them all unto himself”. November is known as the month of the dead – but reminds us of the gift and importance of life.
November Lists During the month of November each day at mass, we bring forward the lists of names of those we remember. Our family and friends, parishioners and especially those who have been buried from this Church in the last year. You can send a list into Church to be included in our celebration. If you are able, we would ask that you make a donation to the Parish Community with your mass intentions.
1. Prepare your list – Download our November List – [CLICK HERE] – Just write the names of those you wish to remember on a piece of paper or in an e-mail
2. Put your list in an envelope with your donation
3. Send your list to Fr Andrew, post it through the Presbytery letter box or drop it off at Church – Address – St Vincent’s Presbytery, 40 Newbrook Road, Over Hulton BL5 1ER – E-Mail Fr Andrew: [fr.andrew@lewish53.sg-host.com]
Donations We are aware of the challenging times that we find ourselves in. If you are in need of assistance – please do not be afraid to reach out. We are facing the challenge of maintaining our parish and expanding our support for the community at the same time.
Here are ways you can make a contribution.
1. Look out for the initiatives of the Friend’s of St Vincent. All activities are to help develop our community and raise money for the Parish at the same time.
2. You can always drop off cash or cheque donations at Church or through the Presbytery letterbox. Cheques are payable to St Vincent de Paul Over Hulton.
3. Make a bank transfer or set up a standing order: TSDT St Vincent de Paul Over Hulton Account Nr.: 40620122 Sort Code: 20-55-34 SWIFTBIC: BARCGB22 IBAN: GB94 BARC 2055 3440 6201 22
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