Sunday 3 December 2023
1st SUNDAY OF ADVENT
Maranatha, Come Lord Jesus.
As we begin the Advent season this Sunday, we are offered an opportunity to renew our Hope, Faith, and Love, and to see in Jesus’ birth, a fulfilment of God’s ancient promises of salvation. In the next four weeks, we will be noticing a healthy tension between promises, expectations, and fulfilment.
Trusting in God’s promises of salvation then, today’s first reading, prophetically prayed, “Oh that You would tear the heavens and come down”. This longing for the Coming One, the Eternal Word from heaven (see Jn 1, Wis 18:15), slowly intensifies as we advance in our advent journey. As we await the birth of the Messiah, today’s Gospel tells us to be on our guard and to be attentive to the opportunities God provides us now, since we do not know the time of his coming.
Knowing that our God keeps His promises, with eagerness, we respond to this invitation to be watchful. However, as St Paul tells us in today’s second reading, we await his coming as beloved children without fear but with confidence and patience. Maranatha, Come Lord Jesus. Amen
Happy Advent Season. Fr Chinedu
ADVENT EXPECTANT WAITING 2023
There will be a weekly advent reflection/recollection here in the church on the following Thursdays: 7th, 14th, and 21st December. The time is 6 to 7 pm (except for the 14th of December which starts at 7 pm because it will be integrated into our parish Advent Penitential Service. Using the Image of the ADVENT WREATH CANDLES we shall prayerfully unpack the three-fold character of the Advent Season while focusing on the four Advent themes of Hope, Faith, Joy and Peace. All are welcome.
BAPTISM PREPARATION
There will be a preparation session for parents who wish to have their baby baptised TODAY Sunday 3rd December at 4pm in the church.
MARY’S MEALS
Mary’s Meals is a charity that sets up school feeding programmes in communities where poverty and hunger prevent children from gaining an education. Their Volunteers will speak after Masses next weekend.
FIRST COMMUNION PROGRAMME 2024
Application forms for parents who wish their child to receive First Holy Communion next year are available in the porch. Children should be in Year 3 or above. Please return the form to the presbytery by TODAY, 3rd December 2023. Sessions for parents will start in January 2024.
CONFIRMATION PROGRAMME 2024
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 17th December 2023. Sessions will start in January.
RECENTLY DECEASED
Please remember in your prayers those who have died recently:
JOSIE MUNNELLY, her Funeral Mass takes place here at 11am, on Thursday 7th December, her body will be received into the church at 6pm on Wednesday 6th December.
Also, BRIAN ROBERTS, his Funeral Mass takes place here at 11am. on Thursday 14th December, may their souls and the souls of all the faithful departed, rest in peace.
Winter wonderland & CHRISTMAS RAFFLE
Four:12 is pleased to present Winter Wonderland, which will take place on Saturday 9th December at 7.15pm in the Canon Smyth Parish Centre. Tickets – which include a 3-course meal and complimentary soft drink . Today (Sunday 3rd December) is the final day for purchasing and collecting Winter Wonderland tickets. Please note there will be no tickets available for purchase or collection on the door. Tickets are priced at £10 for adults and £5 for 5–16-year-olds. Children under 5 eat for free but still need to collect a ticket in order to attend. A selection of soft and alcoholic drinks will be available to purchase from the bar and the Four:12 Christmas Raffle will be drawn during the event. If any young people in Year 7 or above would like to volunteer at this event, please speak to Kenneth, Frances or Arinze.
Senior Citizens’ Christmas Lunch
This year’s Christmas Lunch takes place on Sunday 17th December at 1pm in the Canon Smyth Parish Centre. Please retain the top sheet for your information and return the application form by Sunday 10th December.
The Annunciation Infant School Nursery
Currently has spaces, if you have a child who is 3 years old and you are interested in applying for a place please contact the school office for more details on 020 8959 2325.
CHRISTMAS EVE 4PM MASS
If any children would like to read, or take part in the presentation of the Nativity, at the 4pm Mass on Christmas Eve, please leave their name and your contact details at the Repository. There will be a rehearsal for those taking part after 10.30am Mass on Sunday 17th December.
Office Notice
Could Michael Zelenka please contact the parish office via email burntoak@rcdow.org.uk with your contact details.
SVP VINNIE PACKS
"The SVP are distributing over 10,000 Vinnie Packs containing cold weather essentials to the homeless this winter. Please could you consider sponsoring packs at a suggested donation of £4.20 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."
RCIA
The Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults usually starts in October, if you know anyone who may want to become a Catholic, invite the person to speak with any of the priests.
Who is RCIA for?
1. Unbaptised adults asking for baptism, confirmation, and communion.
2. Adults baptised in another Christian tradition or candidates asking for reception into full communion in the Church.
3. Baptised Catholics asking for Confirmation and Eucharist
MISSIO RED BOXES
Thank you to everyone who brought in their red box. You have raised £653.29. Please pick up your red box from under the table at the back of the church. If your box has your name and address on it, please pick it up from the sacristy. Thank you. The Missio team.
CAFOD
CAFOD are having a Carol Concert on Wednesday 13th December from 7-8pm. The event will take place at St James’s Roman Catholic Church, Spanish Place, 22 George ST London W1U 3QY.
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