CHANGING TIMES:

I could not but reflect on the dramatic change over the years in our approach to All Souls Day. This is not an adverse criticism, just an observation. Those of you of a certain vintage, like me, will recall the days when, on 2^nd November, priests celebrated three Masses, often in quick succession because of the fast from midnight. In those days part of the ritual cleansing (the ablutions) at the end of Mass included the use of a little wine, but that was studiously avoided at the first two Masses, because this too would have broken the fast! As altar servers we were trained to cope with all this, and, as with today, it seemed that half-term always coincided with this time of the year so that we were free to offer our services. Furthermore, people would make multiple visits to the church to gain plenary indulgences for the release of souls in purgatory using the necessary prayers, including those for the Pope. Because only one soul could be released per visit, you would see people going in and out of the church over and over again! While I miss some of the devotion surrounding those  days, I also recall how easily such customs could lead to scruples, including the anxiety that one had not tried hard enough to intercede for more souls crying out for help. Suffice it to say that I think our spirituality today is more balanced while, hopefully, continuing to trust in the mercy of God.

HALLOWEEN:

I wonder how many of today’s youngsters put the jigsaw together on this one. The eve of All Hallows (All Saints) traditionally led people to think about those spirits who were wandering around wanting our prayers to get them to heaven. However, it has now become a new money-making industry. For the most part, I think it remains harmless fun, but there are more and more sinister elements creeping in, which I suggest we should be on our guard against. And that leads me to suggest that we continue to pray for PEACE in our own families and communities as well as for the wider world in these worrying times. 

CHANGING THE CLOCKS:

The clocks go back this weekend: a stark reminder that winter is getting closer. Let’s hope there is not too much severe weather in store and enjoy the extra hour in bed!

THE RED BOXES:

You will note that the Mill Hill Father, Emmanuel Mbeh, is visiting our parishes this weekend to thank us for the years of support for the Church’s missions by means of the Red Boxes, which so many of you have had in your homes, and obviously he will be encouraging us to continue that support. I suspect that many of those who organised and supported this venture are no longer with us, but I am sure you will make Fr Emmanuel welcome and do what you can to maintain this traditional method of fulfilling Christ’s injunction to take the Gospel to the ends of the earth.

HALF-TERM:

We have had some challenging times during the first phase of the school year. I do hope the staff and pupils in all our schools have a well-deserved break and return re-vitalised and ready for the run-up to Christmas and all that will entail.

THE COMMEMORATION OF ALL SOULS (THURSDAY 2 NOVEMBER):

We remember all our loved ones who may still need our prayers:

Noon Masses in both churches and 7:00pm at Bishop Eton

The month of November is dedicated to the Holy Souls and boxes will be available in both churches for the names of those for whom you wish to pray. Masses will be celebrated each day of the month for all those whose names are before the altars. 

THE SOLEMNITY OF ALL SAINTS (WEDNESDAY 1 NOVEMBER):

We will celebrate this great Feast, which reminds us of all those who are now rejoicing in the triumph of the Resurrection, including we hope our own relatives, with the now established Holyday timetable:

Vigil Mass (Tuesday evening): 7:00pm at St Mary’s

Wednesday: Noon Masses in both churches and 7:00pm at Bishop Eton

ST MARY’S FIRST COMMUNION PROGRAMME:

We are already up and running at Bishop Eton, and we launch the programme for St Mary’s at 5.30pm in the Parish Centre this Monday 23 October. We look forward to another rewarding experience with the families who wish to enrol their children in preparation for receiving this greatest of all gifts next summer.

JOURNEY IN FAITH (RCIA):

Just to remind you that we will launch this year’s programme at St Mary’s Parish Presbytery on the evening of Tuesday 7 November at 7:00pm. Please spread the word and encourage anyone interested to come along

SHRINE MINISTRY AND THE DEDICATION OF OUR FAMILIES TO ST GERARD:

I was very happy with the way we celebrated our Triduum in honour of St Gerard and the positive response to the blessing ceremony which entrusted all our mothers and their families to his care and protection. Devotion to Our Lady and the Saints brings with it that sense of belonging and helps to nurture the tender side of our spiritual lives. I hope that the development of our Shrine Ministry will foster these devotions among many more people. Accordingly, I want to thank our Shrine Ministry Team for all their efforts: I hope you have noticed the beautiful new board by the archway! The notice on the board simply states that the church is open for prayer, and I dream about the day when more and more people will get back into the habit of simply popping in as they pass for a few quiet minutes.

Understandably, times have changed and so many churches are unable to remain open all day, but we are blessed to be able to keep Bishop Eton open all day every day. There is something very moving about watching a mother or father with their children, lighting a candle and kneeling down for a few quiet moments before the Shrine of Our Lady. May I gently nudge our parents who use the car park when taking their children to and from school to see whether they might give themselves the few extra minutes to get into such a habit. Just think about the untold blessings this would bring to all of us!