St Anthony of Padua Anerley

The Epiphany of the Lord (C)

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 a more 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 and at this point is 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 come 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 priests or missionaries, but it is for each and every Christian whom Christ has commissioned to spread the word of God.

We should see this as a personal mission and allow it to sink in, for it may be that we do not yet feel the duty of evangelisation, the giving of the Good News of Jesus Christ, as being 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 £474.71p + £202.50p in Gift Aid envelopes giving us a parish total of £677.21p. The 2nd collection for our Church Repair Fund was £29.19p. Thank you for your generosity.

Recently Deceased: Please pray for the soul and family of Claire Barron.

Claire Barron’s F uneral Mass will be at 12 noon on Thursday 10th January at St Anthony’s Church followed by the cremation at Beckenham Crematorium at 2pm.  May her soul rest in peace.

First Holy Communion Classes: The next two key dates for January are Saturday, the 12th January at 10.30 – 11.30am and the Parents Meeting on Tuesday, the 15th January at 7.30pm.  The sessions are in the Parish Centre (no. 4 Genoa Road).

Crib Offering: Please consider making a donation at the Crib.  Every penny you donate will go into the Catholic Children’s Society’s Southwark Crisis Fund to provide emergency support for families in our Archdiocese. For further information please visit www.cathchild.org.uk.

Blessed Sacrament: In response to the Archbishop’s earlier Pastoral Letter, we will continue to have exposition of the Blessed Sacrament every Friday from 7:30pm to 8:30pm until further notice.

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

St Francis Ramblers: St Francis Ramblers invite you to join their walks.  Here is a link to the website for more information about our club: http://www.stfrancisramblers.ukwalkers.com

Repository: Southwark Catholic Directories for 2019 are available in the Repository, priced at £3.

Events at the House of Prayer in East Molesey:

Week-end Silent Individually Guided Retreat – Led by: The House of Prayer Community – Friday, 11 – Sunday, 13 January, 2019: Arrive on Friday in time for supper at 7.00 pm and leave on Sunday at 4.00 pm.  Cost: £160 – Advanced booking essential: Please contact The House of Prayer: 020 8941 2313 or e-mail: admin@christian-retreat.org

This retreat provides an opportunity to step aside from the busy-ness of everyday life and spend time in quiet prayer and reflection. A retreat guide will be available for daily individual meetings to accompany you through the retreat. Above all, this retreat is a time of listening to God who is present in the experiences of prayer and daily living.

I am the ‘Thou’ of God – Led by: Jill Benet – Saturday, 26 January, 2019: 10.00 am – 4.00 pm.  Suggested Donation: £25.00 – Please bring a packed lunch.

Advanced booking essential: Please contact The House of Prayer: 020 8941 2313 or e-mail: admin@christian-retreat.org  A day to explore this mysterious statement as the experience of God in daily life.  The day will include time for silence, reflection and practice.

Thomas Merton: Master of Contemplation – Led by Prof. Peter Tyler – Saturday, 23 February, 2019: 10.00 am – 4.00 pm. Suggested Donation: £25.00 – Please bring a packed lunch.

Advanced booking essential: Please contact The House of Prayer: 020 8941 2313 or e-mail: admin@christian-retreat.org  Thomas Merton analyses the modern condition with perceptive wit and prescribes a simple solution – a deep contemplative source in our lives connected to action and witness in the world.  During our day we shall explore his message and its consequences for our lives today.  We shall embrace silence, poetry and careful analysis of his writings.

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.

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

MASS TIMES AND INTENTIONS (6th Jan—13th Jan 2019— (Year: C)