St Anthony of Padua Anerley

First Sunday of Advent (A)

Mass Readings: 82 – 84

Order of Mass: Pages 7- 60

The chief function of the season of Advent is to prepare us for Christmas. However, to understand Christmas we have to start at the beginning with the history of salvation.

God’s plan of salvation is centred in Christ and realised through him. Advent looks back at the promises of his first coming, when that plan was announced. And it looks forward to his second coming, when that plan will reach its complete fulfilment. And, of course, it celebrates his actual coming in time.

The First Reading of Advent Sundays (from Isaiah) are concerned with the Messiah and messianic times. Isaiah kept the hopes of the people alive in very dark times.

In today’s reading we have the theme of universal peace and salvation. The Gospel and the Second Reading deal with the Lord’s second coming, which the first Christians believed was imminent. Both readings convey a sense of urgency through phrases such as, ‘Wake up’, ‘Stay awake’, ‘Stand ready’.

Sunday Teas:

This Sunday’s teas will be served by the Flower Arrangers.

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

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

Last Sunday’s Collections: The 1st collection was £515.40p + £282.40p in Gift Aid envelopes giving us a parish total of £797.80p. The 2nd collection for the Catholic Youth Services was £108.64p. Thank you for your generosity. Today’s 2nd collection is for Parish Funds.

Please note: The presbytery office is closed on Wednesdays.

First Tuesday of the Month: Adoration and Gospel discussion from 7.30 – 8.30pm in the Parish Centre (3rd December). All are welcome.

First Holy Communion Classes: Please note that there will be the Parish Reconciliation Service on Saturday 14th December at 10.30am.

Confirmation Classes: Please note the next classes will be on Thursdays, the 5th and 19th December at 7pm in the Parish Centre (4 Genoa Road).

Christmas Fair: Please note that the Christmas Fair will be next Saturday (7th December) from 11am until 2pm. All offers of help welcome. Please note that donations for the Fair will be gratefully received. Please note that saleable items only are wanted so please do not donate clothes, electrical items or out of date food or bottles.  Thank you.

Christmas Fair Hamper: The Knights of St Columba will be selling raffle tickets, for the popular Christmas Fair Hamper, after all masses this weekend. £1 per entry.

Repository Gifts: Please take a look at the range of cards and gifts available in the repository. There are now advent calendars in stock.

Hospital Admissions: If you are due to be admitted to hospital or if you know of a parishioner who has been admitted to hospital then please let Father Sunith know. Thank you.

Single, separated, widowed or divorced? Catholic Singles is an organisation which helps single Catholics of all ages (over 18 years) meet other single Catholics, either one to one or through social events. For further information visit www.catholicsingles.org.uk or tel. 0161 941 3498

Seeking his Presence: A special evening of prayer during Advent on Saturday 7th December from 7—8pm at St Edmund’s Church, Beckenham.

Advent at St James, Petts Wood: Please see the poster on the notice board that lists the Advent events at St James’s Church, Petts Wood.

A message from Father Stuart:

“Dear friends, I want to say a very big thank you to the Pastoral Committee for arranging such a marvellous farewell lunch for me and of course the beautiful retirement cake.  It was good that so many people were able to attend and I am so grateful too for the very generous cheque which I was presented with, in addition to all the other personal gifts and cards I had received previously.  Your kindness to me has been overwhelming.  It was lovely to be able to be back with you for a few days as I gradually start to settle into a quite different and very quiet regime here.  No doubt it won’t be long before I have to do things at the Abbey but for now I am resting after my surgery, before a family invasion for Christmas.

 Again many thanks for your support over the years that I was with you and for the very kind farewell events and gifts. 

When the time comes I hope you have a very happy and Blessed Christmas and New Year,

 Father Stuart”

Please pray for the sick of the Parish: Mercie Ihekweme-Hill, and Michael Creech.

MASS TIMES AND INTENTIONS (1st Dec—8th Dec 2019)  (Year A)