FR DAVID WRITES
Today is the Second Sunday of Advent. In the Gospel we meet St John the Baptist who appeared in the wilderness preaching a message of repentance. John is the link between the hope of Israel and the dawn of Christ’s coming. His message also comes to us as we look for Christ’s presence and prepare to celebrate the mystery of his holy birth at Christmas. May God bless you all in this coming Advent week.
CONFESSIONS
There will be an opportunity for individual confessions in church after 10am Mass on Friday 13 December. Confessions are also heard in church every Saturday at 3pm until 3.45pm. The priests need to finish at 3.45pm in time to prepare for Mass at 4pm, so you are kindly asked to arrive in good time if you wish to make your confession before Mass.
DEANERY EVENT FOR YOUNG ADULTS (18-35)
Young adults age 18-35 are invited to join us here on Friday evening at 7.30pm for our special event with the deanery. The time will begin in church with adoration, music from the One Hope Project, adoration, and a talk. There will be a social time with food afterwards in the parish hall. A great Advent preparation for Christmas!
CATHOLIC CHILDREN’S SOCIETY (WESTMINSTER)
Fr David, Chair of the CCS, is inviting parishioners to bring a Christmas toy or gift for a child in need. The gifts should be new and unwrapped. The deadline to bring gifts to the parish office will be Tuesday 10 December. Many thanks in anticipation.
A FESTIVAL OF NINE LESSONS AND CAROLS
Our annual carol service will take place on Sunday 15 December at 6.30pm (not today as erroneously advertised last week), at St Paul’s Church of England Church, Woodland Road, followed by mince pies and mulled wine. Please join us if you can.
SOLEMNITY OF THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION
Monday is the solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The feast is transferred this year from Sunday. Please join us for Mass at 10 am.
FIRST HOLY COMMUNION 2025
Parents are reminded of their first meeting on Tuesday 10th December at 7.30pm in the Parish Hall. The children’s session will be on Saturday 14th December 10am-11.30am. Next Sunday at the 11.15 Mass, the children and families will join us for their special Mass at the beginning of the programme.
FAIR TRADE
The Fair Trade stall will be open in the parish centre all Masses this weekend. This will be the last Fair Trade stall before Christmas. Please visit the stall today.
FORTHCOMING FUNERALS
The Funeral Mass for John Hackett is on Wednesday 11th December at 10am. The Funeral Mass for James Welsh is on Monday 16th December at 10am. The Funeral Mass for William Beisty will take place here on Wednesday 18th December at 10 am. May they rest in peace. Amen.
CHRISTMAS CARDS WITH MASS TIMES
Christmas Cards are available today in the church porch which also outline the times of Masses and celebrations here at Christmas and New Year. Please take one.
VENERAMUS
The next Veneramus prayer event will take place here in church on Monday 16th December at 7.30pm, with prayer, music, adoration, confession. All are welcome.
PRIMARY SCHOOL APPLICATIONS & FORM SIGNING SESSION
Fr David will be available on Saturday 14th December at 5pm in the Parish Centre to sign all forms for admission to primary schools. It is very important to attend this session as we will not be signing school forms in the Christmas holidays. All parents are encouraged to make sure they are prepared as the deadline is Wed 15 January. The Governors of Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Primary School are inviting applications for their reception class from families whose child reaches his/her 4th birthday between 1st Sep 2024 and 31st August 2025. For visits, please call the school to arrange - 020 8361 0767.
CAR PARK
Please remember that the car park here closes at 10.15pm every night, and will not be reopened until at least 9am the following morning.