The 30th Sunday of the Year
28th October 2007

Thursday - ALL SAINTS
Friday - ALL SOULS

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Gospel Reflection
Examination Result Mentality

Can you remember the thrill of a good result in examinations? The trouble with exam results is that, despite the knowledge that exams are about measuring our own potential, we still like to compare our marks against those of our classmates. If this mentality stopped at exams things wouldn't be so bad, but what happens when the same attitude spills over into the rest of our lives? Do we look down on others because they have more menial jobs, because they're on benefits, because they don't go to church or haven't given as much to charity as we have? Do we look down on those who have made mistakes in life, who drink too much, take drugs or end up in prison? When this mentality afflicts us, we are in danger of becoming smug, unfeeling and self-righteous.

There's a big difference between being righteous and self-righteous. The Pharisee in today's parable is a good man, but his mistake is in thinking that he is a better person than the sinner who prays next to him. The Pharisee fails to see the sinner's worth and he completely fails to see his own shortcomings. It comes as no surprise that it's the sinner's humble prayer that God hears and not the Pharisee's proud boasts. Is God going to love us more because we are getting things right? Is God going to love the vagrant or the criminal less because they have made mistakes or enjoyed fewer privileges? As we forge our individual relationships with God we are asked to do it not by comparing our progress with those around us, but by keeping one eye on our own failings.

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THE CARDINAL'S VISIT

It was a memorable evening and made so by careful preparation and the ready cooperation of numbers of the parishioners. It was remarked how well the Church looked and the Cardinal himself commented on the excellence of St Theodore's singing and its choir.

Cardinals and Archbishops are busy people. It was an occasion which will not soon be repeated and a privilege for us to savour. Remember such leaders in your prayers. They are only human yet, in the secular environment, the bright light of this world's judgement focuses on them ever more intensely. Fr. B

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ALL SAINTS - Thursday

When something seems too difficult, we have a tendency to 'switch off'. Following in the footsteps of the saints, for most of us is like attempting rocket science or brain surgery .... simply not for us. Think again!

Saints are just real people who have struggled through crisis and frustration to live their faith. Like the concert pianist who began his career with simple scales, so following God's blueprint for discipleship is about starting out with small steps. Today, take one small step towards making the way of the Beatitudes your way of life.

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H.U.G. presents:-
An 'ECO-FASHION SHOW'
as part of 'ONE WORLD WEEK'

Saturday November 3rd. at 3.30pm.
£2.00p.(at the door)
Funds raised to:- 'Labour behind the Label'

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THE CHRISTMAS BAZAAR
Two week's time!!

Saturday 10th November 11-3pm

Please leave gifts for the stalls in the box in the porch. Items of jewellery, cosmetics, stationery, tombola, candles, crafts and homemade preserves are required.

Stallholders - Please add your name to the list in the porch if you are able to help run a stall.

Sponsorship of prizes - Many thanks to everyone who agreed to sponsor prises.

Please hand any donation or the prize in question to Father Bernard.

Grand Draw Tickets are now on sale after all masses
Setting Up. The Hall will be open on Thursday 8th and Friday 9th November from 7-9pm for stall holders to price and display their goods. Freshly baked cakes may be brought along on either of these evenings but we would appreciate all donations of goods to be handed in before hand so that we can sort and distribute them. K Wren