St Anthony of Padua Anerley

Thirty-Third Sunday (C)

Mass Readings: 164 – 166

Order of Mass: Pages 7 – 60

As the liturgical year draws to a close, the focus is on the end of the world and second coming of Christ.

The prophet Malachi says that for evildoers the Day of the Lord will be a day of judgement, but for the upright it will be a day of salvation. His stark message was meant to act as a warning to sinners and an encouragement to the just.

Luke talks about the parousia (second coming) in close association with the destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple. The destruction of the Temple, which Jesus had predicted, had already occurred by the time Luke was writing. This would have been interpreted by some as a sign that the end of the world was starting. But Luke reminds them that Jesus had warned his disciples not to be deceived by rumours and apparent signs that the end was near.

The Gospel goes on to address a situation of more immediate concern to the disciples—persecution they must face. Persecution will be an opportunity to bear witness to the Gospel. But they will triumph in the end, provided they remain steadfast.

Paul also refers to the Second Coming. Some of the Thessalonians, believing that the parousia was imminent, saw no need to work. Presenting himself as an example, Paul tells them to go on living and working as normal, and not to be content to live off the community.

Sunday Teas:

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

Next Sunday’s teas will be served by the St Vincent de Paul Group.

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

Last Sunday’s Collections: The 1st collection was £407.91p + £353.50p in Gift Aid envelopes giving us a parish total of £761.41p. The 2nd collection for the Archbishop’s Admin. Fund was £128.70p. Thank you for your generosity. Today’s 2nd collection is for Parish Funds. The 2nd collection next week will be for the Catholic Youth Service.

Recently Deceased: Please pray for the soul and family of Father Tom Creagh-Fuller.  His most recent parishes were Forest Hill and Brixton. Further details of the funeral are to be announced.  May his soul rest in peace.

Please note: The presbytery is closed on Wednesdays.

First Holy Communion Classes: Please note that the next classes will be on Saturdays 23rd and 30th November from 10:30 – 11:45am (parents and children) and Tuesday 19th November at 7.30pm (Parents Meeting Reconciliation) in the Parish Centre (4 Genoa Road). Then on Saturday 14th December at 10.30am there will be the Parish Reconciliation Service.

Confirmation Classes: Please note the next classes will be on Thursdays, the 21st November, 5th and 19th December at 7pm in the Parish Centre (4 Genoa Road).

Mass Intentions: There are still a few vacant week-day mass intention slots available for December, and we are also now booking masses for next year (2020). Please do not e-mail your requests, but either give your intention envelope to Fr Sunith or put it in the presbytery letter-box. Thank you.

Farewell Reception for Father Stuart: We invite parishioners to a farewell reception for Father Stuart at Melvin Hall, Melvin Road on Saturday 23rd November from 12.30 – 2.30pm. Food and drinks will be provided.

Christmas Fair: Please note that the Christmas Fair will be on Saturday 7th December. All offers of help welcome. Please note that donations for the Fair will be gratefully received. Please note that saleable items only are wanted so please do not donate clothes, electrical items or out of date food or bottles. Thank you.

Christmas Fair Hamper: The Knights of St Columba will be selling raffle tickets, for the popular Christmas Fair Hamper, after all weekend masses.  £1 per entry.

Catholic Evangelisation Film: On the 18th November, a docudrama ‘Love and Mercy: Faustina’ will be screened. The film sheds new light on the truth of the Divine Mercy message. Please see http://loveandmercyfilm.co.uk for further information. Tickets can be purchased from Odeon cinemas in Streatham, Wimbledon, Greenwich, Holloway Road, Kingston, Lee Valley, Woodford and Uxbridge. The trailer is on you tube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rOVm26ecsdg

The Helpers of God’s Precious Infants reach out in love and compassion to mothers who are in crisis pregnancies and to those who have suffered the effects of abortion. We invite you to join us for our next peaceful, prayerful vigil which will be held on Friday 22^nd  November at St. Francis’ Church, 126 Week Street, Maidstone ME14 1RH. We begin with 10.30am Mass followed by Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament. We begin our Rosary Procession at 11am following an Image of Our Lady of Guadalupe, to Marie Stopes abortion centre, Brewer Street, where we pray 20 decades of the Rosary and the Divine Marcy Chaplet, returning at approx.1pm for refreshments nearby.  Full details on poster in church porch or contact tel. 01727 76 3832 or 077 477 46411 or e-mail marg@helpersuk.org

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

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

MASS TIMES AND INTENTIONS (17th Nov—24th Nov 2019)  (Year: C)