3rd SUNDAY OF Advent (A)
‘Rejoice in the Lord always: again I say, rejoice. Indeed, the Lord is near.’ These words form the Entrance Antiphon of today’s Mass set the scene for the theme of Gaudete Sunday. We long for the Lord to come into our lives in a new way at Christmas. The prophet Isaiah expresses this joy in the blind being able to see, the deaf hear, the lame leap and the dumb sing. This joy is basically because the Lord is coming to save us. John the Baptist was another who stirred the people to prepare a way for the coming of our Saviour.
Reconciliation Service
An excellent way of preparing for the Saviour’s coming is to go to the Sacrament of Reconciliation. On Wednesday, we will be having a Reconciliation Service with several priests available for confession at 7.30pm.
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
Christmas Arrangements
Please take a Christmas card giving all the arrangements for the Christmas period. Please note that the Night Mass on Christmas Eve will be at 10.pm this year.
Rite of Acceptance
At the 12 Noon Mass today, those in our RCIA group will be taking part in the Rite of Acceptance, the first stage towards receiving the Sacraments next Eastertide.
Senior Citizens Christmas Lunch
This takes place today in the Canon Smyth Parish Centre at 1.pm
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.
Carol Singing
Next Sunday we will be carol singing around the streets, gathering in the Canon Smyth Parish Centre at 6.30pm and returning for refreshments.
Winter Wonderland
Very many thanks to the members of Four:12 who provided an excellent evening last Saturday for the Winter Wonderland meal and social. They worked very hard to prepare the evening and gave much time to clear up afterwards.
Confirmation 2020
Today is the final day for submitting application forms for those who wish to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation next year. There will be a session for parents of candidates on Wednesday 29th January at 7.30pm in the Canon Smyth Parish Centre. There will be 7 sessions for the candidates, starting on Wednesday 5th February at 7pm. Bishop John Sherrington will be here on Friday 22nd May to administer the Sacrament.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Christmas Posters
The Knights of St Columba have produced some colourful posters with the words ‘Keep Christ in Christmas’. Please take one and put it up in your window.
Takehomenews
Next week’s newsletter will cover two weeks.
Year of the Word Scripture Quote
‘Look God is coming, He is coming to save you’. Isaiah 35:4
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.
Lately Dead
ARTURO CRUZ FLORES (Uncle of Joey)
Repository
Christmas stock now available, come look and buy!
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.
St Michael’s Catholic Grammar School North Finchley
Canteen Supervisor, 30 hours per week, 39 weeks per year, Grade D (£22,377 to £23,607 FTE) Actual salary £16,328 to £17,225 (8am to 2.30pm each day - occasionally hours will vary in accordance with the needs of the school.) Required as soon as possible. Closing date: Wednesday 15th January 2020 – interviews take place week commencing 20th January. Job Description Application & form available on school website – please email to applications@st-michaels.barnet.sch.uk
Caritas Westminster
Caritas Westminster is recruiting at least one Representative for Social Outreach from each parish to help communication between the Parish and Caritas to support and grow charitable activities. They will help to display posters, flyers, speak in Masses, learn about new tools and models for social action and share best practice between parishes. If you would like to become a Caritas Representative, please first obtain consent from your Parish Priest, then contact us on 020 7931 6077 or email caritasreps@rcdow.org.uk
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