Third Sunday of Advent (B)
When John the Baptist started his ministry, preaching repentance and baptising with water, there was confusion as to who he actually was. Some thought he was Elijah returned, others even thought he was the Messiah. John the Baptist had to point out he was not the Christ but one who was preparing a way for the Lord. John the Baptist pointed to Jesus Christ and this is what we have to do as members of Christ’s family.
Carol Singing around the Streets
This evening we will be carol singing around the streets. Please join us. We gather in the Canon Smyth Parish Centre at 6.30 and return later for refreshments.
Next Sunday
Next Sunday (24th December) is the 4th Sunday of Advent. We do need to attend Mass on that day, or on the evening of Saturday 23rd December, as well as a Mass for Christmas, either the evening of Sunday 24th December or on Christmas Day itself. If you have not already done so, please take a yellow card giving the times of services over the Christmas period.
Advent Reconciliation Service
On Wednesday at 7.30pm we have our Advent Reconciliation Service when several priests will be available for confession. Please use this opportunity for you to prepare a way for the Lord for Christmas.
Christmas Flowers
There will be a second collection after Masses today to help finance the purchase of Christmas flowers and plants.
TakeHomeNews
Next week’s newsletter will cover two weeks.
Four: 12
We thank Four: 12 for providing us with an excellent Winter Wonderland evening last weekend. Their hard work on planning, decorating, shopping, cooking, serving, washing up and tidying up was very much appreciated. We can truly be proud of the young people of our parish.
Four: 12 will be at it again today when they prepare the lunch for the senior citizens.
Westminster Year Book 2018
The 2018 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. For instance, you can find the whereabouts of Fr Oscar, Fr David and Fr Carlos, as well as how old they are. There is also a very useful Liturgical Calendar for 2018.
S.V.P
The SVP are distributing 12,000 Vinnie Packs containing cold weather essentials to the homeless this winter. Please could you consider sponsoring packs at a suggested donation of £3.50 per pack. Donations can be sent to Vinnie Packs, PO Box 72264, London SW1P 9EZ with cheques made out to SVP. Thank you so much for your support.
Baptism Preparation
There will be a session for parents who wish to have their baby baptised on Sunday 28th January at 4pm in the Dominic Room. Application forms are available in the sacristy.
Confirmation 2018
Today is the final day for submitting application forms for those in Year 10 or above who wish to be confirmed next year. There will be a session for their parents on Wednesday 24th January at 7.30pm in the Canon Smyth Parish Centre. The first session for the candidates is on Wednesday 31st January at 7pm. Bishop John Sherrington will be here to confirm the candidates on Friday 25th May at 7pm.
Nativity Presentation
Children are invited to take part in a presentation of the Nativity at the 6.30pm Mass on Christmas Eve, either acting or reading. Children who would like to take part are asked to gather in the church after the 10.30 Mass today.
Senior Citizens Christmas Lunch
This takes place today at 1pm in the Canon Smyth Parish Centre.
Signing School Forms
The next session for signing school forms will be on Saturday 6th January between 12noon and 1pm in the Canon Smyth Parish Centre.
Advent Litany
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
WATCH THIS SPACE: BY J.D.S
At this time in Advent I begin to panic. I’ve not finished my Christmas shopping, have I remembered everybody, have I ordered enough food? The other week I was in Brent Cross and down one of the main aisles there was a beautiful Nativity scene and I remembered earlier, two Jewish lads were giving out honey and asking you to listen to the blowing of the horn to herald their New Year, and I thought this was the way, not doing away with things, but trying to understand other faiths.
For Christians, this is a time of celebration and we have special food, presents, lights etc. A special feast and we remember ‘Jesus is the reason for the season’
The Birth of Our Lord.