FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT—END OF TERM
Today is the Fourth Sunday in our Advent journey. Since 17th December we entered the inner heart of the Advent season, which really prepares us to celebrate the great feast of the Nativity of Jesus at Christmas. This week was also the end of term for children and staff in our schools. We send them all our thanks and best wishes after a very challenging school term, and every blessing for the Christmas holidays.
CONFESSIONS
There are extra pre-Christmas confessions this Monday morning from 10am till 11.30am, with both priests available to hear. Please note that Boxing Day is a Saturday but there will be no post-Christmas confessions that day. The Masses on Boxing Day are the two vigil Masses at 4pm & 6pm.
FOOD BANK DONATIONS
A HUGE thank you to the wonderful response of bringing food for those in need. It has really been a tremendous response. We have now arranged that most of the items will go to East Barnet Food Bank and some will be distributed in the local area by St Paul’s.
BERNADETTE CLUB
Club members have done their best to keep in touch during this difficult year. We delivered copies of the newsletter to members without online access and we have set up telephone circles to keep chatting and lifting each other’s spirits. Sadly, there was no Christmas Dinner this year, but we were able to hold our Christmas Raffle, which was drawn by Fr David on Wednesday:
First Prize, M&S Gift Voucher, Ausilia Fichera. Second Prize, Port and Chocolates, Breda Fennessy, Third Prize, Christmas Bouquet of Flowers, Audrey Dowling. Congratulations!
PRIMARY SCHOOL FORMS
If you need a form signing for primary school entry, or a Certificate of Catholic Practice, please send the necessary papers to the parish office with stamped self-addressed envelope. We will process them and return them to you by post. Please note carefully: do not leave this till the last moment.
CAFOD
Please consider purchasing a gift from the World Gifts catalogue this year at cafod.org.uk/worldgifts.
IMPORTANT ARRANGEMENTS FOR CHRISTMAS
London is now in Tier 3 and cases are rising in the local area. Please exercise caution and keep safe this Christmas.
If you have a ticket for Christmas Mass please remember to bring it with you. If you don’t bring the ticket, you will not be able to enter the car park and church.
If you don’t have a ticket please do not come. It will not be possible to enter the church.
Many parishioners and others around the country are planning to watch Mass online from the safety of their homes. If you are planning to join in this way, it will be lovely to have you with us, united in prayer at this holy time.
NEW YEAR
Tickets are available this weekend for Mass on New Year’s Day (Feast of Mary, Mother of God). The Masses on 1 January will be at 11am and 12 noon.
PARISH OFFICE
The Parish Office will close at lunchtime on Christmas Eve and will remain closed for the whole of the following week. Thank you to all our staff and volunteers who have worked so hard this year—they all deserve a good rest!
1ST NEW SOUTHGATE BROWNIES UNIT
As some of you will be aware, our Brownie Unit closed on 16th December. In addition to our weekly meetings, playing games and completing Badges, our Brownies raised money for charities and enjoyed camps and holidays in unusual places! None of this would have been possible without the support of the Nagle family, the 22nd Southgate Scouts, the Parish Team, volunteers, our families and the wider communities of Girl Guiding and our parish. Sarah and I would like to thank you all and especially all the amazing young girls who have been Brownies and brought so much joy to our lives. We have had so much fun, learnt new things, made great friends and stood outside our comfort zones! If you or someone you know might be interested in taking on the role of Brownie Unit Leader, please contact the Parish Office or Karen at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Yours in Guiding Karen, Sarah and Frances RIP.
IF YOU VISIT THE CHURCH FOR MASS OR PRIVATE PRAYER
HANDS - use the hand sanitiser on the way in and out of church (no exceptions)
FACE - always wear the face covering unless exempt
SPACE - maintain social distancing inside and outside church
TEST & TRACE - please sign in using the QR code or email address
FR DAVID & FR ANDREW WRITE
Thank you for the many kind wishes and messages we have received, both recently and throughout this year. Your presence, prayers and support of the parish and its priests have really helped us through challenging times. We send you all our love and best wishes for a happy, holy and peaceful Christmas.
May God bless you all. XX