18th Sunday in Ordinary Time – 2nd August 2026
In this Sunday’s Gospel, Jesus feeds a vast crowd with five loaves and two fish. What begins as a moment of scarcity ends in abundance. The disciples see only what they lack. Jesus sees what can be offered, blessed, broken and shared. In his hands, what seems insufficient becomes more than enough. It’s a Gospel that gently challenges us. We often focus on what we don’t have: enough time, enough energy, enough resources. Yet Jesus invites us to begin with
what is already in our hands. When we place our lives before him, however ordinary they may seem, he is able to do far more than we can imagine.
As we move into August, the rhythm of parish life changes a little. Many families are away on holiday, our choirs take a well-earned break, and some of our regular activities pause until September. The Church feels quieter. Yet the heart of parish life remains unchanged. Day by day and Sunday by Sunday, the Eucharist continues to be celebrated, the Word of God is proclaimed, prayers are offered, and Christ continues to feed his people.
Perhaps this quieter month is itself a gift. It offers us a chance to slow down, to rest, to spend time with family and friends, or simply to notice God’s presence in places we might otherwise overlook. Whether we are travelling or staying at home, we are reminded that the Lord accompanies us wherever we are.
The miracle of the loaves teaches us that God’s generosity is never exhausted. He continues to nourish us, not only with bread but with hope, peace and the assurance that he’s always with us. May these summer weeks provide space to receive those gifts with grateful hearts. Wherever August finds you, may you find time to be renewed by the Lord who always gives us more than enough.
Parish Life & Community
REGISTER NOW Catechetical Classes 2026 – 2027
First Holy Communion Registration
Parents wishing to enrol their children for the 2026–2027 programme may register via QR code or collect a printed form
Confirmation (for 14 to 17 yr olds)
Young people wishing to prepare for the Sacrament of Confirmation in 2027, please complete an application form via the QR code or collect the printed form from the presbytery.
FR JOHN’S JUBILEE – THANK YOU!
Fr John thanks everyone for their good wishes and gifts on the occasion of his golden jubilee last week. Donations arising will be sent to Jesuit Missions and the Jesuit Refugee Service.
ST IGNATIUS FEAST DAY
A note of appreciation to everyone who brought something to share at the reception after Mass on St Ignatius’ Feast Day. It was a great testimony to the strength of our parish community. St Ignatius, pray for us!
PARISH CHOIRS ON HOLIDAY
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
Vote on 11 September 2026. Resources available via QR code.
Celebrate Festival
15–19 August at Worth Abbey. Speakers include Fr Roberto Pasolini.
Walsingham Pilgrimage
Saturday 19 September with Archbishop Richard Moth.
SUNDAY OFFERTORY/TITHES
Last week ending 26/07/26
Standing order & online: £ 795.00
Contactless: £ 321.00
Cash £ 1,687.34
TOTAL: £ 2,803.34
Thank you for your generosity.
St Ignatius Parish 27 High Road, London N15 6ND Tel: 020 8800 2121 Email: stamfordhill@rcdow.org.uk Website: www.stignatius.co.uk
Facebook: facebook.com/stignatiusstamfordhill
Instagram: instagram.com/ignatius.1540
Ad maiorem
dei gloriam