Bletchley Parish

THIS WEEK’S LITURGIES
33rd Sunday of the Year (C) – Ordinary Time

6:00pm (Sat) (STA) Vigil Mass
7:30am (STA) Mass
9:00am (AS) Mass
11:00am (AS) Mass
6:30pm (AS) Mass

During the Week
Monday Feria
9:30am (STA) Holy Rosary
10:00am (STA) Mass followed by Adoration

Tuesday Feria
9:30am (AS) Holy Rosary
10:00am (AS) Mass followed by Adoration
4:30pm (AS) Reception of Body into Church

Wednesday Memoria: St Edmund
10:00am (STA) Mass followed by Rosary
11:30am (AS) Funeral Service of Robert James Taylor

Thursday Memoria: Presentation of B Virgin Mary 10:00am (AS) Mass followed by Rosary and D.M Chaplet

Friday Memoria: St Cecilia
8:30am (STA) Mass followed by Rosary and D.M Chaplet

Saturday Memoria: Our Lady on Saturday
9:30am (STA) Mass followed by Adoration & Rosary
10:00-10:30am (STA) CONFESSIONS

STA: St Thomas Aquinas Church, Sycamore Avenue, MK2 2JE
AS: All Saints Church, Shenley Road, MK3 6HG

Pope Francis’ Prayer Intentions for November: Dialogue and Reconciliation in the Near East: That a spirit of dialogue, encounter, and reconciliation emerge in the Near East, where diverse religious communities share their lives together.

Welcome to Bishop Peter
Its wonderful to be able to welcome Bishop Peter to our Parish today as he makes his visitation and joins us for all the Sunday Masses. Bishop looks forward to greeting you after Mass. Following the 11am Mass you are welcome to join Bishop Peter for refreshments in the meeting room. Bishop Peter will be then back on Saturday 30th November to celebrate and preach at the 6pm Vigil Mass.

Requiescant in Pace
Please pray for repose of the soul of

Robert James Taylor, whose Funeral Service will be at 11:30am on Wednesday 20th November at All Saints Church.

Michele Pozzuto, whose Funeral Mass will be at 12noon on Monday 25th November at St Thomas Aquinas Church.

We offer our sincere sympathy and the loving support of our faith and prayers to all the recently bereaved.

Second Collection Today: The Diocesan Priest’s Fund. Helping to care for sick and retired Clergy of the Northampton Diocese.

Retiring Collection Next Week:
Society of St Vincent de Paul

Save the Date – Parish Fayre
Saturday 30th November at St Thomas Aquinas School between 12-2pm.

Parish Fayre Grand Prize Draw tickets: Books of tickets are available at the back of Church. Please take some and return the completed foils with the money for the tickets to the parish office or the Church sacristy.

Invitation to the Young People in our Parish
If you are in School Years 7-11 we would like to invite you to the re launch of PHOENIX- our youth group for pupils at secondary school.
We know the challenges young people face and want to support you as you grow in faith. We want to offer you the chance to meet, socialise and explore your faith with other young people who belong to our parish. Perhaps they are friends you see at Mass or maybe they go to a different Mass to you? Maybe you used to go to school together but now go to different schools?
Why not take this opportunity to meet up with friends and make new ones?We plan to meet on the following Tuesday dates from 7.30 pm-9pm in the parish meeting room at St Thomas Aquinas Church:
November 25th, December 17th, January 28th,
February 25th, March 31st, April 28th,
May 19th, June 30th.
RSVP via email to Fr Christopher: staq@uwclub.net. It will help him ensure there are enough refreshments for all.

Our Lady of Fatima
The Statue of our Lady of Fatima and the relics of St Jacinta and St Francisco will be visiting the Church of St Phillip and St James, Bedford MK41 7BX on Saturday 7th December 9am-4pm. There will be a series of devotions and Mass. For further information please visit http://www.worldfatima- englandwales.org.uk or see the poster at the back of Church.

A Date for Your Diary – Please join us for a Creation Celebration Mass on Friday 6th December at 7.30pm at St Thomas Aquinas Church. Pope Frances reminds us that our earth was here before us and it has been given to us freely, not to exploit, but to care for. By coming together for a Creation Celebration we can give thanks for the gift of God’s creation – a gift we are invited to enjoy together. Light refreshments after Mass.

Love and Mercy : Faustina. The Odeon at MK Stadium
On Monday 18 November 2019 at 20.45pm, there will be a showing of the movie called Love and Mercy : Faustina. This is a docudrama on Divine Mercy and the mission of Sr Faustina following the apparitions of Jesus.

School Admissions – Important Message
2020 Catholic Primary School Admissions:
Completed 2019 diaries will be collected in after the 6pm Vigil; 9am &11am Mass next weekend – 23rd /24th November. If there is a sufficient record of attendance (stamps) then we will notify Bishop Parker School and St Thomas Aquinas School directly. We will inform you by email if a “Certificate of Catholic Practice” has been issued. If you are applying for another Catholic Primary School then please contact the Parish Office after you have received a confirmation email and Fr Christopher will complete any necessary forms. Please remember that a Certificate of Catholic Practice does not guarantee a school place but does support your application. In the event of over subscription “Admissions Criteria” are applied. The “Admissions Policy” for each school can be viewed on their respective websites. Please ensure that you collect and complete all the necessary supplementary forms when applying for a school place which can be obtained from School Reception.

2021 School Admissions for Catholic Primary Schools
If you will be applying for a Catholic Primary School place in 2021 you will need to obtain a “Certificate of Catholic Practice” to support your application. Certificates are is sued to all those who complete a Parish 2020 Diary which is stamped at the beginning and end of Sunday Mass as a record of your child’s attendance. There is a meeting for interested parents on Monday 2rd December, 7pm at St Thomas Aquinas Church (MK2 2JE), where you will able to register and collect a diary.

With every blessing for the week ahead
Fr Christopher & Fr Emmanuel

Love and Mercy : Faustina. The Odeon at MK Stadium

On Monday 18 November 2019 at 20.45pm, there will be only one showing of the movie called Love and Mercy : Faustina.

This is a docudrama on Divine Mercy and the mission of Sr Faustina following the apparitions of Jesus.

THIS WEEK’S LITURGIES
32nd Sunday of the Year (C) – Ordinary Time

“Remembrance Sunday”
At Mass today we pray for particularly for all the victims of war and for those who have given their lives for others in the defense of freedom.

6:00pm (Sat) (STA) Vigil Mass
7:30am (STA) Mass
9:00am (AS) Mass
11:00am (AS) Mass
6:30pm (AS) Mass

During the Week
Monday Memoria: St Martin of Tours
9:30am (STA) Holy Rosary
10:00am (STA) Mass followed by Adoration

Tuesday Memoria: St Josaphat of Polotsk
9:30am (AS) Holy Rosary
10:00am (AS) Mass followed by Adoration

Wednesday Feria
10:00am (STA) Mass followed by Rosary

Thursday Feria
10:00am (AS) Mass followed by Rosary and D.M Chaplet

Friday Feria
8:30am (STA) Mass followed by Rosary and D.M Chaplet

Saturday Memora: Our Lady on Saturday
9:30am (STA) Mass followed by Adoration & Rosary
10:00-10:30am (STA) CONFESSIONS

STA: St Thomas Aquinas Church, Sycamore Avenue, MK2 2JE
AS: All Saints Church, Shenley Road, MK3 6HG

POPE FRANCIS’ PRAYER INTENTIONS FOR NOVEMBER:
Dialogue and Reconciliation in the Near East: That a spirit of dialogue, encounter, and reconciliation emerge in the Near East, where diverse religious communities share their lives together.

2019-2020 THE YEAR OF THE WORD
Our Bishops have called 2020 to be a celebration of the Word of God throughout all our parishes, communities and schools. The initial launch was on the feast of St Jerome, 30 September 2019, with the Year formally beginning in Advent 2019. Bishop Peter has described the purpose of the Year in these words: “At heart we want to help everyone be prepared to hear the Word of God proclaimed in the liturgy.”

THE WORD OF LIFE TEAM…
As part of the “YEAR OF THE WORD”, you are cordially invited to our Word of Life teaching and prayer ministry on Friday, November 15th 2019 and every 3rd Friday of the month, at All Saints Church.

*Theme for the Month of November:
The Power of Grace (2 Corinthians 12:7-9).

*Featuring: Mass and Teaching; Adoration;
Worship/Praises and Prayers

*Time: 7:00pm to 9:00pm.

*Venue: All Saints Church, Shenley Road,
Bletchley, (Milton Keynes) MK3 6HG.

Come and enjoy the glory, beauty and power of His presence. Everything you need is with Jesus.
Come with your family and invite your friends.

Director: Holy Spirit
Coordinator: Fr Emmanuel Okami
Animator: Word of Life Team, Bletchley.

For enquiries call or email Parish Office:
01908372315 / staq@uwclub.net

REQUIESCANT IN PACE
Please pray for repose of the soul of

Mary Ellen Lineham, whose Funeral Mass will be at 12:30pm on Thursday 14th November at All Saints Church.

Robert James Taylor, whose Funeral Service will be at 11:30am on Wednesday 20th November at All Saints Church.

We offer our sincere sympathy and the loving support of our faith and prayers to all the recently bereaved.

SECOND COLLECTION NEXT WEEK: The Diocesan Priest’s Fund, Helping to care for sick and retired Clergy of the Northampton Diocese.

SAVE THE DATE – PARISH FAYRE
Saturday 30th November at St Thomas Aquinas School between 12-2pm.
Donations needed: Are you able to donate any of the following items on the following dates:
Sunday 17th November – Sweets / Candies
Saturday 30th November – Freshly baked cakes / biscuits

Donated items can be left in the Sacristies of both Churches. Cakes and biscuits can be brought to the School on the day. There are carrier bags available at the back of both Churches which you are welcome to take to put your donations in. Thanks for your support.

Parish Fayre Grand Prize Draw tickets: Books of tickets are available at the back of Church. Please take some and return the completed foils with the money for the tickets to the parish office or the Church sacristy.

OUR LADY OF FATIMA
The Statue of our Lady of Fatima and the relics of St Jacinta and St Francisco will be visiting the Church of St Phillip and St James, Bedford MK41 7BX on Saturday 7th December 9am-4pm. There will be a series of devotions and Mass. For further information please visit http://www.worldfatima- englandwales.org.uk or see the poster at the back of Church.

VISITATION OF BISHOP PETER
Traditionally bishops try to visit all the parishes in the Diocese at least once every five years, to celebrate the Sunday Masses, meet parishioners and encourage everyone in the work that they are doing. Bishop Peter is going to visit our parish on Sunday 17th November and will preach at the 7:30am, 9am, 11am and 6:30pm Mass. He will then return on Saturday 30th November to celebrate and preach at the 6pm Vigil Mass.

A DATE FOR YOUR DIARY – Please join us for a Creation Celebration Mass on Friday 6th December at 7.30pm at St Thomas Aquinas Church. Pope Frances reminds us that our earth was here before us and it has been given to us freely, not to exploit, but to care for. By coming together for a Creation Celebration we can give thanks for the gift of God’s creation – a gift we are invited to enjoy together. Light refreshments after Mass.

ADVANCE NOTICE(S) – SCHOOL ADMISSIONS
2020 Catholic Primary School Admissions
Completed 2019 diaries will be collected in after the 6pm Vigil; 9am &11am Mass on the weekend of 23rd /24th November. If there is a sufficient record of attendance (stamps) then we will notify Bishop Parker School and St Thomas Aquinas School directly. We will inform you by email if a “Certificate of Catholic Practice” has been issued. If you are applying for another Catholic Primary School then please contact the Parish Office after you have received a confirmation email and Fr Christopher will complete any necessary forms. Please remember that a Certificate of Catholic Practice does not guarantee a school place but does support your application. In the event of over subscription “Admissions Criteria” are applied. The “Admissions Policy” for each school can be viewed on their respective websites. Please ensure that you collect and complete all the necessary supplementary forms when applying for a school place which can be obtained from School Reception.

2021 School Admissions for Catholic Primary Schools
If you will be applying for a Catholic Primary School place in 2021 you will need to obtain a “Certificate of Catholic Practice” to support your application. Certificates are issued to all those who complete a Parish 2020 Diary which is stamped at the beginning and end of Sunday Mass as a record of your child’s attendance. There is a meeting for interested parents on Monday 2rd December, 7pm at St Thomas Aquinas Church (MK2 2JE), where you will able to register and collect a diary.

With every blessing for the week ahead
Fr Christopher & Fr Emmanuel

THIS WEEK’S LITURGIES
31st Sunday of the Year (C) – Ordinary Time

6:00pm (Sat) (STA) Vigil Mass
7:30am (STA) Mass
9:00am (AS) Mass
11:00am (AS) Mass
3:00pm (AS) Divine Mercy Devotions
6:30pm (AS) Mass

During the Week
Monday Memoria: St Charles Borromeo
9:30am (STA) Holy Rosary
10:00am (STA) Mass followed by Adoration
7:30pm (STA) Memorial Mass for the Faithful Departed (whose funerals have taken place in the Parish over the last 12 months).

Tuesday Feria
9:30am (AS) Holy Rosary
10:00am (AS) Mass followed by Adoration

Wednesday Feria
10:00am (STA) Mass followed by Rosary

Thursday Feria
10:00am (AS) Mass followed by Rosary and D.M Chaplet

Friday Feria
8:30am (STA) Mass followed by Rosary and D.M Chaplet

Saturday Feast: Dedication of the Lateran Basilica
9:30am (STA) Mass followed by Adoration & Rosary
10:00-10:30am (STA) CONFESSIONS

STA: St Thomas Aquinas Church, Sycamore Avenue, MK2 2JE
AS: All Saints Church, Shenley Road, MK3 6HG

POPE FRANCIS’ PRAYER INTENTIONS FOR NOVEMBER:
Dialogue and Reconciliation in the Near East:That a spirit of dialogue, encounter, and reconciliation emerge in the Near East, where diverse religious communities share their lives together.

2019-2020 THE YEAR OF THE WORD
Our Bishops have called 2020 to be a celebration of the Word of God throughout all our parishes, communities and schools. The initial launch was on the feast of St Jerome, 30 September 2019, with the Year formally beginning in Advent 2019. Bishop Peter has described the purpose of the Year in these words: “At heart we want to help everyone be prepared to hear the Word of God proclaimed in the liturgy.”

DIVINE MERCY DEVOTIONS Today
3pm at All Saints Church, everyone very welcome!

“REQUIESCANT IN PACE
Please pray for repose of the soul of
Kathleen Teresa Stevens, whose Funeral Mass will be at 12 noon on Friday 8th November at All Saints Church.

Mary Ellen Lineham, whose Funeral Mass will be at 12:30pm on Thursday 14th November at All Saints Church.

We offer our sincere sympathy and the loving support of our faith and prayers to all the recently bereaved.

MASS FOR THE FAITHFUL DEPARTED
Monday 4th November
(Mass for the Repose of the Souls of all whose Funerals have taken place in our Parish over the last 12 months).
7:30pm Mass -St Thomas Aquinas Church.

SECOND COLLECTION TODAY: Bishop Peter’s Maintenance Fund

SAVE THE DATE – PARISH FAYRE
Saturday 30th November at St Thomas Aquinas School between 12-2pm.
Donations needed: Are you able to donate any of the following items on the following dates:
Sunday 3rd November – Toys / Games / Toiletries
Sunday 10th November – Bottles
Sunday 17th November – Sweets / Candies
Saturday 30th November – Freshly baked cakes / biscuits

Donated items can be left in the Sacristies of both Churches. Cakes and biscuits can be brought to the School on the day. There are carrier bags available at the back of both Churches which you are welcome to take to put your donations in. Thanks for your support.

Grand Prize Draw tickets: Books of tickets are available at the back of Church. Please take some and return the completed foils with the money for the tickets to the parish office or the Church sacristy.

AID TO THE CHURCH IN NEED: Please remember in your prayers, all those whose lives have been turned upside down by war and violence. Please take a leaflet from the back of the Church, detailing the work of Aid to the Church in Need or visit http://www.acnuk/org for more information.

CAFOD World Gifts are CAFOD’s charity gift range of unusual, ethical presents that will delight your friends and family. Available all year round, but specially at Christmas please consider our gifts for weddings, baptisms, anniversaries and birthdays. Brochures are available at the back of the church.

A DATE FOR YOUR DIARY – Please join us for a Creation Celebration Mass on Friday 6th December at 7.30pm at St Thomas Aquinas Church. Pope Frances reminds us that our earth was here before us and it has been given to us freely, not to exploit, but to care for. By coming together for a Creation Celebration we can give thanks for the gift of God’s creation – a gift we are invited to enjoy together. Light refreshments after Mass.

FR BENEDETTO – Mass of Induction Fr Benedetto has settled well into his new Parish and invites Parishioners from Bletchley to attend his Mass of Induction on Thursday 7th November, 7pm at Our Lady of Grace, 29 Squirrel Lane, High Wycombe, HP12 4RY. Please email Jo at the Parish Office if you are attending so we can let Fr Benedetto know the numbers.

ADVANCE NOTICE(S) – SCHOOL ADMISSIONS
2020 Catholic Primary School Admissions
Completed 2019 diaries will be collected in after the 6pm Vigil; 9am &11am Mass on the weekend of 23rd /24th November. If there is a sufficient record of attendance (stamps) then we will notify Bishop Parker School and St Thomas Aquinas School directly. We will inform you by email if a “Certificate of Catholic Practice” has been issued. If you are applying for another Catholic Primary School then please contact the Parish Office after you have received a confirmation email and Fr Christopher will complete any necessary forms. Please remember that a Certificate of Catholic Practice does not guarantee a school place but does support your application. In the event of over subscription “Admissions Criteria” are applied. The “Admissions Policy” for each school can be viewed on their respective websites. Please ensure that you collect and complete all the necessary supplementary forms when applying for a school place which can be obtained from School Reception.

2021 School Admissions for Catholic Primary Schools
If you will be applying for a Catholic Primary School place in 2021 you will need to obtain a “Certificate of Catholic Practice” to support your application. Certificates are issued to all those who complete a Parish 2020 Diary which is stamped at the beginning and end of Sunday Mass as a record of your child’s attendance. There is a meeting for interested parents on Monday 2rd December, 7pm at St Thomas Aquinas Church (MK2 2JE), where you will able to register and collect a diary.

With every blessing for the week ahead
Fr Christopher & Fr Emmanuel

THIS WEEK’S LITURGIES
30th Sunday of the Year (C) – Ordinary Time

6:00pm (Sat) (STA) Vigil Mass
7:30am (STA) Mass
9:00am (AS) Mass
11:00am (AS) Mass
6:30pm (AS) Mass

During the Week
Monday Feast: Ss Simon and Jude
9:30am (STA) Divine Mercy Chaplet
10:00am (STA) Mass followed by Adoration & Rosary

Tuesday Feria
9:30am (AS) Divine Mercy Chaplet
10:00am (AS) Mass followed by Adoration & Rosary
3:00pm (STA) Dementia Friendly Mass

Wednesday Feria
10:00am (STA) Mass followed by Rosary
7:00pm (AS) Rosary (All Saints Meeting Room)

Thursday Feria
10:00am (AS) Mass followed by Rosary and D.M Chaplet

Friday Solemnity: ALL SAINTS (Holy Day of Obligation)
8:30am (STA) Mass followed by Rosary and D.M Chaplet
10:00am (AS) Mass
7:00pm (AS) Mass

Saturday ALL SOULS
9:30am (STA) Mass followed by Adoration & Rosary
10:00-10:30am (STA) CONFESSIONS

STA: St Thomas Aquinas Church, Sycamore Avenue, MK2 2JE
AS: All Saints Church, Shenley Road, MK3 6HG

POPE FRANCIS’ PRAYER INTENTIONS FOR OCTOBER:
A Missionary “Spring” in the Church
That the breath of the Holy Spirit engender a new missionary “spring” in the Church. This month is an “Extraordinary Month” of Mission.

This Weekend: Retiring Collection for the Society of St Vincent De Paul (SVP)

REQUIESCAT IN PACE
Please pray for repose of the soul of
Kathleen Teresa Stevens, whose Funeral Mass will be at 12 noon on Friday 8th November at All Saints Church.

Mary Ellen Lineham, whose Funeral Mass will be at 12:30pm on Thursday 14th November at All Saints Church.

We offer our sincere sympathy and the loving support of our faith and prayers to all the recently bereaved.

PRAYERS FOR THE HOLY SOULS November is the month of prayer for the faithful departed. There are prayer petitions and envelopes available at both Churches. Please post your petitions in the boxes in front of the Altar.
Please do not put money in the envelops.

ALL SAINTS AND ALL SOULS DAY(S)
All Saints Day: Friday 1st November (Holy Day of Obligation)
8:30am Mass – St Thomas Aquinas Church
10:00am Mass – All Saints Church
7:00pm Mass – All Saints Church

All Souls Day: Saturday 2nd November
9:30am Mass – St Thomas Aquinas Church

Mass of the faithful departed: Monday 4th November
(Mass for the Repose of the Souls of all whose Funerals have taken place in our Parish over the last 12 months).
7:30pm Mass -St Thomas Aquinas Church.

DEMENTIA Friendly MASS
3 pm Tuesday 29th October: St Thomas Aquinas Church
An opportunity for those with Dementia and their carers to come together to celebrate Mass and spend some time together in a friendly and supportive environment.
All are very welcome to attend.

BAPTISM PREPARATION MEETING: The next meeting for parents who are requesting Baptism for their children will be at 8pm on Thursday 31st October, 8pm at St Thomas Aquinas Church, MK2 2JE. The meeting is for parents and guardians only, unfortunately we are unable to accommodate young children.

SAVE THE DATE – PARISH FAYRE
Saturday 30th November at St Thomas Aquinas School between 12-2pm.
Donations needed: Are you able to donate any of the following items on the following dates:
Sunday 3rd November – Toys / Games / Toiletries
Sunday 10th November – Bottles
Sunday 17th November – Sweets / Candies
Saturday 30th November – Freshly baked cakes / biscuits
Donated items can be left in the Sacristies of both Churches. Cakes and biscuits can be brought to the School on the day. There are carrier bags available at the back of both Churches which you are welcome to take to put your donations in. Thanks for your support.

Grand Prize Draw tickets: Books of tickets are available at the back of Church. Please take some and return the completed foils with the money for the tickets to the parish office or the Church sacristy.

AID TO THE CHURCH IN NEED: Please remember in your prayers, all those whose lives have been turned upside down by war and violence. Please take a leaflet from the back of the Church, detailing the work of Aid to the Church in Need or visit http://www.acnuk/org for more information.

CAFOD Family Fast Day – this year we raised £1330 – many thanks for your generous support.

FR BENEDETTO – Mass of Induction Fr Benedetto has settled well into his new Parish and invites Parishioners from Bletchley to attend his Mass of Induction on Thursday 7th November, 7pm at Our Lady of Grace, 29 Squirrel Lane, High Wycombe, HP12 4RY. Please email Jo at the Parish Office if you are attending so we can let Fr Benedetto know the numbers.

ADVANCE NOTICE(S) – SCHOOL ADMISSIONS
2020 Catholic Primary School Admissions
Completed 2019 diaries will be collected in after the 6pm Vigil; 9am &11am Mass on the weekend of 23rd /24th November. If there is a sufficient record of attendance (stamps) then we will notify Bishop Parker School and St Thomas Aquinas School directly. We will inform you by email if a “Certificate of Catholic Practice” has been issued. If you are applying for another Catholic Primary School then please contact the Parish Office after you have received a confirmation email and Fr Christopher will complete any necessary forms. Please remember that a Certificate of Catholic Practice does not guarantee a school place but does support your application. In the event of over subscription “Admissions Criteria” are applied. The “Admissions Policy” for each school can be viewed on their respective websites. Please ensure that you collect and complete all the necessary supplementary forms when applying for a school place which can be obtained from School Reception.

2021 School Admissions for Catholic Primary Schools
If you will be applying for a Catholic Primary School place in 2021 you will need to obtain a “Certificate of Catholic Practice” to support your application. Certificates are issued to all those who complete a Parish 2020 Diary which is stamped at the beginning and end of Sunday Mass as a record of your child’s attendance. There is a meeting for interested parents on Monday 2nd December, 7pm at St Thomas Aquinas Church (MK2 2JE), where you will able to register and collect a diary.

With every blessing for the week ahead
Fr Christopher & Fr Emmanuel

THIS WEEK’S LITURGIES
29th Sunday of the Year (C) – Ordinary Time

6:00pm (Sat) (STA) Vigil Mass
7:30am (STA) Mass
9:00am (AS) Mass
11:00am (AS) Mass
6:30pm (AS) Mass

During the Week
Monday Feria
9:30am (STA) Divine Mercy Chaplet
10:00am (STA) Mass followed by Adoration & Rosary

Tuesday Feria
9:30am (AS) Divine Mercy Chaplet
10:00am (AS) Mass followed by Adoration & Rosary

Wednesday Feria
10:00am (STA) Mass followed by Rosary
7:00pm (AS) Rosary (All Saints Meeting Room)

Thursday Feria
10:00am (AS) Mass followed by Rosary and D.M Chaplet

Friday Feria
8:30am (STA) Mass followed by Rosary and D.M Chaplet

Saturday Memoria: Our Lady on Saturday
9:30am (STA) Mass followed by Adoration & Rosary
10:00-10:30am (STA) CONFESSIONS

STA: St Thomas Aquinas Church, Sycamore Avenue, MK2 2JE
AS: All Saints Church, Shenley Road, MK3 6HG

October is the month of the Holy Rosary. The Legion of Mary will pray the Rosary after each weekday Mass this month.

POPE FRANCIS’ PRAYER INTENTIONS FOR OCTOBER:
A Missionary “Spring” in the Church
That the breath of the Holy Spirit engender a new missionary “spring” in the Church. This month is an “Extraordinary Month” of Mission.

WELCOME: This weekend we welcome to the 6pm Vigil Mass Knights of St Columba from across the Province of Northampton who are celebrating 100 years of the foundation of the Order. The Knights in our Diocese also work in close partnership with the Guardians of the Relic Image of Our Lady of Guadalupe at the Diocesan Shrine in Bedford. It is a great honour to have the image and the guardians with us also at the Vigil Mass. After Mass there is an opportunity to come forward and venerate the image as we ask for Mary’s powerful intercession.

THIS WEEKEND SECOND COLLECTION:
Mission Sunday. “World Mission Sunday”. As our global church comes together on this special day, Missio asks the faithful of England and Wales to support the missionary work of the Church in India and throughout the world, through your prayers and financial support.”

Next Weekend: Retiring Collection for the Society of St Vincent DePaul (SVP)

REQUIESCAT IN PACE
Please pray for repose of the soul of
Cormac Rynne, whose Funeral Service will be at Crownhill Crematorium MK at 10:00am on Friday 25th October.

We offer our sincere sympathy and the loving support of our faith and prayers to all the recently bereaved.

ALL SAINTS AND ALL SOULS DAY(S)
All Saints Day: Friday 1st November (Holy Day of Obligation)
8:30am Mass – St Thomas Aquinas Church
10:00am Mass – All Saints Church
7:00pm Mass – All Saints Church

All Souls Day: Saturday 2nd November
9:30am Mass – St Thomas Aquinas Church

Mass of the faithful departed: Monday 4th November
(Mass for the Repose of the Souls of all whose Funerals have taken place in our Parish over the last 12 months).
7:30pm Mass -St Thomas Aquinas Church.

A NEW ‘ENGLISH’ SAINT FOR OUR CHURCH!
“The Canonisation of Blessed John Henry Newman last Sunday was a moment of true celebration for the whole Church but perhaps most particularly, for the Catholic Church in England and Wales. It is therefore hoped that the Church will rise to the challenge of suitably celebrating this momentous event. We therefore echo the prophetic words of Pope Benedict XVI who, whilst standing on the hallowed soil of Newman’s homeland, remarked that he was saint for our time; a man, who like us, was both truly ordinary and truly extraordinary. There are scholars who will comment on the seeming contradictions in Newman’s life; these are false dichotomies. Rather we should see these for what they are: complementary strengths. The one constant thread in the life of Newman was his search for the truth of Jesus Christ; it was this that led him to the one true fold of the Redeemer: the Catholic Church. He was not content to settle for shadows or pale imitations. Only the fullness of truth revealed by Christ and bestowed by Him to the Catholic Church was enough to appease his conscience. In this regard Saint John Henry Newman can be viewed as a catalyst to authentic mission, spiritual renewal and ultimately the numerical growth of our communities. Now that he is able to see Truth Himself, that is Jesus Christ, may St John Henry Newman pray for us!”

BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT IN THE PARISH
We are the parish group of bereavement survivors; we offer you a safe space to share your feelings and experiences following the loss of a loved one. We listen and talk about those who have gone and reflect on God’s teachings to guide us through bereavement and coping with the future. All are welcome no matter how long you have been bereaved. Future Dates: 11 November; 9 December. Time 3.30 to 5 pm “Blessed are those who mourn for they shall be comforted” – Matthew 5:4

DAY OF REFLECTION. A day of reflection, inspiration, and prayer for all in ministry to the sick, whether in homes, hospitals or care homes. We invite all who have an interest or involvement in this ministry to join with us. This event is offered by the Pastoral Ministry Office in partnership with the St Vincent de Paul Society and will be held at Christ the King Church, Milton Keynes on 9th November, 10-3pm please use the following link: http://www.pastoralministryoffice.org to register or contact your parish secretary if you need any help with this. Bring your own lunch!

SAVE THE DATE – PARISH FAYRE
Saturday 30th November at St Thomas Aquinas School between 12-2pm. Wanted: Helpers for this year’s Christmas Fayre – Can you bake? Paint faces? Entertain children? Run a stall? Help set up or clear up? Create a poster to advertise the event? Do you want to organise a stall that we haven’t had before? If you can help in any way to make this event a success, then please contact the Parish office or Mags Holloway at hollers35@sky.com or 07886196804.
There is a meeting for all Parish Fayre Volunteers on Monday 21st October, 7:00pm in St Thomas Aquinas Church Meeting Room.

THE LEGION OF MARY invite you to join them at All Saints Church Meeting Room on Wednesdays at 7pm to pray the Holy Rosary in the month of October.

MESSAGE FROM THE FOOD BANK – Thank you so much for your generous Harvest Festival contribution to the Food Bank. The food will be distributed to families and individuals in need of help across Milton Keynes. Thank you for supporting us in helping to provide urgent food relief for people in need.

With every blessing for the week ahead
Fr Christopher & Fr Emmanuel

THIS WEEK’S LITURGIES
28th Sunday of the Year (C) – Ordinary Time

6:00pm (Sat) (STA) Vigil Mass
7:30am (STA) Mass
9:00am (AS) Mass
11:00am (AS) Mass
6:30pm (AS) Mass

During the Week
Monday Feria
9:30am (STA) Divine Mercy Chaplet
10:00am (STA) Mass followed by Adoration & Rosary

Tuesday Memoria: St Theresa of Avila
9:30am (AS) Divine Mercy Chaplet
10:00am (AS) Mass followed by Adoration & Rosary

Wednesday Feria
10:00am (STA) Mass followed by Rosary
7:00pm (AS) Rosary (All Saints Meeting Room)

Thursday Memoria: St Ignatius of Antioch
10:00am (AS) Mass followed by Rosary and D.M Chaplet

Friday Feast: St Luke the Evangelist
8:30am (STA) Mass followed by Rosary and D.M Chaplet

Saturday Feria
9:30am (STA) Mass followed by Adoration & Rosary
10:00-10:30am (STA) CONFESSIONS

STA: St Thomas Aquinas Church, Sycamore Avenue, MK2 2JE
AS: All Saints Church, Shenley Road, MK3 6HG

October is the month of the Holy Rosary. The Legion of Mary will pray the Rosary after each weekday Mass this month.

POPE FRANCIS’ PRAYER INTENTIONS FOR OCTOBER:
A Missionary “Spring” in the Church
That the breath of the Holy Spirit engender a new missionary “spring” in the Church. This month is an “Extraordinary Month” of Mission.

TODAY: Harvest Donations for the Food Bank
Please place tinned and dry goods (no fresh produce please) in the basket before the Altar that will be donated to the local Foodbank.

NEXT WEEKEND SECOND COLLECTION:
Mission Sunday. “World Mission Sunday is on 20th October. As our global church comes together on this special day, Missio asks the faithful of England and Wales to support the missionary work of the Church in India and throughout the world, through your prayers and financial support.”

A NEW ‘ENGLISH’ SAINT FOR OUR CHURCH!
Canonisation of John Henry Newman – Sunday 13th October – Rome. “Lead kindly light amid the encircling gloom” The ‘Kindly Light’ to which Newman refers in his famous hymn led him through challenges to faith: from university academic to theologian, conversion from Anglican vicar to Catholic priest and cardinal, through steps from ‘venerable’ to ‘blessed’ and canonisation, from Oxford, to his Parish at Littlemore and to Oscott Seminary . In 1852, from the pulpit of Oscott’s College chapel, in the First Provincial Synod of Westminster, Newman delivered his famous sermon ‘The Second Spring’, a moving account of the recovery of English Catholicism from the dark days of penal times to its Victorian splendour. It characterised the expression of the restoration of Catholicism, and ‘Second Spring’ passed into common usage to describe Catholic life in Victorian England. In today’s secular world, we, too, are confronted with challenges to faith presented by change,
development and progress, but in St John Henry Newman we have a powerful intercessor and guide.
May St John Henry Newman Pray for us!!

DIOCESAN SCHOOLS WEEK: 7th – 13th October
To mark end of the week of celebration and prayer for the Catholic Schools in the Diocese Isabella who is a student at St Paul’s Catholic School will say a few words about her experience of Catholic education at the 11:00am Mass Today.

COFFEE AFTER 11am MASS Today The Society of St Theresa of the Child Jesus invites you for refreshments after 11am Mass every second Sunday – any donations to Parish funds.

BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT IN THE PARISH
“Mourn with those who mourn” – Romans 12:15
We are the parish group of bereavement survivors; we offer you a safe space to share your feelings and experiences following the loss of a loved one. We listen and talk about those who have gone and reflect on God’s teachings to guide us through bereavement and coping with the future. We meet every second Monday of the month at 3:30pm at All Saints Church Meeting Room. To find out more and see if this group is right for you get in touch with Fr Christopher who will point you to the group organisers for a friendly chat. All are welcome no matter how long you have been bereaved. Future Dates: Monday 14 October; 11 November; 9 December. Time 3.30 to 5 pm
“Blessed are those who mourn for they shall be comforted” – Matthew 5:4

THIS WEEKEND: “Head Count” Its time for the Parish to complete the annual statistics report for the Diocese. This year we have been asked to count Mass attendance on the last two Sundays of September and the first two Sundays of October. Today could collectors please count all those at Mass, including children. Please include those serving on the Altar.

DAY OF REFLECTION. A day of reflection, inspiration, and prayer for all in ministry to the sick, whether in homes, hospitals or care homes. We encourage Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion, members of the St Vincent de Paul Society, Legion of Mary and parishioners who have an interest or involvement in this ministry to join with us. This event is offered by the Pastoral Ministry Office in partnership with the St Vincent de Paul Society and will be held at Christ the King Church, Milton Keynes on 9th November, 10-3pm – please use the following link http://www.pastoralministryoffice.org to register or contact your parish secretary if you need any help with this. Bring your own lunch!

SAVE THE DATE – PARISH FAYRE We are pleased to confirm that this year’s Parish Fayre will be held on Saturday 30th November at St Thomas Aquinas school between 12-2pm. Wanted: Helpers for this year’s Christmas Fayre – Can you bake? Paint faces? Entertain children? Run a stall? Help set up or clear up? Create a poster to advertise the event? Do you want to organise a stall that we haven’t had before? If you can help in any way to make this event a success, then please contact the Parish office or Mags Holloway at hollers35@sky.com or 07886196804

A REQUEST FROM BISHOP PETER We need people who, in the midst of all changes to education policy will keep Christ at the centre of everything they do. Do you have experience in Business, Education, Charities or HR? I would like you to consider whether you are someone who could serve our children as they grow in faith by volunteering as a Director for our new Multi Academy Trust. For more details contact Debbie Main on main@nores.org.uk or 01582 723312

THE LEGION OF MARY invite you to join them at All Saints Church Meeting Room on Wednesdays at 7pm to pray the Holy Rosary in the month of October.

With every blessing for the week ahead
Fr Christopher & Fr Emmanuel

THIS WEEK’S LITURGIES
27th Sunday of the Year (C) – Ordinary Time

6:00pm (Sat) (STA) Vigil Mass
7:30am (STA) Mass
9:00am (AS) Mass
11:00am (AS) Mass
6:30pm (AS) Mass

During the Week

Monday Memoria: Our Lady of the Rosary
9:30am (STA) Divine Mercy Chaplet
10:00am (STA) Mass followed by Adoration & Rosary

Tuesday Feria
9:30am (AS) Divine Mercy Chaplet
10:00am (AS) Mass followed by Adoration & Rosary

Wednesday Feria
10:00am (STA) Mass followed by Rosary

Thursday F eria
10:00am (AS) Mass followed by Rosary and D.M Chaplet

Friday Feria
8:30am (STA) Mass followed by Rosary and D.M Chaplet

Saturday Feria
9:30am (STA) Mass followed by Adoration & Rosary
10:00-10:30am (STA) CONFESSIONS

STA: St Thomas Aquinas Church, Sycamore Avenue, MK2 2JE
AS: All Saints Church, Shenley Road, MK3 6HG

October is the month of the Holy Rosary. The Legion of Mary will pray the Rosary after each weekday Mass this month.

POPE FRANCIS’ PRAYER INTENTIONS FOR OCTOBER:
A Missionary “Spring” in the Church
That the breath of the Holy Spirit engender a new missionary “spring” in the Church. This month is an “Extraordinary Month” of Mission.

SECOND COLLECTION Today: CAFOD family fast day

Next Week: Harvest Donations for the Food Bank
Please bring along to Mass tinned and dry goods (no fresh produce please) that can be donated to the local Foodbank and place in the basket before the Altar.

DIOCESAN SCHOOLS WEEK: 7th – 13th October
To mark this week of celebration and prayer for the Catholic Schools in the Diocese this weekend young people from the Parish will take a few moments at the end of Mass to share their experiences of Catholic Education. We welcome Emma (7:30am); Beau (9am); Isabella (11am) and Jason (6:30pm).

COFFEE AFTER MASS The Society of St Theresa of the Child Jesus invites you for refreshments after 11am Mass every second Sunday – any donations to Parish funds.

MASS FOR VICTIMS AND SURVIVORS OF ABUSE
A Mass for victims and survivors of abuse, their families and supporters will be held at St Mary’s Church, Woburn Sands at 12 noon on Saturday 12th October. The focus will be on healing, reconciliation and the forming of compassionate links with the Church.

BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT IN THE PARISH
“Mourn with those who mourn” – Romans 12:15
We are the parish group of bereavement survivors; we offer you a safe space to share your feelings and experiences following the loss of a loved one. We listen and talk about those who have gone and reflect on God’s teachings to guide us through bereavement and coping with the future. We meet every second Monday of the month at 3:30pm at All Saints Church Meeting Room. To find out more and see if this group is right for you get in touch with Fr Christopher who will point you to the group organisers for a friendly chat. All are welcome no matter how long you have been bereaved. Future Dates: Monday 14 October; 11 November; 9 December. Time 3.30 to 5 pm
“Blessed are those who mourn for they shall be comforted” – Matthew 5:4

BISHOP PARKER SCHOOL OPEN DAYS
Open days for parents of children wanting to start School in in September 2020: 10th October at 11:15am and 26th November at 11:15am. For more information please contact Mrs Lucy Duckworth the School Administrator on 01908 372129

ST PAULS CATHOLIC SCHOOL OPEN EVENING
An Open Evening for prospective year 7 parents is on Tuesday 8th October 6:30pm – 8:30pm at the School.

ECUMENICAL DAY OF REFLECTION:
Saturday, 12th October 2019 St Thomas Aquinas Church, Sycamore Avenue, Bletchley, MK2 2JE. Led by Fr Wayne Coughlin, Parish Priest in Bedford and Diocesan Director of Missio (the Pope’s official charity for overseas mission). Theme: “Entering the Mystery: Salvation history in art”. Start Time: 10:15am / Concludes at: 4:00pm. Participants are asked to contact the Booking Secretary (Sheila) by Monday, 7th October to confirm attendance: holycrosschurch896@btconnect.com / (01234) 353116. Any queries can be addressed to the Booking Secretary (details above).

THIS WEEKEND: “Head Count” Its time for the Parish to complete the annual statistics report for the Diocese. This year we have been asked to count Mass attendance on the last two Sundays of September and the first two Sundays of October. Today could collectors please count all those at Mass, including children. Please include those serving on the Altar.

DAY OF REFLECTION. A day of reflection, inspiration, and prayer for all in ministry to the sick, whether in homes, hospitals or care homes. We encourage Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion, members of the St Vincent de Paul Society, Legion of Mary and parishioners who have an interest or involvement in this ministry to join with us. This event is offered by the Pastoral Ministry Office in partnership with the St Vincent de Paul Society and will be held at Christ the King Church, Milton Keynes on 9th November, 10-3pm – please use the following link http://www.pastoralministryoffice.org to register or contact your parish secretary if you need any help with this. Bring your own lunch!

DEPUTY HEADTEACHER VACANCY
St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School are seeking to appoint a Deputy Headteacher for January 2020 or earlier, if possible. Visits to the school are encouraged; please contact Mrs A. Board on 01582 572964 or finance@stjosephs.primaryluton.co.uk. For further details, see our vacancies page at http://www.stjosephsprimaryluton.co.uk Closing date for applications is midday on Friday 11th October 2019. Interviews will take place on Wednesday 16th October 2019.

SAVE THE DATE – PARISH FAYRE We are pleased to confirm that this year’s Parish Fayre will be held on Saturday 30th November at St Thomas Aquinas school between 12-2pm.We would love to make this year’s event bigger and better than last years, with some new ideas that we would like to make happen.If you can spare some time to help us organise the event or some time on the day, please contact Mags Holloway on 07886196804 or email hollers35@sky.com.Watch this space for progress updates.
Thank you for your continued support for this important social event.

With every blessing for the week ahead
Fr Christopher & Fr Emmanuel

THIS WEEK’S LITURGIES
26th Sunday of the Year (C) – Ordinary Time

6:00pm (Sat) (STA) Vigil Mass
7:30am (STA) Mass
9:00am (AS) Mass
11:00am (AS) Mass
6:30pm (AS) Mass

During the Week

Monday Memoria: St Jerome
9:30am (STA) Rosary
10:00am (STA) Mass followed by Adoration

Tuesday Memoria: St Teresa of the Child Jesus
9:30am (AS) Rosary
10:00am (AS) Mass followed by Adoration
3:00pm (STA) Dementia Friendly Mass

Wednesday Memoria: Holy Guardian Angels
10:00am (STA) Mass followed by Rosary

Thursday Feria
10:00am (AS) Mass followed by Rosary and D.M Chaplet

Friday Memoria: St Francis of Assisi
8:30am (STA) Mass followed by Rosary and D.M Chaplet

Saturday Feria
9:30am (STA) Mass followed by Adoration & Devotions
10:00-10:30am (STA) CONFESSIONS

STA: St Thomas Aquinas Church, Sycamore Avenue, MK2 2JE
AS: All Saints Church, Shenley Road, MK3 6HG

POPE FRANCIS’ PRAYER INTENTIONS FOR SEPTEMBER:
The Protection of the Oceans
That politicians, scientists and economists work together to protect the world’s seas and oceans.

BISHOP’S PASTORAL LETTER – Today
In preparation for the Extraordinary Month of Mission in October called for by Pope Francis, Bishop Peter has prepared a pastoral letter which will be read out at all Masses this weekend.

SECOND COLLECTION NEXT WEEK:
CAFOD family fast day
This Friday CAFOD invites you to have a simple meal like a bowl of soup and to donate the money you save to help some of the poorest communities in our world. Please place the money in a CAFOD Envelope and put it in the second collection next weekend.

CANONISATION OF
BLESSED JOHN HENRY NEWMAN:
Rome 13th October 2019
Newman retired from Anglican ministry in October 1845 and was received into the Catholic Church by Blessed Dominic Barberi at Littlemore near Oxford. Bishop Nicholas Wiseman, of the then Midland District, offered Newman and his community of Oxford converts a home in
Old Oscott House, near Birmingham, which had been used as a school since the seminarians moved to the New Oscott College in 1838. Following ordination in Rome, Newman established the first English Oratory there and renamed the house Maryvale. His plan was to study, write, educate, lead missions, help local clergy and care for the poor.
Maryvale occupies a unique place in the history of the Catholic Church in England. Catholic worship has been celebrated continuously on the site for over 1000 years.
This is the seventh in a series of articles about John Henry Newman before his canonisation on 13 October 2019.

AN OPPORTUNITY TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE TEACHING AND THEOLOGY OF ST THOMAS AQUINAS
The “Thomistic Institute” have developed an exciting new “Aquinas” course that can be delivered directly into your email inbox. The Thomistic Institute exists to promote Catholic truth in our contemporary world by strengthening the intellectual formation of Christians at universities, in the Church, and in the wider public square. The thought of St. Thomas Aquinas, the Universal Doctor of the Church, is our touchstone. The TI is an academic institute of the Pontifical Faculty of the Immaculate Conception at the Dominican House of Studies in Washington, D.C. Aquinas 101 is a series of free video courses from the Thomistic Institute that help you to engage life’s most urgent philosophical and theological questions with the wisdom of St. Thomas Aquinas. In the end, you’ll be able to read Aquinas on his own terms and to master the essentials of his thought.
Enrolling in a video course is easy – and it will always be free! We’ll send you two e-mails a week with everything you need. https://aquinas101.thomisticinstitute.org

MASS FOR VICTIMS AND SURVIVORS OF ABUSE
A Mass for victims and survivors of abuse, their families and supporters will be held at St Mary’s Church, Woburn Sands at 12 noon on Saturday 12th October. The focus will be on healing, reconciliation and the forming of compassionate links with the Church.

ECUMENICAL DAY OF REFLECTION:
Saturday, 12th October 2019
St Thomas Aquinas Church, Sycamore Avenue, Bletchley, MK2 2JE. Led by Fr Wayne Coughlin, Parish Priest in Bedford and Diocesan Director of Missio (the Pope’s official charity for overseas mission). Theme: “Entering the Mystery: Salvation history in art”. Bring-and-share lunch. NB: Sandwiches, etc. can be bought locally if preferred. Tea, coffee and biscuits available on arrival and throughout the day. Start Time: 10:15am / Concludes at: 4:00pm.
People can come for the whole or part of the day.
The 9:30am Mass will be celebrated as normal.
There will be an opportunity to purchase, at a reduced price, a wonderful book consisting of famous works of art (all profits will support Missio). We shall be joined by ecumenical guests from the newly formed “North Bedford Churches Together”. Participants are asked to contact the Booking Secretary (Sheila) by Monday, 7th October to confirm attendance: holycrosschurch896@btconnect.com / (01234) 353116. Any queries can be addressed to the Booking Secretary (details above).

NEW YEAR’S PANTO
The Parish have secured 200 tickets for the performance at Milton Keynes Theatre on Friday 3rd January 2020, 7pm, Ticket Price £22. Please fill in a ticket request form at the back of Church and return in an envelope with payment to the Parish Office ASAP. First come, first served.

THIS WEEKEND: “Head Count”
Its time for the Parish to complete the annual statistics report for the Diocese. This year we have been asked to count Mass attendance on the last two Sundays of September and the first two Sundays of October. Today could collectors please count all those at Mass, including children. Please include those serving on the Altar.

PARISH FAYRE We would like to invite anyone who has an idea or suggestion to come along to a meeting on 30th September at 7pm St Thomas Aquinas Meeting Room. We would really love some new ideas and to involve more of our Parish in this annual event.

With every blessing for the week ahead
Fr Christopher & Fr Emmanuel

POPE FRANCIS’ PRAYER INTENTIONS FOR SEPTEMBER:
The Protection of the Oceans
That politicians, scientists and economists work together to protect the world’s seas and oceans.

SECOND COLLECTION THIS WEEKEND:
Fr Clements’s Parish “Borehole Project”.
A borehole has now been drilled to 200 metres and the parish now has its own source of free, clean water. Funds are still needed however to complete a reservoir and to reduce the fluoride content to the recommended level.

DEMENTIA Friendly MASS
3 pm Tuesday 24th September:
St Thomas Aquinas Church
An opportunity for those with Dementia and their carers to come together to celebrate Mass and spend some time together in a friendly and supportive environment.
All are very welcome to attend.

BAPTISM PREPARATION MEETING:
The next meeting for parents who are requesting Baptism for their children will be at 8pm on Thursday 26th September, 8pm at St Thomas Aquinas Church, MK2 2JE. The meeting is for parents and guardians only, unfortunately we are unable to accommodate young children.

CANONISATION OF
BLESSED JOHN HENRY NEWMAN:
Rome 13th October 2019
‘In 1828, Newman was appointed Vicar at Littlemore, a very poor hamlet near Oxford which had neither church nor school. He discovered that the majority of the children were
uneducated and illiterate, and if people went to Church on Sunday, they had to walk three miles into Oxford. Newman took his duties as Vicar very seriously saying: “I have the
responsibility of souls on me to the day of my death.” He rented a room where his congregation could meet. He began to catechize the children and to explain St Paul’s letter to the Ephesians. Newman cared for the poor, the sick and the overlooked. He eventually founded a church and a school. It was during his time in Littlemore that he converted to Catholicism.
This is the sixth in a series of articles about John Henry Newman before his canonisation on 13 October 2019.

AN OPPORTUNITY TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE TEACHING AND THEOLOGY OF ST THOMAS AQUINAS The “Thomistic Institute” have developed an exciting new “Aquinas” course that can be delivered directly into your email inbox. The Thomistic Institute exists to promote Catholic truth in our contemporary world by strengthening the intellectual formation of Christians at universities, in the Church, and in the wider public square. The thought of St. Thomas Aquinas, the Universal Doctor of the Church, is our touchstone. The TI is an academic institute of the Pontifical Faculty of the Immaculate Conception at the Dominican House of Studies in Washington, D.C. Aquinas 101 is a series of free video courses from the Thomistic Institute that help you to engage life’s most urgent philosophical and theological questions with the wisdom of St. Thomas Aquinas. In the end, you’ll be able to read Aquinas on his own terms and to master the essentials of his thought.
Enrolling in a video course is easy – and it will always be free! We’ll send you two e-mails a week with everything you need. https://aquinas101.thomisticinstitute.org

ECUMENICAL DAY OF REFLECTION:
Saturday, 12th October 2019
St Thomas Aquinas Church, Sycamore Avenue, Bletchley, MK2 2JE. Led by Fr Wayne Coughlin, Parish Priest in Bedford and Diocesan Director of Missio (the Pope’s official charity for overseas mission).
Theme: “Entering the Mystery: Salvation history in art”.
Bring-and-share lunch. NB: Sandwiches, etc. can be bought locally if preferred. Tea, coffee and biscuits available on arrival and throughout the day.
Start Time: 10:15am / Concludes at: 4:00pm.
People can come for the whole or part of the day.
The 9:30am Mass will be celebrated as normal.
There will be an opportunity to purchase, at a reduced price, a wonderful book consisting of famous works of art (all profits will support Missio). We shall be joined by ecumenical guests from the newly formed “North Bedford Churches Together”. Participants are asked to contact the Booking Secretary (Sheila) by Monday, 7th October to confirm attendance: holycrosschurch896@btconnect.com / (01234) 353116. Any queries can be addressed to the Booking Secretary (details above).

THIS WEEKEND: “Head Count”
Its time for the Parish to complete the annual statistics report for the Diocese. This year we have been asked to count Mass attendance on the last two Sundays of September and the first two Sundays of October. Today could collectors please count all those at Mass, including children. Please include those serving on the Altar.

MACMILLAN COFFEE MORNING Thursday 26th September at All Saints Meeting Room following the 10:00am Mass. Tea, coffee, cake 7 tombola. All very welcome.

ANNUAL LEAVE: Fr Christopher will be on vacation until Tuesday 1st October. In his absence please address all general enquiries to Jo at the Parish Office and all Clergy matters to Fr Emmanuel.

THE ANNUAL ACADEMIC MASS FOR TEACHERS will be celebrated at St Mary Magdalene Catholic Primary School on Tuesday 1st October at 4.30pm. All Catholic teachers are welcome to attend including those teaching in non-Catholic schools

BLETCHLEY CATHOLIC SCHOOLS FEDERATION – UPDATE

New Foundation Governor is Needed
We are looking for a new Foundation Governor for the Bletchley Catholic Schools Federation. This federation includes both Bishop Parker Primary School and St Thomas Aquinas Primary School. The Federation Governor should be a practising Catholic and not be a parent of either school. We have enough parents on the Governing Board already and want to get the right balance. We are looking for a professional who can bring a range of skills and talents to our governing table. Someone who can hold the schools to account and is able to ask searching questions as a critical friend. There are three full Governing Board meetings per year. Professionals with building, HR or finance experience would be ideal but other professions are very welcome to put their name forward to support our Bletchley schools. So if you would like to come forward or you know someone else who may be interested in becoming a Foundation Governor please contact either school or email me. We would be delighted to hear from you.

Outstanding News!
On July 1st Diocesan Inspectors came to St Thomas Aquinas School to inspect RE, Collective Worship and the Catholic life of the school. The school was graded outstanding for all aspects. The inspectors told us that they had not seen pupils as religiously articulate as our pupils before. They also praised the Catholic life of the school as a major strength which permeates all we do. The report is a really good read and I would commend it to you. This can be downloaded from the St Thomas Aquinas school website under school statutory information. So congratulations to pupils, parents, staff and governors! We are very proud of this magnificent achievement. Cathy Stormonth – Chair of Governors

With every blessing for the week ahead
Fr Christopher & Fr Emmanuel