15th November 2026
WORLD DAY OF THE POOR 2026
God of Justice and Mercy,
You are the refuge of the poor and the strength of the vulnerable.
On this World Day of the Poor, open our eyes to see Christ in the faces of those who are marginalised, forgotten, and robbed of bread, voice, and face.
Grant us the grace to move past indifference and the global culture of waste.
Teach us not merely to speak about the poor, but to walk poor with the poor, listening to their cry and offering our communities as a true refuge of hope, dignity, and love.
Through Christ our Lord.Amen
NEW ARRANGEMENTS FOR MASS IN CITY QUAY
Our community has begun celebrating masses in 7/8. It is of course a learning process as we adapt to our new surroundings. If we find it is too busy or crowded or something is not working we will revise our plans so that everyone is safe and comfortable as we gather for worship and prayer.
STANDING ORDER FORM
We have been advised that the banks are using new Standing Order forms. Please contact the office info@cityquayparish.com for details. Alternatively you can set up a standing order with online banking.
Holy Boldness
The Gospels include about forty parables of Jesus. According to biblical scholar Gerhard Lohfink, the parables have a common theme: the kingdom of God, which is the reign of justice, peace, and love that Jesus lived and died for.
Parables work when they surprise us, and this one does. The stakes are enormous, as one talent is equivalent to what a poor person could live on for years. The servants are given wide latitude with the money entrusted to them. The two industrious servants are praised as “good and faithful” even though they likely adopt some shady business practices, like the master. The fearful third servant is condemned for playing it safe.
This assessment seems unfair until we remember that the parable is not about business ethics but about the reign of God. A good and faithful servant overcomes fear and takes risks for the sake of the kingdom, which demands bold action. There is too much at stake to delay and play it safe. The third servant is too fearful to realize God’s dream for the world in any meaningful way.
We are called to holy boldness. This may mean doing something dramatic, but it usually means doing ordinary things in a loving way, or with great passion and creativity. Maybe it means speaking up or having a difficult conversation we’ve been avoiding. Maybe it means taking on a project long delayed, or spending time with someone usually overlooked….Regardless of our response, we are called to get busy and reclaim a sense of urgency that God’s reign demands.
Fr. Kevin O’Brien SJ
Parable of the Talents ~ Paul Oman