St Anthony of Padua Anerley

Solemnity of Mary, The Holy Mother of God

Mass Readings: Pages 109 – 111

Order of Mass: Pages 6 – 60

Mary was able to see the fullness of her son’s life and mission. Not only was she there to hear the story of the shepherds and wise men but she was there at the foot of the cross and at Pentecost. She treasured all these things in her heart. It is through her actions that we are enabled to be free from sin.

This feast of Mary is on the first of January—end of the Octave of the Birth of Jesus. This feast is our opportunity after the concentration upon the wonder of God becoming man to centre of Mary. Motherhood is part of the amazing plan of God for his human creation (God bless all mothers). We know the story of her gift of the Holy Spirit. It reminds us how open and willing Mary was to give herself utterly to God’s will. Her Fiat (be it done according to your will) was without any reservation.

I think one of the major problems that we all face is permanent commitment in our lives. This especially affects commitment in marriage and priestly and religious calling. Many people live together without binding vow to marriage. Many make marriage vows and break up after a few years. Not infrequently in teenage marriages, nullity is sought, a plea for such early vows. Is ‘lack of due discretion.’

Now Mary pretty certainly was a teenager when she pledged herself. She was not then given an easy life. The pregnancy, birth, flight from Herod’s terror, the early and later life were not what we consider a satisfactory stable condition. But her faithfulness, love, resort to prayer and her sharing with Joseph, together with her humble acceptance of living in the background, brought her through life into final death and glory. Meditate upon her faithfulness and how it reflects our own commitment.

Sunday Teas:

There will be no Sunday teas this Sunday.

Next Sunday’s teas will be served by the UCM.

Thank you to all those who help out with the Sunday Teas.

Last Week’s Collections: The Christmas Day collections were your personal gift to the clergy.  Thank you for your generosity, it is much appreciated.

Recently Deceased: Please pray for the soul and family of John Victor Hammond.  The graveside committal will be on Wednesday 11th January at 11am at West Norwood Cemetery, Norwood High Street. Rest in peace.

Baptism Preparation:  The classes for Baptism preparation be on Mondays, the 16th, 23rd and 30th January at 7.30pm in the Parish Centre.  Please remember it is important to attend all three classes.

Are you a young person aged between 9-18yrs?  Read on to find out how you can take up the ‘Faith in Action’ challenge today! 

‘Faith in Action’ is a new, national, catholic award scheme from CYMFED which challenges young people of faith to make a difference in the world.  There are four levels of the award – Pin, Bronze, Silver, Gold and each one recognises the good work young people already do in the Church, whilst encouraging them to become involved in a wide range of activities and projects which positively contribute to their parish, school or community.  The Faith in Action award scheme will run each year, from January to November, finishing with an awards ceremony to celebrate the work of those who complete each stage.  There will be frequent opportunities for young people to spiritually reflect on their chosen activity in the light of the Gospel message, to seek meaningful ways to develop their own unique gifts and talents and to embrace the challenge to become disciples of the modern world.  All young people in Bromley Deanery aged 9-18 years are invited to take part in the Faith in Action Award Scheme, which will be launched at the end of January 2017.  We are inviting all parents and young people of St Anthony of Padua who are interested in taking part in the Faith in Action award to a meeting at the parish on Friday 6^th January 2017 at 6.30pm – so, if you are a young person who already reads at Mass, sings or plays an instrument in the choir, altar serves, helps or volunteers in your school or community in any way, then come along to the meeting to learn more about the range of exciting opportunities open to you.  We look forward to seeing you then!

Nativity Crib Donations: All donations will be for the Southwark Crisis Fund and will help families in need in the diocese.

Baptisms in 2016: Franco Mario Capoccia; Carla del Pilar Pajares Tamayo; Kevin Alejandro Abete; Julian Vicente Flores Paredes; Noah Christopher Parker; Albert Lars Peter Herneoja; Molly Louisa Baxter; Santa Lasmane; Vincentia Amma Akoto; Thomas Christopher Noone; Regan Jayden Kidd; Marvellous Adonaiyah Konaku Darko; Erin Leia Jemmotte; Jackie John Paul Curtis; Molly Grace Elizabeth Rose Maher; David Osahon Amusu; Arabella Rose Leonard-Price; Isaac Ikechukwu Ekwe; Isaiah Uzochukwu Ekwe; Tanatswa Kairu Singende-Irungu; Kwezi Kasemire Zoyah Esme Kakonge; Siima Bagaya Erin Kakonge; Galia Ewoenam Mensah and Ivy Rose Yeates.

Confirmations in 2016: Andrew Amoako; Jemimah Bankole-Jones; Jack Brown; Henry James Coates; Grace Curran; Emily-Rose Ferreira-Goff; Emmanuel Okafor and Conor Mahoney.

Marriages in 2016: Steven Anthony Evans and Rochelle Modeste; Scott Paul Curtis and Clare Adrienne Cole; France Ebwea-Mensah and Francoise Angele Ngo-Nlend; David Paul Tullett and Kate Ison.

Deaths in 2016: Elizabeth Chatfield; Margaret Ann Patricia Kilpatrick; Dominick Graydon; Timothy Horgan; Colin Anthony Dennis Wilson; Tina Matilda Gray; John Raymond Avelino Vaz; Audrey Mary Manning; Bridget O’Condell; Hector Archibald Thomas; Agnes Mary McCabe; Maurice Roger Southwell; Robert Bernard Combes; Madeleine Dolores Kildea; Mary Josephine Devine; Edmond Hayden; Margaret Carmel Robinson; John Victor Bishop; Teresa Margaret Mary Osborne and Yvonne Evelyn Patricia Coonghe.

SVP: The St Vincent de Paul Group wishes to thank members of the Parish for their generosity both for the recent donations to the SVP Fund, and also for the willingness of those who have offered their time to do our vital work for needy in our local community. There will be a meeting to hear more about the SVP for those who have signed up and for those still considering it on Monday 9th January at 7.30pm in the Parish Centre. We look forward to seeing you there.

Job Vacancies: St Chad’s Catholic Primary School are looking for a new Headteacher.  For further details and the application form please visit the website www.stchadsprimary.com.  Please do not send a CV as this will not be accepted.  Closing date: 22nd January 2017.

Please pray for the sick of the Parish: Bridget McLaughlin, Ellen Garvey, John Barry, Margaret Southwell,  Mercie Ihekweme-Hill, Kieran Quinn, Marie Harris and Michael Creech, Fr. David Hutton

Father Sunith and Father Stuart  would like to wish you all  a very  Happy and Holy New Year.

MASS TIMES AND INTENTIONS (1st Jan 2017—8th Jan 2017) (Year: A)