1st Sunday of Advent (A)
Today we start a new year in the Church’s calendar and move into the season of Advent, preparation for the coming of Christ. In the first part of Advent we focus on preparation for the second coming of Christ. We are urged to be ready, to stay awake, to expect Christ’s return at any time. The readings encourage us to emerge from our slumbers and our complacency to be close to God so that when Jesus Christ returns on the last day, we will recognise him and be in a state of grace to follow him to his heavenly home.
Walk With Me
Copies of “Walk With Me” which gives daily meditations for the season of Advent are available in the porch, price £1.
Advent Litany
We will be saying this litany at the beginning of Sunday Masses during Advent, but it is a good prayer to use ourselves during the season.
Lord Jesus you are the light of the world COME LORD JESUS
You are light in our darkness COME LORD JESUS
Son of God, save us from our sins COME LORD JESUS
Bring hope into the lives of all people COME LORD JESUS
Give your peace to all nations COME LORD JESUS
Be the joy of all who love you COME LORD JESUS
Bless us as we gather here in your name COME LORD JESUS
Lord Jesus, stay with us. COME LORD JESUS
RCIA Rite of Acceptance
Today at the 12 Noon Mass, those adults who are preparing for baptism, reception and confirmation will take part in the Rite of Acceptance. Please pray for them as they journey towards the Sacraments.
Collection For Young Minds
Last Friday our Four:12 Youth Group had a sleep-out to raise funds for Young Minds. This charity supports young people and their families to face the challenges posed by adverse mental health. To donate and/or find out more you can visit www.justgiving.com/four-12 or see posters in the church. There will be a second collection after Masses today if you prefer to donate that way.
Westminster Year Book 2017
The 2017 edition of the Westminster Year Book is available in the porch, price £4.50. It gives details of all the parishes in Westminster Diocese, all the priests and deacons as well as information about schools and hospitals. There is also a Liturgical Calendar for 2017.
Advent Reconciliation Service
The Advent Reconciliation Service with several priests available for confession takes place on Monday 19th December at 7.30pm.
No Deborah Lodge Mass
There will be no Mass at Deborah Lodge in December because of work taking place in the home.
First Communion Programme
The children will take part in a Celebration Mass at 10.30am today. Please pray for them as they prepare to make their First Confession on Monday 5th December at 7pm.
Confirmation 2017
Those in Year 10 or above who wish to be confirmed next year are asked to complete a green application form and return it no later than 20th December. Confirmations will take place at the Annunciation on Friday 26th May at 7pm.
Junior School Meeting
This takes place tomorrow (Monday) in the school in The Meads at 7pm. This is for parents who wish their child to be considered for a place in September 2017, including those currently in Year 2 of the Infants School.
School Signing
Fr Colin will be available to sign school forms on Thursday between 3 and 4pm in the Parish Centre. There will also be a signing session on Saturday 17th December 12-1pm.
Places in Annunciation Nursery
Application forms for the Annunciation Nursery School can be obtained from the school or via the school website.
Parish Bazaar
Many thanks to everyone who contributed to, helped at or came to last Saturday’s Parish Bazaar. A total of £1805.62 was raised for parish funds.
There are a few good quality items such as High Chair, baby bath/buggy which can still be bought. Please contact Frances, telephone 0208 959 1081 if you are interested.
Senior Citizens Christmas Lunch
This takes place on Sunday 18th December in the Parish Centre. Application forms are available in the porch and should be returned as soon as possible as there is a limit to the numbers we can cater for. There will be a second collection next weekend to help finance this event.
Advent at the Niland Centre
Advent Day of Prayer with Bishop Emeritus John Crowley. Thursday 8 December Suggested donation £12. Please bring a packed lunch; tea & coffee provided. Places are limited: advance registration required Celebrating Christmas in Song with Sister Avril OP & friends. Friday 16 December 7.00 pm. Suggested donation £10. Followed by seasonal refreshments. Niland Conference Centre at Rosary Priory, Register at http:www.nilandconferencecentre.co.uk/events/advent-reflection-thursday-8-december-2016/
CAFOD World Gifts
As we approach Christmas and start to think about Christmas presents for family and friends, we also think about the poor. CAFOD has devised a scheme entitled World Gifts in which we can choose a gift to be sent on for us. Please take a catalogue from the porch and send your order and payment directly to CAFOD.
Counters Rota 2017
Can all those that count the weekly collection please collect their rota which is now at the back of the church today. Thank you.
Living Jesus
The autumn discussion booklet is available in the porch, price £2. As before there are six chapters which can be used either individually or in groups. Each chapter has a section for children. There are 3 groups meeting in the parish as follows:-
Sister Amy’s Group Dominic Room 11am Wednesdays
Sheelagh Benson’s Group 0208 952 0016
Vince Randall’s Group 0208 952 6994
Finance Committee
The Finance Committee meet on Thursday at 7.30pm in the Dominic Room.
Winter Wonderland
Four:12 is hosting its annual parish family Christmas social, Winter Wonderland on Saturday the 10th of December. It's a chance to celebrate the outgoing Year with a three course meal and a bit of dancing. Tickets are on sale after all masses priced at £8 for adults, £5 for Children under 16 years and free for under 5s.
WATCH THIS SPACE—J.D.S
A Nobel prize winner, an old Pastor and a boy scout were flying across the Atlantic when the pilot came bursting through the door and announced “We’ve lost both engines, and there are only three parachutes on the plane, I only received my pilot’s licence last month and I still have to serve a lot of people, I simply have to live.” With that he grabbed a parachute and jumped. The Nobel prize winner said “Just last week I received the prize for being the smartest man on earth. I have a lot of work to do for mankind, sorry, I also have to live.” He grabbed a parachute and jumped. The pastor turned to the boy and said, “Son, I have lived a long life, I have put my faith in what Jesus has done for me and I know for certain that when I die I will go to Heaven. You are young and have your whole life before you. You take the last parachute and jump.” “Not to worry sir,” the boy replied, “there’s still two chutes left, the smartest man in the world just jumped with my backpack.”