FR TOM WRITES
This Sunday the Church bids us, in the entrance antiphon, ‘Rejoice in the Lord always; again I say, rejoice!’ In this penitential season of advent, in which we are full of expectation for the coming of Our Lord, we are invited to lift our hearts with joy. The love of God, seen in Jesus’ nativity, desires to enter our hearts and permeate every aspect of our lives. Let us welcome him with renewed faith in joyful anticipation. Our Christmas Cards are available today in the church porch with the times of Masses and celebrations here at Christmas and New Year. Please take one.
CAR PARK
The parking system is in full operation. There is free parking for a max of 4 hours per day. For official parish activities which may last longer than this, please speak to the parish office or one of the priests. There may be some ‘teething problems’ as the system gets underway: any problems or questions, please speak to us.
VENERAMUS
Please join us on Monday 15th December at 7.30pm for the latest evening of prayer, music and teaching. Confessions will be available.
PRIMARY SCHOOL: JUNIOR ADVENT CAROL SERVICE
The Junior Carol Service will take place on Thursday at 2.15pm, in the church. There will be a retiring collection for the charity ‘Help for Hunger’.
PRIMARY SCHOOL APPLICATION PAPERWORK
Fr David will be available next Saturday at 4.30pm in the parish centre to sign any primary school applications that need a priest’s signature/reference. A reminder that Our Lady of Lourdes here no longer requires the Certificate of Catholic Practice, but for any other schools that do, please see Fr David on Saturday at 4.30pm.
ADVENT THIS WEEK
This coming Friday morning after 10 am Mass (during Exposition) there will be an additional opportunity to go to confession. Next Sunday, after the 12.30pm Mass, there will be Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament from 1pm-2.30pm: this will be an opportunity for prayer and peace before the Lord in preparation for Christmas.
HATTERS EXPLORER SCOUTS CAKE SALE
The Hatters will be holding a cake sale after Masses on Sunday morning (today).
FIRST HOLY COMMUNION PROGRAMME
Let us pray for this year’s cohort of First Holy Communion children who begin their preparation this weekend for First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion.
BAPTISM COURSE
The next application for Baptism will take place on Tuesday 13th January at 6.30pm in the Parish Centre.
CHRISTMAS MARKET RAFFLE PRIZES
There are still prizes to be collected. Please see the notice in the porch to check.
A FESTIVAL OF NINE LESSONS & CAROLS
Our joint carol service will be at St Paul’s CofE Church, Woodland Road, today (14th December) at 6.30pm. The service will be followed by mulled wine and mince pies. Please join us if you can.
FORTHCOMING FUNERALS: RIP
The Funeral for Mrs Nadege Bastide will take place on Monday 22nd December at 10am. May she rest in peace.
ALTAR SERVERS
Servers (or parents) are asked to indicate on the sheet in the sacristy which Masses you will be attending at Christmas. On Boxing Day (St Stephen’s Day) we will hold our annual Mass for Altar Servers at 12 noon. Please make sure to join the celebration.
CHRISTMAS COLLECTION
The Christmas collection is very important to the life of the Parish. We know you are always very generous. If you will be away at Christmas, you are kindly invited to leave your Christmas offering before you go. There are extra envelopes available in the church porch for offerings. You only need to use a special envelope or indeed any envelope marked ‘Christmas’ so we know what the offering is intended for. Thank you in advance for your generosity.