St Anthony of Padua Anerley

Today the new liturgical year begins, and this year is the Year of Mark (Year B). In the words of John Betjeman The bells of waiting Advent ring, and Advent is a season of waiting, for Christ’s coming at Christmas and at the end of time (as the Preface for today’s Mass declares).

Both the First Reading and the Psalm are communal laments, pleading with God to come and save us from our self-inflicted misery.

Second Reading: the opening words provide one of the greetings the priest may use at Mass. St Paul addresses the Christians at Corinth, as they “are waiting for our Lord Jesus Christ to be revealed” on the last day.

Gospel: in a parable, Jesus warns His disciples to stay ready and vigilant for the End, which may come at any time.
By Fr David Gibbons, Centre for Catholic Formation

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Sunday Teas:

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

Next Sunday’s teas will be served by the Flower Arrangers

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

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Last Week’s collections: The 1st collection was £796.60p including Gift Aided £317.86p. The 2nd collection for Catholic Youth Services was £170.74p. Thank you for your generosity. The 2nd collection today is for Parish Funds.

Recently Deceased: Please remember Rosanna Graydon, Antonia Barrio and Mary Phelan and their families in your prayers.
Antonia Barrio’s funeral will be at Beckenham Crematorium on 1st December at 2.15pm.  

Advent Reflections: Priest, Prophet, King is a six part DVD based study programme which Father Stuart will lead on Wednesday evenings from 7.30pm to 8.30pm in the Parish Centre beginning on Wednesday 3rd December. Explore the themes of Jesus as Priest, Prophet, King and see how Jesus is the ultimate fulfilment of each. Throughout this experience you will better understand who Jesus really is and also realise your won priestly, prophetic and kingly mission.

Christmas Carol Service: There will be a practice for the Christmas Carol Service on Thursday 4th December in the Church at 6.30pm. Please attend if you can. All are welcome.-

Eucharistic Ministers: The next Eucharistic Ministers meeting will be held on Monday, the 8th December at 8pm in the Parish Centre. We would like to see as many ministers as possible. We have several new ministers and it would be great for everyone to meet each other at the Ministers’ Social on the 8th December. The rota are now available in the sacristy. Please collect your copy.

Mass intentions – for information: Often Fr. Sunith and Fr. Stuart concelebrate at mass. We have some requested masses that are not yet said. You may see from time to time two intentions will appear in the newsletter.   We will say mass for these two intentions individually.

Pastoral Letter: Copies are available in the Narthex.
If you would like to see a priest then please phone and make an appointment.

Knights of St Columba Food Bank Collection: The Knights are collecting for the Penge Food Bank this weekend.

Christmas Hamper: The Knights of St Columba are sponsoring a raffle for a well stocked Christmas Hamper in aid of Church Funds. Tickets will be available at the end of each mass at the back of the church. The draw will be held at St Anthony’s Christmas Fair on the 6th December.

Parish Christmas Fair: St Anthony’s Church Christmas Fair is being held next weekend Saturday 6th December starting at 11am in the school hall. Please do come along to support this important parish activity. Anyone  kindly donating to the cake stall are reminded to bring along their items on the Friday afternoon  after 3.30pm to the school hall or just before the Fair opens on Saturday morning. We would also be grateful for any volunteers to help us set up the Fair after 3.30 pm on the Friday 5th December in the school hall.

Southwark Spirituality Commission: On 6th December, the Southwark Spirituality Commission will play host to an event at St George’s Cathedral which aims to encourage participants to explore and experience the spiritual riches to be found within our own diocese. Representatives from various religious traditions (Benedictine, Carmelite, Domincan, Franciscan and   Ignatian) will provide opportunities to reflect and to pray in a number   of afternoon sessions and the day as a whole will be facilitated by Dr Gemma Simmonds CJ, lecturer at Heythorp College.
This event will start at 10am with registration while the first talk will be at 10.30am. It is anticipated that the event will conclude at 4pm. There will be a suggested donation of £5 per person to cover costs. You can visit http://rcsouthwarkspirituality.wordpress.com/ for more information.

What will I do for Advent? Advent with the Scripture: A look at the infancy narratives. Come and join us Saturday mornings 10.30 –11.30am 6th & 13th December at The Emmaus Centre, Lyhams Road, West Wickham. Tel 020 8777 2000

Magnificat: The January Magnificat is now available.

Parish Diaries: Parish Diaries are now available. Donations are gratefully accepted.

Cold Weather: Please do remember to close the doors behind you when you are entering or leaving the church. The weather is very cold and we want to conserve the heat inside the church. Thank you.

Repository: Please remember to take a look at the variety of Christmas items on sale in the Repository.

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MASS TIMES AND INTENTIONS (30 Nov—07 Dec 2014) (Year B)