Paul Kouba, son of Cheryl and Luc, was tragically killed in an accident in the United States last week; Paul was 23 years old. Both Luc and Cheryl Kouba are teachers, teaching at the International School and the European School respectively, and along with Amelie are resident in Mamer. Paul’s funeral is being organised in the United States. There will be a memorial Mass at St Alphonse on Saturday 15th November at 11:00 —  all are welcome. Please keep Paul and his family in your prayers at this very sad time. May Paul Rest in Peace.

Fr Ed

The Conférence Saint-Yves is hosting a conference entitled ‘Les Religions, Le Sacré et le Mystère de la Liberté‘. The speaker is S. E. Monsieur Thomas Antoine, Ambassadeur de Belgique. The conference will take place on 23rd October at 19:30 at the Centre Jean XXIII. Full details may be found in the poster.

Fr Ed

The Extraordinary Synod on the Family, meeting in Rome this month, has released a statement outlining its deliberations and conclusions. This document will be discussed in the General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops scheduled for October 2015. The statement demonstrates the wide-ranging nature of the debates, the tension between theological reflection and pastoral need and practice, and represents a substantial change in tone from previous Church documents — though not, it is at pains to point out, in doctrine. The full text (at present available in unofficial translation) is well worth reading, and can be found here. The text is taken from the Vatican website. Especially interesting is the realistic, informed picture of the reality of family life today throughout the world; discussion of Civil Partnerships, Co-habitation before, and instead of, marriage; the pastoral care of divorced and divorced-remarried people; the position of homosexual individuals, couples and families in the life of the Church. Clearly the official beginning of a vital discussion for our Church, and to be welcomed as such. Fr Ed

28th Sunday Ordinary Time Year A Today’s Readings First Reading  Isaiah 25:6-10a  The rich blessings which await those the Lord saves. Second Reading Philippians 4:12-14, 19-20  All that Paul can do is due to God’s strength. Gospel Matthew 22:1-10 In accepting God’s invitation, we find life. MUSIC This week we will be continuing with the Belmont Mass setting. The musical notation, along with the hymn numbers, is printed on the inside of the Mass leaflet. Opening Hymn: Holy, holy, holy Lord God almighty  468 Penitential Rite Belmont Mass Gloria  Belmont Mass Psalm sung; refrain: His goodness will follow me always, to the end of my days Creed said Gospel Acclamation Belmont Preparation of the Gifts  Blest are you, Lord  603 Sanctus  Belmont Mass Agnus Dei Belmont Mass Holy Communion  Alleluia, alleluia, give thanks to the risen Lord   268 Recessional  I danced in the morning  765 Prayer of the Faithful Praying especially for: Saturday: Eddie McMahon (lately dead) Sunday: Laura Walsh (1st anniversary) Next Sunday 19 October Kitty Hogan, month’s mind (mother of Anne Ryan)

Registration for First Holy Communions continues next Sunday, 19 October after the 11:15 Mass. Registrations will take place in the Parish Meeting Room (formerly the scout building) in the garden of St Alphonse, opposite the church. Candidates must have reached their 8th birthday by 1 January 2015, and be members of the parish (unless by special arrangement with Fr Ed). Both of these requirements will be rigorously adhered to. There is subscription of €60 per child to cover the cost of books and other expenses for Preparation and the celebration day in June next year.

Additionally registration may be completed online via the First Holy Communion website.

Fr Ed