Solemnity of Christ the King Year B 2024
Is Jesus the King of your heart?
This Sunday marks the end of the Church’s liturgical year. We celebrate Christ the King, affirming that Jesus reigns eternally as King of the Universe. Today's readings highlight the unique character of Jesus’ kingship. Jesus is “The Alpha and Omega, Faithful Witness, Ruler over all, whose kingdom is eternal. (Revelation 1:5-8) He is the One upon whom is conferred eternal sovereignty (Daniel 7:13-14). In this Sunday’s Gospel, Jesus says, “Yes, I am a king”. But he added, “My kingdom is not of this world”.
Jesus’ kingship defies earthly expectations. He is a servant King who sacrifices Himself for the salvation of His people, contrasting the rulers of our world often blinded by greed and selfishness. Crowned with humility and love, Jesus leads by serving, laying down His life for His friends.
So, is Christ truly the king of our hearts? Do we honour Him with our lives, or do we submit to the world that crucified him? To welcome Jesus as our King, we must follow His path of humility, service, and self-giving love. His kingdom calls us to embody truth, justice, and peace, reflecting the very things our world deeply longs for.
Let us pray that we may be open and submit to his kingdom principles and so imitate him as we serve and love each other. We make our prayers through Christ our Lord. Amen
You can access Fr Chinedu's full audio reflection on Purifying Word or Spotify.
Happy Sunday.
Fr Chinedu
NOVEMBER HOLY SOULS
The Memorial Book for you to enter names of those you wish to be remembered is on a table near the statues on the left side of the church. There is no need to enter names you have already entered in previous years. There will be a Bereavement Mass on Saturday 23rd November at 3pm to which everybody is invited.
BAPTISM PREPARATION
There will be a preparation session for parents who wish to have their baby baptised on Sunday 5th January at 4pm in the church.
PLANNED GIVING DRIVE
The campaign starts today and will run for three weeks- we are looking to the future with renewed hope. This is a chance for everyone to learn about the parish finances.
LAST FRIDAY EVENING OF PRAYER AND ADORATION
There will be an evening of prayer and adoration on Friday 29th November 6-8 pm. There will be Holy Mass, Eucharistic Adoration, Sacrament of Reconciliation and Intercessory Prayers for various intentions. All are welcome.
ADVENT SERVICES 2024 ANNUNCIATION CHURCH
Please take one of our orange cards from the back of the church with the Advent Service timings
Weekly reflection 7pm-8pm Friday 29 November, Friday 06 December, Friday, 13 December & Friday 20 December
Advent Penitential Service Friday 13 December 7pmCarol Service Sunday 22 December 6.30pm
RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults)
Our parish RCIA starts on Monday 25th November 7PM to 8PM in the Parish Centre. This programme is for adults who want to be baptised, become Catholics or simply understand the Catholic Faith. Please, inform anyone you know who might need the programme.
FIRST COMMUNION APPLICATIONS FOR 2025
Application forms for parents who wish their child to receive their 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 Sunday 24th November. No applications will be accepted after this date.
CONFIRMATION APPLICATIONS FOR 2025
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 15th December.
SENIOR CITIZENS' CHRISTMAS LUNCH
This year’s Christmas Lunch takes place on Sunday 15th December at 1pm in the Canon Smyth Parish Centre. Application forms can be found on the table at the back of the church. Please retain the top sheet for your information and return the application form by Sunday 8th December
SICK AND RETIRED PRIESTS' FUND
Thank you for so generously supporting the Sick & Retired Priests’ Fund collection last weekend.
CHRISTMAS BAZAAR SUNDAY 1 DECEMBER
Donations welcomed: Prizes for a raffle, bottles i.e. for our Bottle Tombola stall, Gift ideas i.e. gift sets, chocolates etc and Baked items (cakes, cookie etc).
If you would like to volunteer to help before (setup from Sat 30/11 18:30),
during or after the event, please contact Annie on 07523 268994
with your name and availability.
ST JAMES' CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL
Is in the process of updating its Admissions Policy in line with the latest guidance from the Diocese of Westminster. Before this policy can be ratified, a consultation process, including all relevant parties, is required. This is now live and will run until 5 January 2026. Full details can be found on the school website: www.st-james-barnet.sch.uk
SACRED HEART AND MARY IMMACULATE MILL HILL
Parish Christmas Fair on Saturday 14th December at 12 Noon.
A Day With Mary is taking place at St George's Cathedral,Southwark
On Saturday 14 December (10.15am to 5.15pm). Mass will be celebrated by the Archbishop of Southwark Diocese, John Wilson. Further information is available at https://www.adaywithmary.org/ or https://eventcatholic.com/
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