32nd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A
Wisdom to prayerfully await the Lord’s coming.
This Sunday’s readings invite us to be ready and waiting in prayer for the divine visitation. But since we need wisdom for Christian waiting, today’s first reading invites us to incline our ears to divine wisdom which reveals herself to anyone who seeks her with a pure heart. (Wis 1:4). Jesus is God’s Wisdom (Corinthians 1:24) for whom our souls are thirsting as today’s responsorial psalm prays. As we slowly advance towards advent, we are to remember that Jesus is the Wisdom who comes and with whom we readily await. It is by inclining our hearts to God’s word that we emulate the five virgins who, in today’s Gospel, took their lamps with enough oil in the flask for their waiting. The image of oil symbolises God’s anointing, seal, power, and the Holy Spirit whose presence we nourish through prayers, charitable works and by inclining our hearts to God’s words. May the Lord help us to incline our hearts to Wisdom so that we may learn to patiently await and recognise our time of divine visitation. Amen
Happy Sunday Fr Chinedu
Meeting for new altar servers
We are blessed with excellent servers in our parish who give faithful service throughout the year, but we are always on the lookout for other parishioners who would like to join our ‘team’. The ministry of Altar Server is open to all who have received their First Holy Communion and demonstrate a wish to uphold the aims and objectives of the Guild of St Stephen.
Anyone who meets the requirements, and is interested in becoming an Altar Server, is asked to give their name to one of the priests or an adult server and attend an initial meeting in the church on Monday 13th November at 5.30pm. All under 16s must be accompanied to the meeting by a parent/carer.
BAPTISM PREPARATION
There will be a preparation session for parents who wish to have their baby baptised today, Sunday 12th November at 4pm in the church.
BEREAVEMENT MASS
The Bereavement Mass, at which we remember in particular those who have died in the last year, takes place on Saturday, 18th November at 3pm. Everyone is welcome.
BLESSING OF GRAVES
Sunday, 12thClamphill, Stanmore, 2.30pm Sunday, 12th Hendon, 2.30pm Sunday, 12th Milespit Hill, Mill Hill, 2.30pm Sunday, 19th Bells Hill, 3pm
SAYING GOODBYE REMEMBERANCE SERVICE—LONDON
26th November, 2023—3.0pm at Methodist Central Hall, Westminster, This service is for anyone who has lost a baby in pregnancy, at birth or in early years. Whether the loss was yesterday or 80 years ago. This event is also for those grieving that they have never been able to conceive. For more information sayinggoodbye.org
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 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.
ST JAMES’ SCHOOL SENIOR CITIZENS’ CHRISTMAS PARTY
On Wednesday 6 December at 4pm. If you would like to attend, please give Susan in the church office your name and telephone number by Friday 17th November, your name will be added to St James’ guest list, they will prepare your ticket which can be picked up from Susan in the church office the week before the event. Admission by ticket only.
PARISH FINANCE COMMITTEE
The Parish Finance Committee meet on Tuesday 28th November at 7.00pm in the Canon Smyth Parish Centre.
Appeal by St Francis Leprosy Guild NEXT WEEKEND
Eileen Murray from the St Francis Leprosy Guild will give a talk at the end of Mass sharing the charity’s mission to “Leave No One Behind”.
NOVEMBER CANDLES
Please put your money in the wall boxes for the November Candles.
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.
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 Eucharis
St. Roses Project
Beginning on 16th November from 2.00pm to 3.00 pm and ending on 21st December, 2.00pm to 3.00pm, we are having Adoration and Reflection. Please do come and pray for the needs of the world and your own needs. 160 Anson Road, Cricklewood, London NW2 6BH .
Winter wonderland
Four:12’s annual Winter Wonderland Christmas meal will take place on Saturday 9th December at 7.15pm in the Canon Smyth Parish Centre. Tickets for this, and for the Four:12 Christmas Raffle, will be on sale from the weekend of the 18th/19th November.
Flower Arranging
We are very grateful to those who arrange the flowers in the church. However, we do need more flower arrangers to join the rota. No experience is required. If you would like to help, please speak to Emilia or one of the priests.
Office Notice
Could Elizabeth Savage please contact the parish office on Tuesday 12 November or email burntoak@rcdow.org.uk with your contact details.
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