Christ the King
Today we reach the climax of the Church’s Year with the celebration of Christ the King. When Jesus claimed he was King of the Jews, Pilate could not accept it. He saw it as a threat to his own kingdom. But the kingdom that Jesus was talking about was not territorial and did not mean a threat to other kingdoms of the world. We look beyond the earthly kingdoms to find Christ’s kingdom, where he is the servant King.
Our 90th Anniversary
Today we celebrate the 90th anniversary of our parish. It was in December 1928 that the first Mass was celebrated in this church. Just think of the thousands of people who have been baptised, received First Holy Communion and Confession, been confirmed and married in the church over the years. Principally, the church is where Jesus Christ resides in the Blessed Sacrament. So in this side street, so many people flock each day to encounter Jesus Christ our Saviour, born 9 months after the Annunciation had been made to Mary. The church has been a centre of activity by having a parish centre attached to the church. It is there that we will gather after our special Mass at 12 Noon today. During this reception, there will be a series of photographs from the past on display. Thank you to all who have lent us photographs. We will be producing a booklet, available next month, providing a short history of the parish. For the Occasion, we will have new hymn books available, with a 90th anniversary motif inside. They have been financed by Marcellina and Charles Onuma who will be celebrating their 60th wedding anniversary on 26 December. Many thanks to them and to everyone who has been part of this parish over the 90 years.
Sleep out for the Homeless
On Friday, the youth of our parish will be taking part in a sponsored sleep out in aid of North London Action for the Homeless. There will be a collection after Masses this weekend or you can contribute by visiting www.justgiving.comfour12-2018. Many thanks for your support.
First Communion Programme
There will be a meeting for parents of First Holy Communion children on Tuesday at 7.45pm in the Canon Smyth Parish Centre. The next session for the children will be next Sunday at 9.15am.
Repository
Christmas gifts, cards, wreaths and nativity sets are now on sale in the Repository
Four:12-Westminster Diocesan Lourdes Pilgrimage
Friday 19th—Friday 26 July 2019, £630 per volunteer. Following the success of this year’s Pilgrimage, we are once again inviting parishioners to join us in Lourdes as volunteers on the annual diocesan pilgrimage. This opportunity is open to all in Year 11 or above and there is no upper age limit for volunteers. There will be an information session for anyone interested in volunteering on the pilgrimage on Sunday 9th December at 1pm in the Canon Smyth Parish Centre but in the meantime, please see the notice board at the back of the church, or speak to Frances O’Neill or email four12.oak.lourdes.com to find our more.
Senior Citizens Christmas Lunch
This takes place on Sunday 16th December in the Canon Smyth Parish Centre starting at 1pm. Application forms are available in the porch and should be returned as soon as possible as there is a limit to the numbers that we can cater for.
School Signing
Fr Colin will be available to sign school forms on Thursday between 3 and 4pm in the Canon Smyth Parish Centre, also on:
Thursday 6th December 3-4pm
Saturday 5 January 12 Noon—1pm.
Parish Bazaar
Very many thanks to everyone involved in last week’s parish Bazaar, to those who contributed items, to those who worked so hard throughout the day and all who came along. A total of £1660.00 was raised for the Restoration Fund.
Good Neighbour Scheme
The Annual General Meeting of the Good Neighbour Scheme for Mill Hill and Burnt Oak will take place in the Canon Smyth Parish Centre on Monday 14th January at 7.30pm. Everybody Welcome.
Christmas Arrangements
We will be issuing a card with all the Christmas arrangements in mid-December. Please note that this year there will be Mass at Midnight.
Iranian Christians
At Masses next weekend we will be finding out about the plight of Christians in Iran.
Lately Dead
Please pray for the repose of the souls of GAVIN O’FLYNN of Crokesley House whose funeral is at Hendon Crematorium on Wednesday and KATHLEEN QUINN of Appletree Court whose funeral is at St Mary’s Kensal Green on Friday.
School Governors Required
The Annunciation Infants School is looking to recruit foundation governors. If you are interested or would like to know more, please speak to Fr Colin.
Confirmations 2019
Those who are in year 10 or above are invited to apply for Confirmation. Application Forms are available in the porch and should be returned by 16th December at the latest. Sessions start in January. Bishop John Sherrington will be coming on Friday 7th June to administer the Sacrament.
More Flower Arrangers Required
If you would like to help with flower arranging in the church please speak to Fr Colin. Thank 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 from us to the needy such as water for a family, a goat, a solar lamp and many more suggestions. Please take a catalogue and make your order direct to CAFOD.
Winter Wonderland
The Parish’s annual winter get together takes place on Saturday 8th December, doors open 7:15pm. Enjoy a 3 course meal and an evening of festivities. £8/adult and £5/5-16yrs. Reserve/purchase tickets after weekend masses or by emailing Four12.oak@gmail.com
St James’ Senior Citizens’ Christmas Party
Senior Citizens' Christmas Party is taking place at St James' Catholic High on Wednesday 5 December at 4pm. Admission by ticket only. We have been allocated 10 tickets, please let the office know if you would like any.
More Cleaners Required
We have a happy band of people who clean the church on a Saturday morning between 8.30am and 9.30am, but we need more to join the group. If you can help, please speak to Fr Colin or just come along on a Saturday morning. Many thanks.
Advent
The season of Advent begins on the 2nd December. Copies of the booklet ‘Walk with Me’ are available in the porch, price £1.00. They give a daily reflection right through until the Feast of our Lord’s Baptism on 13 January.
We will be having a day of Exposition from 9.30am until 6.30pm on Friday 14 December. We invite you to sign up for a half-hour watching slot on a sheet on the table at the back of the church. The day will conclude with Benediction at 6.30pm.
There will be a Reconciliation Service with several priests available for confession on Wednesday 19th December at 7.30pm.