33rd Sunday of Year B
St Mark’s Gospel today presents us with a vision of the Second Coming of Christ. It is described as darkness coming over the whole world and then the Son of Man appearing in his power and glory. The message for us is to be ready for this moment, a theme that will appear constantly as we move into the season of Advent. In the face of the world’s sadness we preach a crucified Christ. Jesus died, but he rose again and now lives for ever and proclaims a kingdom of mercy. We now await his second coming.
90th Anniversary of Parish
Next weekend we are celebrating the 90th anniversary of our parish. The first mass was celebrated here in December 1928. We will have a special Mass at 12 noon next Sunday. This will be followed by a reception in the Canon Smyth Parish Centre until 2.30. For this, we invite you to bring along a dish of food. We will provide the drink. During the reception, there will be a display of photographs being shown on the screen. A booklet to commemorate the occasion will be available next month.
World Day of the Poor
Today is the World Day of the Poor for which Pope Francis has asked the whole Catholic community to observe. The theme for this year is ‘this poor man cried, and the Lord heard him’. Prayer cards are available at the back of the church.
Loving God, Open our ears to hear you in the cry of those living in poverty. Open our eyes to see you in the lives of the oppressed. Open our hearts to meet you in others and to respond with mercy and compassion. Pour out on us your grace so that we may grow as your faithful people, always seeking your kingdom of truth, justice and peace. Through Christ our Lord, Amen.
Advent
The season of Advent begins on the 2nd December. Copies of the booklet ‘Walk with Me’ are available in the porch, price £1.00. They give a daily reflection right through until the Feast of our Lord’s Baptism on 13 January There are also Advent Calendars for children that are free.
We will be having a day of Exposition from 9.30am until 6.30pm on Friday 14 December. We invite you to sign up for a half-hour watching slot on a sheet on the table at the back of the church. The day will conclude with Benediction at 6.30pm.
There will be a Reconciliation Service with several priests available for confession on Wednesday 19th December at 7.30pm.
Thanks from CAFOD
CAFOD have written to thank us for the £716-53 we raised in the recent Harvest Day Collection. As a result, many more villages will have access to clean drinking water.
More Flower Arrangers Required
If you would like to help with flower arranging in the church please speak to Fr Colin. Thank you.
Junior Schools Admissions Meeting
The Annunciation Junior Schools Admissions meeting is tomorrow (Monday) at 7.pm in the Meads. This is for parents who wish their child to be considered for a place in September 2019, including those who are currently in year 2 of the Infants School.
School Signing
Fr Colin will be available to sign school forms on Tuesday between 3 and 4pm in the Canon Smyth Parish Centre, also on:
Thursday 29 November 3pm-4pm
Thursday 06 December 3pm-4pm.
Saturday 5th January 12noon—1pm.
Bereavement Mass
This takes place this Friday at 7.30pm when we remember those who have died over the last year. Refreshments will be available in the Canon Smyth Parish Centre afterwards.
More Cleaners Required
We have a happy band of people who clean the church on a Saturday morning between 8.30am and 9.30am, but we need more to join the group. If you can help, please speak to Fr Colin or just come along on a Saturday morning. Many thanks.
St James’ Senior Citizens’Christmas Party
Senior Citizens' Christmas Party is taking place at St James' Catholic High on Wednesday 5 December at 4pm. Admission by ticket only. We have been allocate 10 tickets, please let the office know if you would like any.
Recently Deceased
Please pray for the repose of the souls of GAVIN O’FLYNN , Croksley House, Edgware and KATHLEEN QUINN of Appletree Court.
Confirmations 2019
Those who are in year 10 or above are invited to apply for Confirmation. Application Forms are available in the porch and should be returned by 16th December at the latest. Sessions start in January. Bishop John Sherrington will be coming on Friday 7th June to administer the Sacrament.
Sick and Retired Priests Fund
Thank you for your generosity to the Sick & Retired Priests’ Fund collection last weekend. It’s not too late to make a donation if you wish . Envelopes are available in the back of the church. Please continue to pray for the sick and retired priests. For more information, or to make a donation, visit www.rcdow.org.uk/donations
Parish Bazaar
Many thanks to all who worked so hard at yesterday’s Parish Bazaar. Thanks too to all who contributed items and to everybody who came along.
Sleep Out
The youth of the Parish will be taking part in a sponsored sleep out on Friday 30th November, in aid of North London Action for the Homeless. To sponsor us visit www.justgiving.com/Four12-2018 Many thanks for your support! There will be a collection after Masses next weekend for those who would like to contribute that way.
Winter Wonderland
The Parish’s annual winter get together takes place on Saturday 8th December, doors open 7:15pm. Enjoy a 3 course meal and an evening of festivities. £8/adult and £5/5-16yrs. Reserve/purchase tickets after weekend masses or by emailing Four12.oak@gmail.com
‘Slaves in our City’ – Thursday 22nd November
Caritas Westminster is hosting an evening raising awareness of human trafficking and modern slavery in our communities. Bishop Nicholas Hudson will be joining us to introduce the evening which will focus on the issue of human trafficking and modern slavery, the response of the church, and practical actions you can take as a parish community. Speakers include the Metropolitan Police, the Santa Marta Group, the Medaille Trust, and Caritas Bakhita House. The event will take place on Thursday 22nd November, from 6.30pm-8.30pm, at the Church of the Immaculate Conception (Farm Street), London, W1K 3AH. Refreshments will be available from 6.00pm. Please RSVP to caritaswestminster@rcdow.org.uk