Take Home News 2nd Sunday of Advent

2nd Sunday of Advent (A)

As we continue our journey in the season of Advent, we encounter the figure of John the Baptist, a man who lived a very austere life but, like us, is waiting for the coming of Christ. He echoes the words of the prophet Isaiah: “Prepare a way for the Lord.” How are we preparing for Christ’s arrival? Just as we are getting ready to be with our families at Christmas tide, let us prepare our souls for the Messiah’s coming.

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

Christmas Arrangements

Next weekend a card will be available giving the times of all the services over the Christmas period.

The Parish Reconciliation Service will be on Monday 19th December when several priests will be available to hear confessions.

There will be carol singing around the streets on Sunday 18th December gathering in the Parish Centre at 6.30pm.

Westminster Year Book 2017

Where is Fr Oscar now? What are the Mass times in Mill Hill? When does Easter come next year? What choice do I have of Catholic Schools in the area? Answers to these and thousands more questions can be found in the 2017 edition of the Westminster Year Book, available in the porch, price £4.50.

Winter Wonderland

On Saturday, Four:12 is hosting its annual parish family Christmas social, Winter Wonderland. 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.

Annie Berrells

Please pray for the repose of the soul of Annie Berrells of Gloucester Grove who died last Tuesday. Her funeral Mass will be on Tuesday at 2pm.

First Confessions

Please pray for our First Communion children who are making their First Confession on Monday at 7pm. It is a reminder to each of us to use the Sacrament of Reconciliation. The priest is available for Confessions on Saturdays between 10.30 and 11, and between 5.30 and 6.15pm. Also, available on call if these times are not convenient.

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.

Baptism Preparation

The next session for parents who wish to have their baby baptised is on Sunday 22nd January at 4pm in the Dominic Room. Application forms are available in the sacristy.

School Signing

Fr Colin will be available to sign school forms on Saturday 17th December in the Parish Centre between 12noon and 1pm.

Places in Annunciation Nursery

Application forms for the Annunciation Nursery School can be obtained from the school or via the school website.

Senior Citizens Christmas Lunch

We will be having a second collection today to help finance the Senior Citizens Christmas Lunch which takes place on Sunday 18th December at 1pm.

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

Readers Rota 2017

Please collect your rota, if you do not receive by email at the back of the church today.

Mass Intentions 3rd to 5th January

Fr Colin is having a few days away from 2nd to 5th January. On 3rd to 5th January, Deacon Carlos will lead a Communion Service at 9am. Unfortunately, Mass Intentions have already been booked for these dates. Please could those who booked Masses for Betty Byrne on Tuesday 3rd, for Dorothy Aguzzi on Wednesday 4th, and for John Martin on Thursday 5th please contact Fr Colin or the Parish Office to rearrange these Masses. I apologise for the inconvenience.

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

Advent at the Niland Centre

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/2016/

WATCH THIS SPACE—J.D.S

A man had been driving all night and by morning was still far from his destination. He decided to stop at the next city he came to and park somewhere quiet so he could get an hour or two of sleep. As luck would have it the quiet place happened to be on a major jogging route. No sooner had he settled to snooze, than a knock came on his window, he looked out and saw a jogger running on the spot. “Yes?” “Excuse me sir” said the jogger “Do you have the time” The man looked at the car clock and answered “8.15” The jogger left and the man settled down again and was just dozing off when there was another knock on the window and another jogger. “Excuse me sir, do you have the time?” “8.25” shouted the man. More next week………...