St Anthony of Padua Anerley

First Sunday of Advent

Mass Readings: Page  – 82

Order of Mass: Pages 6– 59

First Reading:  “it is the Lord who speaks” means that it is God speaking through the prophet.  Here, through Jeremiah, God promises that at the end of time a descendant of David will once again rule Israel, a rule marked by honesty and integrity.

Psalm:  God is our teacher and saviour.  In this psalm we express our humble trust in and faithfulness to God.

Second Reading:  in Advent we are meant to think about Christ’s second coming, and use the season to make progress in our spiritual lives.

Gospel:  today we begin the Year of Luke (Year C).  Luke has been described as the ‘Gospel of Mercy’, and it is very appropriate for the forthcoming Year of Mercy.

Amongst other things today’s Gospel is about maintaining one’s faith in the midst of a hostile world: we must “stay awake” and pray for faithfulness so that we can face Christ with confidence when He comes again.

By Fr David Gibbons, Centre for Catholic Formation

Sunday Teas:

Sunday’s teas will be served by the volunteers.

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 £832.59p including Gift Aided  £302.50p). The 2nd collection for Catholic Youth Services was £92.27p. Thank you for your generosity. The  2nd  collection today is for Parish Funds.

Recently Deceased: Please pray for the souls and families of Desmond Fortes (who recently died in Portugal) and Joseph Greaney.  Joseph Greaney’s funeral will be at 1pm on Wednesday 9th December at Bromley Hill Cemetery Chapel followed by the burial in Bromley Hill Cemetery.

Many Thanks: Alison and Joan Fagan wish to thank St Anthony’s parishioners for their compassion and love expressed in the many messages received, and masses pledged for Peter and Peter Junior.  They are warmly and gratefully received.  Bless you all.

St Vincent de Paul Society: The next meeting will be at 7.30pm on Monday 30th November in the Parish Centre.  All are welcome.

Note for Registered Gift Aiders:  If you require or have not collected a set of numbered boxed envelopes for your cash donations, please give your name to one of the priests, and we will sort one out. Otherwise, please do write your name on the outside of any other envelope used.

Season of Advent – Preparing for God’s Coming: Our Diocese has developed a series of daily reflections featuring the Scripture of the day and a related thought and prayer drawn from the spirituality of Stewardship.  If you would like to receive these daily emails and encounter Advent in this way please subscribe via http://eepurl.com/bF0b6P

Repository: There are many Christmas items now on sale in the repository.  Please do take a look and see what there is on offer. Please note that Parish Diaries and December’s Magnificat are now also available.

Parish Christmas Fair: We thank the parish for their generous response to our appeal and for the donation of so many good quality items. What is important now is for as many as possible to come to the Fair next Saturday 5^th December starting 11am to enjoy the attractions and make it a success. It promises to be an interesting and fun event for the entire parish community.

Christmas Fair Hamper: The Knights of St Columba will be selling raffle tickets after each mass for the Christmas Hamper. The raffle will be drawn at the Christmas Fair. Each ticket entry costs £1. We are grateful for any support you can give.

One Day Conversion: On the 5th December from 8.30am to 8pm there will be a one day conversion (praise and worship, Adoration and Holy Mass) and Bible Study (free of cost) at Divine Retreat Centre UK, St Augustine’s Abbey, Ramsgate, Kent  CT11 9PA.  Led by Father Joseph Edattu VC.  Food will be provided.  £15.75 travel cost per person.  Please contact Sharel Goes for more information on 07806 633830.

World Youth Day: On the 23rd July 2016 Southwark Catholic Youth Service will be travelling to Krakow to celebrate the 31st World Youth Day with young people from around the world, Pope Francis, alongside our own Archbishop Peter Smith and Bishop Paul Hendricks. There are still places available if there are any young people who would like to attend.  Please visit www.scys.org.uk/wyd for further information.

Accommodation request: A catholic, working man urgently seeks accommodation in this area (or Beckenham).  If you can help please speak to Father Sunith. Thank you.

Job Vacancy: A Financial Secretary is sought by the Diocese of Southwark.  To get more information please visit the Diocesan website www.rcsouthwark.co.uk.

Cold Weather: Please do remember to close the doors behind you when you are entering or leaving the church.  Thank you.

MASS TIMES AND INTENTIONS (29 Nov—06 Dec  2015) (Year: C)