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West Green
4 Vincent Road, London N15 3QH
Parish Office Tel No: 020-8888-5518
E-mail: westgreen@rcdow.org.uk
Facebook: West Green - St John Vianney Church
Our website: http://stjohnvianneywestgreen.co.uk/
(SJV Parish Centre 020-8888-5518)
I was doing a Word Search Puzzle with a little girl last week. When
we came to the third word on the list, she frowned, turned to me and
asked, Whats HUMBLE? I was lost for words for a few seconds. Its to
not show off, I answered with the first thing that came to my mind in that
moment. She was thoughtful, then her face broke into a huge grin as she
declared, I dont show off! Satisfied that she can now describe herself as
HUMBLE, she happily delved back into the puzzle to find this new word.
In this Sundays gospel, Jesus had the challenging task of trying to
teach some people who prided themselves on being upright and despised everyone else (in
short: show-offs) the need to be humble. But how do you go about teaching show-offs to
well, not show-off?
What is humility, really? The word comes from the Latin humus, meaning earth or
soil (not to be confused with the much yummier hummus!) Humility is not just about notshowing-off, keeping quiet, or self-depreciation, but acknowledging the existential truth that
we are earthly, poor, each with our own limitations, weaknesses and faults. Some of these
may be more visible than others, but none of us are without them and the invisible ones are
perhaps most hidden because we are most ashamed of letting others see them.
Like the Pharisee in the parable, we sometimes come to God believing that we need to
prove ourselves to God; we try to justify ourselves by our deeds, as if we can earn Gods love
by it or are more deserving of it than others. But Jesus tells us that there is no need for us to
list all our achievements and show off how good weve been... even if you made it as a pope!
On the early days of his papacy, a journalist asked Pope Francis, So, who is Jorge Mario
Bergoglio? referring to the Popes real name. Pope Francis answered ponderingly, I am a
sinner. And Im not saying it just as an expression, in a general sense. I AM a sinner. After a
moment of silence, he added, Yes, this is the best definition, the one that comes more from
within me and which I feel to be most true: I am a sinner whom the Lord has looked upon.
All God asks of us is that we come to him in humility. To acknowledge our personal
faults and sins without comparing ourselves to anyone else, and trust that despite all this (or
perhaps, precisely because of this!), God is merciful and he looks at us with a gaze full of love.
The first reading says, The prayer of the humble pierces the clouds. Let us ask the
Spirit for the courage to come before God in our truth with humility, that our prayer may
pierce the clouds of our own sense of self-importance and allow the light of Gods love to
reach and warm our hearts.
SR. CLARA: has arrived safe and sound in Barcelona, Spain. Thank you all for
showering her with your support, love and prayer in the farewell last weekend!
HALF-TERM: There are no Holy Communion and First Reconciliation classes this
weekend and the next, due to half-term. Classes will recommence on the 5th November.
God bless! Sr. Devy
THANK YOU
We wish to thank all how have attended the
farewell reception last Sunday for Sr Clara,
for those who suppled food and drinks, and
most of all those who helped with the
catering. Thanks!
AN EIGHT PART BIBLE STUDY
Featuring Dr Edward Sri: Join us on 25th
October at 7.30pm & 26th October at 10am
in the parish hall for the Introduction of
Mary: A Biblical Walk with the Blessed
Mother an extraordinary study that reveals
Marys unique role in Gods Kingdom. Cost:
suggested donation of 10 for the material
needed to follow the course. To register
please contact Sr. Devy on 07403 784463
PARISH OUTREACH SOUP RUN:
The next Soup Run at 5pm on Saturday 29th
October Group D
SCHOOL ADMISSION FORMS:
Fr Joe will be signing school references on
Sunday 30th October from 10am-11am in
the Parish Hall.
Parents wishing to apply to Catholic
Primary or Secondary School for the next
academic year are required to obtain a
Letter of Catholic Practice from their Parish
Priest. , These are issued to those who
attend Mass regularly.
MASS WITH ANOINTING OF THE SICK
Takes place here at St John Vianney Church
on Saturday 5th November at 12noon.
If you know of someone who is sick and
housebound and would like to attend:
please contact
Germaine on 020 8888 5518 during office
hours.
Drivers are urgently required to help with
transportation.
YEAR OF MERCY:
YEAR OF MERCY FORMATION
On Saturday 12th November after our 6pm
Mass and on Sunday 13th from 10am to
10:45 in the Church.
Misc.
Toilet paper
Tissues
Bicycles
ENTRANCE ANTIPHON
Let the hearts that seek the Lord rejoice;
turn to the Lord and his strength;
constantly seek his face.
First Reading:
Responsorial Psalm:
Psalm 33
The poor man called; the Lord has heard him.
Second Reading: 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18
Gospel Acclamation
Alleluia, alleluia!
Blessed are you, Father,
Lord of heaven and earth,
for revealing the mysteries of the kingdom
to mere children.
Alleluia!
Gospel
Luke 18:9-14
Communion Antiphon:
We will ring out our joy at your saving help
and exult in the name of our God.
Sacrament of Reconciliation:
Saturday: from 9:45 am 10:15am
PARISH TEAM