33rd SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME ( C )
Some of the things that Jesus said would happen would have been quite shocking to his hearers. In today’s Gospel, Jesus talks about the destruction of the beautifully adorned Temple in Jerusalem, about earthquakes, wars, plagues and famines, about fearful sights and great signs from heaven. We know that all these things have happened but Jesus makes the point that endurance will win us our lives. In other words, Jesus will be there all the time for us. He will help us through all these disasters because our final destination will remain—sharing in God’s heavenly glory. Some may see these disasters as a sign that the end of time is approaching. But despite saying in other texts that we must always be ready for the last days, Jesus indicates here that the end is not so soon.
WORLD DAY OF THE POOR
Today is the World Day of the Poor. Pope Francis instituted this day 5 years ago, stipulating that it should be held on the 33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time, a week before the Feast of Christ the King. The theme this year is taken from 2 Corinthians 8:9—For your sakes Christ became poor.
Pope Francis, in his message from the day, laments that just as the world was emerging from the ‘tempest of the pandemic’, a new catastrophe appeared on the horizon: The Russian invasion of Ukraine and the brutal war which has followed. The war has displaced millions of Ukrainian people and caused global economic turbulence, with food shortages and rising energy costs which will affect the poorest this winter.
PRAYER
Loving Father, your risen Son sent us out into the world as ambassadors for the kingdom of God; inspire us with your Spirit of compassion, justice and truth to declare the Good News to those who are poor, to work for the relief, defence and liberation of all who are trapped in oppressive circumstances. We make this prayer through Christ Our Lord. Amen.
SICK AND RETIRED PRIESTS
Thank you to everyone who donated to the Sick & Retired Priests’ collection last weekend. Your generosity means our sick and retired priests will receive the care and support they need.
If you haven’t had the chance to make your donation, there is still time. You will find envelopes at the back of the church or you can donate online through the Diocese website – look out for the ‘QR Code’ on the envelopes and poster. The care of priests in their old age, and at a time of illness, is a priority of the Church. It is a wonderful way for us to come together and say ‘Thank you’ to the priests who have served us. May God bless you for your kindness.
Winter Wonderland
Four:12 is pleased to host Winter Wonderland, the annual family Christmas 3-course dinner on Saturday the 10th of December in the Parish Hall. Doors open at 7pm. The dinner is open to everyone and is priced at £10 for adults over 16 years and £5 for those aged 5-16. Children under 5 years eat for free. Tickets will be on sale after Sunday Masses on the 27th of November and 4th of December. You can also reserve tickets using the email address: four12.oak@gmail.com
BEREAVEMENT MASS
On Saturday at 3pm we will be having our annual Bereavement Mass. We will be remembering in particular those who have died in the last year whose funeral has taken place here or from here. Everyone is welcome to come along. There will be refreshments in the Canon Smyth Parish Centre after Mass.
REMEMBERANCE SUNDAY
Today is Remembrance Sunday when we remember all those who have lost their lives at war. There will be a 2-minute silence during the 10.30 Mass.
RECENTLY DIED
Please pray for the repose of the soul of MARIA MROZ, formerly of Gervase Road, who died last week. Her funeral Mass will be on Wednesday 23rd November at 1.30. Her body will be brought to the church at 7pm on Tuesday 22 November.
BAPTISM PREPARATION
There will be a session for parents who wish to have their baby baptised next Sunday,20th November, at 4pm in the Church.
FIRST COMMUNION PROGRAMME 2023
Application forms for parents who wish their child to receive First Holy Communion next year are available at the back of the church. Children should be in Year 3 or above. Please return the form to the presbytery by 4th December 2022. Sessions for parents and the children will start in January.
CONFIRMATION PROGRAMME 2023
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 4th December 2022. Sessions will start in January.
MARY’S MEALS
At Masses today, a representative from Mary’s Meals will talk about this charity which we have supported well in the past. There will be a second collection as you leave Mass. This Charity feeds children one good meal every day at school in over 20 countries. In the past, Mary’s Meals have raised funds by collecting unwanted clothing and bedding, but since COVID they have suspended this way of raising funds, so they are dependent on second collections and other means. Our donations this time will be doubled by generous sponsors.
Advent material
In the porch you will find some items relating to Advent which starts in 2 weeks time: - My Day by Day: Mass readings for each day of Advent (£1.00)
- Walk With Me: Daily meditations for each day of Advent (£1.00)
- Advent Calendars for children (free).
FORTHCOMING MEETINGS
The Finance Committee meet on Thursday 24th November at 7.30pm in the Canon Smyth Parish Centre.
The Parish Council meet on Thursday 1st December at 7.45pm in the Parish Centre.
MONTH OF THE HOLY SOULS
The names of those you wish to be remembered can be put in an envelope and placed in the box at the front of the altar. Alternatively, their names can be inscribed in the Memorial Book. Several Masses during November will be said for the Holy Souls.
FLOWER ARRANGING
We are in need of more volunteers to help arrange the flowers. This is normally done on a Saturday. If you are willing to join the rota, please speak to one of the priests.
ST JAMES’ SCHOOL SENIOR CITIZENS’ CHRISTMAS PARTY
On Wednesday 7 December at 4pm. If you would like to attend, please give Susan in the church office your name and telephone number by Friday 18th 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.
VINNIE PACKS
"The SVP are distributing over 10,000 Vinnie Packs containing cold weather essentials to the homeless and those spending the principal part of their day on the streets. Each pack contains thermal gloves, thermal hat, two pairs of socks, wet wipes or flannel, toothbrush, toothpaste, information sheet and pen. Please could you consider sponsoring packs at a suggested donation of £4.10 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."
HOMES FOR UKRAINE MATCHING SERVICE
Caritas Social Action Network, in partnership with St John of God Hospitaller Services, an international Catholic Charity with many services for the vulnerable in the UK and Ireland, have launched a service to bring together Ukrainian people displaced by the brutal war in their country with people in the Catholic Community willing to host them in their homes for six months. Once the match is confirmed the Ukrainian guest can apply for their visa. We know that coping with the cost-living-crisis will be the main concern for many people this winter, but if you have room in your home and in your heart to consider welcoming a stranger displaced by war, then we’d love to hear from you. Please visit https://sjog-homesforukraine.uk/ for more information.
Commentaires