Weekly reflections

Thoughts and prayers from the Wood Green team

Parish Letter - Sunday 7th December 2025 - Advent 2

Dear Brothers & Sisters,

How is Advent going for you? Is it making a difference in your relationship with God? Are you responding to his invitation to draw closer to Him? All too often the holy season of Advent gets overlooked and we miss its message, its beauty and its meaning.

This Sunday, the second Sunday of Advent, we encounter John the Baptist who appeared in the wilderness as though he had stepped straight out of the Old Testament. The past had come into the present. But John’s message was not about the past, it was about the future and he delivers a radical challenge to each and every person to prepare for the coming of the Lord. John was announcing anew what people had known all along. John proclaimed the coming of Jesus. The people knew God, and had heard of his salvation, but they had become blind to what was before their very eyes. John did not give the people a new religion, but called them to greater faithfulness to their own tradition.

How we need to hear that call again today. Our Church communities are struggling in a world where there is so much to distract people from turning to and relying on God. That’s why John the Baptist’s message resonates today, the time has come, the time is now and through the timelessness of the Gospel John call us back to what we know to be true in our hearts and he asks us all to prepare a way for the Lord.

As a Christian community we do that better when we are together in prayer and worship. So I appeal to you as Advent progresses to make the most of this holy season and to take your place within the church community Sunday by Sunday, so that we, in the words of St Paul on Sunday, ‘may be united in mind and voice and give glory to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.’

May the hope, peace, joy and love of Advent be with you.

Fr Ian

(On behalf of the clergy)

Prayer for the week

God of faithfulness and truth,
You sent your servant John the Baptist
to preach in the desert
and summon the people to repentance.
Make us and all things new,
that in the wilderness of our world and in our lives,
we also may prepare a way for Jesus.
To whom be all glory and power now and forever. Amen

Worship this week

Sunday 7th December – Advent 2
8.30am Said Mass at Wood Green
10.30am Parish Mass at Wood Green
11am Parish Mass at Bowes

Tuesday 9th December
11am Said Mass followed by Advent Bible Study at Bowes

Wednesday 10th December
12noon Said Mass with homily at Wood Green

Thursday 11th December
7pm – Holy Hour with Advent devotions and Benediction (Wood Green)

Friday 12th December (Our Lady of Guadalupe)
12noon – Said Mass at Wood Green

Saturday 13th December (St Lucy)
12noon – Said Mass at Wood Green

Notices

Jane Sanders – Jane’s funeral takes place on Friday 19th December at 1.30pm. Please pray for her soul and her dear friends as they prepare for her funeral.

Advent Study Group – Continues to meet every Tuesday following the 11am Mass at St Michael at Bowes. All warmly welcome.

Bowes Christmas Lunch – Tickets still available for the Bowes Christmas Lunch on Saturday 13th December. Further details on the poster in Church

Christmas Raffle – tickets now available a list of prizes available on the poster at the back of church

PAX CHRISTI –PEACE OF CHRIST GROUP – Week 2
‘My peace I give you’.
Peace is more than the absence of war. We know of much harmful violence in everyday life. Such violence, which comes from mouths as much as from fists, harms and destroys lives. The Pax Christi prayer points the way for us to act and work for justice and peace at every level. Pax Christi stands for justice and peace.
Pax Christi = The Peace of Christ
Please speak to Colin Kerr to learn more.

Important Banking Information: If you pay your offering via a Standing Order or a direct debit, please note the following account details. All cheques to be made payable to:
The Parish of Wood Green
Account no. 00037635
Sort code 405240
If you have any questions please speak to Festus, Fr Ian or Elizabeth our Church warden.

Dates Ahead: –

Sunday 7th December – Advent 2
Saturday 13th December – Bowes Christmas Lunch
Sunday 14th December – Advent 3
Sunday 21st December -Advent 4
Sunday 21st December – Carol Carol Service with lighting of the memorial Christmas Tree
Wednesday 24th December – Midnight Mass
Thursday 25th December – Christmas Morning Mass 10:30am
Friday 26th December – St Stephen’s Day
Sunday 28th December – The Holy Family

Parish Letter - Sunday 30th November 2025 - Advent 1

Dearest friends in Christ,

Would you Adam and Eve it? Or would you believe it for those less familiar with the noble language of cockney. The advent season is truly upon us, the period in the Christian calendar set aside for preparation and reflection upon the nativity of the Lord Jesus Christ, the kingship of whom we celebrated only just this Sunday past.

Though, clearly for our secular neighbours, 4 weeks is not quite enough of a build up as since the middle of November Christmas tunes have been on the radio, decorations have more brazenly been adorning the shops and streets around us, and Christmas menus have been out for sometime. The message seems to be quite clear and unanimous (almost): Four weeks of anticipation is not enough, let’s have more!

Now far be it from me to curtail the preparation of Advent, we all can spend more time contemplating the infant Jesus: God through the power of the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary being made man. But alas, I am sceptical as to how much of the increasing frivolities is really in recognition of this great mystery. The Response in Sunday’s psalm is quite clear as to where we should locate our joy: Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord. If we are to celebrate, and what greater reason is there to rejoice than in the nativity of the one who is King of the universe, we do so for this reason, we do it with the rest of the Church.

Advent is the preparation of another whole season (Christmastide) of rejoicing and thanksgiving – as ever the world is ready to distract us from this with its bright lights, flashy sales, and festivities. This is no call to completely shun the joy and anticipation that hangs in the air over the next 4 weeks, but hold close to your hearts the true purpose of this time of preparation.

I wish you all a happy, and holy, advent.

Fr Simon

(On behalf of the clergy)

Prayer for the week

Almighty God,
Keep our eyes upon your holy mountain,
so that with patient hearts and minds,
we may embrace the nativity,
of your Son our Lord Jesus Christ,
and so be made into partakers,
of the renewal of all things. Amen.

Worship this week

Sunday 30th November: Advent 1
08.30am Mass St Michael’s Wood Green
10.30am Parish Mass St Michael’s Wood Green
11 am High Mass St Michael at Bowes

Tuesday 2nd December: Tuesday of Advent 1
11am Mass at St Michael-at-Bowes

Wednesday 3rd December 2025: St Francis Xavier (Priest)
12 Noon Mass at St Michael Wood Green.

Thursday 4th December 2025: St John Damascene (Priest, Doctor of the Church)
7pm Holy Hour (With Advent Reflections)

Friday 5th December 2025: Friday of Advent 1
12.00 Noon Mass at St Michael Wood Green

Saturday 6th December 2025: St Nicholas (Bishop)
12.00 Noon Parish Mass at St Michael Wood Green

Notices

Aid for the Caribbean Islands – Many of you have spoken about providing aid to the victims of the recent hurricane. We have been asked to await further details before collecting on sending goods. Once that happens we will make it known. Our prayers continue for all those awaiting news from loved ones.

Jane Sanders – It is with sadness that we announce the death of Jane Sanders, a much loved member of our Church family. Details of Jane’s funeral will be announced but it will take place at St Michael’s Wood Green.

Advent Study Group – Join us for Mass on Tuesday mornings at St Michael-at-Bowes at 11am, where from this coming Tuesday 2nd December we will begin a four week course in which we will explore the advent narrative being guided by the works of CS Lewis. The group will meet directly after Mass.

Carol Service – On Sunday 21st December we shall hold our Annual Carol and Lessons service which will be at 4pm. Please note this in your diaries and join us if possible, its a great way to start that final week before our Christmas Celebrations.

Bowes Christmas Lunch – Saturday 13th December, tickets available. Please see posters at the back of each church for more details.

Ministries of Anointing, prayer and laying on of hands: This is available after Mass on Sundays at St Michael’s Wood Green. If you would like to assist in the ministries of prayer and laying on of hands, please speak to Fr Ian.

PAX CHRISTI – PEACE OF CHRIST GROUP
‘Peace I leave with you’.

Where do we start? We start with the non-violent Jesus. We also start with where we are and with each other, in the circumstances of today. Pax Christi is an organisation rooted in catholic Christianity and is open to any Christian denomination and those who want to explore the meaning of Peace of Christ.

Pax Christi = The Peace of Christ

Please speak with Colin Kerr to learn more.

Dates Ahead: –

Sunday 7th December – Advent 2
Saturday 6th December – St Michaels Christmas Lunch Trip
Saturday 13th December – Bowes Christmas Lunch
Sunday 14th December – Advent 3
Sunday 21st December -Advent 4
Wednesday 24th December – Midnight Mass
Thursday 25th December – Christmas Morning Mass
Friday 26th December – St Stephen’s Day

Parish Letter - Sunday 23rd November - Christ the King

Dear Sisters and Brothers,

This Sunday we celebrate the great Solemnity of Christ the King. In preparing for this letter, I googled to find out more. I expected to be told that the feast had its roots in the medieval era, when the Church in Europe flourished with new feasts and traditions. So I was extremely surprised to read that this feast was instituted by Pope Pius XI in 1925. Therefore this Sunday will be the feast’s 100th anniversary!

Pope Pius wanted to emphasise the Kingship of Christ following the terrible destruction of the First World War. Many people had responded to the horrors of war by losing their faith. They could not find God amongst the loss of so many boys and young men. They could not find God in the trenches of France. The war had left millions traumatised and desperately in need of the healing that only God can give. Christ the King Sunday comes right at the end of the liturgical year, in other words, the end of ‘ordinary time’, and next Sunday we will welcome the deep and dark season of Advent, which is the beginning of the liturgical year, when of course we anticipate the Birth of Our Lord.

How wonderful that we should first acknowledge that Jesus Christ is King of all. God the Father gave His Son dominion over everything, the universe and all it contains: all stars and planets, angels and saints, all men and women and all living creatures are under the authority of Christ.

We need to remember this as much as those who had witnessed the First World War. Our world today is extremely difficult to live in; so much insecurity and so many people suffering. So let us, like those Christians in 1925, remember that we have hope. We have a King who reigns for forever and who has chosen us as his own. He promises us, as he promised the thief on the cross, that we will be with him in paradise. We have nothing to fear. Amen.

With my love and prayers,

Sr Pat

(On behalf of the clergy)

Prayer for the week

Majesty, worship His Majesty: Unto Jesus be all glory, honour, and praise.
Majesty, kingdom authority, Flow from His throne unto His own, His anthems raise.
So exalt, lift up on high the name of Jesus.
Magnify, come glorify Christ Jesus, the King.
Majesty, worship HIs Majesty, Jesus who died, now glorified, King of all Kings.

Worship this week

Sunday 23rd November:
08.30am Mass St Michael’s Wood Green
10.30am Parish Mass St Michael’s Wood Green
11 am High Mass St Michael at Bowes

Tuesday 25th November: St Catherine of Alexandria
11am Mass at St Michael-at-Bowes

Wednesday 26th November 2025:
12 Noon Mass at St Michael Wood Green.

Thursday 27th November 2025:
7pm Holy Hour

Friday 28th November 2025:
12.00 Noon Mass at St Michael Wood Green

Saturday 29th November 2025: St Cecilia
12.00 Noon Parish Mass at St Michael Wood Green

Advent Sunday 30th November 2025:
08:30 – Low Mass St Michael’s Wood Green
10:30 – High Mass St Michael’s Wood Green
11.00am Mass St Michael at Bowes

Notices

Aid for the Caribbean Islands – If any of you are aware of charities collecting goods and clothing for the Caribbean Islands disaster fund, please can you let us know, especially if they will collect from this area.
Derrick is now in Jamaica and has managed to report back. He says ‘As you will know the situation is still very difficult but power is slowly being restored. Parishes are still struggling without water such as St Elizabeth, Hanover and Westmorland, all prayers appreciated.

Drop-In – Last week at Drop-In, Michelle from Dementia prevention UK delivered an excellent presentation on our mental well-being. It was good to see so many people and we hope that many of you will continue to pop into the Drop-In for company and refreshments. The session we enjoyed shows one of the values of the Drop-In’s ministry and we shall be exploring further helpful speakers in the new year.

Jane Sanders – The funeral of dear Jane will be on Friday 19th December at 1.30pm in St Michael’s Church. If you are able, please join us.

Bowes Christmas Lunch – Tickets for this wonderful annual event are now available priced £15 for adults £8 children with a family concession ticket for a family of four.

Pax Christi – The work of Pax Christi – the Peace of Christ – is based on the gospel and inspired by faith. Its vision is of a world where people can live in peace, without fear of violence in any form. Pax Christi is an organisation rooted in catholic Christianity and open to all who share its values and work. We shall soon be offering an opportunity to be part of Pax Christi in union with our Roman Catholic friends at St Pauls Station Road, as we hope to create an ecumenical prayer group dedicated to praying for the world’s peace. If this resonates with you, speak to Colin Kerr or Fr Ian.

Advent reflections – On Thursday evenings in Advent from 7pm – 8pm there will be an Advent reflection, leaving time for prayer before receiving God’s blessing with Benediction. Please set time apart amidst the business of the Christmas build up to prepare your hearts and minds for the real meaning of Christmas.

Dates Ahead: –

Sunday 23rd November – Feast of Christ the King.
Sunday 30th November – Advent Sunday
Saturday 6th December – St Michaels Christmas Lunch Trip
Saturday 13th December – Bowes Christmas Lunch
Sunday 21st December – Carol service and Nativity by candlelight 4pm

Parish Letter - Sunday 16th November 2025

Dear Brothers & Sisters,

This coming Sunday, the Gospel issues us with a huge challenge; that challenge is how do we witness to Christ in a world of confusion? Now more than ever we live in a world full of unrest and uncertainty. Then, as now, many people struggle with their faith when they see evil and suffering in the world. They cannot look into the eyes of a starving child and still praise God. They cannot witness the pointless suffering of so many living through acts of war and terrorism and still believe in a God who cares.

Jesus didn’t hold anything back from his disciples; he told them that things would be difficult. When he spoke about the world he was very realistic. He spoke about wars and revolutions, earthquakes, plagues and famines, persecutions and imprisonment and betrayal. Sadly it all sounds very familiar.

However, Jesus doesn’t leave it there – he goes on to say that such happenings would provide an opportunity to bear witness to him and the Gospel. It is in times of darkness that a light is needed. It is in times of falsehood that truth is needed. It is in times of hatred that love is needed. It is in times of war that peace is needed. And as Jesus reminds us, it is in difficult times that Christian witness is needed!

With love & prayers

Fr Ian

(On behalf of the clergy)

Prayer for the week

God of love and mercy,
in the midst of the uncertainties of this changing world,
keep us secure in your love, and give us the courage to endure;
that, by your grace, our faith may grow and bring light to the world.
Through Christ our Lord. Amen

Worship this week

Sunday 16th November:
08.30am Mass St Michael’s Wood Green
10.30am Parish Mass St Michael’s Wood Green
11 am High Mass St Michael at Bowes

Tuesday 18th November:
11am Mass at St Michael-at-Bowes

Wednesday 19th November 2025:
12 Noon Mass at St Michael Wood Green.

Thursday 20th November 2025:
7pm Holy Hour

Friday 21st November 2025: The presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary
12.00 Noon Mass at St Michael Wood Green

Saturday 22nd November 2025: St Cecilia
12.00 Noon Parish Mass at St Michael Wood Green

Sunday 23rd November 2025: Christ the King
08:30 – Low Mass St Michael’s Wood Green
10:30 – High Mass St Michael’s Wood Green
11.00am Mass St Michael at Bowes

Notices

Quiz Afternoon: Sadly we have had to cancel the Quiz Afternoon planned for Saturday.

Drop-In – Brain well being opportunity – On Wednesday 19th November at 1pm at the Drop-In we shall welcome Michelle from Dementia Prevention UK. Come along and learn about some tried and tested methods which will assist you with your mental well-being.

Pax Christi – The work of Pax Christi – the Peace of Christ – is based on the gospel and inspired by faith. Its vision is of a world where people can live in peace, without fear of violence in any form. Pax Christi is an organisation rooted in catholic Christianity and open to all who share its values and work. We shall soon be offering an opportunity to be part of Pax Christi in union with our Roman Catholic friends at St Pauls Station Road, as we hope to create an ecumenical prayer group dedicated to praying for the world’s peace. If this resonates with you, speak to Colin Kerr or Fr Ian.

Dates Ahead: –

Sunday 23rd November – Feast of Christ the King.
Sunday 30th November – Advent Sunday
Saturday 6th December – St Michaels Christmas Lunch Trip
Saturday 13th December – Bowes Christmas Lunch

Parish Letter - Sunday 9th November 2025 -Remembrance Sunday

Dearest Friends-in-Christ,

As we gather together this Sunday to offer our praise and worship of Almighty God and his son Jesus Christ, we do so remembering the fallen men and women who so courageously gave their last breath in defence of the liberties we enjoy today.

November is itself a great month of remembrance in the Church catholic. The first two days are given over to celebrate the saints (Feast of All Saints) and the faithful departed (All Souls), and many churches will keep regular Requiem Masses throughout the month in light of this. It marks a principal hope in our faith – that the sacrifice of Christ has opened up unto us the gates of an eternal life. Whilst death may separate us from the saints, martyrs and our departed loved ones it is no longer a barrier to our union with them.

As we undertake our acts of Remembrance this Sunday let us do so encouraged by the response to this Sunday’s Psalm – When they (I) awake they (I) shall be filled with the vision of your presence O Lord. Much of the poetry that emerged from the FIrst World War is harrowing to say the least. Wilfred Owen, Siegfried Sassoon captured the brutal landscape and reality in which countless millions were needlessly given over to death. The Psalmist does not here glorify such a manner of sacrifice or indeed the futility of it on the fields of Ypres or the Somme, or more recently in such theatres of War as Iraq and Afghanistan. The Psalmist encourages us that before the radiant glory of God himself, those who have been robbed of another sunrise or an embrace with loved ones will be filled with a splendour that we cannot comprehend – the vision of God himself.

The Transfiguration is perhaps the closest image we have to what the Psalmist is trying to capture. As we give thanks this Sunday and throughout the coming week for the ultimate sacrifice made by others for our freedoms, may our hearts, and especially those who mourn, be warmed by the image of the transfigured Christ and the hope that they who have fallen will be filled with the vision of God’s presence. Amen.

Fr Simon

(On behalf of the clergy)

Prayer for the week

O God of the nations,
as we look to that day when you will gather people
from north and south, east and west,
into the unity of your peaceable Kingdom,
guide with your just and gentle wisdom all who take counsel
for the nations of the world,
that all your people may spend their days in security, freedom, and peace, through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

Worship this week

Sunday 9th November: Remembrance Sunday
09:30 High Mass St Michael’s Wood Green
11 am High Mass St Michael at Bowes (Act of Remembrance from 10:55)

Tuesday 11th November: St Martin of Tours, Bishop
11am Mass at St Michael-at-Bowes

Wednesday 12th November 2025: St Josaphat, Bishop and Martyr
12 Noon Mass at St Michael Wood Green.

Thursday 13th November 2025: Feria
7pm Holy Hour

Friday 14th November 2025: Feria
12.00 Noon Mass at St Michael Wood Green

Saturday 15th November 2025: St Albert the Great, Bishop and Doctor
12.00 Noon Parish Mass at St Michael Wood Green

Sunday 16th November 2025: 33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time
08:30 – Low Mass St Michael’s Wood Green
10:30 – High Mass St Michael’s Wood Green
11.00am Mass St Michael at Bowes

Notices

Thoughts and prayers – Please know that the Caribbean Islands have been in our prayers especially this week. We pray that all those you love and care for are safe. Though we are many we are one body – our love and prayers are with you.

Bowes Bible Study: Has finished its exploration of 1 Peter and will start an Advent Course on Tuesday 2nd December.

Drop-In Birthday: Join us this Wednesday 12th November from 10:30 as we celebrate a staggering 21 years of providing fellowship and care for our worshiping and wider community through our Wednesday Drop In.

Brain well being opportunity – On Wednesday 19th November at 1pm at the Drop-In we shall welcome Michelle from Dementia Prevention UK. Come along and learn about some tried and tested methods which will assist you with your mental well-being.

Quiz Afternoon: On Saturday 15th November, from 2pm – 4pm, come along and test your mettle in our annual St MIchael’s Church Quiz. Join a team when you arrive or bring one with you for what promises to be a fun afternoon of quizzing and quips. Snacks and Refreshments supplied with entry only £5pp. Lets see who will be crowned this year’s St Michael’s Mensa Mind!

Dates Ahead: –

Saturday 15th November – Quiz afternoon 2pm – 4pm
Sunday 23rd November – Feast of Christ the King.
Sunday 30th November – Advent Sunday
Saturday 6th December – St Michaels Christmas Lunch Trip
Saturday 13th December – Bowes Christmas Lunch

Parish Letter - Sunday 2nd November 2025 - All Souls Day

Dear Sisters and Brothers,

Dame Patricia Routledge, most famously known as Hyacinth Bucket (Bouquet!) in the sitcom ‘Keeping up Appearances’, died on 3 rd October at the great age of 93. I remember a radio interview I heard about 40 years ago when Patricia Routledge was talking about death. She said that not a day went by when she didn’t take a little time to think about her own death.

This Sunday is All Souls’ Day, also known as the Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed. As we do every year, we will gather in church to hear the long list of departed loved ones being read out by the clergy. It is a deeply emotional experience to hear the names of those that we and others have put on the list. We are reminded that they are not lost or forgotten.

This is a time of year when the dead are remembered in many way. There is the pagan celebration of Halloween on All Hallows’ Eve, the Day of the Dead in Mexico, throughout Latin America and the Caribbean, where celebrations are intertwined with spiritual customs brought over by African slaves. And of course there is Remembrance Sunday next week, when we remember those who have died in war.

Sunday’s gospel reading (Mark 15:33-39,16:1-6) tells of events which are central to our Christian faith: we hear of Christ dying on the Cross, ending with the centurion saying ‘In truth this man was a son of God’. The reading then moves to Sunday morning when the women arrive with spices to anoint Christ’s body, only to find that the stone has been rolled away. The tomb is empty! He has risen!

When we remember the dead on Sunday, we will be reminded of the great victory that Jesus Christ won for us and all the faithful departed: that death will not be the end. As St Paul tells us in his first letter to the Corinthians, ‘Death, where is your victory? Death, where is your sting?’

Dame Patricia Routledge was a faithful Christian, an Anglican like us, who regularly worshipped at Chichester Cathedral close to her home. We can be confident that she has received her reward and is now with God. We can all look forward to the same reward. We can, like her, take a little time every day to think about our own death. To remember that we are only passing through this world.

That all of our suffering and difficulties are temporary. That our Creator is waiting to welcome us into our true and eternal home. Amen.

With my love and prayers,

Sr Pat

(On behalf of the clergy)

Prayer for the week

Christ has died,
Christ is risen,
Christ will come again.

Worship this week

Feast of All Saints (Saturday 1st November)
We celebrate the great feast of All Saints on Saturday 1st November with a full Parish Mass beginning at 12noon. This is a major day in the life of all Christian people as we give thanks for the Saints of God who were faithful to the Gospel. Please join us.

Feast of All Souls (Sunday 2nd November)
This will be a Sunday in which our Churches will worship together to mark this great Feast in the Church’s calendar. Sheets to note down your departed loved ones that you wanted remembered in prayer in this Mass will be put out at each church.

Sunday 2nd November: All Souls Day
08:30 Low Mass St Michaels Wood Green
10:30 High Mass St Michael’s Wood Green

Tuesday 4th November: St Charles Borromeo
11am Mass at St Michael-at-Bowes

Wednesday 5th November 2025:
12 Noon Mass at St Michael Wood Green.

Thursday 6th November 2025:
7pm Walsingham Cell Mass and Rosary

Friday 7th November 2025:
12.00 Noon Mass at St Michael Wood Green

Saturday 8th November 2025:
12.00 Noon Parish Mass at St Michael Wood Green

Sunday 9th November 2025: Remembrance Sunday
No 8.30am
9.30am Joint Parish Mass followed by act of remembrance St Michael’s Wood Green
11.00am Mass St Michael at Bowes

Notices

International Evening: What a wonderful night we had, thank you to the social and fund-raising team for all your work and special thanks to those who provided such a feast of food. In all over £1,000 raised. Congratulations and thank you all.

Bowes Bible Study. Resumes for a short series on the epistle 1 Peter. We will meet next on 4th November. There will then be a short break before beginning an Advent Study course on 2nd December.

Drop-In: Join us every Wednesday from 10.30am, for refreshments and company. The drop-in will be 21 years old in November so we are planning a celebration birthday party on November 12th, why not drop in and celebrate with us and give thanks for this gentle ministry.

Quiz Afternoon: Our next fund-raising event is on Saturday 15th November from 2pm – 4pm. A fun afternoon of quizzing with snacks and refreshments supplied all for just £5.

Pax Christi – The work of Pax Christi – the Peace of Christ – is based on the gospel and inspired by faith. Its vision is of a world where people can live in peace, without fear of violence in any form. Pax Christi is an organisation rooted in catholic Christianity and open to all who share its values and work. We shall soon be offering an opportunity to be part of Pax Christi in union with our Roman Catholic friends at St Pauls Station Road, as we hope to create an ecumenical prayer group dedicated to praying for the world’s peace. If this resonates with you, speak to Colin Kerr or Fr Ian.

Dates Ahead: –

Saturday 1st November – Feast of All Saints
Sunday 2nd November – Feast of All Souls (Joint Parish Mass)
Sunday 9th November – Remembrance Sunday (09.30 Wood Green/ 10.45 Bowes)
Saturday 15th November – Quiz afternoon 2pm – 4pm
Sunday 30th November – Advent Sunday
Saturday 13th December – Bowes Christmas Lunch

Parish Letter - Sunday 26th October 2025

Dear Brothers & Sisters,

I begin this week’s parish letter with a heartfelt thanks to Fr Simon and Fr Roger for enabling Carol and I to enjoy a belated summer holiday. I am also grateful to our wardens Elizabeth and Yvonne for the work they have done in recent weeks.

Whilst on holiday I decided to have a digital detox, that meant phone off, no emails or messages and definitely no social media. I must confess it took me a good three days before the urge to ‘just look’ decreased. It was only after that, that I discovered how liberating not having all that noise was. Not only did it give more time to enjoy the break but I also discovered that life still went on without my having to have my finger on the pulse all the time and be in control.

Power and control can become so destructive when it is used incorrectly. We see that being played out daily. The power play and struggles that have unfolded in recent weeks have rocked the country and the world, and there is no doubt that it is the poorest in society who have felt the pressure the most, and the voices of the abused and ill-treated over many decades still gets lost amidst the cover-ups and noise of the rich and powerful.

Our readings on Sunday undoubtedly speak into this situation reminding us of the timelessness of God’s holy word. In a society where power and money are everything, the ‘little people’ rarely have a chance. Yet, the first reading states that our loving God treats all people fairly. He shows no partiality to the rich and powerful; he listens particularly to the prayer and supplication of the poor and humble.

The parable of the Pharisee and the tax-collector makes the same point very forcibly. The proud and powerful Pharisee is relying on his good works suggesting that God owes him salvation. The tax-collector has nothing to rely on; he knows more than anyone that he is a sinner. Therefore he throws himself on to the mercy and goodness of God. His words are few, but the attitude of his heart is pleasing to God. It is his simple, honest and humble prayer that reaches and touches the heart of God. Jesus clearly sets him before us as a pattern of how we should approach our loving Father. St Francis of Assisi put it this way ‘I am what I am before God; nothing else; nothing more; nothing less.’

May God’s blessing be with you.

Fr Ian

(On behalf of the clergy)

Prayer for the week

Lord God of justice,
you know no favourites and show no partiality;
but you have given us assurance
that the prayers of the lowly pierce the clouds,
their petitions reach the heavens.
Look upon us who come before you
as did the penitent tax collector,
and grant that we may open ourselves with confidence in your mercy,
and be justified by your grace alone.
We ask this through your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.

Worship this week

Don’t forget to put your clock back an hour on Saturday night.

Sunday 26th October 2025: 30th Sunday in Ordinary Time
08:30 Low Mass St Michaels Wood Green
10:30 High Mass St Michael’s Wood Green
11.00 Parish Mass with Baptism St Michael at Bowes

Tuesday 28th October 2025: Ss Simon and St Jude Apostles
11am Mass at St Michael-at-Bowes

Wednesday 29th October 2025:
12 Noon Mass at St Michael Wood Green.

Thursday 30th October 2025:
7:00pm Holy Hour with Benediction

Friday 31st October 2025:
12.00 Noon Mass at St Michael Wood Green

Saturday 1st November 2025: All Saints Day
12.00 Noon Parish Mass at St Michael Wood Green

Sunday 2nd November 2025: All Souls Day
10.30am Joint Parish Mass St Michael’s Wood Green

Notices

International Evening: This Saturday from 7pm we hold our annual International Evening celebration. Food, Fellowship and dancing in thanksgiving to God for the richness of our diversity and the many different cultures and countries that make up our Church family. Tickets are still available, so please come and celebrate

Bowes Bible Study. Our studies have resumed for a short series on the epistle 1 Peter. We will meet next on 4th November. There will then be a short break before beginning an Advent Study course on 2nd December.

Feast of All Souls (Sunday 2nd November): This will be a Sunday in which our Churches will worship together to mark this great Feast in the Church’s calendar. Sheets to note down your departed loved ones that you wanted remembered in prayer in this Mass will be put out at each church.

Ministries of Anointing, prayer and laying on of hands: This is available after Mass on Sundays at St Michael’s Wood Green. If you would like to assist in the ministries of prayer and laying on of hands, please speak to Fr Ian.

Dates Ahead: –

Saturday 25th October – St Michael’s Annual International evening – tickets available now.
Saturday 1st November – Feast of All Saints
Sunday 2nd November – Feast of All Souls (Joint Parish Mass)
Sunday 9th November – Remembrance Sunday (09.30 Wood Green/ 10.45 Bowes)
Saturday 15th November – Quiz afternoon

Parish Letter - Sunday 19th October - 29th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Dear Friends in Christ,

Grace and Peace to you from the ruler and Judge over all creation.

Many of us will have been told that a “watched pot never boils” – that it will prove to be not only a tedious undertaking but also a waste of time – especially when that time can be used to complete one of the many other tasks that typically need to be completed at home. But how many of us have boiled a kettle, taken up another task and returned to find the kettle boiled and half cooled, and then to have to reboil it?

Observant attendance is not always a glamorous task. It’s not always an easy task, and it’s certainly never a quick task. It is however a characteristic that our disposition towards prayer should adopt. The psalmist this Sunday gives us great cause to be joyful, for they proclaim that the Lord our God will guard our very souls. Psalm 121 (120) is a very rousing piece of poetry that concludes with the great assertion that The Lord will guard your going and your coming, both now and forever. This is news indeed that should cause all our souls to be lifted.

However (yes.. there is always a however), should we fail in the persistence of our prayers, we fail indeed in a persistence of our faith – for where else can we look to for a defence and shield to the challenges that this age lays upon our door. Moreover, should we miss the moment where the mighty arm of God breaks into our lives, we not only miss a moment to rejoice over but we lose the chance to glimpse the ongoing work of God in our lives. The temptation of impatience is ever present, but trust that the Lord our God will keep our feet from stumbling and we will not be disappointed. Amen.

With my prayers,

Fr Simon

(On behalf of the clergy)

Prayer for the week

O God,
Grant to your faithful people
a quiet constancy in faith and prayer.
With expectant hearts keep our gaze upon your throne,
that we may rejoice and praise your mighty arm.
Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Worship this week

Sunday 19th October 2025: 29th Sunday in Ordinary Time
08:30 Low Mass St Michaels Wood Green
10:30 High Mass St Michael’s Wood Green
NO MASS AT BOWES THIS SUNDAY(All welcome to join at Wood Green)

Tuesday 21st October 2025:
11am Mass at St Michael-at-Bowes, followed by Bible Study.

Wednesday 22nd October 2025: St John Paul II, Pope.
12 Noon Mass at St Michael Wood Green.

Thursday 23rd October 2025: St John of Capistrano, Priest
7:00pm Holy Hour with Benediction

Friday 24th October 2025: St Antony Mary Claret, Bishop.
12.00 Noon Mass at St Michael Wood Green

Saturday 25th October 2025:
12.00 Noon Mass at St Michael Wood Green

Notices

Bowes Bible Study. Our studies will resume for a short series on the epistle 1 Peter this Tuesday. We will meet following the midweek Mass at St Michael at Bowes on the following days: 14th October, 21st October, 4th November. There will then be a short break before beginning an Advent Study course on 2nd December.

Prayers of the Faithful – On Sunday 19th October (following Mass), Fr Simon will lead a short workshop of preparing writing and leading the Intercessions during the sung Mass. Come along to experience the joy of this ministry and maybe begin discerning if God is calling you to a prayer ministry.

Bowes Bible Study. Our studies have resumed for a short series on the epistle 1 Peter. We will meet this Tuesday 21st October and 4th November. There will then be a short break before beginning an Advent Study course on 2nd December.

Our International Evening – This Saturday 25th October from 7pm. We hope this will be well attended and a fitting celebration of the many countries and people that make up our wonderful Church family. Tickets available from Veera.

Feast of All Souls (Sunday 2nd November): This will be a Sunday in which our Churches will worship together to mark this great Feast in the Church’s calendar. Sheets to note down your departed loved ones that you wanted remembered in prayer in this Mass will be put out at each church.

Dates Ahead: –

Saturday 25th October – St Michael’s Annual International evening – tickets available now.
Saturday 1st November – Feast of All Saints
Sunday 2nd November – Feast of All Souls (Joint Parish Mass)
Sunday 9th November – Remembrance Sunday (09.30 Wood Green/ 10.45 Bowes)
Saturday 15th November – Quiz afternoon

Parish Letter - Sunday 12th October - 28th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Dear Sisters and Brothers,

This Sunday we celebrate the Harvest Festival. As you know, we bring in tinned and dried food, which is blessed, and then delivered to the food bank in our church hall. Harvest Festival goes back to very early pagan times, before Christianity, when everyone relied on a good harvest to feed their families through the winter. Bringing in a good harvest was a cause for celebration. A bad harvest, one ruined by flooding or drought, could literally mean starvation. It is worth remembering that it is the same in much of the world today.

In this Sunday’s gospel reading (Luke 17:11-19) Jesus and his disciples are met by ten lepers on their way to Jerusalem. We often hear the term ‘marginalised’ these days. Let’s take a moment to think about what it really means. People living on the margins of society live separately from the rest of society. They do not mix. They are outsiders. Lepers were definitely marginalised because they had an infectious disease. People were frightened to go near them. Samaritans were marginalised because they were foreign, had a different culture, and were not trusted. Jesus, as we know, was not afraid of marginalised people. He showed them love and compassion.

The food that we bring to church on Sunday will go to the food bank and will be distributed to people living on the margins of our society: the unemployed, those working in low paid jobs, refugees who are not allowed to work yet, and those who, for a whole variety of reasons, have no money to buy food, or not enough food to feed a family. It is often just a stopgap until things improve. Some of us in church will be unable to bring food on Sunday. Some of us in church might use the food bank. The so-called marginalised are very often sitting right next to us. Jesus asked us to care for the poor and the needy. If we are able to bring food to the Harvest Festival, we show our love for others as he did. It is a way to celebrate the fruits of God’s beautiful creation, by sharing what we have with others.

If you cannot bring food on Sunday, if you use the food bank, please know that you are loved and embraced by your church family. In Christ, we are one body.

With my love and prayers

Sr Pat

(On behalf of the clergy)

Prayer for the week

Jesus, you taught us to love those who live on the margins.
You cured those with leprosy. You fed those who were hungry.
You loved those who were foreigners. You ate with tax collectors and prostitutes.
May we live by your example. May we be like you.
Thank you for the food that we are able to buy.
Thank you for the blessings that you provide.
In Your Most Holy Name, Amen.

Worship this week

Sunday 12th October 2025: Harvest Festival
08:30 Low Mass St Michaels Wood Green
10:30 High Mass St Michael’s Wood Green
11am High Mass St Michael-at-Bowes

Tuesday 14th October 2025: St Callistus, Pope and Martyr
11am Mass at St Michael-at-Bowes, followed by Bible Study.

Wednesday 15th October 2025: St Teresa of Avilla, Virgin and Doctor of the Church
12 Noon Mass at St Michael Wood Green.

Thursday 16th October 2025: St Margaret Mary Alacoque, Virgin
7:00pm Holy Hour with Benediction

Friday 17th October 2025: St Ignatius of Antioch
12.00 Noon Mass at St Michael Wood Green

Saturday 18th October 2025: St Luke the Evangelist.
12.00 Noon Mass at St Michael Wood Green

Notices

Our International Evening – Is on Saturday 25th October from 7pm. We hope this will be well attended and a fitting celebration of the many countries and people that make up our wonderful Church family. Tickets available from Veera now. Sadly there is so much division in the world at the moment, let our unity be a sign of everything that is good and our party be a sign of thanksgiving to God for all we receive from His hands.

Dates Ahead: –

Tuesday 14th October – Bowes Bible Study Resumes
Saturday 25th October – St Michael’s Annual International evening – tickets available now.
Saturday 1st November – Feast of All Saints
Sunday 2nd November – Feast of All Souls (Joint Parish Mass)
Sunday 9th November – Remembrance Sunday (09.30 Wood Green/ 10.45 Bowes)
Saturday 15th November – Quiz afternoon

Parish Letter - Sunday 5th October 2025

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

Grace and Peace to you from our Lord Jesus Christ.

Our Gospel this week opens with a description of the power that faith the size of mustard seed can have. It’s not quite the parable of the mustard seed – that is recorded by St Luke a little earlier in his Gospel. What we have this week by comparison is a remark that Jesus is making about the disciple’s request that He increases their faith.

It is of course a very good thing, and something we should all want, to have greater, deeper faith. But as is the case so often with the disciples, they just seem to miss the point slightly. To perhaps shed some light on Christ’s remark, let’s turn to the response for Sunday’s responsorial psalm: ‘Harden not your hearts’. Faith is indeed a gift from God, given freely to all of us. We however have a part to play in nurturing that gift of faith. There is much that we can do to tend it, as one would if they are growing a plant. But, as with tending a plant, where one begins is with the ground to which those seeds are planted – and the seeds of faith are planted deep into the recesses of our hearts. That is the soil within ourselves to which we must always keep a watchful eye.

Its not always easy keeping our hearts fertile for faith. There is so much going on right now, even as I write this and you read it, that gives us cause to fear, to doubt, to be suspicious of our neighbour and of those that either govern (or seek to govern us). If however we strive to have a supple heart, thirsty for the love of God – our faith will be powerful enough to move mulberry trees into the sea. The desire for deeper faith is itself the sign of a supple heart crying out for God. Tend to that and the faith that moves mountains will indeed come. Amen.

Fr Simon

(On behalf of the clergy)

Prayer for the week

Almighty God,
who created the stars and the seas,
we place our hearts into your care.
Guide us in our tending of them,
that a deep and constant faith may spring forth
and draw us ever closer to Your Son, Our Lord, Jesus Christ.
Amen.

Worship this week

Sunday 5th October 2025:
08:30 Low Mass St MIchaels Wood Green
10:30 High Mass St Michael’s Wood Green
11am High Mass St MIchael-at-Bowes

Tuesday 7th October 2025: NO MASS AT ST-MICHAEL-AT-BOWES

Wednesday 8th October 2025:
12 noon Mass at St Michael Wood Green.

Thursday 9th October 2025: St John Henry Newman
7:00pm Holy Hour with Benediction

Friday 10th October 2025: St Paulinus of York
12.00noon Mass at St Michael Wood Green

Saturday 11th October 2025: Saturday Memorial of BVM
12.00Noon Mass at St Michael Wood Green

Notices

Bowes Bible Study. We apologise for the delay in the resumption of this. This has been in part due to conflicting timetables we will resume for a short series on the epistle 1 Peter. We will meet following the midweek Mass at St Michael at Bowes on the following days: 14th October, 21st October, 4th November. There will then be a short break before beginning an Advent Study course on 2nd December.

Drop-In: Is again up and running and you can join us every Wednesday from 10.30am, for refreshments and company. Do come along if you can.
The drop-in will be 21 years old in November so we are planning a celebration birthday party on November 12th, watch out for more details soon.

Harvest Festival Sunday – We shall keep our harvest festival on Sunday 12th October across both our Churches. Please bring groceries and tinned goods that can be distributed at our Foodbank.

Intercessors needed – Could you join the rota for leading intercessions at the Sunday Parish Mass? Fr Ian and Fr Simon would gladly offer training and advice. Please think about it and see if God is calling you to help?

Dates Ahead: –

Sunday 12th October – Harvest Festival
Tuesday 14th October – Bowes Bible Study Resumes
Saturday 25th October – St Michael’s Annual International evening – tickets available now.
Sunday 9th November – joint Remembrance Sunday 9.30am
Saturday 15th November – Quiz afternoon