First Sunday of Advent Year C 2024
Advent: A Season of Watchfulness, Expectation, and Penance.
Advent season is a privileged moment when we prepare for Christmas, Jesus’ first coming which immediately directs our hearts to anticipate his second coming at the end of our lives. This season is marked by joyful gratitude for what God has accomplished in Christ and a hopeful anticipation of our perfect union with him in Glory.
It is also penitential. Thus, we prepare our hearts for Christ to be born anew in us. Through prayers, almsgiving, and loving service to others, we open ourselves to God’s self-giving love revealed at Christmas.
The Advent wreath symbolises this journey, with its evergreen branches signifying eternal life and its circular shape representing the vastness of God. The first purple candle, lit this Sunday, is the candle of Hope, reflecting the Old Testament prophecies of the Coming Messiah (Jesus) awaited by God’s people, who unfortunately could not recognise him when we finally came. Jesus is the One Jeremiah’s prophecy in this Sunday’s first reading called the Virtuous Branch.
To avoid missing our time of visitation, the Gospel urges us to remain watchful and ready lest our hearts be weighed down. It assured us of Christ’s triumphant return in glory.
However, as we await Christ’s coming, St Paul tells us to live in holiness and love, persevering through trials. Lord, help us to await your coming. Amen
You can access Fr Chinedu's full audio reflection on Purifying Word or Spotify.
Happy Sunday
Fr Chinedu
PLANNED GIVING DRIVE
Week 2 Treasure our past and shape our future. Members of the finance committee will be sharing information about our parish finances.
ADVENT SERVICES 2024 Annunciation church
Please take one of our orange cards from the back of the church with the Advent Service timings
Weekly reflection 7pm-8pm Friday 06 December, Friday, 13 December & Friday 20 December
Advent Penitential Service Friday 13 December 7pmCarol Service Sunday 22 December 6.30pm
BAPTISM PREPARATION
There will be a preparation session for parents who wish to have their baby baptised on Sunday 5th January at 4pm in the church.
SENIOR CITIZENS' CHRISTMAS LUNCH
This year’s Christmas Lunch takes place on Sunday 15th December at 1pm in the Canon Smyth Parish Centre. Please retain the top sheet for your information and return the application form by Sunday 8th December
CONFIRMATION APPLICATIONS FOR 2025
Application forms for those in Year 10 or above who would like to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation next year are available at the back of the church. Please return the form to the presbytery by 15th December.
MISSIO
The collection this month has raised £525.95 for the Missio red boxes. The total this year you have raised is £1133.49. Thank you all so much for your generosity.
NEW LECTIONARY
A new edition of the Lectionary, the book which contains the readings which are proclaimed at Mass, will come into use in England and Wales today the First Sunday of Advent 2024.
A DAY WITH MARY ST GEORGE'S CATHEDRAL SOUTHWARK
On Saturday 14 December (10.15am to 5.15pm). Mass will be celebrated by the Archbishop of Southwark Diocese, John Wilson. Further information is available at https://www.adaywithmary.org/ or https://eventcatholic.com/
SACRED HEART AND MARY IMMACULATE MILL HILL
Parish Christmas Fair on Saturday 14th December at 12 Noon.
ST ROSES, CRICKLEWOOD NW2 6BH
On Saturday 14th December from 10.00am to 3.00pm led by Sr. Avril foster op, a light lunch of soup and rolls will be provided
CAROLS BY CANDELIGHT
St Dominic’s 6th form College Tuesday 17th December 6pm. Mount Park Avenue, Harrow on the Hill, HA1 3HX.
PARISH VOLUNTEERS
The Diocese has asked for the above people to complete the Rota Consent Form. They can be found on the table in the porch. Please complete and return in the brown envelope marked Susan Office and give it to one of the priests.
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