FR DAVID WRITES
Today is Gaudete Sunday, the Third Sunday of Advent, when we are invited to rejoice at the Lord’s coming. Today we light the rose coloured candle on the Advent wreath. The colour rose is a lighter shade of purple, which represents our joy in the midst of Advent. Thank you to everyone who brought gifts and toys for the Catholic Children’s Society. We have had a great response. This week Bishop John will visit Our Lady of Lourdes Primary School on Thursday morning, and he will also join us at Masses here next weekend. Finally, if you are able to, please join us at St Paul’s Church, New Southgate, today (Sunday) for our joint carol service. God bless you all and have a great week.
LETTER FROM FR DAVID
At the back of church you will find a pastoral letter from Fr David to the whole parish in view of the forthcoming celebration of the parish centenary. Please take one.
OUR CHRISTMAS MARKET
The Raffle prize numbers are on the wall in the porch—you can collect your winnings from the Office during opening times, or email us to arrange a time.
JOINT CAROL SERVICE WITH ST PAUL’S CHURCH OF ENGLAND PARISH
The annual service of Nine Lessons and Carols will take place at St Paul’s CoE Church, Woodland Road, at 6.30 pm Sunday 11th December (today), followed by mulled wine and mince pies in the Hall.
ALTAR SERVERS
Our annual altar servers’ Mass takes place on Boxing Day at 12 noon—St Stephen’s Day, the patron saint of altar servers. We have a number of new altar servers. If you wish to be enrolled into the Guild of St Stephen and receive the medal please add your name to the list in the sacristy. ALL servers are invited to join us in the sanctuary for the Boxing Day Mass.
PRIMARY SCHOOL APPLICATION FORMS
Fr David will be available to sign all application forms for primary school on Saturday 7 January at 5pm in the parish centre. No need to sign up beforehand.
MARY HISHON RIP
The funeral will take place on Monday 12th December at 10 am.
MARY JORDAN RIP
The funeral will take place on Thursday 15th December at 10am.
HILARY CARRASCO RIP
The funeral will take place on Tuesday 20th December at 10am.
May they all rest in peace.
WESTMINSTER YEAR BOOKS 2023
These are now available in the Paper Shop, priced £5, or £6 for the ring bound version.
CAFOD-WORLD GIFT CATALOGUES
Please take a catalogue from the back of church to request a gift for someone in need.
FOUR SEASONS DRAW
The draws for the most recent period will take place at the end of the 10am Mass next Sunday, 18 December.
OUR LADY OF LOURDES JUNIOR SCHOOL CAROL SERVICE
This will take place on Thursday, 15th December at 5.30 pm in the church.
CHRISTMAS & NEW YEAR MASS TIMES
There are cards available with the times of Masses here over the festive period. Please take a card and keep it in view at home. Or see below:
CHRISTMAS MASS TIMES
Christmas Eve: Family Vigil Mass 6pm; Mass in the Holy Night 11pm (carols before both).
Christmas Day: Masses 8.45am; 10am; 11.15am; 12.30pm.
Boxing Day: Mass 12 noon.
Tues-Fri of Christmas week: Mass 10am.
New Year’s Eve/New Year’s Day: Weekend Masses as normal.
CONFESSIONS
Saturdays: 3pm (including Christmas Eve & New Year’s Eve)
There will be extra Confessions on Friday 23 December after 10am Mass.
HATTERS CAKE SALE
Please join the Hatters Explorer Scout Group in the Hall after all morning Masses today (Sunday) for a very delicious Cake Sale! They are raising funds for their trip to India next Summer – a trip that they hope will open their horizons, and give them the opportunity to spend quality time with and help communities that are not blessed with the luxuries that we have. The Explorers will be doing a trek in the Himalayan Mountains, where they will be involved with 3 community-based volunteering projects, including one which will deliver eye tests and spectacles to people based in remote areas.