Welcome to St Augustine's Parish, Manchester
33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time
‘Well done, good and faithful servant!’
The readings in this final week of Ordinary Time, Year A, remind us again of the need to be always prepared for the coming of Christ by the way we live our lives.
In the First Reading, the writer extols the virtues of the perfect wife. Although using language which reflects the practice and culture of biblical times, the passage speaks powerfully of the value and dignity of manual work, the importance of charity, and respect for all, whatever their role in life.
The Psalm speaks again of the dignity of work, of being self-sufficient, providing for one’s family, and living in awe of the Lord.
St Paul reminds us in the Second Reading that if we live our lives in the light of Christ, we have no need to fear the coming of the reign of God.
In the Gospel, Jesus uses the parable of the talents to show the importance of making best use of what we have been given for the benefit of others.
This week, we pray for those who struggle to realise where their own talents lie, and those who lack the opportunity to be recognised, valued and celebrated. We also continue to pray for peace across the world.
(With thanks to St Beuno's Outreach)
ARTWORK
Gospel: Matthew 25:14-30
Willem de Poorter (1608 -1668)
Greetings from the Jesuit Community
In September of this year the Jesuit community serving the Chaplaincy at Holy Name were asked by Bishop Arnold to also look after St Augustine's.
In so many ways it is an ideal arrangement - both churches have a long history serving this part of Manchester and it's extensive student population. So we were only too happy to agree.
Over time we plan for the churches to do more together and already we have cooperated to adjust Mass times so each church can have dignified and meaningful liturgies on Sundays and through the week.
The Jesuits might be new here at St Augustine's - and thank you for the very warm welcome! But we are of course no strangers to Manchester, arriving here in 1860 and opening the Holy Name in 1871, with only a brief period of absence between 1992 and 2012.
We look forward to being part of the life and mission of St Augustine's and on this website, which will grow and develop over time, you can read more about the Jesuits, our spirituality and our many diverse ministries in the UK and around the world.
Pope Leo's Prayer Intention for November
For the proper use of wealth
Let us pray for the proper use of wealth, that not succumbing to the temptation of selfishness, it may always be put at the service the common good and solidarity of those who have less.
Visit the website of Pray With the Pope
Visit the website of Pray As You Go for a reflection on this month's video.