Christ the King
The scene for today’s Gospel is Calvary. Jesus was dying on the Cross. Leaders were jeering at him, soldiers were mocking him. One criminal dying on an adjacent cross abused him, while another criminal pleaded with Jesus to remember him when he entered his kingdom. And Jesus did have mercy on him. This scene for the Feast of Christ the King is not in a palace but at a different type of throne. As we have been saying in our prayer for the Year of Mercy, which concludes today, the Cross is Jesus’ throne, the throne of mercy.
End of the Year of Mercy
The Year of Mercy ends today. It has been a most fruitful year, in which we have been encouraged to follow the Corporal and Spiritual Works of Mercy, and in which many have made pilgrimages to Doors of Mercy. Each day we have said the special prayer for the Year of Mercy, which we will say for the final time today. At the time of the Bidding Prayers we have said the Hail Holy Queen with its emphasis on the Mother of Mercy. As from next weekend, we revert to saying the Hail Mary.
Bereavement Mass
On Friday we have our annual Bereavement Mass at 7.30pm, when we will pray in particular for those who have died in the last year. Everyone is welcome. There will be refreshments in the Parish Centre afterwards.
RCIA Rite of Acceptance
Next Sunday at the 12 Noon Mass, those adults who are preparing for baptisms, reception and confirmation will take part in the Rite of Acceptance. Please pray for them as they journey towards the Sacraments.
Sick & Retired Priests Collection
Many thanks to those who contributed to last Sunday’s collection for the Sick and Retired Priests Fund. A total of £910.59 was raised. The collection is open until the end of the month. Envelopes are available at the back of the church.
Advent at the Niland Centre
Advent Day of Prayer with Bishop Emeritus John Crowley. Thursday 8 December (10.00 am start; Mass for the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception at 3.00 pm). Suggested donation £12. Please bring a packed lunch; tea & coffee provided. Places are limited: advance registration required Celebrating Christmas in Song with Sister Avril OP & friends. Friday 16 December 7.00 pm. Suggested donation £10. Followed by seasonal refreshments. Niland Conference Centre at Rosary Priory, 93 Elstree Road, Bushey Heath WD23 4EE. Register at http://www.nilandconferencecentre.co.uk/events/advent-reflection-thursday-8-december-2016/
Nora Maddock Rip
Please pray for the repose of the soul of Nora Maddock of Gervase Road, whose funeral mass will be next Wednesday (23rd Nov) at 11.30am.
Baptism Preparation
This afternoon there will be a preparation session for parents who wish to have their baby baptised at 4pm in the Parish Centre.
First Communion Programme
The children will be having another session this morning at 9.15 in the Parish Centre. This will be followed by a Celebration Mass at 10.30. There will also be a Celebration Mass next Sunday at 10.30.
Confirmation 2017
Those in Year 10 or above who wish to be confirmed next year are asked to complete a green application form and return it no later than 20th December. Confirmations will take place at the Annunciation on Friday 26th May at 7pm.
12 Noon Choir Group
The music group who lead the singing at the 12 Noon Mass on the third Sunday of the month are hoping to add to their numbers. If you would like to join them, please approach them at the 12 Noon Mass today.
Advent Resources
Advent starts next Sunday. Copies of ‘Walk with Me’ which provide daily reflections during Advent are available in the porch, price £1. At the time of writing, there were a few copies of the Advent Calendar for children available.
Winter Wonderland
Four:12 is hosting its annual parish family Christmas social, Winter Wonderland on Saturday the 10th of December. It's a chance to celebrate the outgoing Year with a three course meal and a bit of dancing. Tickets are on sale after all masses priced at £8 for adults, £5 for Children under 16 years and free for under 5s.
Senior Citizens Christmas Lunch
This takes place on Sunday 18th December in the Parish Centre. Application forms are available in the porch and should be returned as soon as possible as there is a limit to the numbers we can cater for.
School Signing
Fr Colin will be available to sign school forms on Tuesday between 3 and 4pm in the Parish Centre.
Further dates will be:
Thursday 1st December 3-4pm
Saturday 17th December 12-1pm
Free DVD Available
Please help yourself to a DVD available on the table at the back of the church. It concerns the case of Asia Bibi, who is waiting for execution in a Pakistani prison cell.
Junior School Meeting
The admissions meeting for the Annunciation Junior School takes place on Monday 28th November at 7pm in the school in The Meads. This is for parents who wish their child to be considered for a place in September 2017, including those currently in Year 2 of the Infants School.
St James School
Senior Citizens' Christmas Party is taking place at St James' Catholic High on Tuesday 6 December at 4pm. Admission by ticket only. The Parish will be allocated 10 tickets, if you are interested please contact Loretta in the Parish office.
Parish Bazaar
Many thanks to all those who helped, provided and came to yesterday’s Parish Bazaar. The amount raised will be announced at Mass today.
Sleepout for Young Minds
Mental health is not a glamorous topic but we all need to be aware of our own status. Most of us wouldn't hesitate to see the GP for physical illness; we need to bring mental health to the same level. Adverse mental health affects people of all ages and works of life. On the 25th of November young people in the Parish will be sleeping outside the Hall to raise awareness of mental health and funds for Young Minds. This is a Charity that supports young people and their families to face the challenges posed by adverse mental health. To donate and/or find out more please visit www.justgiving.com/FOUR-12 or see posters in the Church. There will be a second collection after Masses next weekend if you prefer to donate that way.
Living Jesus
The autumn discussion booklet is available in the porch, price £2. As before there are six chapters which can be used either individually or in groups. Each chapter has a section for children. There are 3 groups meeting in the parish as follows:-
Sister Amy’s Group Dominic Room 11am Wednesdays
Sheelagh Benson’s Group 0208 952 0016
Vince Randall’s Group 0208 952 6994
Finance Committee
The Finance Committee meet on Thursday 1st December at 7.30pm in the Dominic Room.
WATCH THIS SPACE—J.D.S
The temporary Sunday School teacher was struggling to open a combination lock on the supply cabinet. She had been told the combination but couldn’t quite remember it. Finally she went to the pastor’s study and asked for help. The pastor came into the room and began to turn the dial. After two numbers he paused and stared blankly for a moment and then he looked serenely heavenward and his lips moved silently. Then he looked back at the lock and quickly turned to the final number and opened the lock. The teacher was amazed. “I’m in awe at you faith pastor” she said. “It’s really nothing” he answered “The number is on a piece of tape on the ceiling.”