Dearest friends,
Why do we pray for the dead?
Some will tell you that praying for the dead is simply an exercise in futility. The person you are praying for is already dead, they’ve lived their life and presumably made their own decisions about that life, their actions and most importantly – their faith in Jesus Christ. What more can we do now they are gone?
The simple truth is that we know God is merciful. In multiple parts of scripture we have seen how His heart has been turned towards mercy by the intercession of those who love Him. Who have called out to Him and asked him to be merciful.
We know that God does not work on our timetable. The fact that someone we know and love is dead and gone in this world, doesn’t mean they are dead and gone in the life of eternity. Our prayers reach God and He can easily put a new thought or direction in front of the person we are praying about.
Finally, our prayers comfort us here in this life. Praying for my Grandmother brings me peace and comfort – I know my prayers are heard and I pray that my Grandmother is now amongst the company of heaven – surrounded by all the saints and angels – and in turn I know that she will pray for me.
When we are at the altar we are surrounded by the whole company of heaven – angels and saints unite around us as we receive the body and blood of Jesus Christ. If you could see that whole company of heaven surrounding the altar, if you could feel their presence, if you could hear their prayers – oh what a wonder it would be!
Pray for the dead, pray for your loved ones. Be at peace.
If you would like your loved ones remembered at the All Souls Mass on Monday 3rd November (7pm, St. John’s) please let me have thier names on the sheets in church or via text / email. You are warmly invited to be with us for that mass.
In love,
Fr. Matthew
Notices
St. Luke’s PCC
Wednesday evening (5th) at 7pm – we’ll be going through the quarterly finance update and discussing next years budget.
Explorers
Is back! Sunday 9th, 3pm-5pm – if you didn’t manage to come along last time, do consider joining us at St. Catherine’s this time. Lots of fun and an oppertunity to meet new people.
Sunday 2nd November
All Saints, Solemnity ⚪️
9am – Sung Parish Mass [SJ]
11:15am – Sung Parish Mas [SL]
Divine Office Psalter Week 3, C(I),
4 before Advent, Proper 26
Upcoming Dates
November
5th – St. Luke’s PCC, 7pm
9th – Explorers [SC]
15th – Table Top Sale, 10am [WH]
Quiz Night with Fish & Chips, St. Luke’s, 7pm
22nd – Christmas Lights Turn On, stalls at both events
27th – Advent Course, 1st lecture, 7pm, [WH]
30th – Advent Carols by Candlelight, 6pm [SL]
December
7th – Explorers & Christingle, 3-5pm [SC]
13th – Bay Brass Band Concert, 7pm [SL]
20th – 9 Lessons & Carols, 6pm, both churches
21st – Christingle & Crib Service, 3-5pm [SL]
24th – Live Nativity, 4pm [SJ]
Midnight Mass, 8pm [SJ]
Midnight Mass, 11:30pm [SL]
25th – Christmas Day Mass, 10am [SL & SJ]
St. Luke’s Men’s Group meets every Friday for mass at 10am and discussion afterwards. [SL]
Table Top Sale at Wickham Hall every 3rd Saturday at 10am.
St. Luke’s Women’s Group meets first Wednesday of every month.