Newsletter - 12 November 2023
PARISH NEWS
PRAYING FOR PEACE
War is in the news. On the day I am writing this piece you can hear about the Russia-Ukraine war; day 622. On another news site you can follow the Israel-Hamas war: day 32. These two conflicts dominate the news. In fact, 34 countries are currently involved in wars: wars between countries, wars within countries, wars with terrorist groups or drug wars.
When we hear such news, we, as Christians, are moved to pray for peace. Our prayers are usually offered for those directly involved in the conflict: peace in a particular conflict or for the victims of war. We also pray for other nations and organisations to respond to the needs of those devastated by war and to help bring peace and reconciliation.
For example, Cardinal Vincent Nichols has joined Pope Francis' call for a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. He has also asked Catholics to pray for peace with the rise of anti semitic and Islamophobic hate crimes, particularly in London. A group of 20 Church leaders in the UK have called for a ceasefire and for immediate humanitarian access and urged us to pray simply – Lord come to our aid. Grant us peace, teach us peace.
Perhaps less often do we pray to be peacemakers ourselves, as St Francis prayed “Lord, make me an instrument of Your peace.” We may also neglect to pray to overcome our own sense of helplessness and despair - Dear God, the world seems so dark and foreboding. … In our hearts we desire to help, but the crisis seems so overwhelming that we shake our heads in dismay …. Help us to light candles of hope (from the Mennonite Church in Canada).
We can find encouragement when prayers for peace bring together those from opposing sides in a war. Early in the Russian-Ukrainian conflict, a small group of Ukrainian and Russian Christians met online to pray for peace. In the circumstances, words were too difficult. In faith, they sought unity and peace in silent meditation.
You can find some beautiful prayers for peace, including prayers from different churches and religions at this site Prayers for Peace (xavier.edu)
Deacon Ted Wood ccn
Focus of the Week
Remembrance Sunday
12 November 2023 11am
Parishioners are reminded that, as usual, we will be observing the 2 minutes silence with the rest of the country at 11am.
We ask you to be seated by 10:55am. Thank you
Sri Lankan Evening
SATURDAY 18 NOVEMBER – 6.30pm
Come and join us for an evening of Sri Lankan culture including a 3 course meal, music and entertainment, all in aid of Sri Lankan and Philippines charities.
Tickets are £25, they will be on sale after masses this weekend and also available from the parish office.
Blessing Of The Graves Trent Park cemetery
If your loved ones are buried at Trent Park Cemetery there will be an opportunity to have them blessed by Fr Christophe on 25 November at 12 noon.