1st SUNDAY of ADVENT (A)
Happy New Year! Today we start a new year in the Church’s calendar, the Year of Matthew: The first part of Advent focusses on the end times, to prepare for the second coming of Christ, to stay awake and be alert. The Gospel presents us with a stark warning, on how the Day of the Lord will come without warning. St Paul also presents a stark warning today, urging the Romans to amend their lives and return to the way of the Lord.
During the Advent season, the prophet Isaiah presents us with some uplifting words. ‘Come, let us go up to the Mountains of the Lord’, is the invitation today. We are all being encouraged to climb towards the kingdom where there will be peace, justice and joy. In the short-term, we should make a spiritual journey during Advent to get closer to Jesus, to follow his ways and to accompany others on the way to the Lord.
ADVENT LITANY
Lord Jesus you are the light of the world COME LORD JESUS
You are the light in our darkness COME LORD JESUS
Son of God, save us from our sins COME LORD JESUS
Bring hope into the lives of all people COME LORD JESUS
Give your peace to all nations COME LORD JESUS
Be the joy of all who love you COME LORD JESUS
Bless us as we gather here in your name COME LORD JESUS
Lord Jesus, stay with us. COME LORD JESUS
Rite of Acceptance
Next Sunday at 12 Noon Mass, those candidates in Our RCIA programme, preparing for Baptism and Confirmation, will take part in the Rite of Acceptance. Please pray for them as they journey towards receiving the Sacraments next Easter.
PARISH COUNCIL Meeting
The Parish Council meet on Thursday at 7.45pm in the Canon Smyth Parish Centre.
CAFOD WORLD GIFTS
As in previous years, we are encouraged to send a Christmas gift to share the peace and joy of Christmas with our brothers and sisters throughout the world. Catalogues for this are now available in the porch. There are several suggestions such as a Clever self-catering Garden, a Greenhouse, Water for a Family, a Terrific Toilet, a Goat that Gives, Chirpy Chickens and many others.
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 in the porch. . Please return the form to the presbytery by 4th December 2022.
There will be a session for the parents of the candidates at 7.30pm on Wednesday 25th January in the Canon Smyth Parish Centre. The first of seven sessions for the candidates will be on Wednesday 1st February at 7pm in the Parish Centre.
SENIOR CITIZENS’ CHRISTMAS LUNCH
This takes place on Sunday 18th 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 sheet by Sunday 11th December.
Winter Wonderland
Four:12 is pleased to host Winter Wonderland, the annual family Christmas get-together, on Saturday the 10th of December in the Parish Hall. Doors open at 7pm. Tickets – which include a 3-course meal and complimentary soft drink – will be on sale after Sunday Masses on the 27th of November and 4th of December, priced at £10 for adults over 16 years and £5 for those aged 5-16; children under 5 years eat for free. There will be a raffle on the night and soft and alcoholic drinks will be available for purchase from the bar.
Please note that all tickets must be paid for and collected by Sunday 4th December; there will be no tickets available for purchase or collection on the door.
Advent material
In the porch you will find some items relating to Advent
- Walk With Me: Daily meditations for each day of Advent (£1.00)
- Advent Calendars for children (free).
CHRISTMAS ARRANGEMENTS
We will be issuing a card with all the Christmas arrangements in mid-December. Please note that this year we will be having a Mass at Midnight as
well as Masses at 4pm and 6.30pm on Christmas Eve.
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."
MARRIAGE CARE
Willing to help couples forge a lifelong loving relationship? Marriage Care is a charity that runs marriage preparation courses for couples marrying in a Catholic church, and is looking for new course facilitators. Training is provided and volunteers will join the local Centre. More information can be found at: https://www.marriagecare.org.uk/mpcf/
The Annunciation Catholic Junior School
The Annunciation PTA Infant & Junior Christmas Fayre - Friday 2 December 2022 3:30 pm - 6:30 pm in the church hall. Please come along and support our school. All children must be accompanied by an adult.
Admissions Academic Year 2023 -2024 If you would like your child to have a place in Year 3 in September 2023 please contact the Junior school office manager Mrs. Browne on 0208 906 0723.
ST JAMES’SCHOOL SENIOR CITIZENS PARTY
If you ordered your tickets last week, you may pick them up from the sacristy.
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