Christ the King (Year C)
Nativity Set Exhibition 18th December
Many families have a beloved nativity set. Sometimes these show us how to understand the Holy Family in the setting of another country or culture – and remind us that the infant Son of God comes to all people and all places. Do you have a nativity set? Would you like to display it for others to enjoy? If so we welcome you
- to set up the nativity set on Saturday 17th December, between 4 and 5 pm. There will be a social atmosphere, with a film shown for small children, and refreshments.
- the sets will then be on display on Sunday 18th December, from 9.30 am to 1.30 pm, with visitors encouraged after each Mass. Bring us your nativity set and share the joy.
CAROLS FOR CARITAS
As part of the work Caritas organises to combat social isolation, we have organised a musical entertainment at FERNBANK NURSING HOME in FINCHLEY WAY N3 and invite any parishioners interested to come along and join in the carol singing for all. NO rehearsal or experience necessary. We will sing well known carols and Christmas songs and you will be given word sheets.
Simply arrive by 2pm and we will finish approximately 3.30. Further details from Helen Tierney tierneyhelen@hotmail.com or Sue Day
sueday@rcdow.org,uk
SVP Quiz Night
The SVP writes: The SVP quiz night will be on Saturday 3rd December at 7.30pm in the Parish Centre. A fish & chip/chicken supper or vegetarian meal will be provided. Entrance £10, a £5 deposit will be required. We'll be outside after Masses the weekends of 19th and 26th November to collect names/deposits. Many thanks.
Noel Breen and Annetta Pellegrinelli RIP
Sadly, earlier this week, two of our parishioners passed away – Noel Breen and Annetta Pellegrinelli. Noel was known to regular attendees of the 8.30 Sunday Mass and Annetta was also well known in East Finchley. Further information regarding arrangements are still awaited. May they rest in peace.
Sick and Retired Priests Collection
Thank you to everyone for your generosity in donating to the Sick and Retired Priests collection last weekend – it came to £1255.63. It’s not too late to make a donation if you wish. Envelopes are available at the back of the church. This important collection helps cover the expenses of frail, elderly, infirm and chronically ill priests dependent on the Diocese for basic living needs. Thank you for your prayers for all our Catholic priests and especially for those concluding a lifetime of service to the Church.
Christmas Fair, Raffle Tickets and “Decorative Sunday”
Thank you for all your contributions to our Christmas Fair. For the Tombolas we received 13 bottles; 12 filled jars and chocolate bars but with only two more Sundays to go, we need more please! Next Sunday we’re also looking for any decorations you can donate or loan to deck out the halls with all things jolly. Please leave donations in the large bags at the church entrance. Our Christmas Fair will be on 10 Dec 12 to 3pm. Look out for Raffle tickets sellers before and after masses. For specific donations such as Mulled wine & mince pies; pots of soup & bread rolls; prizes for the Raffle; etc., please contact Sandra Lipner (finchleyeastcat@rcdow.org.uk,); Helen Doran (h.doran@virgin.net) or Kristy Bradnum (kristybradnum@gmail.com).
Carols at our Christmas Fair
Join our popular gospel choir and sing your favourite carols at our Christmas Fair on 10th December. Rehearsals every Sunday after 10 am Mass in church. All ages welcome, children are welcome to dress up in nativity costumes. Sandra – finchleyeastcat@rcdow.org.uk .
Incensed Youth Group
Join us on the last Sunday of every month at 11.10 am in the community room (Fr. Terry’s house) for games, chat and fellowship. New joiners always welcome, ages 10-18. Next meeting on 27th November – topic: Young and Homeless in London. Sandra – finchleyeastcat@rcdow.org.uk.
Grassy Area between the church and the parish centre
Please note that you must not let your children play on the steps or the strip of lawn immediately behind the church. If they play on the lawn above the steps please make sure that there is at least one parent present at all times.
Confirmation Enrolment
We are now enrolling young people aged 13+ (Year 8+) for preparation for Confirmation in 2017. Forms are available from Fr Terry or Sandra (finchleyeastcat@rcdow.org.uk). Preparation will begin next year.
Christmas Lunch
Fr Terry says: Last year some parishioners who would have been on their own joined me for a festive meal on Christmas Day. I am glad to repeat the invitation this year. If you want to join me for dinner on Christmas Day, could you let me know?
Applications for Reception and Nursery - Our Lady of Lourdes School
Applications are invited for the Reception Class for September 2017 - for children born between 1st Sept. 2012 and 31st August 2013. Please also be advised that you must also complete a CAF (Common Application Form) from Barnet - the on-line system is already open. Deadline is 15th January 2017. Applications are invited for the Nursery for the Academic Year starting September 2017 – this is for children born between 1st April 2014 and 31st March 2015. Deadline is 27th January.
All Saints – Durham Road
Our friends at All Saints Durham Road invite us to their annual Advent Carol service on Sunday 27th November at 6.30 pm. Refreshments afterwards.
Our Lady of Lourdes Bow Lane N12 Open Day 23rd November 2016
Open Day for prospective parents to view the school and nursery on Wednesday 23rd November at 9am, 1.30pm or 7pm (no need to book).
St Theresa’s Catholic Primary School East End Road N3 – Open Days 2016
Open Days for prospective pupils due to start Reception Class are as follows: Monday 21st Nov at 2 pm, Thursday 24th Nov at 2 pm and Monday 28th Nov at 10 am. Please call the school office on 0208 346 8826 for more information.
Love in Action Launch
On Thursday 1st December, Caritas Westminster will be launching Love in Action, an engagement programme designed to introduce people to the principles of Catholic Social Teaching, and from that, enable the development of social outreach projects. This takes places at Our Lady of Victories church hall, 235A Kensington High Street, London W8 6SA. The launch will be a chance to learn more about how Love in Action works, experience a taster of the programme and hear about the difference it has made to a parish.
Thank you from Mary’s Meals
Gerrard McMahon of Mary’ s meals writes: I am delighted to say that the parish managed to give 460 kg* of unwanted clothes; there were also cash donations of £525.45 making a contribution of £755.45. Please let the parish know how grateful Mary’s Meals is for its support – this is a really excellent result! The amount raised will feed 61 children who will not only get fed one good, nutritious meal every school day for a whole year, but they will get an education too.
In Memory of Thomas O’ Sullivan
The flowers in the church this weekend are in memory of Thomas O’Sullivan (1st anniversary).
CAFOD Office Volunteer required to help co-ordinate workshops/sessions in Secondary Schools
CAFOD are looking for a computer-literate volunteer with good admin skills - ideally with some experience of working in a secondary school or college. You would be liaising with a team of experienced school volunteers and full training will be given. Our CAFOD (Catholic Agency for Overseas Development) Westminster Volunteer Centre is based at the Catholic Church of Christ the King, Oakwood N14 4HE. To find out more telephone Joanna Jarvis at the Volunteer Centre on 0208 449 6970 or email jjarvis@cafod.org.uk
CAFOD World Gift Catalogue
Stuck for a Christmas present? CAFOD World Gifts offers a great alternative for friends or family who don’t need anything, but might appreciate a gift which helps poor communities to access services like basic healthcare, clean water, and education. CAFOD provides you with a certificate detailing a gift that has been given to a community overseas on your behalf. Please take home a CAFOD World Gift Catalogue after Mass.
Westminster Ministry Youth Mass – 9th December 2016
On 9th December, at St Aloysius Parish, Euston NW1 1TA, the Westminster Youth Service host their annual Youth Mass – Bishop Nicholas leading. The Mass begins at 6.30 pm and the music will be led by Edwin Fawcett and the young music scholars; the evening is a celebration of youth throughout our Diocese. Light refreshments will follow Mass – all young people and teenagers are encouraged to take this opportunity to meet their peers from across Westminster.
Celebrate St Andrew’s Day at a Ceilidh to raise funds for the homeless
Wednesday 30th November 2016 from 7-10.30 pm
This will be held at Westminster Cathedral Hall, Ambrosden Avenue, London SW1P 1QW with doors opening at 6.30 pm. There will be live music and caller from Ceilidh Tree. Ticket price £25 which includes a hot Scottish Supper. Tickets from The Friends Office, Clergy House, 42 Francis Street, London SW1P 1QW(cheques payable to The Friends of Westminster Cathedral). Tel: 020 7798 9059 or e-mail: friends @rcdow.org.uk. Card payment over the telephone is also available.
CRISIS at Christmas Carol-Singing – 23rd December 2016
Helen Tierney writes: Every year I organise the carol-singing at the opening of the CRISIS at CHRISTMAS day centre based at Westminster Kingsway College ( near Kings Cross).It has been great to have singers from St Mary's joining the group in the last few years. This year the session is from 6-7pm on Friday December 23rd. It is completely informal so no rehearsals and open to all adult singers, (You have to be over 18) however experienced or inexperienced. We sing traditional carols and Christmas songs as the clients arrive to use the centre's services. If you are interested in taking part then get in touch- email is tierneyhelen@hotmail.com or 02088832851.
Advent at the Niland Centre – Rosary Priory, 93 Elstree Road, Bushey Heath WD23 4EE
Advent Day of Prayer with Bishop Emeritus John Crowley on Thursday 8th December – 10 am start with a Mass for the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception at 3 pm. Suggested donation - £12. Please bring a packed lunch, tea and coffee provided. Places are limited and advance registration is required – contact http://www.nilandconferencecentre.co.uk/events/advent-reflection-thursday-8-december-2016/
Celebrating Christmas in Song with Sister Avril OP and friends on Friday 16th December at 7 pm, followed by seasonal refreshments. Suggested donation is £10.
Tel: 0208 950 4000.
Please pray for the sick esp. Sister Sheila, John & Carmel Bates, Cathy Walker, Finola Hickey and Kelly-Marie O’Donnell.
Parish Collection Last week’s collection came to £ 1105.30. Many thanks.
Parish Diaries available – donation suggested. Also 2017 Westminster Year Book for £4.50 – last year we sold out, so hurry if you want a copy.