SCRIPTURE
READINGS (A)
Isaiah
55:6-9 Seek
the Lord while he may be found
Psalm 144 Praise be the Lord my Rock
Phil. 1:20-24. 27 To live is Christ and to die is gain
Matthew 20:1-16 The Parable of the Workers in the Vineyard
DOING
GOD'S WORK
Last Friday the church celebrated the feast of two martyrs from the third century, Saint Cornelius and Saint Cyprian. Cornelius was the Pope and Cyprian the bishop of Carthage. The two men never met but circumstances drew them together and they made common cause during a very difficult phase in the church's history. Cornelius was elected Pope after a year's vacancy in the see and another priest in Rome, by the name of Novatian, who disliked some of Cornelius's view, had himself consecrated Bishop of Rome as well. It looks as though the Church had fallen victim to the ancient Chinese curse, "may you live in interesting times"! Some may find Church life nowadays rather dull in comparison.
The root of the crisis was the attitude that the Church should adopt towards those who had apostasised from the faith during the recent persecutions. Should such people be re-admitted to the Church and the sacraments after due penance, or had they now placed themselves beyond the pale and was it therefore impossible for the Church to have them back again? Many believed that apostasy was such a serious sin that no return to the Christian life was possible, but Cornelius and Cyprian believed that God's mercy and forgiveness were so limitless that the Church in its pastoral work had to do its
best to reflect that. If people were genuinely sorry for what they had done in difficult circumstances and if they still wished to respond to God's call in their life then there must be a place for them in the Christian community, in the body of Christ.
It may seem to us that these are battles from long ago, but far from it. History is a great teacher, but it is a great teacher not just because it tells us interesting things about the past, but precisely because it tells us interesting things about the present, and, even more, because it reveals to us what we are like as human beings: our capacities, our potentialities, our attitudes, , our failings. And history studied from a Christian perspective is even more revealing, because it helps us to see human beings bathed in the light of the redemptive work of Christ. What would our world be like without that dimension, without forgiveness, without the possibility of starting afresh each day on the great adventure of the Christian life? Listen carefully to today's gospel and see if you recognise anything of the workers grumbling at God's generosity to others in yourself. If you don't, then you are indeed blessed. Let us never fail to rejoice that God wishes to be as good to others as he has been to ourselves.
Hugh
Duffy S.J.
PARISH
BAZAAR
After a gap of several years, we will be once again able to enjoy that great British institution: The Parish Bazaar! This will be on Saturday 26 November, from 11am to 4pm in the Church Hall and adjacent rooms. Naturally items of the highest quality will be required for sale and auction so if you have any objets d’art, fine books, CD’s or DVD’s or the like to contribute, please let Joan Hammet know: 8657 6367.
BISHOP BERNARD
Our deanery comes under the oversight of Bishop Bernard Longley and he will be making his first official visitation of Farm Street Church on the weekend of 26/27 November. He will also preside at the 12.05 Mass on All Saints Day, 1 November. He is looking forward to meeting us all, so please note these dates.
GREEN
PAPER
The Diocese of Westminster is launching a consultation on the future of parishes. Please take time to read their proposals and think about the challenges we face. You may visit the official website gracedbythespirit.org.uk. We hope to have a summary of the Green Paper for you to read in the coming weeks. Your views are important
REGISTRATION
Farm Street Church is not only a (small) geographical parish but also a city-centre Jesuit church with regular worshippers from all over London and beyond. If you come here frequently, even though you may belong to another parish, and you have not yet supplied us with your name and address, please fill in a registration form (on the pews) so that we can have good up-dated records. (We also hope to have visitors’ cards soon.) Thanks!
CHILDREN'S
LITURGY
As
we develop the 9.30am Family Mass, we are seeking people
to help with the Children's Liturgy (their special session
together). We hope to have two separate age groups: 4-7
and 8-13 yrs. We need volunteers. No previous experience
is necessary since we would provide training and support.
If
you are interested contact:
Rachel
Bischoff r.bischoff@tiscali.co.uk
or
Simon Lawless simon@slawless.wanadoo.co.uk
or
speak to Fr William. Thank you.
?BABIES'
CHAPEL?
More
correctly known as the Ignatius Chapel, this is the glassed-in
area to the left of the sanctuary which provides an ideal
sound-proof space for babes and toddlers during Mass.
Speakers enable the Mass to be heard clearly. New carpeting
has been installed and makes a relatively safe and clean
surface. Please note that votive candles are removed from
this chapel on Sundays for safety reasons.
CATHOLIC
CHILDRENS' SOCIETY
This
is a charity which Farm Street has supported faithfully
over the years. It addresses the needs of poor and vulnerable
children and as a Diocesan work is a good way of contributing
to the local community. Please take an envelope from the
church doors for the summer appeal to help give these
children a decent holiday and a good start in life.
FELLOWSHIP
AND WELCOME
It
is always encouraging to hear visitors to Farm Street
say how much they appreciate the welcome at the doors
and the opportunity after Mass to meet fellow Catholics
from England and from all over the world. If you have
never joined us for coffee and refreshments after the
9.30am or 11am
Mass, why not come along? Don't let shyness keep you away
- you are truly welcome!
The
Church Team
Fr
William Pearsall SJ (Parish Priest)
Fr
James Campbell SJ (Asst Priest)
Fr
Anthony Meredith SJ (Assistant Priest)
Philip
O'Brien (Parish Council Chairman)
David
Graham (Director of Music)
Patrick
Mallon (Sacristan)
Fr
Hugh Duffy SJ ( Superior
of the Jesuit
Community)
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