Thirty-Third Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B
With a confident hope
As we approach Advent and the close of the Church’s liturgical year, the readings speak of “the last things”. However, this Sunday’s second reading reminds us that Jesus has made the ultimate sacrifice for sin, securing eternal redemption. He will come again to bring us to Himself. This provides a foundation of hope amid the unsettling descriptions of tribulation and cosmic upheaval in today’s Gospel from Mark and Daniel’s vision.
In this Sunday’s Gospel, Jesus foretells a great turmoil that will befall the world (A reference to the Collapse of the Second Temple). Yet, in these dark moments, God’s mercy and redemption break through. The collapse of the Second Temple, an event Jesus foretells, foreshadows the end of the Old Covenant and the establishment of the New Covenant, represented by the Church. This upheaval signals not merely an ending but the promise of an eternal beginning.
Christ’s second coming is not a cause for fear but one of joy, like a bride, eagerly awaiting her groom. We are encouraged to stay vigilant, faithful, and hopeful in Christ and free from fear. While we wait, we are reminded of Christ’s continual and faithful presence with us now.
Thus, as we look to the future coming of Christ in glory, may we draw strength and courage from his presence to us today, confident in our unfailing hope. Amen
You can access Fr Chinedu's full audio reflection on Purifying Word or Spotify.
Happy Sunday
Fr Chinedu
PLANNED GIVING DRIVE COMING SOON
Starting on Saturday 23 November, securing the long-term care of our church. As we begin to recover from the impact of the global Covid-19 pandemic, and the cost of living crisis, we are looking to the future with renewed hope. This is a chance for YOU to learn about the parish finances.
Second collection – Sick & Retired Priests’ Fund
Today’s second collection is for the Sick & Retired Priests’ Fund. Please give generously and help ensure our sick and older priests are financially supported, having given us a lifetime of dedicated service. They have baptised us, welcomed us into the church, and offered comfort and prayer at times of sorrow. Now we have a chance to give back and ensure they have peace of mind during their senior years, when they may be facing failing health and declining mobility.
Please give generously using the envelopes in the church. You can make a one-off donation or set up a regular donation and become a Patron by completing section 4 on the envelope form. You can also donate online at www.rcdow.org.uk/donations - the envelopes and posters feature a ‘QR Code’ that you can scan with a phone camera to give online.
BEREAVEMENT MASS
The Bereavement Mass, at which we remember in particular those who have died in the last year, takes place on Saturday, 23rd November at 3pm. Everyone is welcome
LAST FRIDAY EVENING OF PRAYER AND ADORATION
There will be an evening of prayer and adoration on Friday 29th November 6-8 pm. There will be Holy Mass, Eucharistic Adoration, Sacrament of Reconciliation and Intercessory Prayers for various intentions. All are welcome.
SENIOR CITIZENS' CHRISTMAS PARTY AT ST JAMES' CATHOLIC SCHOOL
This is taking place on Thursday 5th December at 4pm. Admission by ticket only. Please inform Susan in the church office by 24 November if you wish to reserve a ticket.
Senior Citizens’ Christmas Lunch
This year’s Christmas Lunch takes place on Sunday 15th December at 1pm in the Canon Smyth Parish Centre. Application forms can be found on the table at the back of the church. Please retain the top sheet for your information and return the application form by Sunday 8th December
RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults)
Our parish RCIA starts on Monday 25th November 7pm to 8pm in the Parish Centre. This programme is for adults who want to be baptised, become Catholics or simply understand the Catholic Faith. Please, inform anyone you know who might need the programme.
BLESSING OF GRAVES
Today, Sunday 17th November 3pm, for Mill Hill Cemetery and Hendon.
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.
MISSION BOXES
If anyone has a red box please can you return it when you come to Mass and leave it in the sacristy. We will be counting on 19th November. Remember to put your name and address on the box. Thank you.
NOVEMBER HOLY SOULS
The Memorial Book for you to enter names of those you wish to be remembered is on a table near the statues on the left side of the church. There is no need to enter names you have already entered in previous years. There will be a Bereavement Mass on Saturday 23rd November at 3pm to which everybody is invited.
FIRST COMMUNION APPLICATIONS FOR 2025
Application forms for parents who wish their child to receive their First Holy Communion next year are available at the back of the church. Children should be in Year 3 or above. Please return the form to the presbytery by 24th November. No applications will be accepted after this date.
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.
ANNUNCIATION CHURCH CHRISTMAS BAZAAR
SUNDAY 1 DECEMBER
As we approach the festive season, we are pleased to announce the return of the Christmas Bazaar. There will be a variety of activities including themed stalls selling cards, treats, gifts, tombola, raffle, food and drink etc. Help raise funds for our Church and celebrate the greatest gift of all, the birth of Jesus Christ Donations welcomed including for: Prizes for a raffle, bottles i.e. for our Bottle Tombola stall, Gift ideas i.e. gift sets, chocolates etc and Baked items (cakes, cookie etc).
*** VOLUNTEERS NEEDED ***If you would like to volunteer to help before (setup from Sat 30/11 18:30),
during or after the event, please contact Annie on 07523 268994
with your name and availability.
SACRED HEART AND MARY IMMACULATE MILL HILL
Parish Christmas Fair on Saturday 14th December at 12 Noon.
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