St Anthony of Padua Anerley

The Epiphany of The Lord (A)

Mass Readings: 115 – 118

Order of Mass: Pages 7- 60

The Wise men stand for the wisdom of the time which was thought to be in the science of the stars and philosophy. Even this wisdom recognises that Jesus is the great King. They came from afar to show that the message of the Lord is open to all people at all times. For all are part of the same body, Jesus Christ.

The Epiphany is even more a mysterious piece of revelation than the coming of the shepherds to stable. The origin, the coming, the star, the actual visit and the departure of the wise men are shrouded in a mist of questions on authenticity, mythology and meaning. In general the message of the Saviour given to the shepherds of Israel and foretold in Israel’s scripture is at this point revealed to the Gentiles – to the rest of the world.

As a general lesson, it is central to the teaching of Christ that, in the first instance he was sent, as he says himself, to those who are lost and coming from the tribes of Israel. However, the teaching gradually evolved in his own lifetime, until at the end before returning to his Father in heaven, he tells his followers to go out to all nations. This is the mission now entrusted to all of us in our Baptism and confirmation. It is not just priest or missionaries, but it is each and every Christian who Christ has commissioned to spread the word of God.

We should look at this personal mission and allow it to sink into us for it may be we do not yet feel our duty to the evangelisation, the giving of the Good News of Jesus Christ, as applicable to us. Yet it is applicable and should also be actual.

Sunday Teas:

This Sunday’s teas will be served by the Knights of St Columba.

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 £438.68 + £256.40 In Gift Aid envelopes giving us a parish total of £695.08p. The 2nd collection for Parish Funds was £40.59p. Thank you for your generosity.  Today’s 2nd collection is for Parish Funds.

Recently Deceased: Please pray for the soul and family of David Paul Wilson. The funeral service will be at 12 noon on Thursday 16th January followed by Beckenham Cemetery at 1.30pm. May his soul rest in peace.

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

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

Holy Communion Classes: The next class for parents and children will be on Saturday 11th January from 10.30 – 11.45am in the Parish Centre.

Confirmation Classes: Please note the next classes will be on Thursdays, the 16th and 30th January at 7pm in the Parish Centre (4 Genoa Road).

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

Charity Art Auction: Opening of art exhibition Farm St Church hall, 114 Mount Street W1A £KH on 6th January. Charity Auction of the art on 30th January for Aid to the Church in Need, Westminster Lourdespilgrimage and Safe Passage. Details from johnwoohouseat@gmail.com

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.

Repository Gifts: Please take a look at the range of cards and gifts available in the repository.

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

MASS TIMES AND INTENTIONS (5th Jan—12th Jan 2020)  (Year A)