St Anthony of Padua Anerley

First Reading: God did not want King David to build him a house. However, God promised that David’s house, his dynasty, will be established forever. Jesus is the fulfilment of that covenant, and was born in Bethlehem, the place where David was anointed (1 Samuel 16).

Psalm: the second verse alludes to God’s covenant with David related in the First Reading. The birth of Jesus Christ, in the house of David through Joseph, is the completion of this promise and covenant.

Second Reading: St Paul concludes Romans with a doxology, that is giving glory to Jesus Christ, who was kept “secret for endless ages” but who has now been revealed.

Gospel: as Christmas draws near Mary moves to centre stage, and today we hear the account of the Annunciation to Mary. Luke is emphatic that Mary, although betrothed to Joseph, was a virgin; this is known as the virginal conception (a better term than ‘virgin birth’).

By Fr David Gibbons, Centre for Catholic Formation

 ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Sunday Teas:

This Sunday’s teas will be served by

the French Speaking Prayer Group.

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

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

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Last Week’s collections: The 1st collection was £887.86p (including Gift Aided £322.60p). The 2nd collection for Altar Flowers was £154.05p.   Thank you for your generosity. The 2nd collection today will again go towards the cost Christmas Flowers in the church.

Christmas Offerings: Your offerings on Christmas Day will be your  personal gift to Fr Sunith. Please use the special envelopes provided. (GiftAiders, please use the special 25/12/2014 green envelopes from your box).

Altar Servers Practise: There will be practise for all altar servers who are serving at Christmas Mass. The practise will last for approximately an hour and will be held at the church on Tuesday 23rd December at 3pm. Please be prompt. Thank you.

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. 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: Thanks to all who participated and came along to the Christmas Carol Service. The singing was beautiful.

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.

The Knights of St Columba Food Bank: The Knights of St Columba Food Bank Appeal is being brought forward a week earlier this month to the weekend of the 20th/21st December. This is in time for the Christmas Lunch provided by the Living Well Organisation during the Christmas Week. For the December Appeal the Knights are also asking for any donations of new, unused warm clothing such as socks, scarves, gloves and woolly hats.

Keeping Christ in Christmas: Free posters are available from the Knights of St Columba at the back of the Church after all Masses during Advent. Please do take one to display in your home and remind all of the true meaning of this coming season.

Southwark Directories: Southwark Directories for 2015 are now available in the Repository.

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.

Friday Fasting: Please remember to abstain from eating meat on Fridays (as an act of penance for the death of Christ). Practising Catholics who do not eat meat are encouraged to give up another staple food.
Recycling: Please do keep donating your old mobile phones, printer inkjets (except Epson) and laser/toner cartridges.

 If you would like to see a priest then please phone and make an appointment.

The Knights of St Columba Food Bank: The Knights of St Columba are collecting this week for the Food Bank Appeal. This is in time for the Christmas Lunch provided by the Living Well Organisation during the Christmas Week. For the December Appeal the Knights are also asking for any donations of new, unused warm clothing such as socks, scarves, gloves and woolly hats.

Keeping Christ in Christmas: Free posters are available from the Knights of St Columba at the back of the Church after all Masses during Advent. Please do take one to display in your home and remind all of the true meaning of this coming season.

Southwark Directories: Southwark Directories for 2015 are now available in the Repository.

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.

Friday Fasting: Please remember to abstain from eating meat on Fridays (as an act of penance for the death of Christ). Practising Catholics who do not eat meat are encouraged to give up another staple food.

Recycling: Please do keep donating your old mobile phones, printer inkjets (except Epson) and laser/toner cartridges.

 Father Sunith and Father Stuart
would like to wish all of you
a safe, happy, holy Christmas week.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

MASS TIMES AND INTENTIONS (21—28 Dec 2014) (Year B)