FR DAVID WRITES
Today is Gaudete Sunday - a day of rejoicing for the coming of the Lord and the midpoint in our Advent journey. We've had a busy week again in the parish and I thank everyone for their efforts and generosity. I especially mention those of you who came to support our Advent soup lunch on Thursday in aid of CAFOD and all those who kindly helped with it. Life in our schools is busy at the moment too but the end of term is in sight! This coming Wednesday at 5pm we have Our Lady of Lourdes juniors' Carol Service in church. I send my best wishes to all our children, young people and parents throughout the parish as we head into the Christmas holidays, and every blessing to all our parishioners for this joyful Gaudete Sunday.
POPE FRANCIS & CARDINAL VINCENT NICHOLS
On Friday the Pope celebrated his Golden Jubilee of Ordination as a Priest (50 years). We give thanks with the whole Church for his ministry as a priest, bishop, and now as Pope. Cardinal Vincent, Archbishop of Westminster, celebrates his own Golden Jubilee on Saturday 21st December. On that day there will be a special Mass for him at Westminster Cathedral at 10.30am.
CHRISTMAS IN THE PARISH
Please take a special card from the back of church outlining the times of Masses and celebrations for Christmas and the New Year. Please remember that the Mass during the Holy Night (sometimes known as 'midnight Mass') will begin here at 10.30pm with carols. The actual Mass starts at 11pm.
CHRISTMAS COLLECTION
If you will be away for Christmas, you might like to leave your Christmas offering before you go. There are envelopes in the church porch for this purpose. Many thanks for your generosity.
CONFESSIONS IN ADVENT
There will be a short penitential service will individual confessions this Friday morning, 20th December, after the 10am Mass - beginning 10.30am. There will be additional confessions on Saturday 21st at 10.30am and 5.30pm.
FOUR SEASONS WINTER DRAW
The Draw will be next Sunday at 11 am in the Hall. Please ensure your subscription is up to date by Monday 16th as this gives us the chance to make sure your entry is in the bag!
CHRISTMAS MASS BY TELEPHONE LINK
If anybody knows of someone who is housebound and would like to hear Mass, through the phone link, on Christmas Eve at 6.30 pm, please contact the Parish office and we can add you to the list.
TINS FOR THE HOMELESS IN ADVENT
This year we will be collecting tins of food for the homeless. The box will be at the back of the Church. Please don’t bring other items—only tinned foods.
WANT TO KNOW MORE ABOUT THE CATHOLIC FAITH?
Fr Andrew’s talks on the Catholic Faith continue on Tuesday 17th December at 7.45 pm in the Small Hall. This week’s talk will be, what we believe about Mary.
NINE LESSONS & CAROLS AT ST. PAUL’S CHURCH, NEW SOUTHGATE
This special service, which “raises a curtain” on our Christmas festivities, takes place this evening, 15th December, at St Paul’s Church, Woodland Road, N11, at 6.30 pm and is followed by mince pies and mulled wine in the Hall. You are all most welcome to join the congregation at St Paul’s.
CHRISTMAS ELF THANK YOU!
Many thanks to all you lovely people who have sent in a gift for a child with a parent in prison this Christmas. PACT were overwhelmed by your generosity. They have now been delivered and so we can not take any more gifts.
WESTMINSTER YEAR BOOK 2020
These are now available for sale in the Paper Sale at a cost of £4.50.
YOUTH 2000
This is a Catholic initiative for young people aged 16-35, who are holding a New Year’s Eve event at Mary Immaculate and St Gregory in High Barnet. It runs from 9 am on 30th December—1 pm on 1st January. All meals provided, please bring a sleeping bag and mat! For more information email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
ALTAR SERVERS MASS
Our annual Mass for our Altar Servers takes place on Boxing Day, (26th December) at 12 noon. Altar servers and their families are warmly welcome.
CANTEEN SUPERVISOR REQUIRED
St Michael’s School, North Finchley are looking for a Canteen Supervisor (30 hours/39 weeks/annum) to start as soon as possible. For information and applications please email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or visit the school website at: st-michaels.barnet.sch.uk.