1st Sunday of Advent
We may think of Advent as a time of light-hearted celebration as we get ready for Christmas, but today’s liturgy looks at it in a very different way, with warnings of disasters and exhortations to stand firm and pray constantly for the strength to survive all that is going to happen. The message for us today is to stay awake, praying at all times so that we may be ready for the Second Coming of Christ. St Paul urgently calls on us to make more and more progress in the kind of life that we are meant to live. So, in this first part of Advent when we think of the end times, we can resolve to get closer to Christ through prayer, reflection and following his will. May our hearts be confirmed in holiness.
Advent Litany
Lord Jesus you are the light of the world COME LORD JESUS
You are the light in our darkness COME LORD JESUS
Son of God, save us from our sins COME LORD JESUS
Bring hope into the lives of all people COME LORD JESUS
Give your peace to all nations COME LORD JESUS
Be the joy of all who love you COME LORD JESUS
Bless us as we gather here in your name COME LORD JESUS
Lord Jesus, stay with us. COME LORD JESUS
Advent Booklets and Events
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. Many Thanks to those who have signed up for a half-hour watching slot. The day will conclude with Benediction at 6.30pm.
Our Advent Reconciliation Service takes place on Wednesday 19th December at 7.30pm.
Four:12-Westminster Diocesan Lourdes Pilgrimage & Sleepout
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.
The second collection last weekend raised £407.13 and some parishioners have given us even more donations since then. We thank you all for your generosity and your continued encouragement.
First Holy Communion Programme
The Children have a session this morning (Sunday) at 9.15 and will take part in a celebration Mass at 10.30 next Sunday. The children will be making their First Confession on Monday 10th December at 7pm.
Repository
Christmas gifts, cards, wreaths and nativity sets are now on sale in the Repository.
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, and also on: Saturday 5 January 12 Noon—1pm.
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 today we will hear about the plight of Christians in Iran where the Bible in Persian is prohibited, the children of Christian converts are being refused registration in schools and many Christians face daily harassment or prosecution for practicing their religion.
No Holy Hour
There will be no Holy Hour this Wednesday as Fr Colin will be joining the priests of North London for a Day of Recollection at the Niland Centre in Bushey.
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.
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.
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.
Collection for Christmas Lunch
Next weekend there will be a second collection to help finance the Senior Citizens Christmas Lunch.
Celebrating Christmas in Song
This takes place at the Niland Conference Centre, Rosary Priory Convent 93 Elstree Road, Bushey on Friday 14 December form 7pm. Mulled wine and mince pies will be available. Admission by donation.
More Flower Arrangers Required
If you would like to help with flower arranging in the church please speak to Fr Colin. Thank you.
Baptism Preparation
The next session for parents who wish to have their baby baptised will be on Sunday 20th January at 4pm in the Dominic Room.
Rite of Acceptance
During the 12 Noon Mass next Sunday, those in our RCIA group will take part in the Rite of Acceptance.
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. Rose’s, 160 Anson Road, Cricklewood, NW2 6BH
Saturday 15th December 2018: There will be a day of preparation for Christmas: “Journeying to Christmas with hope: Space to pray and reflect” at St. Rose’s from 10.00am to 3.00pm, led by Sister Marie Henry OP and Sister Avril OP. Please come and celebrate.
90th Anniversary
Many thanks to all those who gave their time to make such a special occasion last Sunday, including those who lent us their photographs. We will shortly be producing a short booklet on the history of this parish. The Monday Club have made some special bookmarks for the occasion. Please help yourself from the basket on the table at the back of the church.
The Passage
The Passage is raising funds through the Big Give from 12 noon Tues 27th November – 12 noon Tues 4th December to support its work with homeless people this winter. Double your Donation, Double your impact. This is a matched giving scheme for online donations. If someone (can be company, individual or trust) gave £10 online matched giving of £10 would bring the Gift up to £20 (and for individuals to £22.50 with Gift Aid with higher rate tax relief it may cost the donor less than £10). For more information ring Andrew Hollingsworth 020 75921856 andrew.h@passage.org.uk.