2nd Sunday of Advent
John the Baptist was the one who prepared the way for the Lord. He quoted from the prophet Isaiah, urging everyone to repent for the forgiveness of sins. By repenting of our sins, we will be able to see the Lord clearly when he comes. There will be no obstacles or crooked paths. Our Advent task is very much the same as the disciples of John the Baptist. As St Paul says to the Philippians, may we reach the perfect goodness which Jesus Christ produces in us for the glory and praise of God.
Day of Exposition
To help us reach that perfect goodness mentioned above, we are having a Day of Exposition on Friday, starting after the 9.am Mass and continuing until 6.30pm, when there will be Benediction. Many thanks to all those who have signed up for a half-hour watching period.
Advent Litany
Lord Jesus you are the light of the world COME LORD JESUS
You are the 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
First Confessions
Please pray for our First Communion Children who will be making their First Confession tomorrow (Monday) at 7.pm. Today they are taking part in a Celebration Mass at 10.30.
Christmas Arrangements
Next weekend we will be producing a card giving the times of the services over the Christmas period. This year Mass will be at Midnight.
The Advent Reconciliation Service will be on Wednesday 19th December when several priests will be available for confessions, On Sunday 23rd December there will be carol singing around the streets, gathering at the Canon Smyth Parish Centre at 6.30pm.
Junior School Carol Concerts
The Annunciation Junior School will be having a Carol Concert in the Church on Tuesday and Thursday Evenings at 6.30pm. There will be no Novena on Tuesday.
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. If you are interested please gather in the church after to 10.30 Mass next Sunday.
Good Neighbour Scheme
The Annual General Meeting of the Good Neighbour Scheme for Mill Hill and Burnt Oak will take place in the Canon Smyth Parish Centre on Monday 14th January at 7.30pm. Everybody Welcome.
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.
Four:12 – Westminster Diocesan Lourdes Pilgrimage
Friday 19th – Friday 26th July 2019, £630 per volunteer
Following the success of this year’s pilgrimage, we are once again inviting parishioners to join us in Lourdes as volunteers on the annual diocesan pilgrimage. 2019 will mark the 30th anniversary of the Westminster Diocesan Lourdes Pilgrimage, making this a very special year for the diocese. This opportunity is open to all those who are currently in Year 11 or above and there is no upper age limit for volunteers. There will be an information session for anyone interested in volunteering on the pilgrimage today (Sunday) at 1pm in the Canon Smyth Parish Centre so please do come along to find out more.
Repository
Christmas gifts, cards, and nativity sets are now on sale in the Repository.
Baptism Preparation
The next session for parents who wish to have their baby baptised will be on Sunday 20th January at 4pm in the Dominic Room.
School Governors Required
The Annunciation Infants School is looking to recruit foundation governors. If you are interested or would like to know more, please speak to Fr Colin.
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.
CAFOD World Gifts
As we begin to think about Christmas gifts to our family and friends, it is good to think about gifts for the needy throughout the world. As in recent years, CAFOD has produced a catalogue of suggestions for various gifts that can be sent from us to the needy such as water for a family, a goat, a solar lamp and many more suggestions. Please take a catalogue and make your order direct to CAFOD.
Celebrating Christmas in Song
This takes place at the Niland Conference Centre, Rosary Priory Convent 93 Elstree Road, Bushey on Friday 14 December from 7pm. Mulled wine and mince pies will be available. Admission by donation.
More Flower Arrangers Required
If you would like to help with flower arranging in the church please speak to Fr Colin. Thank you.
Rite of Acceptance
Today at the 12 Noon Mass, those in the RCIA group will be taking part in the Rite of Acceptance.
Senior Citizens Christmas Lunch
This takes place next Sunday at 1.pm in the Canon Smyth Parish Centre. There will be a second collection after Masses today to help finance the event.
Signing School Forms
Fr Colin’s next signing session for school forms will be on Saturday 5th January between 12 Noon and 1.pm in the Canon Smyth Parish Centre.
Christmas Flowers
There will be a second collection next weekend to help finance the Christmas flowers and decorations.
Appletree Court
Appletree Court in Burnt Oak Broadway are having an Open Afternoon at 2.30pm on Tuesday 11th December. Everyone is welcome.
Thank You
Nora Fitzgerald and Family would like to thank everyone for their cards and sympathy on the recent death of Peter.