19th Sunday in Ordinary Time – 9th August 2026

August has its own distinctive rhythm. Schools are closed, many families are away, and parish life becomes a little quieter. There’s no choir for a few weeks, some of our regular activities pause, and familiar faces start to be missing from the pews. Yet the heart of parish life remains unchanged. Each Sunday the Lord continues to gather us around his table, nourishing us with his Word and Sacrament.

This Sunday’s Gospel (Matthew 14:22–33) paints a dramatic scene. The disciples are struggling against a strong headwind, their boat tossed about by the waves in the darkness before dawn. Into the midst of their fear, Jesus comes to them, walking on the water, and speaks the words they most need to hear: “Courage! It is I! Do not be afraid.” Peter steps out of the boat in faith, but when he allows the wind and waves to distract him, he begins to sink. Immediately Jesus reaches out his hand and draws him back to safety.

The first reading from Kings reminds us that Elijah does not encounter God in the strong wind, the earthquake or the fire, but in “the sound of a low whisper.” It’s a beautiful reminder that God is often found not in the dramatic, but in the quiet moments that we can so easily overlook.

St Ignatius, our parish patron, encouraged us to become attentive to God’s presence in the ordinary events of each day. August, with its slower pace, offers us just such an opportunity. Whether we’re on holiday, spending time with family, or simply enjoying a less hurried routine, we can ask for the grace to notice where the Lord is gently speaking to us and inviting us to trust him more deeply. Storms often arise in our world and in our own lives unexpectedly. News headlines can leave us feeling anxious, and personal worries can sometimes threaten to overwhelm us. Yet the Gospel assures us that Christ never abandons his people. He comes to us in the midst of the storm, extends his hand, and says, “Take courage. It is I.” May these summer weeks bring rest and renewal to you and your loved ones. And may we discover, in both the quiet breeze and the rough seas, the faithful presence of the Lord who is always walking beside us.

“Courage! It is I… Do not be afraid.”

REGISTER NOW Catechetical Classes 2026 – 2027

First Holy Communion Registration

JESUIT MISSIONS – VENEZUELA EARTHQUAKE UPDATE

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VACANCY – JESUIT INSTITUTE (JI) – ADMIN & FINANCE OFFICER

The Jesuit Institute (JI) is seeking to employ an admin & finance officer to work four days per week (salary: £27,000-£29,000 pro rata.) Application deadline: midnight on Thursday 27th August. Interviews in London on Friday 11th September 2026. For full details go to: https://www.jesuitinstitute.org/news/jesuit-institute-vacancies-august2026

FUNERALS THIS WEEK

Thursday 13^th at 12.00pm – Michael Daly, RIP.          Burial: Highgate cemetery Friday 14^th at 11:00am – Thomas English, RIP.              Burial: Islington & St Pancras cemetery

Our parish choirs are on holiday during the month of August. Our Masses will therefore be unaccompanied by music.  We wish members of our choirs a wonderful summer holiday

REPOSITORY

The repository will be closed during the month of August and will reopen in September.

PARISH SOCIAL APOSTOLATE

The parish’s social apostolate is closed for August and will reopen on Monday 7 September. Sandwiches will still be offered at the front door to anyone in need.

SAFEGUARDING

Creating and maintaining a safe environment is a shared responsibility.

Creating and maintaining a safe environment is everyone’s responsibility. Each of us plays an important role in fostering a culture of care and protection within our parish community. We are all called to help safeguard children, young people, and vulnerable adults. If you have any safeguarding concerns, please contact: our parish safeguarding representatives:
Angela Anyanwu – 07979 047550
Bernadeta Dymek – stamfordhillsg1@safeguardrcdow.org.uk

Please note, parents and carers MUST accompany their children and minors to the toilets during Mass. A child must NEVER go by his or herself.

PARISH NOTICES

Open Church – Volunteers Needed

Help keep watch Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays from 3–5pm.

Assisted Suicide – Parliamentary Bill

The Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill, which seeks to legalise assisted suicide, has returned to the House of Commons. The Bill remains deeply flawed and would have serious consequences in practice. It’s scheduled for a vote on Friday, 11 September 2026. Please contact your MP and urge them to oppose the Bill. Visit the Bishops’ Conference website or scan the QR code, as printed on the poster on the noticeboard, to access resources that will help you contact your MP, explain why the Church opposes assisted suicide, and find answers to frequently asked questions

Celebrate Festival

15–19 August at Worth Abbey. Speakers include Fr Roberto Pasolini.

WALSINGHAM – MARY, CAUSE OF OUR JOY

Saturday 19 September with Archbishop Richard Moth.

SUNDAY OFFERTORY/TITHES

Last week ending 02/08/26

Standing order & online:             £     1,955.00

Contactless:                               £      442.50

Cash                                           £   1,523.51

TOTAL:                                        £   3,921.01

Thank you for your generosity.

Ad maiorem   

dei gloriam