Father Sean writes...
Welcome Back!
Thanks to all of those who have worked hard to prepare for “Welcome Back Sunday” in both our parishes. It really is so good to see many more people returning to Sunday Mass. The Mass is at the heart of our Catholic way of life and we give thanks to God that we are able to celebrate our Catholic faith openly and freely. The Bishops of England and Wales have recently issued a document entitled ‘Honouring Sunday’:
www.cbcew.org.uk/bishops-statement-honouring-sunday/
In it, they recognise that given the concern about the pandemic, not everyone is in a position to fulfil the absolute duty to attend freely Sunday Mass, but they do ask us to assess our attendance at Sunday Mass in the context of other Sunday activities, such as sports or shopping. They remind us that the Mass is the very heartbeat of the Church and our personal life of faith. Lets today be grateful for being able to enjoy one another’s company!
Synodal process…just to make it clear: the synodal process is attempting to listen to every Catholic, discovering their view of the Church, its successes, its failures, its future. In both parishes we are doing that by asking existing groups to engage with the process, providing opportunities for individuals and groups to come together and reflect on four key questions. Some parishioners have undergone training as ‘listeners’ so that they can aid discussion and catch the comments which come from individuals and groups. Please see the opportunities available for sharing your views:
1. Fr Sean will host an open meeting on Monday at 7h30pm in the parish centre
2. Listeners will be available every weekday between 10am & 12 noon in the parish centre
3. At St Dunstan’s, Deacon Brent will host an open meeting on Thursday 2nd of December at 7h30 pm
4. After all Masses at St Teresa’s this weekend, listeners will be available as well.
Walk with Me booklets are available. This is an ideal way to read scripture and pray throughout the Advent season. It follows the Church’s cycle and liturgy and has a daily short, concise and prayerful meditation. This year’s advent edition invites us to a new encounter with Jesus, the Word made flesh, God made man. Copies are available at £1 each.
Rite of Welcome: Today we welcome Grace Olivia Tyrrell and her parents Andrew and Lucy. Grace will be baptised next weekend.
Congratulations: Toby William Matthams will be baptised this afternoon at St Teresa’s!
Confirmation classes: Registration forms are now available at both parishes. Classes start in January 2022. For more information, please contact the parish office.
Children’s Mass: The next Mass is on Sunday the 5th of December at St Teresa’s at 8:45 am. If you would like to take part by doing the readings, bidding prayers etc, please contact Victoria on 07753 814 685 or email her on: victoriakquinn@hotmail.com.
Children’s Liturgy at St Teresa’s 8:45 am Mass: We now have 2 groups: one for pre First Communion and one for post First Communion. Every 4th Sunday of the month, Deacon Brent will be leading the post Communion Group.
Altar Servers: Thank you to our new altar servers who started their training last week with Deacon Brent. New servers are always welcome. If you are interested, please contact the parish office.
Unwanted Used Religious Books: If you have any unused books, please drop them off (except prayer books) at the parish office or contact Fr Shyju for more information. Thank you!
Vianney Mission for Priests: This is a group of lay people who meet regularly to pray for priests. A member of the team will be speaking about this ministry at Mass this weekend.
Book of Remembrance: This is on display near the altar. If you would like names to be added, kindly use the forms next to the book.
The Emmaus Group: They provide support for anyone suffering especially the pain of loss and bereavement. The first meeting will be held on Sunday the 12th of December from 2-3:30pm. For more information, please contact Christine via email: murray.christine@talk21.com
Parish Lottery in aid of Mongu: The drawn numbers for November are 20,118,135 winning £5 each and number 240 winning £25. Next month there will be an additional Special Christmas draw of £250!
Wycombe Homeless Connection: Thank you to everyone who kindly helped Christine Wood and Debbie Keegan raise over £1300 (not including gift aid) towards the WYHOC Sleepout Fundraiser! The ladies took part by forsaking their warm and comfortable beds and sleeping in a garage overnight! If anyone else would like to help the homeless this winter, there is still time to donate to: www.JustGiving.com/Debbie-Keegan2
Online Retreat: Lift up your eyes and see: Mondays through Advent starting 29th November 7:30-8:30pm
Join Canon John Udris and Avril Baigent for an online retreat helping us to pause, reflect and encounter the Lord.
Join our online community on a Monday night, or watch afterwards. Click on the link for more information and booking requirements:
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/advent-retreat-lift-up-your-eyes-and-see-tickets-195238893787
Money Matters …Last weekend’s collection at St Teresa’s amounted to £561.21 and £361.50 at St Dunstan’s. Thank you!
Best wishes,
Fr Seán, Fr Shyju, Deacon Brent and Sister Winifred.