Twenty-Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time 04.10.2026

MASS TIMES AND INTENTIONS

 Sun 4^th Oct​​

8.30 am​ Josephine McNamara RIP

10 am​ Daas Khoury, RIP

12 noon​ Maria Sesenna, RIP

Mon 5^th Oct       ​Feria

10 am​ Jesuinto Pinto RIP

Tues 6^th Oct​ Feria

10 am​ Marlene Muir, RIP

Weds 7^th Oct​ NO MASS

Thurs 8^th Oct​ Feria

​10 am​​​ Melisse Sarthal, Healing

​11:45 am​​ John Davey Funeral

Fri 9^th Oct​ St. John Henry Newman

10 am​ Holy Souls

Sat 10^th Oct​ Twenty-Eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time

5pm​ Edward Clem Dooley, Anniversary

Every Saturday: 10am – 11am - 4.30pm – 5pm: Confessions and Exposition

PLEASE PRAY FOR:

Let us keep in our prayers: May Brennan, Mike O’Brien, Freya Askew, Joan Gordon, Sanjuna Madonandi Kuniyil, Ben Galligan, David Ryan, Margaret Ryan, Michael O’Boy, Christina Cahill, Eric Nicholas Darwent, Therese Kemp, Jose Luis Pérez, Karina McKiernan, Jonathan Heller and Izabela Lissowska – all unwell at this time.  We also pray for:  Cathy Byrne, Mary Curren, Winston Delandro, Sean Howley, Gildo Fernandes, Dante Bardetti, the Holy Souls and all those whose anniversaries occur at this time or have died recently. May they Rest in Peace.

OFFERTORY COLLECTIONS

The Offertory Collection for week ending 27^th September was £679.63. Contactless was £268:50. Thank you for your generosity.

CATHY BYRNE (nee O’BOY)

Cathy died peacefully on Wednesday surrounded by her family. Cathy is sister to Fr Michael O’Boy and a member of our parish SVP group. She was a joyful, kind, generous person with an infectious smile. Her funeral will be on Wednesday 14^th October at 11am at St Albans, Nether Street. Let us pray for her husband, children, father and siblings. May she rest in peace and rise in glory.

BLACK HISTORY MONTH – OCTOBER

Fr Peter writes: “This October we acknowledge Black History Month, an opportunity to give thanks for the many people, stories and traditions that enrich our shared life in the Church.

As Catholics, we are one family in Christ, united by a faith that embraces people of every nation, language and culture. During this month we can reflect on the lives of Black Catholics throughout history, including saints such as St Augustine, St Martin de Porres, St Josephine Bakhita and Venerable Pierre Toussaint, whose faith, courage and holiness continue to inspire the whole Church.

Our parish community is blessed by the gifts, experiences and cultures of all its members. Black History Month offers us an opportunity to be aware of that richness and to grow in mutual understanding, and give thanks for the diversity through which God continues to strengthen and renew His Church.”

RITE OF CHRISTIAN INITIATION OF ADULTS…. MEETING

The first meeting for adults who wish to become Catholics or have been baptised but not received the sacrament of Confirmation will take place on Thursday 15^th October at 7:30pm in the presbytery (the house next door to the church). All welcome.  

ALTAR SERVERS MEETING

All current and prospective Altar Servers are invited to a meeting on Saturday 17th October at 11.00am in the church. We will discuss the awarding of medals, a possible trip to Westminster Cathedral, and continue our server training.

New servers are especially welcome. We look forward to seeing you there.

“The Lord has loved me so much: we must love everyone... we must be compassionate!”

St Josephine Bakhita

ST MARY’S YOUTH CLUB

After an administrative hitch and a few teething problems in the Parish Centre, St Mary’s Youth Club will finally open its doors on Thursday 22nd October from 7.30pm to 9.00pm.

For the time being, Fr Peter invites those who were confirmed in 2025 and 2026 to come along for an evening of pizza, planning, and sharing ideas about the future of the Youth Club. There will, of course, be pizza to eat and, if our pizza chef and oven are both fully operational, the opportunity to make your own pizzas as well!

We look forward to welcoming you. 🍕

REGISTRATION FOR FIRST HOLY COMMUNION 2027

Registration for the First Holy Communion Programme finishes this weekend and is open for children in Year 3. Please note: At least one parent must be a Catholic.

For further information and registration, please see Fr Peter after one of the weekend Masses.

SECONDARY SCHOOL TRANSFER FORMS

Fr Peter will sign all secondary school transfer forms and Catholic Certificates of Attendance only after weekend Masses. Thank you.

OUR LADY OF LOURDES NURSERY AND PRIMARY SCHOOL

(Bow Lane, Finchley, London, N12 0JP) warmly invites all prospective parents to our upcoming school tours on:

• Wednesday 14^th October 2026 at 9.30am and 6pm

• Wednesday 4th Nov at 9.30am

If these dates are not convenient, please do contact the school office to arrange a tour for another time (tel: 02083461681 email: office@olol.barnetmail.net). We look forward to welcoming you all.

BISHOP DOUGLASS SCHOOL OPEN EVENTS

There will be a Curriculum Showcase on Thursday 15^th October 4.15 – 5.45 pm and if you would like a Guided Tour, sign up on the school website to see the school in action during the day.  For further information, please visit the school website www.bishopdouglass.barnet.sch.uk or call 0208 444 5211.

THIS WEEKEND IS THE CAFOD FAMILY FAST APPEAL.

ANNUAL DIOCESAN PARISH COUNT

For the next two weekends, the Diocese will conduct its annual count of Mass attendance. These figures help the Diocese understand patterns of worship, plan pastoral provision, and make decisions about the appointment of priests.

With fewer priests available and the possibility that some parishes may share a parish priest in the future, it is important that St Mary's is accurately represented. If you are able, please make every effort to attend Mass during the counting period so that the figures reflect the true vitality and size of our parish community.

Thank you for your support.

SAFEGUARDING OF CHILDREN AND VULNERABLE ADULTS AT ST MARY’S

Fr Peter writes: “I am sure we would all agree that proper safeguarding policies and procedures must be followed to ensure the safety and well-being of children and vulnerable adults. Over the coming weeks, I will be asking all parish volunteers to undertake some mandatory safeguarding training.

As a first step, I would be grateful if all Readers and Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion could attend a safeguarding meeting on Sunday 18th October at 4.00pm in the Small Hall.

Safeguarding is the responsibility of us all. We can each play our part by ensuring that children are not allowed to go unaccompanied to the toilets in the church porch, by taking care in the car park, and by parents keeping a watchful eye on their children both in church and around the parish centre. These simple measures help to ensure that St Mary's remains a safe and welcoming environment for everyone.

As you know, I have "asbestos ears" and do not mind the occasional charismatic moment from our younger parishioners during Mass. However, please be mindful of the sanctuary and the very real dangers posed by candles and other liturgical furnishings.

St Mary's is very fortunate to have Eimir Reed as our Parish Safeguarding Representative. If you have any safeguarding concerns or questions, please do not hesitate to contact her.

POPE LEO XIV VISIT TO LOURDES

“In the face of current trends that seek to redefine the value of human life in illness, suffering and old age, the grotto of Massabielle stands as a place of Christian hope. Here, crutches, wheelchairs and hidden tears are not obstacles but places where people can encounter God's love.”