Third Sunday of Advent (Year B) (Gaudete Sunday) 17th December 2017
Christmas Fair result
Fr Terry enthuses: This might be the most successful Christmas Fair ever, in terms of the amount raised. It was a splendid result: at least £4100, which is £1000 more than the year before. Our thanks to all those who make this possible. Special thanks to the main organiser, Helen Doran. It took a lot of hard work by her but also organisational skill and careful preparation. On behalf of all the parish, our thanks to Helen and the many helping hands! Finally, the gain is not only material. There was a happy atmosphere on the day, many people came from round about, and it was a good example to them of our wonderful community.
Break-in at the hall
Unfortunately we had a break-in at the hall on the night of Wednesday 13th December. Nothing appears to have been stolen but damage to doors and windows will probably amount to £1-2k. We may need to look again at security.
Bishop Douglass School looking for a French native speaker
Manisha Saleem, PA to Headteacher at Bishop Douglass writes: Are you a French native speaker? Can you speak French to a good standard? Bishop Douglass School is looking for some casual help to support children in their French lessons. Please contact Ms Torpos via schooladmin@bishopdouglass.barnet.sch.uk if you can help out a few hours a week.
First Communion 2018
Our First Communion children start their preparation at 9 am on Sunday 14th January in the parish centre. Wishing them and all their families a blessed Christmas.
RCIA
Are you not Catholic and wondering whether to take the step of joining the Catholic Church? Or are you an adult and wanting to be confirmed? If so let Fr Terry know.
Nativity Play for Christmas Eve
This year our First Communion children will rehearse and perform a Nativity Play for the Family Mass on Christmas Eve. All children of the parish are welcome to join in on 24th December by coming dressed as angels or shepherds.
A Jesse Tree for St Mary’s
A Jesse Tree is an old Catholic Advent tradition, also described as Jesus’ family tree. This year, we are inviting the children of our parish and all who’d like to take part to decorate one of our Jesse Tree ornaments and create a big display in the parish centre. Ornaments available from Sandra, finchleyeastcat@rcdow.org.uk
Looking ahead: special arrangements for Christmas
Card with service details: A card with Mass times is available. Please take one.
Confession: It is right and proper to prepare for Christmas through the sacrament of reconciliation.
Saturday 16th December: Fr Tony Convery and Fr Terry will be swopping churches. Fr Tony will be here in the confessional from 5 pm onwards.
Sunday 24th December: The 4th Sunday of Advent is on 24th December. The Sunday obligation still applies, but because this is also Christmas Eve we must trim one Sunday Mass. Please note that we will cancel the 12 noon Mass on the 24th December.
Fr Terry says: In the last two Christmases I have had had open table for anyone on their own on Christmas Day. Alas, this year it will not be possible. I am so sorry.
St Mary's Carol Service Thursday 21st December at 2.30pm
Helen Tierney writes: This year we share a joint carol service with residents and staff at Nazareth House. The service will be an informal programme or traditional carols, solo musical items and readings and is in the chapel of Nazareth House, followed by refreshments. A choir from St Mary's will sing a few items in the programme and any singers ( any or no experience welcome too!) are invited to join.
Supporting Local Refugees: Eggs Please!
Our donated hard-boiled eggs have made a big difference, many thanks for your generous support in aid of local refugees throughout 2017. Next date for eggs: Sunday, 7th January 2018. Contact: finchleyeastcat@rcdow.org.uk
CAROL SINGING for CRISIS 23rd December Helen Tierney writes: In recent years it has been great to involve parishioners in the group formed to sing carols to welcome guests at the opening of CRISIS at CHRISTMAS North London Day Centre. This is SAT 23rd December at Westminster Kingsway College in Grays Inn Rd 5-6pm. Last year we had about 40 singers. It is open to anyone over 18. It is really appreciated by both Crisis organisers and the men and women who use the scheme at Christmas. If interested contact Helen Tierney for details as you will need to register with Crisis as security is always a priority. tierneyhelen@hotmail.com
Our Lady of Lourdes School N12 Bow Lane, N12 0JP – Reception and Nursery
Our Lady of Lourdes invites applications for Reception class in September 2018 for children born between 1st Sept 2013 and 31st Aug 2014. The deadline to return this to the school is 15th Jan 2018. You must also complete the Barnet Online Application form. Nursery applications are invited for children born between 1st April 2015 and 31st March 2016.
See school website www.ololbarnetschool.org.uk.
Vinnie Packs
Siobhan Garibaldi, SVP Central Council writes: The SVP are distributing 12,000 Vinnie Packs containing cold weather essentials to the homeless this winter. Please could you consider sponsoring packs at a suggested donation of £3.50 per pack. Donations can be sent to Vinnie Packs, PO Box 72264, London SW1P 9EZ with cheques made out to SVP. Thank you for your support.
Pray for the sick esp. Eddie Caddle, John & Carmel Bates, Cathy Walker, Finola Hickey, Kelly-Marie O’Donnell, Simon O’Donnell, Pat Gleeson, Annette O’Gorman and Mary Myles.
Parish Collection: Last week’s was £ 754.24. Many thanks.
Anniversary Mass for Sergio and Luigi Castello There is a Funeral Mass at 10 am on Monday 18th December. The anniversary Mass intention for Sergio and Luigi Castello has therefore had to be moved to today’s 12 noon Mass.
Funerals
On Monday 18th December at 10 am, we have the Funeral Mass for Lourana Musgrave.
On Thursday 21st December at 12 noon, we have the Funeral Mass for Viviana Lotti.
On Friday 22nd December at 12 noon, we have the Funeral Mass for Con Flannery, who has been a faithful parishioner here for many years.
May they rest in peace.