First Sunday of Advent (Year A)

Funerals

The body of the late Annetta Pellegrinelli who recently passed away will be received into St Philip the Apostle, Gravel Hill, on Monday 28th November at 7.30 pm followed by a funeral Mass on Tuesday 29th November 2016 at 10 am again at St Philip the Apostle. The Burial will be at Willesden Green.

The Funeral Mass for Doris Morris will be held at 10 am on Monday 5th December at 10 am here at St Mary’s. She recently celebrated her 100th birthday. Parishioners may remember Fr Tony’s interview with her in St Mary’s Magazine. She and her late husband were wardens at Wilmot Place some time ago.

Bernadette Whitaker, mother of Matthew Whitaker, died earlier this week.

May they rest in peace.

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 this weekend 26th/27th November to collect names/deposits. Many thanks.

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-1.30 pm, with visitors encouraged after each Mass. Bring your nativity set and share the joy.

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.

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 the hall. 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 today Sunday 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.

Diocesan Accounts

The 2015 Annual Report and Accounts for the Diocese of Westminster are now published, and a copy can be inspected at the back of the church. They are also available on the diocesan website at www.rcdow.org.uk/publications

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. 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.

St Theresa’s Catholic Primary School East End Road N3 – Open Day 2016

Open Day for prospective pupils due to start Reception Class is on Monday 28th Nov at 10 am. Please call the school office on 0208 346 8826 for more information.

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 via phone is also available.

Room for One

Can you help? Kristy Bradnum, the chair of our parish council, is looking to rent a one bedroom flat (without stairs ie ground-floor or with a lift) in East Finchley or nearby. If you are in a position to offer accommodation or know someone who is, please speak to Kristy (kristybradnum@gmail.com) or leave a phone message for her via the parish office: 0208 883 4234.

Our Lady of Lourdes School Christmas Fayre Saturday 3rd December, 12-3pm (Bow Lane, N12). Please join them for festive food, games for the children and Christmas stalls. Everyone welcome.

Westminster Ministry Youth Mass – 9th December 2016 at 6.30pm

At St Aloysius Parish, Euston NW1 1TA, the Westminster Youth Service annual Youth Mass. Refreshments after Mass – all young people and teenagers are encouraged to take this opportunity to meet their peers from across Westminster.

St Martha’s School – Invigilators required for Friday 6th January 2017

St Martha’s School will be holding their entrance tests for prospective pupils on Friday 6th January 2017 and are looking for invigilators to assist from 8.30am-12.30pm. Previous experience preferable but not essential. Please contact Mrs Naismith on 0208 449 6889 for more information or email: headspa@saint-marthas.org.uk

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.

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.

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 £ 1100.95. Many thanks.