Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe
The feast of Christ the King marks the culmination of the church’s liturgical year, ushering in the beginning of a new one with the Advent Season, a time of great anticipation. It reminds us that the awaited One is the King of Kings, who, despite his riches in glory, offered to be born in a manger, remains the Servant King ((Lk 22:27) and dies for us. Jesus’ kingship makes a caricature of the world’s understanding of power. It represents all those things that the kingdoms of this world truly long for--all that is right, true, beautiful, just, and good.
To Jesus shall, all kings, queens, authorities, and peoples render an account. Therefore, in this Sunday’s Gospel, Jesus talks about when the Son of man will sit on his throne with all assembled before him awaiting his merciful judgement. The crucial question is whether, on that day, Jesus will find in us faithful and loyal subjects, with hearts that truly acknowledge him as The King, walking in his kingdom principles of love, justice, and peace. Lord Jesus, help us to truly acknowledge you the King of our hearts. Amen
Happy Sunday Fr Chinedu
ADVENT EXPECTANT WAITING 2023
There will be a weekly advent reflection/recollection here in the church on the following Thursdays: 30th November 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.
PARISH FINANCE COMMITTEE
The Parish Finance Committee meet on Tuesday 28th November at 7.00pm in the Canon Smyth Parish Centre.
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.
RECENTLY DECEASED
Please remember in your prayers those who have died recently:
MARTIN O’CONNOR, his Funeral Mass takes place here at 11am, on Tuesday 28th November.
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 – will be on sale until Sunday 3rd December, subject to availability, and 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. Application forms can be found in the church porch. Please retain the top sheet for your information and return the application form by Sunday 10th December.
The Annunciation Infant & Junior School
The Annunciation Infant & Junior schools are having their Christmas Fayre - Friday 1 December 2023 3:30pm - 6:30pm, here in the Canon Smyth Parish Centre. They would greatly appreciate donations of raffle prizes, bottles for the tombola, toiletries, and home baked goods. All donations can be dropped to the parish office. Everyone is welcome to attend and enjoy the festivities.
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.
Pastoral Visits
If you need or know a parishioner who needs a pastoral visit at home or at the hospital, please, feel free to speak with any of the priests here.
Office Notice
Could Michael Zelenka please contact the parish office via email burntoak@rcdow.org.uk with your contact details.
Divine Mercy Advent Reflection
The Divine Mercy Apostolate, London is holding a Divine Mercy Advent Reflection 2023 at Sacred Heart RC Church New Priory Quex Road Kilburn London NW6 4PS on Saturday 10 December 2023 from 2:30 pm to 5:30 pm led by the Marian Fathers. The Retreat will include teachings on the Message of Mercy, Stations of the Cross, Holy Mass, Hour of Mercy with Adoration and Benediction and Veneration. of the Image of Merciful Jesus. All are welcome. Please call Millie on 07957594646 for more information.
CHRISTMAS LUNCH—CHURCHES TOGETHER in MILL HILL
If you or someone you know will be alone this Christmas, we would love to arrange to drop off a Christmas Day lunch and deliver some Christmas cheer. Please reply by 1st December to June Coombes, telephone 020 8959 1074.
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.
Comments