FR DAVID WRITES
Today is the Second Sunday of Advent. Thank you to all who came or watched our Advent talk on Wednesday, and thank you to Rev Ruth Moriarty for her beautiful reflection. Many thanks also for the lovely School Mass, and we had a wonderful time at the Bernadette Club Christmas tea party. This week, the children from school will come on Thursday morning for their Reconciliation. God bless you all in the coming week.
ADVENT EXPOSITION
Next Sunday, 17 December, there will be Eucharistic Adoration after the 12.30pm Mass till 3pm - an opportunity for some peace and prayer with the Lord before Christmas.
CHRISTMAS MASS TIMES
Please take a card today with the times of Masses for Christmas and the New Year. Please note carefully: because 24 December is both a Sunday and also Christmas Eve, there will only be two Masses here on that morning at 8.30am and 9.45am. There will be no Mass at 11.15 and 12.30pm. However, there will be two Masses in the evening: the Christmas Vigil Mass at 6pm and the Mass during the Holy Night at 11pm.
MARIA ALLEGRI RIP
The funeral will take place on Wednesday 13th December at 10am.
RACHEL CARROLL RIP
The funeral will take place on Monday 18th December at 10am.
BRIDIE DONAGHY
The family of Bridie would like to extend our thanks and express our gratitude for the love and support we have received following her death. You have been so kind and caring; with your presence; your words; the Masses you have offered and the generous donations make to Meningitis Research UK, in Mum’s name. The current total donated is £1,030. Thank you all. The Holy sacrifice of Mass will be offered for you all on 15th March at 10am.
JOINT CAROL SERVICE WITH ST PAUL’S C of E PARISH
Our annual joint service of Nine Lessons and Carols will take place today, Sunday 10th December, at St Paul’s Church, Woodland Road, beginning at 6.30 pm. Please join us in this special way to mark Advent and in preparation for Christmas.
FOOD BANK
A word of thanks to everyone for continuing to kindly support the food bank either by bringing donations or volunteering each Wednesday. May God bless you all.
CHRISTMAS GIFTS FOR THE CATHOLIC CHILDREN’S SOCIETY
As you may know, Fr David is a trustee of the Catholic Children’s Society Westminster. If you would like to donate a gift for a child from a family in need this Christmas, you can bring them to the parish office (unwrapped) by Monday 11 December, either during office hours or at Mass times. Fr David will then transport the gift to the CCS. Please note that this date is the absolute cut off—he won’t be able to take any later items. Thank you for your consideration and generosity.
CHRISTMAS MARKET RAFFLE
This is your last opportunity to claim a raffle prize from our recent Christmas Market—please check the notice board at the back of the church and claim from the parish office during opening times or the paper shop after Mass. Thank you all again for your wonderful support for this event.
THE PERFECT CHRISTMAS PRESENT
Please help support the Christmas Appeal of the Sisters of Our Lady of the Missions, who live in the parish. You can do this by giving virtual gifts that will make a difference to many poor people overseas. There are four gifts; for each one you buy, you will receive a card that you can give as a Christmas present. You will find the Gift catalogue at the church porch. Thank you.
VINNIE PACKS
The SVP are distributing over 10,000 Vinnie Packs, containing cold weather essentials, to the homeless this winter. Please could you consider sponsoring packs at a suggested donation of £4.20 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.
FAIRTRADE
Next weekend will be the last weekend this year to visit the stall after all Masses.