Father Sean says ...
In today’s gospel, Jesus sends out his disciples in pairs to continue his work of teaching and healing. It certainly feels that the work of Jesus has really been carried out in the parish this week with the celebrations of the sacraments of baptism, confirmation and marriage, not to mention the Masses celebrated in the course of the week and the ongoing outreach to those who pass through the parish and parish centre each week. A pivotal moment was the beautiful celebration of Mass for Sheila Guilfoyle on Wednesday; it brought together so many elements of parish life—praying for a much loved member of our community, showing support to her family and friends, the excellent music and singing of our Folk Group and to be able to use the parish centre as a place of welcome and much needed refreshment. The dynamic of Jesus’ call is to send us out and share the Good News with others, but let’s also give thanks to God for our parish community, its people and buildings, which support and nourish us on our pilgrim journey and which enable us to continue the mission of Jesus!
Congratulations: to all those who were confirmed by Bishop David this week. This weekend at the 8:45am Mass at St Teresa’s and the 10am Mass at St Dunstan’s, we will be sending them out to begin their new lives as full members of our communities.
St Teresa’s ...is looking for a Safeguarding Representative. Safeguarding representatives have a special responsibility for promoting good and safe practices in all activities involving children, young people and adults at risk. If you are interested and would like to know more, have a word with Fr Sean!
St Teresa’s Fete—16th July...2 weeks to go!!!….
In aid of Leonard Cheshire Children’s Home in Mongu, Zambia.
Thank you to all those who have volunteered to help! We are still looking for:
- More willing hands especially with preparing stalls and setting up tables
- Bottles, bottles and more bottles.. Please drop them off in the narthex, thank you!
- Help on the Jewellery & Handbags stall, even if only an hour or two on the day
- Homemade cakes, cupcakes and all bakes—please add your name to the sheet!
- This weekend, raffle tickets are available—Please support; there are fabulous prizes on offer!
Congratulations: To Oliver William Goode and his parents Michael and Natalie as Oliver is baptised this afternoon at St Teresa’s
Rite of Welcome: Today we welcome Maddison Denise Sims and her parents Oliver and Louise at the 10am Mass at St Dunstan’s. Maddison will be baptised next weekend.
Children’s Liturgy...has been running very successfully in both parishes for many years, but we do need more helpers, especially at St Teresa’s. If you are able to help or would like to know more, do speak with Fr Sean, Deacon Brent or Victoria.
Fr Eugene, the Missionary of St Paul...who was here recently preaching an appeal, has written to thank parishioners at St Teresa’s and St Dunstan’s for your generosity. He writes: Please pass on my sincere gratitude to the parish community in the two Churches for all their prayers, donations and encouragement. Hopefully, our appeals make the people aware of their own missionary vocation which they are freely gifted with in their baptism and confirmation. We are in this together. As Mother Teresa says “Together we can do something beautiful for God”.
Lighthouse Beaconsfield 2022: With more than 180 children signed up in less than a week, they are in urgent need of volunteers. For more information on Lighthouse, please see their website at: https://lighthousecentral.org/ If you have a passion for Lighthouse, then please contact Matt for more information on the volunteer roles available matt.jones@hopebeaconsfield.co.uk
Calling all Young Adults: Please join us on Friday the 8th of July for hotdogs and chips, games and fun from 6:30-8pm at St Teresa’s Parish Centre. All 2-16 year olds welcome! Contact Lynn at the parish office for more information.
LIFETEEN SUMMER CAMP: For all 12-18 year olds from 24th-28th July. Cost of £295 for a dorm and £225 for camping. Cost includes food and accommodation, activities and a full day at Alton Towers. £50 non refundable deposit. Please contact fiona@nymo.org or check the NYMO website: nymo.org/summercamp
Praying for the sick: At both St Teresa’s and St Dunstan’s we have re-introduced the list for names of those who are sick and need our prayers. Please add their names before Mass starts.
Money Matters: Last weekend’s offertory collection amounted to £507.28 plus £152.00 via electronic giving totalling £659.28 at St Teresa’s We also receive around £1000 per week through standing orders. And £456.00 plus standing orders of £350.00 at St Dunstan’s. Today there is a Second Collection for Peter’s Pence. Thank you for your generosity!
Digital Giving at St Teresa’s: You are now able to make electronic payments for: Parish (offertory), Mongu, Holy Souls, Votive candles, Books & papers, Retiring collections, SVP and Donations. You could also opt for Gift Aid to increase your donation by 25%. If you are a UK taxpayer, then donating with Gift Aid means that we can claim an extra 25p for every £1 received.
Covid Restrictions: Whilst all restrictions have now been removed and we are able to resume all social activities, we are still urged to take steps to reduce the risk of catching and spreading the virus. Please do wear face masks in crowded areas and be sensitive to the needs of others around you. Sanitising and good ventilation is still encouraged. From this weekend, Fr Sean, Dcn Brent and the other ministers of Holy Communion will no longer be wearing masks for the distribution of Holy Communion. They will still be sanitising their hands.
Best wishes,
Fr Seán, Fr Shyju, Deacon Brent and Sister Winifred.