Newsletter - October 18th
Dear brothers and sisters,
During the Tuesday evening prayer meeting last week, we received a text in Paul’s letter to the Philippians (Ph 1:12) “Now I want you to realise brothers that the circumstances of my present life are helping rather than hindering the advance of the Gospel”. Paul is writing a letter to the Philippians while being in prison. Things look like they have reached a deadlock: how will the Gospel continue to spread when he is in chain? And Paul explains how his captivity has created new opportunities to spread the word of God by brothers who have become more daring and confident. We received a second text (Lk 9:13-16) when Jesus asks his disciples to feed 5000 men with five loaves and two fish, just before Jesus multiplies the bread.
The connection between these two texts has dwelt in my heart. In our Parish, we constantly face shortages and new problems which look difficult to solve: heating, gaps, building works… One thing is sure: new situations continuously arise, pointing towards our poor means. Invitation is made to believe that these shortages and difficulties are not a hindrance but rather a help for the advance of the Gospel, which is the first purpose of the Parish. The Lord can use things which are not running smoothly or not running at all according to our eyes, to make his kingdom come, rather than our plans fulfilled!
The same applies to us personally dear brothers and sisters. The Lord invites us to surrender at all times, to accept what is good but also the difficulties and obstacles in our own personal lives and to consider them as a help rather than a hindrance to the spread of the Gospel. Only then, can we find peace and the necessary distance with events and issues, which appear unfavourable but with time, could end up helping the advance of the kingdom. God is at work all the time and our faith is precisely to believe when we do not see, because behind what we consider as difficult or not good, God can make his kingdom come.
Let us not forget our holy father, Pope Leo, in our prayers this week. I wish you all a blessed week.
Fr Pascal
Focus of the week
FIRST HOLY COMMUNION
Registration is open for children from year 3 and above to receive First Holy Communion in May 2027. Sunday morning sessions from 9.45am-11.00am, starting 8 November.
Last day to apply 19 October.
Please contact Caterina by email at cockfosterspa@rcdow.org.uk or the parish office to register.
Notices of the Week
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