On this holy day we gather to honour the Communion of Saints, those glorious witnesses who, from every age and nation, behold the face of God and continue to intercede for us. This Sunday we celebrate the Feast of All Saints, a solemn reminder that the life of grace is universal, that it transcends time, place, and station, and that the treasure of holiness is not reserved for a few but offered to all who seek to be faithful and trust in divine grace. The Church Militant on earth and the Church Triumphant in heaven are one grand, indivisible body. In the words of Holy Scripture and the teaching of the Fathers, we are united with the saints in charity and prayer. The saints are our exemplars: they lived in faith, hope, and charity; endured trials with patience; and robed themselves in virtues that shine as beacons for our daily Christian walk. Our devotion to the saints is not superstition but a glorious assent to God’s plan - that He calls some to heroic virtue in this life and, by His grace, grants eternal life to all who persevere. The Church’s liturgy this day is one of solemn praise and hopeful thanksgiving. We hear the ancient vigil of the triumph of Christ, the victory of grace over sin, and the eternal joy that is prepared for those who truly love Him. We recall the Beatific Vision promised to the saints: to see God as He is, to know Him, to love Him perfectly, and to dwell in His presence forever. Parish Practices for the Day Mass: Participate fully, reverently, and actively, especially at the Eucharist, which makes present the living Memorial of Christ’s saving work. Prayers: Offer the Our Father, Hail Mary, and the Glory be as acts of unity with the faithful departed and with the saints. Remembrance: In a spirit of holy reverence, remember the souls of the departed with prayers and offerings, trusting in God’s mercy. Communion of the Saints: Let us receive with humility the grace to imitate the saints in our daily duties - family life, work, and service to the poor and vulnerable. Simple, Timely Reflections for Home and Hall The saints are not distant strangers but friends in the Christian faith who intercede for us. Ask for their prayers with childlike trust. Holiness is accessible to all: cultivate humility, purity of intention, diligence in prayer, and fidelity to God’s commandments. The calendar of the Church does not separate us from the saints; it invites us to walk with them, so that our earthly pilgrim journey may lead to heavenly glory. A Prayer for the Day O God, who hast not only created the universe but invited us to share in Your divine life, grant us the grace to follow the example of Your saints with cheerful fortitude. May we, through their intercession and Your mercy, persevere in faith, hope, and charity, until we come to share eternal joys in Your heavenly Kingdom. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. So dear Brothers and Sisters, may the saints, faithful members of Christ’s Body, guide us to grow in holiness. Let us honour them with our prayers, imitate their virtues, and look forward with firm hope to the day when we shall rejoice together with them in the eternal heavenly City, standing in the light of God’s glory. In our Saviour Jesus Christ, Father Victor Bullock THE WEEK AHEAD 2nd November THIS SUNDAY - THE FEAST OF ALL SAINTS Lauds (Morning Prayer) at 9.15 am. FESTAL MASS at 10.00 am. 3rd November MONDAY - THE FEAST OF ALL SOULS Low Mass with the Blessing of those that Rest in our Churchyard at 12 noon. SUNG REQUIEM MASS at 7.00 pm. 4th November TUESDAY Low Mass at 6.30 pm. 5th November WEDNESDAY Lauds (Morning Prayer) at 9 am. Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament at 11.45 am. Low Mass at 12.15pm. 6th November THURSDAY Lauds (Morning Prayer) at 9 am. Low Mass at 10.00 am. 7th November FRIDAY Lauds (Morning Prayer) at 9 am. Low Mass at 10.00 am. (B.C.P. / English Missal) 8th November SATURDAY - EXTERNAL PARISH FEAST OF SAINT MARTIN OUR PATRON Lauds (Morning Prayer) at 9 am. SOLEMN FESTAL MASS at 12 noon. Followed by Buffet Reception. 9th November SUNDAY - REMEMBRANCE SUNDAY Lauds (Morning Prayer) at 9.15 am. PARISH REQUIEM MASS and ACT OF REMEMBRANCE at 10.00 am. TEA AND COFFEE IS AVAILABLE AFTER MASS ON SUNDAYS - DO JOIN US FOR FELLOWSHIP. PARISH NEWS ALL SOULS DAY We will be keeping this on Monday 2nd November with a Mass at 12.15 pm and a Sung Mass of Requiem at 7.00 pm. We remember all who have died and commend them to the love and mercy of God that they may rest in peace and rise in glory. There is a sheet at the back of Church for names to be read out and commemorated at the Masses on that day. BONFIRE NIGHT PARTY This takes place at the Vicarage this Wednesday 5th, November starting at 5.30 pm and finishing at 7.30 pm. All are welcome. Bonfire, Fireworks and plenty of Food and Drink. Only £4.50 for Adults and £3.50 for Children. Tickets available from Father Victor. OUR PATRONAL FESTIVAL IN HONOUR OF SAINT MARTIN On Saturday 8th November we will be keeping our Patronal Festival with a SOLEMN FESTAL MASS at 12 noon which will be followed by a Buffet Reception. On Tuesday 11th November, (the actual date of the Feast), the celebrations continue with the Firing of the Fenny Poppers in Leon Recreation Ground at 12 noon, 2 pm and 4 pm. This is followed by FESTAL VESPERS (Sung Evening Prayer) in Church at 6.45 pm. At 7.30 pm the BROWNE WILLIS PARISH DINNER at the Tuk Tuk Thai Restaurant takes place. (A List to sign up for this can be found on the table at the back of Church). Join us in Celebrating our Parish Patron Saint. SAINT MARTIN’S LIFE Martin was born circa 316–336 in Sabaria (now Szombathely, Hungary) to a Christian mother and a Roman soldier father. He was press-ganged into the Roman Legions and served in the army from a young age. While serving as a soldier in Amiens, France, Martin famously cut his cloak in two to share with a shivering beggar. That night he dreamed of Christ, who spoke, “Martin, yet a catechumen has covered me with this cloak.” He was baptized shortly afterward. After leaving the army, Martin founded a monastery and became a prominent missionary in Gaul. He established the church at Tours and played a key role in promoting monasticism and evangelization among the Frankish tribes. Around 371, Martin was elected bishop of Tours, a position he held for about 25 years. He was known for his pastoral care, miracles, and leadership in consolidating Christianity in the region. Martin died on November 8, circa 397 in Tours, France. He became one of the most venerated saints in Western Christianity, widely celebrated for his generosity and humility. His feast day is November 11th. His legacy influenced monastic reform and the spread of Christianity throughout Gaul. SAINT MARTIN, OUR PATRON, PRAY FOR US. THAT WE MAY BE MADE WORTHY OF THE PROMISES OF CHRIST. AMEN. OUR HALF HOUR BIBLE STUDY GROUP ON SUNDAY This is a regular meeting that takes place after Sunday Mass and Coffee every week - Father Tunji leads us to reflect more closely on the Holy Scriptures, which are one of God’s most precious gifts to us. Bibles texts will be supplied. FROM THIS WEEK THE BIBLE STUDY MEETS IN THE LIBRARY IN THE CHURCH, BY THE CHAPEL OF OUR LADY OF WALSINGHAM. CONFESSIONS - As well as Saturday mornings, the Sacrament of Confession can be celebrated 20 minutes before any of the Weekday Masses and immediately afterwards. Please speak to Father Victor, Father Ian or Father Tunji. REPOSITORY - OUR PIETY STALL This is open before and after Mass on Sundays and weekdays selling a wide range of items from religious cards, rosaries, books, crucifixes and icons to mugs, fridge magnets, church diaries, pens and note books. THE PROCEEDS OF EVERYTHING WE SELL ON OUR PIETY STALL GOES TOWARDS WELL NEEDED CHURCH FUNDS. Items can be seen in the glass case by the font at the back of church and in the glass case in the Vestry Hall. Please take a look. OUR SUNDAY SCHOOL usually takes place each and every Sunday during school term time. If you have children between the ages of 5 - 12 they will always be most welcome from 10 am in the Vestry Hall. SUNDAY SCHOOL MEETS AGAIN ON SUNDAYS. FATHER VICTOR IS ALSO BROTHER CUTHBERT OF THE BENEDICTINE COMMUNITY OF THE HOUSE OF INITIA NOVA - WHAT’S THIS ABOUT? We are a Christian and monastic community officially recognized by the American Episcopal Church (our Sister Church in the United States). This means we are an officially recognised community of the worldwide Anglican Communion. And may be its for you. What are you looking for? Does life seem like one distraction after an other – and yet the end is never insight? Does one’s history keep you from becoming more? Do you yearn to live a more intentional, Christian life? If any of these ring true, you may be the perfect inquirer into Religious Life. If you are someone who desires a Contemplative life, God – You – Community; centered in prayer, dating back 1,500 plus years yet speaking to contemporary life: this Benedictine House may be what you are looking for!! Members are found in the United States, England, Scotland, Cuba, Australia. For more information: houseofinitianova@org Motherhouse is in Ponce, Puerto Rico. Abbot Michael-John Austin – Superior – tel:2816304842 So, if you are interested in knowing more, please speak to Father Victor / Brother Cuthbert. IF YOU HAVE ANY PRAYERS or Mass intentions you would like me to offer at Mass or if would like someone added to our parish prayer list of the Sick or Departed. My contact details are as follows: Telephone: 07714190663 Email: Vicarstmartin@outlook.com I am also available in person during Surgery Hour on Saturday’s in Church between 10.30am - 11.30am. THE SACRAMENT OF CONFESSION AND RECONCILIATION is also available at this time. Please continue to remember the following in your prayers: For a good keeping of our Patronal Festival. For Blessings on our Parish family as we seek to grow our Church. For our Church community, that we may continue to grow into the likeness of Our Lord through worship, prayer and service. For our Parish that we may emulate him in our faithfulness to the Gospel and its proclamation and to the care of our brothers and sisters in their need. For our Youth Group and all our young people that the Lord may fill their hearts with living faith that they may serve Him faithfully in worship and in service. For our Bishop Paul and all the Parishes that look to him in the See of Oswestry. For our Sunday School and for the children attending. That the gifts of the Holy Spirit may be ours so that we may grow our Parish and serve the people of Fenny and Bletchley more effectively. For the successful implementation of our ‘Growing Healthy Churches’ initiative. For a deepening of our faith and a greater commitment to Christ. For the strength to remain firm in our Christian faith and to give witness to it through our own example. For the people of Israel and Palestine and for an ending of the conflict there. For an end of war in the Ukraine and in Gaza and the Holy Land and the re-establishment of Peace. That we may continue to remember, the needs of those so less fortunate than ourselves. For those at school, college or University, that they may be kept safe and well. For those who work, particularly those who have families or other dependents. For our Government, that we may see increased integrity within the world of politics. For peace to reign within our homes and between one another. For the elderly, housebound and those living in residential and nursing homes. For our Ambulance Service and for our other Emergency Service Staff and for Milton Keynes Hospital and all who work there. For Father Victor, Father Ian, Father Tunji and for all parish clergy as they seek to continue to make present in our midst the Sacrifice of the Holy Mass, the other Sacraments of Christ and offer continuing Pastoral care. For our Monastic Community of the House of Initia Nova of the Order of Saint Benedict and for its Motherhouse in Ponce, Puerto Rico. For it’s Abbot, Michael-John Austin, for all of the community and for those new to its life. For the Sick: For Ward Bullock, Yvonne and Denis Simpson, Gary and Helen Ashby, Heather Burke, June Reid, and Nicola Monaghan. For the Departed: For Rose-Anne Butler and for Elizabeth Green, Arthur Parkins, Dorothy Broderick, Gillian Strawniczy, Alice Downes, Arthur Kemp, Mary Wilford, Muriel Hover, Ada Osborne and all the recently departed, and for all whose whose anniversaries fall at this time. Rest eternal grant unto them, O Lord. And let Light Perpetual shine upon them. As we begin this new week, Blessings on you and your families. Father Victor (Brother Cuthbert)