33rd SUNDAY OF YEAR B
We are approaching the end of the Church’s Year and at this time and as we move into Advent, we turn our minds to the last days, the second coming of Christ. The readings today give a dramatic and rather frightening description of what will happen. The sun darkening and the moon losing its brightness. The significance here is the appearance of the Son of Man. It is He who will rescue us and bring us to our destiny. The point of all this is to urge us to be ready for the last days, to be ready for our own personal death. So, in the next few weeks we will be reflecting on how we can be ready for that time. We should also build up a longing for the appearance of Jesus Christ himself.
WORLD DAY OF THE POOR
The theme for this year’s World Day of the Poor, which we keep today is ‘for the poor you have always with you’. The words are those of Jesus at the anointing in Bethany just before the Passion. There will always be poverty and injustice of some kind but we are called to reduce its impact wherever we can. Pope Francis says that the encounter with the poor is more than just charity, or acts of benevolence, important as they are. Our encounter with the poor should be a genuine sharing, an establishment of community, a desire to get to know those who have been invisible to us. Furthermore, we are called upon to challenge the structural courses of poverty. Material poverty in our society can be seen through the increasing need for foodbanks. But there are other types of poverty—isolation and loneliness, homelessness, modern day slavery, trafficking, relational poverty, the experience of being abused or the victim of violence. There circumstances are often drivers of material poverty.
COP 26 PRAYER
Some children have composed the prayer below as a result of the COP 26 Climate talks which have now finished.
Dear God, We pray for the world leaders.
Give them strength to make difficult decisions.
Let everyone around the world work together to make
our planet happy and healthy.
Help us to learn about our world so that we can
make good choices, like planting trees, walking to school,
buying local food, turning off lights and recycling
our old clothes and toys.
Together we can heal the amazing world you make for us. AMEN
PARISH COUNCIL MEETING
The Parish Council meet this Thursday at 7.45pm In the Canon Smyth Parish Centre.
SYNODAL PATHWAY
Thank you for answering the questions to this over the last two weeks. This weeks answer should be put on an ORANGE post-it note on the board by the statues. The question is:
WHAT PARTICULAR ISSUES IN THE CHURCH AND SOCIETY DOES THE CHURCH NEED TO PAY MORE ATTENTION TO?
Thank you.
The Passage Working with Homeless People
The Passage, a Christian Charity working with homeless people, is holding a fundraising concert at the Royal Festival Hall on Thursday 25 November on the theme Bohemian Rhapsody, featuring popular works by Dvořák, Mahler and Smetana. The performers include Andrei Ioniță, Cello; Anush Kovhannisyan, Soprano; Streetwise Opera; Toby Purser, Conductor; and the Orion Orchestra. Full details and booking at https://passage.org.uk/night-under-the-stars-2021/ or telephone 020 75921856.
SICK AND RETIRED PRIESTS’ FUND
Thank you for so generously supporting the Sick & Retired Priests’ Fund collection last weekend. Our priests give us years of dedicated service and it is only right that, together , we ensure they live out their days with the care they need. If you didn't get the chance to donate, it’s not too late. Envelopes are still available in the back of the church, and you can give online at www.rcdow.org.uk/donations. Thank you again. Please keep our sick and retired priests in your prayers.
FLOWER ARRANGING
Many thanks for those who arrange flowers for the church. We need more helpers. If you would like to assist, please have a word the Fr. Colin or Fr. David. Flowers are normally prepared on a Saturday morning.
Baptism Preparation
There will be a session this afternoon (Sunday) for parents who wish to have their baby baptised at 4pm in the church.
Recently Deceased
Please pray for the repose of JAMES TISDALL whose cremation takes place on Tuesday, for PAT ROBERTS whose funeral Mass will be on Tuesday 23rd November at 11am. And for MARK JOHN whose funeral takes place at 10.30 on Monday 29th November, whose body will be brought to the church on Sunday 28th at 5pm May they rest in peace.
CONFIRMATION PROGRAMME 2022
Application forms for those who wish to be confirmed next year are available on the table at the back of the church. They are in a blue colour. Please return the form to the presbytery no later than 5th December. The programme starts in January and Bishop John Sherrington will minister the confirmation on Thursday 12th May at 7pm, with the following Thursday as a reserve date if numbers are high
REMEMBERENCE SUNDAY
Today is remembrance Sunday when we remember those who have lost their lives at war. There will be a 2– minute silence during the 10.30 Mass.
BLESSING OF THE GRAVES
The blessing of the graves at Hendon Cemetery takes place next Sunday, 21st
November, at 2.pm. Father Colin & Father David will be available.
FOODBANK FOR THE COMMUNITY
Items for the local foodbank can be left in one of the boxes in the porch. Many thanks to those who have donated already. It has been very much appreciated.
INFANTS SCHOOL ADMISSIONS MEETING NEW DATE AND VENUE
There will be an admissions meeting for families who are considering a place for their child in the Annunciation Infants School or Nursery next September. The meeting has been moved to 17th November at 6.30pm via Zoom for further information please contact the office 020 8959 2325. It includes those who wish to move from Nursery to Reception Class in September 2022.
VINNIE PACKS
"The SVP are distributing 11.500 Vinnie Packs containing cold weather essentials to the homeless and those spending the principal part of their day on the streets. Each pack contains thermal gloves, thermal hat, two pairs of socks, wet wipes, toothbrush, toothpaste, Pavement magazine, information sheet and pen. Please could you consider sponsoring packs at a suggested donation of £3.70 per pack? Donations can be sent to Vinnie Packs, PO Box 72264, London SW1P 9EZ with cheques made out to SVP or by bank transfer to Nat West sort code 60-60-04, account no. 4608 8237. Thank you so much for your support."
FIRST COMMUNION PROGRAMME 2022
Application forms for parents who wish their child to receive 1st Holy Communion next year are available on the table at the back of the church. Children should be in Year 3 or above. Please return the form to the presbytery by 5th December 2021. They are in a yellow colour. There will be a meeting for the parents of those who apply on Tuesday 11th January at 7.45pm in the Canon Smyth Parish Centre. The first of seven sessions for the children will be on Sunday 16th January at 9am, also in the Parish Centre. The dates of the First Communions will be Saturdays 11th and 18th June, at 2pm and 3.30pm. The allocation of these dates will be revealed at the first parents meeting on 11th January.
Symbols of Faith Workshop
Preparing for the Sacraments and Participation in the Liturgy for people with learning disabilities. A Workshop that trains individuals in the preparation of children and adults with special needs for the sacraments, using symbolic catechesis. The Workshop will be held at The Annunciation Church Parish Centre, 4 Thirleby Road, Burnt Oak, Edgware HA8 0HQ on Saturday 27 November, 10am-2pm. Details from suepratt@rcdow.org.uk or gailwilliams@rcdow.org.uk / 020 8202 3999.