2ndSUNDAY of ADVENT (A)
A key character on our Advent Journey is John the Baptist. He is the one who prepared the way for the appearance of Jesus on the public scene. He did this through his preaching, particularly emphasising the need to repent. He conjured up an excitement for the appearance of the Messiah. He portrayed asceticism through the way he dressed and by what he ate. He baptised with water for repentance. Even Pharisees and Sadducees approached John the Baptist for baptism. He did explain that the one who was to come would baptise with the Holy Spirit and that he, John, was nothing compared to the Christ who was to come. For ourselves on our Advent journey, we await with longing for his appearance in our lives. As indicated by the prophet Isaiah, the Messiah is one who is full of integrity and faithfulness, he brings about justice and peace, he is the one to follow.
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
Today (Sunday) at 12 Noon Mass, 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.
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.
SENIOR CITIZENS’ CHRISTMAS LUNCH
This takes place on Sunday 18th December at 1pm in the Canon Smyth Parish Centre.
FEAST OF THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION
On Thursday we celebrate the Feast of the Imaculate Conception, on which we celebrate the fact that Our Lady was conceived without original sin, unlike the rest of the human race. It was St Bernadette in Lourdes who revealed to the authorities that Our Lady had appeared to her saying ‘I am the Immaculate Conception’. The relics of St Bernadette made a tour of thes country earlier in the year. Mass on Thursday is at 9am as usual.
VERONICA KELLY RIP
The funeral for the late Veronica Kelly will take place in the Chapel at Hendon Crematorium at 10:00am on Wednesday 7 December 2022.
CHRISTMAS ARRANGEMENTS
Next weekend we will be issuing a card giving the times of the Christmas services. This doubles as our Christmas card to you. Also available next weekend will be Christmas posters, produced by the Knights of St Columba.
FIRST COMMUNION PROGRAMME 2023
Today is the final day for submitting application forms for children in Year 3 or above who wish to receive First Holy Communion next year. The red application forms are available in the porch until today. Sessions for parents and the children will start in January, the dates for which will be sent to you by email.
CONFIRMATION PROGRAMME 2023
Today is the final day for submitting application forms for those in Year 10 or above who wish to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation next year. The blue application forms are available in the porch until today.
There will be a session for the parents of the candidates at 7.30pm on Wednesday 25th January in the Canon Smyth Parish Centre.
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 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 1pm today (4th December); there will be no tickets available for purchase or collection on the door.
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
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.
Church is...
Where your PARENTS bring you to be baptised
Where your FRIENDS bring you to be married
Where your RELATIVES bring you to be buried
.Why not try coming on your own sometime?
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