St Anthony of Padua Anerley

Twenty– Fourth Sunday (C)

Mass Readings: 136 – 139

Order of Mass: Pages 7 – 60

In the first reading we see how the people abandoned God and fell back on idolatry. God’s reaction seems to portray him as an angry, jealous God, who will resort to terrible punishments when his law disobeyed. The message of the story is that God pardons the sin of his people to response to the prayer of Moses. The role of mediator between God and man is now fulfilled by Jesus who sits at God’s right hand and intercedes for us.

The fact that Jesus welcomed sinners and ate with them was a cause of scandal to the Pharisees. They, the separate ones, avoided all contact with sinners. They assumed that God has no dealing with sinners either. But  Jesus shows them a very different  God. By means of three parables he justifies his concern for sinners. All three parables stress God’s concern for the one, and his joy when a lost one is found.

The theme of the above readings is that of God’s mercy towards sinners. The second reading also fits in with that theme.

Paul never forgot the fact that he was once an enemy of Jesus. But now he regards himself as a witness to the fact that Jesus came to save sinners. Just as a virtuous person is a witness to the grace of God, so a repentant sinner is witness to the mercy of God.

Sunday Teas:

This Sunday’s teas will be served by

The French Speaking Prayer Group.

Next Sunday’s teas will be served by the SVP Group.

Thank you to all those who help out with the Sunday Teas.

Last Sunday’s Collections: The 1st collection was £473.02p +£320.92p in Gift Aid envelopes giving us a parish total of £793.94p. The 2nd collection for the Catholic Education Service was £156.93p. Thank you for your generosity. Today’s 2nd collection is for the Home Missions (supporting the work of the bishops of England & Wales).

Recently Deceased: Please pray for the soul and family of John Barry. The funeral will be at 10.30am on Thursday 17th October. May his soul rest in peace.

Blessed Sacrament: We will continue to have exposition of the Blessed Sacrament  every Friday from 7:30pm to 8:30pm.

First Reconciliation and Communion 2020: Parents of children aged 8 years old or in Year 3 or above are invited to come to the first meeting on Monday 16th at 7.30pm in the Parish Centre. This meeting is only for the parents and will be to discuss the forthcoming programme.

UCM: The UCM meeting on Monday 16th at 7.30pm will include a Charity Bingo Evening so please go along.

Confirmation Classes: Please note that there will be a meeting on Thursday 26th September at 7pm in the Parish Centre to discuss the programme for next year.

Annual Parish Pilgrimage: St Mary’s Shrine at West Grinstead and afternoon in Worthing. – Saturday 28th September 2019 – £25 which includes a £5 donation to St Marys’. Bookings will be taken every weekend up to the 28th.

Lighting Candles: Please take care when lighting candles in the Church. Please ensure that the candle wax does not drip onto the newly treated floor.

CYM Choir – ‘Come & Sing’ Taster session Saturday 21^st September (10.30am-12.30pm) St Joseph’s Church, Plaistow Lane, Bromley: Following great success and wonderful reviews for performances at the One Parish Mass and Latch Garden party in July, the Catholic Youth Ministry (CYM) Choir embarks on its autumn re-launch and is on the lookout for new members!!  We are holding a taster session on Saturday 21^st September from 10.30-12.30pm at St Joseph’s Church (Upper Room) when we will be warming up our vocal chords and showcasing some of our upcoming songs.  All young people (aged 8yrs+) and adults are invited to come along and get involved in what promises to be a fun and lively morning (light refreshments will be provided).  Rehearsals will take place on Wednesday evenings, beginning on 2^nd October from 7-8.30pm at St Joseph’s Church. We look forward to seeing you there!  (For more information email: susan.longhurst@bromleydeanery.org)

Faith in Action Award Reflective Session 4 – Saturday 21^st September (3-5.45pm) – St Edmund’s Church Hall: Our Faith in Action candidates in the deanery and school groups will soon come together for their fourth and final Reflective Session of the year!   Our candidates continue to show amazing commitment and enthusiasm to serving those in need in our parishes, schools and communities and will soon submit their final pieces in advance of receiving their awards in November. We ask you to remember them in your prayers over the next few months.

Building a Better Marriage: You are invited to a celebration of your marriage. However long you have been married, come along to St Columba’s, Selsdon, South Croydon, from 9.45am till 4.30pm on Saturday 28th September. The day is for couples, whether one or both are Catholics, with average-to-good marriages who would like to make them a bit better. Booking is essential: phone 07983 524 727 or email mflkent@rcaos.org.uk

Barn Dance 2019:  Please place a note on your calendar that the Knights of St Columba will be holding their popular annual parish event on Friday 11^th October at Melvin Hall, Melvin Road  SE20 8EU. The Knights will be selling tickets after all weekend masses. £8 per ticket. A live band will be performing with a caller and a licensed bar will be available. Tickets will also be available on the night.

Please pray for the sick of the Parish: Mercie Ihekweme-Hill, and Michael Creech.

Please remember to turn off your mobile phone.

MASS TIMES AND INTENTIONS (15th Sept—22nd Sept 2019)  (Year: C)