St Anthony of Padua Anerley

Second Sunday of Advent (A)

Mass Readings: 85 – 88

Order of Mass: Pages 7- 60

We hear in Isaiah about the coming of the Messiah, and the kind of justice and peace he would bring. Isaiah foretells that even though the family tree of Jesse (David’s father) has been reduced to a mere stump, nevertheless from that stump a new shoot will spring—a true king filled with the Spirit and endowed with all the virtues of his ancestors. The new king  (Messiah) will be champion of the poor and will restore paradisal peace.

Paul talks about the importance of hope, and how we should treat others in the same friendly way Christ has treated us. Paul also sees Jesus as the one through whom God fulfilled his promises, and at the same time the reading from Romans continues the theme of peace and harmony of the First Reading.

Matthew introduces John the Baptist as the herald, foretold by Isaiah, of the long awaited Messiah, and the one who prepared the people to receive him. Matthew sees Jesus as fulfilling the Old Testament promises. We hear once again the voice of John the Baptist, saying to us and what he said to his contemporise; “Repent, for the kingdom of Heaven is close at hand”.

Sunday Teas:

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

Next Sunday’s teas will be served by the French Speaking Prayer Group.

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

Last Sunday’s Collections: The 1st collection was £584.56p +£341.50p in Gift Aid envelopes giving us a parish total of £926.06p. The 2nd collection for Christmas Altar Flowers was £102.71p. Thank you for your generosity. Today’s 2nd collection is again for Christmas Altar Flowers.

Recently Deceased: Please pray for the souls and families of Josephine Antionette Keen and of Martin Green.

Josephine Antionette Keen’s funeral will be on Monday 23rd December at 10.30am followed by Croydon Crematorium at 12 noon.

May their souls rest in peace.

Sunday Hymn Practice: We will have hymn practice on Sundays at 9.15 – 9.20am for the 9.30am Mass.

Spirituality and Reflection: St Anthony’s Film Club’s next film will be screened on Tuesday 10th December at 7:30pm in the Parish Centre.  All are welcome.

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

The Knights of St Columba Christmas Food Bank Appeal: The Knights will be collecting for the food bank next weekend (14^th/15^th December). The Knights are very grateful to the Parish for their generous donations throughout 2019, and the Food Bank is very appreciative of St Anthony’s Church continued support in 2020.

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

Next Saturday 14th December: In preparation for Christmas, there will be a Service of Reconciliation in the church at 11:30am.

Children’s Liturgy Group:  Children’s liturgy takes place  on the 2nd Sunday of each month. Please encourage your child to attend. Please note that younger children need to be accompanied by an adult. From Sunday 12th January the children will start from the parish centre at 9.25am and will return to church via the sacristy. Thank you. Patricia and Janette.

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

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.

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

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 (8th Dec—15th Dec 2019)  (Year A)