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  • News for 11th August

    I Can Forgive, But Can’t Forget …

    How often do we hear someone say that? Maybe we’ve said it ourselves.

    Of course, we all know what people mean when they say that. Sometimes it might be in the context of some truly awful experience when something has happened that is so traumatic the memory is seared into the very fabric of our lives. If a motorist’s reckless driving has resulted in the death of someone’s child, how could that possibly be forgotten? The child cannot be forgotten, so how could their death be forgotten?

    In circumstances like that the miracle is that someone could even begin to express forgiveness for the person that has caused them such horror and loss.

    But fortunately, such appalling experiences are rare. I think that in most ordinary circumstances the claim that we’ve forgiven but are unable to forget is much more problematic.

    In his letter to the Ephesians, an extract from which is our second reading this morning, St Paul is not talking about the big issues of life. He is talking about the everyday annoyances and slights that we all inflict on one another all the time – probably quite often without even realising it.

    “Never have grudges against others, or lose your temper, or raise your voice to anybody, or call each other names, or allow any sort of spitefulness.” How many of us can say that we always follow that advice?

    And yet, even though these are small, everyday things, St Paul makes a remarkable claim.

    He says that when we give in to this kind of behaviour, we “grieve the Holy Spirit of God who has marked [us] with his seal for [us] to be set free when the day comes. ”

    In other words, all these seemingly minor things are a matter of salvation. Through our baptisms, we have been marked out to receive the freedom that Jesus won for us on the cross – and we put that freedom at risk when we behave badly to one another.

    So, if a brother or sister in this church community has upset you in some way, don’t say that you’ve forgiven them, but that you can’t forget what they’ve done. Because in the rough and tumble of everyday life, holding on to the memory of every slight or offence we may feel has been done to us is a certain sign that we haven’t really forgiven the other person at all.

    Notices

    Our next PCC Meeting is on 1st September, so all PCC Members should please take note.

    Please be reminded that our Brigade will be launched in September, please pick a form at the back of church or speak to Susan, our children’s champion.

    Please support the church generously through your giving at stanselm.matthewcashmore.com/giving

    Downloads

    Bulletin for 11th AugustDownload
    Readings for 11th AugustDownload

  • News for 4th August

    Praying for the Sick

    At every mass during the intercessions, we pray for those in our parish, or otherwise known to us, who are sick.

    Sometimes, I think, praying for the sick is misunderstood. There is a danger that we might see prayer – not only prayer for the sick, but any kind of intercessory prayer – as some kind of almost magical request for hoped for outcomes, whether for ourselves, for other individuals, or for more general matters such as world peace or relief from poverty.

     But this is indeed a danger as it may lead us into serious error. Seeing prayer in this way is really a way of putting God to the test – we might appear to be saying to God, “Let’s see if you can cure my loved one’s cancer.” And if the cancer is not cured, then presumably we must conclude that God has failed.

    But we know that this is wrong. When Jesus went into the desert – that time which we remember especially during Lent – one of the devil’s temptations was that Jesus should throw himself off the top of the Temple. In Luke 4:12 we read that “Jesus answered him, ‘It is said, “Do not put the Lord your God to the test.”’”

     So, if prayer is not about magic, or putting God to the test, what is it about?

     I think it is about two things. First, intercessory prayer changes us, the people doing the praying. Theologian Mike Higton wrote that this type of prayer is “a process in which the person praying learns to stand towards situations in the world as God stands towards them.” In the context of praying for the sick we are trying to enter the love and tenderness towards the suffering person that God feels towards them. That means leaving behind our self-centredness which might really be more about our sadness and distress at the risk of losing a loved one than it is about the person who is ill.

     Second, this way of praying will, we hope, motivate us to do something about the suffering of the other person – visit them perhaps, take them a gift, help them to get the best care, for example. But it is not about challenging God to do the things we ourselves are not prepared to do. Prayer is not sub-contracting!

     So, when we ask for someone to be put on the sick list for prayer during mass, we must truly try to put ourselves in God’s shoes, as it were, and see the person in the light of God’s love, and maybe ask ourselves what we can do to help comfort them or relieve their suffering.

    Notices

    Please be reminded that our Brigade will be launched in September, please pick a form at the back of church or speak to Susan, our children’s champion.

    The Day Two Training of Brigade Volunteers is on this Saturday 10th August from 9:00am to 4:30pm, at the church hall. It is not too late to join the volunteers. Please contact Susan if you want to volunteer.

    Please note that Foodbank is currently on break.

    Please support the church generously through your giving at stanselm.matthewcashmore.com/giving

    Downloads

    Bulletin for 4th AugustDownload
    Readings for 4th AugustDownload

  • News for 28th July

    Starting BB and Girls’ Association

    Each week we work with over 750 Churches and over 20,000 children and young people aged 5 to 18 years across the United Kingdom & Republic of Ireland. We could help your Church reach out to children and young people in your community by starting a group.

    Since 1883, The Boys’ Brigade has reached out to millions of children and young people. Today we are passionate about partnering with Churches to build bridges into local communities and engage a generation of children and young people with a message of hope rooted in Jesus. Our Vision is that children and young people experience “life to the full” (John 10:10).

     Through the BB children and young people (aged 5 to 18+) get involved in local Churches by means of weekly groups, residentials, special events, community projects and training programmes. These activities are led by thousands of volunteers who are trained and supported to work as effective children’s and youth workers in a Christian context. Whilst our work is in the UK & RoI, we are part of a worldwide organisation set up and run to reach over one million children and young people.

     In 1995, 613,000 young people aged 10 to 19 were attending Church, but by 2005 this figure had dropped to 230,000. That’s a drop of 62%. Recent research also shows that 59% of Churches have no one attending between 15 and 19 years of age.

     Over recent years Churches have experienced increasing difficulties getting young people through their doors. Each week The Boys’ Brigade works with thousands of children and young people, and for many of them The Boys’ Brigade is their only connection with the Church.

     “8 years ago a lad was playing football outside the Church. He came in and had a great time. About 3 years ago he gave his life to Jesus. Since then, his brother and his mum have both come into the Church as well.”

     The Boys’ Brigade has a track record. It has a recognisable name as a safe place that parents can trust. By partnering with your Church we can help you reach out to children and young people not only in your Church but in your local community.

     We want to be your partner in outreach. Therefore as an organisation we are flexible to the needs of your Church. The Boys’ Brigade belongs to the Church, and we hope that what happens during the week will be seen as just as important as what happens at the weekend!

    Source: 

    https://boys-brigade.org.uk/starting-group

    Notices

    There will be a standing committee meeting after Mass

    Please be reminded that our Brigade will be launched in September, please pick a form at the back of church or speak to Susan, our children’s champion.

    The Day Two Training of Brigade Volunteers is on Saturday, 10th August, from 9:00 am to 4:30 pm, at the church hall. It is not too late to join the volunteers. Please contact Fr. Josiah if you want to volunteer

    Foodbank will be breaking for the summer holidays after this Wednesday.

    Please support the church generously through your giving at stanselm.matthewcashmore.com/giving

    Downloads

    Bulletin for 28th JulyDownload
    Readings for 28th JulyDownload

  • News for 21st July

    Sheep and Shepherd

    The first reading, psalm, and the gospel today all talk about sheep and shepherds. We’ll think about these images more during the homily, but there’s one point I’d like to make here. Almost all literary images are both powerful, and dangerous. Powerful because they give us ways of thinking, ways of making connections, ways of visualising complex issues with striking and memorable simplicity. But they can be dangerous for all the same reasons!

    The image of the people of Israel as sheep, used to great effect in the first reading from Jeremiah and then echoed by Jesus in the gospel as an image of the lost and vulnerable people who followed him, are both examples of the power of imagery. But they are also examples of the dangers that can result if we push the images beyond what they were intended to teach us. For instance, the image of the people who come to church as being the sheep of a flock whose shepherds are the clergy is so much part of our mental furniture that we might not notice these dangers.

    But the dangers are real. For us in the catholic tradition, one of the dangers is that parishioners can fall into the habit of thinking that ‘Fr knows best’ . And if it’s a bad idea for all of you to think that I know best, trust me – it’s an even worse idea if I start to think that I know best!

    After today’s mass we will have a meeting of the PCC. A strong PCC is essential for the proper and safe running of the parish community. It is not just an opportunity for the vicar to tell everyone what to think, or what to do. We must discuss openly and honestly, and work towards a truly shared and tested understanding of how to take our parish forward.

    I look forward to working with you as together we pursue our great commission to spread the good news of Jesus Christ – and do that in ways that are sustainable and responsibly managed.

    Fr. Stephen

    Notices

    We have a PCC Meeting on Sunday 21st July immediately after Mass.

    Please be reminded that our Brigade will be launched in September, so please sign up for your child who is 4yrs Six Months Old up to 11yrs. Please take note that it is for both boys and girls. To register your child, please contact Fr. Josiah.

    We will be updating the Prayer List at the end of the Month so please contact Susan if you want a name to be added. 

    Please support the church generously through your giving at stanselm.matthewcashmore.com/giving

    Downloads

    Bulletin-for-21st-July-Download
    Readings-for-21st-JulyDownload

  • News for 14th July

    A Little Act of Kindness

    When we travel on the bus, train, or plane, we see all kinds of people from different walks of life, and sometimes, the opportunity comes for us to help one way or the other. We meet people in supermarkets, restaurants, offices, hospitals, schools, parks, churches, places of work, etc. This portrays that none of us live in isolation; we depend on one another and must complement everyone’s efforts to improve our lives and communities. In speaking on kindness, Princess Diana said, “Carry out a random act of kindness, with no expectation of reward, safe in the knowledge that one day someone might do the same for you”. Proverbs 11:17 says, “Those who are kind reward themselves, but the cruel do themselves harm.”

    Kindness can be expressed in different ways, such as offering a cup of hot drink or a glass of water, helping with directions, giving up your seat to older people or the vulnerable on a bus, train or tram, an infectious smile which can lighten up people’s mood, giving honest advice and suggestions, responding to an urgent call for help, It is interesting to note that these acts of kindness do not come with any considerable cost but makes life better for all of us and helps to complement each other.

    That little act of kindness can positively change somebody’s life forever, brighten a person’s day, bring some joy and fulfilment to you, bring healing of mind, soul and body, and above all, very pleasing in the sight of God. Whatever we can do to express kindness, let us be encouraged to do it to God’s glory and make our communities better.

    Notices

    We have a PCC Meeting on Sunday, 21st July, immediately after Mass.

    Please be reminded that our Brigade will be launched in September, so please sign up for your child who is 4yrs Six Months Old up to 11yrs. Please take note that it is for both boys and girls. To register your child, please contact Fr. Josiah.

    We will be updating the Prayer List at the end of the Month, so please contact Susan if you want a name added. 

    Please support the church generously through your giving at stanselm.matthewcashmore.com/giving

    Downloads

    Bulletin-for-14th-JulyDownload
    Readings-for-14th-JulyDownload

  • News for 7th July

    The Vicar Writes …

    For it is when I am weak that I am strong

    First, let me thank all of you for the warm and friendly welcome you extended to me and

    Coleen at my collation and installation a couple of weeks ago. It was a lovely service, and a fitting start to my time among you.

    In this week of the general election – and as I write this, I have no idea what the result will be – it’s appropriate that our second reading should include St Paul’s famous comment on the strength that comes only through what the world sees as weakness.

    Lord Acton, a 19th century Roman Catholic politician and historian, wrote that “power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely.”  Whoever has, on Sunday, turned out to be our next Prime Minister will do well to remember this.

    But it’s not just politicians who need to be mindful of power. And, indeed, it’s not just those with power on a grand scale who need to recognise the corrupting tendency that power always, and everywhere, brings with it. We probably all know, and have experienced, the tinpot dictatorships of big fish in small ponds!

    To be installed as the vicar of a parish is hardly to have been vested with limitless power, yet priests are by no means immune to the dangers and temptations that even small-scale power can provoke.

    Priests may not be immune from, but they should most certainly strive to be resistant to, these temptations since they are called to represent Jesus Christ not only at the altar, but in all their ministry. Jesus “came not to be served but to serve” and told his disciples that “whoever wants to be first must be last of all and servant of all.”

    As I begin my work in this parish, it is my fervent prayer that I will, with God’s grace, always be your servant and never your self-appointed bossy-boots. But if, heaven forbid, I should ever forget these good intentions, I hope you will all feel free to tell me so in no uncertain terms!

    Fr Stephen

    Notices

    We are still appealing for support for the Foodbank, We currently need the following items: Tin Fish, Cereals, Long Life Milk, Sugar, Rice, Biscuits, Tea, Coffee etc.

    Please be reminded that our Brigade will be launched in September, so please sign up for your child who is 4yrs Six Months Old up to 11yrs. Please take note that it is for both boys and girls. To register your child, please contact Fr. Josiah.

    We will be updating the Prayer List at the end of the Month so please contact Susan if you want a name to be added. 

    We are grateful to all those who joined us at All Saint Hillingdon, for the Induction of our Church Wardens, Nicholas and Ruth.

    Please support the church generously through your giving at stanselm.matthewcashmore.com/giving

    Downloads

    Bulletin for 7th-July-Download
    Readings-for-7th-JulyDownload

  • News for 30th April

    Bring The Children

    Jesus quickly said in Matthew 19:14, when his disciples prevented the children from coming to Jesus so that he may lay his hands on them and pray for them, “…but Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of heaven belongs.” My parents enrolled me in the Boys’ Brigade when I was ten, and this group helped shape my life in my Christian journey. The object of the Boys’ Brigade is very ambitious, and I dare say that the group has never departed from it. “The advancement of Christ’s kingdom among Boys and the promotion of habits of Obedience, Reverence, Discipline, Self-respect and all that tends towards a true Christian manliness.” The Girls also have what they call “The Aim”, and it’s very forthright: “To help girls to become followers of the Lord Jesus Christ, and through self-control, reverence and a sense of responsibility, to find true enrichment of life.”

    Indeed, we all want our children to exhibit these traits and be able to influence other children, which will go a long way to make our society a better place devoid of all anti-social 

    behaviours we see around us. 

    God wants the children to come to him unhindered, and the little we can do as Christians, parents, grandparents, family friends, etc., is to introduce the children to these Christian groups, get them occupied with the things of God and get their steps ordered in the Lord. “Train up a child in the way he should go, And when he is old he will not depart from it.”(Proverbs 22:6). This group will be a great support to children as they grow because a child trained in the house of God can influence his peers to come along and experience the love of Christ.

    We have had two meetings with leaders of the Brigade in West London, and they are very willing to support us in establishing one in St. Anselm Church. Let us tell people about it, take some fliers and distribute them to parents and children you come across, and be an agent of evangelism. The children are the definition of the future.

    Notices

    The Bishop of Fulham will be ordaining Priests this evening, at 5:00pm. The venue is St. Andrew, Holborn.

    The Swearing-in of our New Wardens is on Tuesday 2nd July at 7 pm at All Saints, North Hillingdon.

    We will need some donations for the food bank in the coming days. Your support will be appreciated. We need the following items: Tin Fish, Cereals, Long Life Milk, Sugar, Rice, Biscuits, Tea, Coffee etc.

    Nuffield Health will be doing Health Assessments Every 3rd Wednesday of the Month here in St. Anselm during Foodbank, 12:00 – 1400—free BP Checks, Body Measurements and exercise/nutritional advice.

    Please support the church generously through your giving at stanselm.matthewcashmore.com/giving

    Downloads

    Bulletin for 30th JuneDownload

    Readings for 30th June

    https://universalis.com/20240630/mass.htm

  • News for 23rd June

    A Huge Appreciation

    We have eagerly awaited our dear Fr. Stephen to be collated and inducted to the Benefice of St. Anselm. It was not about just a Vicar but a Vicar who would love and bring us together. We are grateful to God for the life and ministry of our Vicar, Fr. Stephen George Brown and by his side his wonderful wife, Coleen. We have waited, and God has been faithful. Isaiah 40:31 is accurate: “But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.” We can now say that our strength has been renewed because we waited patiently on the Lord.

    We were not the only ones happy; Fr. Stephen and Coleen were full of smiles. Bishop Jonathan, because of the love and unity among us and how welcoming we are to all those who come through the doors of St. Anselm Church, the Mayor had heard so much about us and was happy she graced the occasion. Indeed, we all enjoyed every bit of the collation and induction. I am so proud of what we were able to do together, and we must be proud of ourselves. Oh, lest I forget, the food, the drinks and the Cake were so special, we all had enough to eat and drink. What a day!

    I would like to express my sincere thanks, along with that of our Vicar and his wife, to every person in St. Anselm who contributed to making the service a blissful one. Everything was done to the glory of God, and God will undoubtedly bless all of us.

    Fr. Stephen and Coleen will be in this parish officially on Sunday 7th, July where he will be our principal celebrant. We cannot wait for them to join us, share their experiences, worship, grow Christ’s love, and proclaim Him in Hayes.

    Fr. Josiah Myles Abadoo SSC

    Notices

    The Bishop of Fulham will ordain Deacons on Saturday, June 29th, at 11:00 a.m. and Priests on Sunday, June 30th, at 5:00 p.m. The venue is St. Andrew, Holborn.

    The Swearing-in of our New Wardens is on Tuesday, July 2nd, at 7 p.m. at All Saints, North Hillingdon.

    We will need some donations for the food bank in the coming days. Your support will be appreciated. We need the following items: Tin Fish, Cereals, Long-Life Milk, Sugar, Rice, Biscuits, Tea, Coffee, etc.

    Nuffield Health will be conducting health assessments every third Wednesday of the Month here in St. Anselm during Foodbank, 12:00 – 1400. These assessments will include free BP Checks, Body Measurements, and exercise/nutritional advice.

    Thank you to all of us for making the collation and induction of Fr. Stephen George Brown to this Benefice a success. Fr. Stephen is very grateful.

    The Hayes Town Canal Festival is this afternoon, and our Brigade Volunteers will join Fr. Josiah to distribute fliers inviting children to sign up for the St. Anselm Brigade.

    Please support the church generously through your giving at stanselm.matthewcashmore.com/giving

    Downloads

    Bulletin for 23rd JuneDownload
    Readings-for-23rd-JuneDownload

  • News for 16th June

    Collation of Our New Vicar

    God willing, on Monday, 17th June, the Bishop of Fulham, Rt. Rev. Jonathan Baker will join us in St. Anselm to Collate and Induct to this Benefice Fr. Stephen George Brown SSC. Monday is a significant day in the life of this parish, and it is a historical one as well. Fr. Stephen, as we can see in his short introduction of himself to us in last week’s pew sheet, portrays him as an outstanding and experienced servant to the church and the community we have all been called to serve. I have had several interactions with him, and I can say without mincing words that it is a joy to be around him. We cannot wait to have him here as our Vicar and show him how we love each other and stay together even in challenging times.

    One crucial thing that our new Vicar will need from all of us is our constant support, especially through prayers. Prayer is the key to spiritual growth, direction, development and success. Our new Vicar will need all this to help build the church of God. Saint Joseph (Giuseppe) Moscati once wrote, “It is necessary to pray for priests because they are so often forgotten by the living since Christians often consider that priests do not need prayers.” Fr. Stephen and his family will need our prayers to help them in their ministry here.

    We cannot wait to worship with the Bishop of Fulham as the principal celebrant, supported by the Clergy, with the Mayor of Hillingdon present. We will be hosting lovely people coming from our community and other places. This is an opportunity to show them how united, loving and welcoming we are. After the Mass, we will all eat, drink, and make new friends.

    Monday night is a huge opportunity to invite people to church and pray that most of them will join us at St. Anselm after the collation and Induction.

    Fr. Josiah Myles Abadoo SSC

    Notices

    It is the intention of the Bishop of Fulham to Collate to the Benefice of St Anselm, Hayes on Monday 17th June 2024, Fr. Stephen George Brown SSC.

    The Bishop of Fulham will be ordaining Deacons on Saturday 29th June, at 11:00am and Priests on 30th June, at 5:00pm. The venue is St. Andrew, Holborn.

    We will need some donations for the Foodbank in the coming days. Your support will be appreciated. We need the following items: Tin Fish, Cereals, Long Life Milk, Sugar, Rice, Biscuits, Tea, Coffee etc.

    Nuffield Health will be doing Health Assessments Every 3rd Wednesday of the Month here in St. Anselm during Foodbank, 12:00 – 1400. Free BP Checks, Body Measurements and exercise/nutritional advice.

    A huge thank you to all those who have accepted to volunteer in the Boys’ Brigade. Please know that the Brigade is going to be launched in September. Fliers will come up very soon.

    Please support the church generously through your giving at stanselm.matthewcashmore.com/giving

    Downloads

    Bulletin for 16th-JuneDownload
    Readings-for-16th-JuneDownload

  • News for 9th June

    Introducing the New Vicar

    My name is Fr Stephen, and I’m very much looking forward to becoming your new Vicar on 17th June.

    Fr Josiah has asked me to write a few words of introduction and to tell you a little about myself, my background, and what I’ve done in the past.

    I’m married to Coleen – this year is our 20th anniversary, so we must be doing something right! Between us we have two sons, Wendell and Jamal. Coleen works for social services with young people leaving care. She has been a very important part of my ministry at St Alphege, and I’m sure that will continue when we move here.

    I was first recommended for training to the sacred priesthood as I left university in 1974. I was told that I had to spend at least a year in the ‘real world’ before I could begin my theological studies – that moving seamlessly from school, university, theological college to ordination would not equip me for my vocation as a priest. Well, I clearly took this advice to heart as that one year in the real world became 40 years!

    I spent 20 of those 40 years in the Youth Service, first as a full-time youth worker for local authorities and voluntary organisations, and then as a Youth Officer managing full and part time youth workers and advising the management committees of voluntary youth providers in the London Boroughs of Wandsworth, and then Greenwich.

    When the Inner London Education Authority was abolished in the early 1990s, I went to work for Social Services in Greenwich, and became the head of their Information Technology Unit.

    After a few years, I moved into the social housing sector as a management information specialist, later becoming the Director of Corporate Services for a large west London housing association. I moved to Manchester as Director of Business Services for the city council’s remaining housing stock, later taking on responsibility for property management as well. This was a difficult time in the sector as there were 24 tower blocks in Manchester’s stock and I took on this new responsibility only a few weeks before the Grenfell Tower disaster – as you may imagine, the shock waves of this tragedy ran through all social housing providers.

    During my time in Manchester, I decided that 40 years was probably a sufficient real-world apprenticeship, and I went back through the discernment process and began my training for the priesthood. I trained in Salisbury and spent a couple of months studying at the Beda College in Rome – a wonderful and lasting experience.

    Since ordination I served my title in St Augustine, Kilburn and in St Mary the Virgin, Hayes, so you could say that I’m coming home! My first incumbency has been at St Alphege, Edmonton where I have served since 2019 until February this year.

    I can’t wait to meet you all, and to work with Fr Josiah and Susan as we embark on a new chapter for St Anselm. With many blessings for each and every one in the parish.

    Fr. Stephen Brown SSC

    Notices

    It is the intention of the Bishop of Fulham to Collate to the Benefice of St Anselm, Hayes on Monday 17th June 2024, Fr. Stephen George Brown SSC.

    The Bishop of Fulham will be ordaining Deacons on Saturday 29th June, at 11:00am and Priests on 30th June, at 5:00pm. The venue is St. Andrew, Holborn.

    We will need some donations for the Foodbank in the coming days. Your support will be appreciated. We need the following items: Tin Fish, Cereals, Long Life Milk, Sugar, Rice, Biscuits, Tea, Coffee etc.

    Please we would like to meet all those who would like to volunteer in the Boys’ Brigade to see Fr. Josiah after Mass.

    Please support the church generously through your giving at stanselm.matthewcashmore.com/giving

    Downloads

    Bulletin for 9th-June-Download
    Readings-for-9th-JuneDownload