St Anthony of Padua Anerley

Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe (B)

Mass Readings: 160 – 162

Order of Mass: Pages 7 – 47

This weekend—the last weekend of the Church’s liturgical year—we celebrate the Feast of Christ the King. The preface of the Mass for the day says: As king he claims dominion over all creation that he may present to you, his almighty Father, an eternal and universal kingdom: a kingdom of truth and life, a kingdom of holiness and grace, a kingdom of justice, love and peace.

Our first duty and joy, then is to proclaim that ‘Our Lord reigns’ – in  our minds, in our hearts, in  our lives. But what does that mean? How does he reign? Firstly, by faith. Unless we believe in him, there can be no loyalty, no desire to discover and follow his will. So—do you really believe in God and Jesus his Son?

 No? – well then—face that negative and decide not just to pay lip-service to a belief you do not have, which is dishonest and undermines true belief.

 Yes? Well then, live out your belief by being seen and known to be an active Catholic. Do not hide your light—Christ’s light— under anything. Walk tall and be proud to be a sister or brother of Christ.  Of course, some of the things which Christ teaches and tells us to teach are hard, uncompromising and difficult to put across in this modern world—even difficult for us to accept and believe ourselves. So—we are challenged—believe—be loyal– be a witness. And the witness is to truth and life—to holiness and grace, to justice, love and peace.  It is quite a task—will you take it on more enthusiastically from today? This is especially an important challenge to young people, because this is a day dedicated to youth. However, much as I want to share with youth,  it is important that our young people think and work out what is their reaction to ’Our God Reigns’.          

Sunday Teas:

This Sunday’s teas will be served by the St Vincent de Paul Society.

Next Sunday teas will be served by the Flower Arrangers.

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

Last Sunday’s Collections: The 1st collection was £587.30p + £258.90p in Gift Aid envelopes giving us a parish total of £846.20p. The 2nd collection for our Church Repair Fund was £134.24p. Thank you for your generosity. The 2nd collection today (National Youth Sunday) is for Southwark Catholic Youth Services. 

Recently Deceased: Please pray for the soul and family of Father Kerry Barry-Ryan. Father Barry-Ryan died last Thursday (15th November) and many parishioners will remember him. May his soul rest in peace.

First Friday Silent Adoration: Please remember that on the 7th of December is the First Friday Silent Adoration (7.30 to 8.30pm). All are welcome.

First Tuesday of the Month: On Tuesday 4th December there will be Adoration and Gospel discussion from 7.30 – 8.30pm in the Parish Centre. All are welcome.

Advent Reconciliation Service: There will be an Advent Reconciliation Service on Saturday 8th December at 11.30am.

First Holy Communion Classes: The classes will continue with the Sacrament of Reconciliation on Saturday 8th December.

Knights of St Columba: The Knights of St Columba are selling raffle tickets (£1 a strip) for the Christmas Hamper this weekend.

Christmas Fair: Our parish Christmas Fair will be held next week (Saturday 1st December). Donations for saleable goods will be collected each weekend after mass. Due to Health & Safety regulations it is not possible to sell Clothes, Electrical Goods, Out of Date food & drink, so please do not donate any of these items. If you are willing to help during the fair, please give your name to Fr Sunith. Any volunteers will be most welcome. Thank you.

Mass Intentions: Please book your 2019 masses now to avoid disappointment.

Knights of St Columba Food Bank Collection: The Knights regularly collect for the Penge Food Bank. They are collecting this weekend (24th/25th November).

The Passage: The Passage is raising funds through the Big Give from 12 noon Tues 27th November – 12 noon Tues 4th December to support its work with homeless people this winter. Double your Donation, Double your impact.  This is a matched giving scheme for online donations. If someone (can be company, individual or trust) gave £10 online matched giving of £10 would bring the Gift up to £20 (and for individuals to £22.50 with Gift Aid with higher rate tax relief it may cost the donor less than £10). For more information ring Andrew Hollingsworth 020 75921856 andrew.h@passage.org.uk.  https://secure.thebiggive.org.uk/project/30366. The maximum is £5,000 from any one donation. It is not a limit per person.

Carols in the Park: Come join us in Alexandra Recreation Ground on Sunday December 2^nd to sing carols in the park accompanied by the wonderful Beckenham Concert Band. Meet by the Victorian fountain at 3.00pm where carol booklets will be issued. Then, at 3.45pm, after we have sung, we go to Holy Trinity Centre for free mulled wine and mince pies. There is also a raffle, a cake stall, a Penge Food Hub stall and further music. Ends at 5.00pm. All welcome.

Parish Diaries: They are now available in the Repository. Donations will be appreciated.

Christmas Gifts and Cards: Please take a look at the Christmas gifts and Parish Christmas cards on sale in the Repository.

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 one of the clergy know. Thank you.

Cold Weather: Please do remember to close both sets of doors behind you when you are entering or leaving the church so we can conserve the heat inside the Church. Thank you.

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

MASS TIMES AND INTENTIONS (25th Nov—2nd Dec 2018) (Year: B)