First Sunday of Advent
30th November 2014
Parish Mass Book - page 82
Mass Times and Intentions
6.30 pm Vigil People of Parish
Sunday 30 Nov 10.00 am Private Intention
Monday 10.00 am Eucharistic Service
Tuesday 10.00 am Sick Person
Wednesday 1.00 pm Mass for sick & Housebound
Thursday 10.00 am Annie & Sean McDermott
Friday 10.00 am Walter Cox
6.30 pm Vigil Tom & Mary Devine
Sunday 7 Dec 10.00 am People of Parish
Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament
Friday 9.20 - 9.50 am
Sacrament of Reconciliation
Saturday 5.45 pm - 6.15 pm
Please pray for:
· Carol Charlton, Peter Maley and all who are sick,
· all who died recently,
· all whose anniversaries occur at this time.
Finance …
Parish Offertory: £295..92
Many Thanks
Advent Happy New Year! From the church’s perspective we start a new year on this first Sunday of Advent. Advent is a time of joyful hope as we reflect on the two comings of Christ. From now until 16th December we will reflect that we are waiting for Christ and His Kingdom to be fully established. From the 17th December we reflect on those events that took place before the first coming of Christ as we prepare to welcome Him on Christmas Day.
To help make this time of Advent a time of prayer for ourselves and our community. I invite you to choose a favourite line from the bible or a prayer and with the sheets that we have provided to write it out four times and cutting it out to place one at your bedside, one on the bathroom mirror, one on the fridge and one at your computer, if you have one. We can faithfully reflect on a piece of scripture that means something to us it will hopefully help us to prepare for Christmas.
Mass for Anointing for the Sick and Housebound
The annual Mass for the sick and housebound will be on Wednesday at 1.00 pm. The sacrament of the sick will be available to anyone who would like to receive it.
Youth Sunday - Christ the King
It was a joy to hear Lydia Barras and Patrick Shields speak so eloquently and powerfully about what their faith and this community means to them. I would like to thank them both for their efforts. They are a credit to the school and our parish.
Youth Mission
During the mission on 10th, 11th, 12th, 16th and 17th December there will be Mass in St Benet’s School at 12.30.in the new school chapel which is based in the school’s business centre. People can bring a packed lunch and stay for Exposition in the chapel from 2-3pm. Our parish will take responsibility for “hosting” the Masses on Wednesday 10th December and Wednesday 17th December. These Masses will be the parish Masses of the day so there will be no Mass at 10.00 am. I have had a request for volunteers to guide people from the deanery who will be using the parish car park through the grounds of St Bede’s School to St Benet’s Chapel. I would like three volunteers from 12.10 to 12.30 pm on 10th, 11th, 12th, 16th and 17th December. Please sign the list in the narthex. During Advent we will say the Mission prayer at the end of each Mass. There is also a family night for all on at the end of the mission on Wednesday 17th December in St Benet’s at 7.00pm. All are very welcome
Journey of Faith Programme
The Journey of Faith Programme continues on Wednesday at 6.30 pm in the Presbytery. This week we will continue to look at the Passion of Jesus on the cross. Please continue to pray for our three enquirers.
Ecumenical Advent Carol Service
This year the event will be hosted by the Salvation Army. It will take place on Sunday at 4.00 pm. We hosted this event last year, and the Pentecost event, and there was a great deal of support from other churches. I think it is very important that as a community we reciprocate the support that has been given to us. I would encourage as many people as possible to come to this service.
Parish Council
There is a meeting of the parish council on Monday 8th December at 7.00 pm. Please let m, or any members of the parish council, of any issues you may wish to raise.
Refugee/Asylum Seekers
There will be a collection next weekend for tins of food (not pork) for refugee and asylum seekers. Please leave in Narthex. Next collection first Sunday of the month
Parish Fayre
My thanks to anyone who contributed in any way to making the Christmas fayre a great success. It was not just about the money which so far has far come to £868.67 but the strong sense of welcome and community that was experienced both by parishioners and outsiders. My thanks to you all for making this great witness.
Advent Service of Reconciliation
The following dates have been arranged;
St Wilfrid’s - Tuesday 16th December at 7.00 pm
St Bede’s - Sunday 21st December at 4.00 pm
Day of Reflection for Forward Together in Hope
As mentioned by Bishop Seamus in his pastoral letter last week, he is keen to ensure that the ‘Forward Together in Hope ‘ process is rooted in prayer. On 2nd December at 10.30am to 12 noon and 6.30 pm to 8.00 pm, both Laity and Clergy have opportunities to listen to a 30 minute presentation by Bishop Seamus followed by an hour in front of the Blessed Sacrament. I would encourage people to attend either of these events if they can.
CAFOD Emergency Ebola appeal
This will remain open for the rest of the month. Baskets will be in the Narthex for your donations. My thanks to those who have already contributed. Please keep CAFOD in your prayers at this time as they are experiencing structural changes.
