2nd SUNDAY OF Advent (A)
John the Baptist is a significant character on our Advent journey. Today he appears in the Gospel urging everyone to repent in preparation for the appearance of the Lord. This is a plea that we should take up as did the followers of John the Baptist in his time. He built up excitement for the appearance of the Messiah by saying that while he baptises with water, the one who is to come will baptise with the Holy Spirit. In these weeks before Christmas, we need to look into our lives to see what needs to be changed and so welcome the Lord anew when we celebrate his birth.
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
The Children preparing for First Holy Communion will be making their First Confession tomorrow Monday at 7.pm. Please pray for the children making this important step towards receiving the Eucharist. Today (Sunday) they will be taking part in a celebration Mass at 10.30.
The Immaculate Conception
The Feast of the Immaculate Conception of Our Lady had been transferred from the 8th to Monday 9th December this year. Mass will be at 7.30am.
Christmas Arrangements
Next week we will be issuing a Christmas card giving all the arrangements for the Christmas services. Please note that the night Mass on Christmas Eve will be at 10pm this year and that on Wednesday 18th December there will be a Reconciliation Service with several priests available for confession.
Baptism Preparation
The next session for parents who wish to have their baby baptised will be on Sunday 19th January at 4.00pm in the Dominic Room.
Westminster Year Book 2020
The 2020 edition of the Westminster Year Book is available in the porch price £4.50. It gives useful information about priests, parishes, schools and organisations in the Westminster Diocese together with a liturgical calendar for the year.
No Novena this Tuesday
There will be no Novena to Our Lady of Perpetual Help this Tuesday as the Annunciation Junior School is holding a Carol Concert in the church.
Rite of Acceptance
At the 12 Noon Mass next Sunday, those in our RCIA group will be taking part in the Rite of Acceptance, the first stage towards receiving the Sacraments next Eastertide.
Carol Singing
There will be carol singing around the streets on Sunday 22nd December. Please gather in the Canon Smyth Parish Centre at 6.30pm. We will return later for refreshments.
Day of Exposition
On Friday we have a day of Exposition in the church from 9.30am, concluding with Benediction at 6.30pm. This is an opportunity for us to prepare for the coming of the Lord, preparing the Way.
The Year of the Word
In this Year of the Word, Pope Francis has announced that the 3rd Sunday of Ordinary time each year will be known as the Sunday of the Word of God. Next year this falls on 25th/26th January. On this day we invite our parish readers to be commissioned at whichever Mass they attend. There will be a meeting for parish readers and anyone who would like to become a reader on Thursday 23rd January at 8.pm in the church.
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 to the needy such as a goat, a pig, a vegetable garden and a sewing kit. Please take a catalogue and make your order direct to CAFOD.
Youngsters Choir
Children, Youngsters, Teenagers are being invited to come and join for a new Youngster's Choir Initiative for the 12 noon mass on second Sunday of every month. Before we get going with it, we would need a few practice sessions with them. The practice has already begun and is taking place in the church on all Sundays from 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm. Please support this initiative by sending the kids for the practice sessions. For any queries, please speak to Fr. Colin or contact Nancy Joseph - 07459436414. We look forward to meeting you.
Confirmation 2020
Next Sunday is the final day for submitting confirmation application forms. This is for those in year 10 or above who wish to join the programme which starts with a session with the parents on Wednesday 29th January at 7.30pm in the Canon Smyth parish Centre. Seven sessions for the candidates start in February. Bishop John Sherington will be here on Friday 22nd May to administer the Sacrament.
Kanyike Project
Many thanks for your contributions to the Kanyike Project following Fr Kakuba’s appeal last weekend. A total of £1020.13 was raised.
Senior Citizens Christmas Lunch
This takes place next Sunday in the Canon Smyth Parish Centre starting at 1.pm. Application forms must be handed in by today please.
Lately Dead
FLOR CARRANZA, Nurse Close.
Repository
Christmas stock now available, come look and buy!
90th Anniversary of Affiliation to the Guild of St Stephen
This year marks the 90th anniversary of the affiliation of the altar servers of this parish to the Guild of St Stephen. To mark the occasion, the servers will be celebrating with their annual St Stephen’s Day Mass on Thursday 26th December at 10.30am, followed by a reception in the parish centre. All are welcome. We extend a special invitation to all former servers – please take a flyer from the back of the church and spread the word to any family members or friends who have served in the parish in the past, particularly those who may be visiting over the Christmas period.
Pilgrimage Holy Land
14-21st May to the Holy Land. 4 places left £1333 per person in shared accommodation. If interested or for more information please contact Fr Carlos at Bishop Stortford Parish 01279 654063.
Private Tuition-Tutorial College London
Maths, English, Science, Economics and Business. 11+, SATs, GCSE and A-Level. Call us today! 07493 819640 group bookings available.
Year of the Word Scripture Quote
If the spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, then he who raised Jesus from the dead will give life to your own mortal bodies through His Spirit living in you. Romans 8:11
Prepare in the wilderness a way for the Lord, make a straight highway for our God across the desert. Isaiah 40:3
Weddings in 2020
Couples who wish to be married in this church next year or require us to prepare them for their marriage elsewhere, please get in touch with Fr Colin.
Come and Journey through Advent with Mary
On Saturday, 14th December from 10.00am to 3.00pm, there will be a day of reflection and prayer at St. Roses, 160, Anson Road, Cricklewood, NW2 6BH, led by The Dominican Sisters, with the theme of: “Come and Journey through Advent with Mary”. A light lunch will be provided.
Thursday, 19th December will be the last Holy Hour at St. Roses for 2019.
It will conclude with a Carol Service and some refreshments.