Caritas Westminster; Advent Calendar
The readings for this Sunday speak of 'peace through integrity and honour through devotedness', encouraging us to 'recognise what is best' so that all humanity shall see the salvation of God. Integrity means 'to be of one piece', not fractured or in fragments. It asks that our words and actions be at one with one another; that what we profess in faith we live out in our lives. This time of preparation for the coming of Christ (his 'advent'), is a good time to reflect on our integrity, as individuals, as families and as a Church. Does our life together reflect what we say we believe? Does it allow others to see and experience the salvation of God? The good people at Caritas Westminster have suggested an Advent Giving Calendar (see above) which proposes specific things that we could donate to foodbanks at this time; this can be downloaded here or we still have some available at the Presbytery.
RECENTLY DECEASED Please remember in your prayers all who have died recently, especially;
John Shea Sean O’Connor Martin Moniz Diana Klein Dave Stannard (Funeral; 15 December, 12.30 pm) Angela Biddle
and all those who have died during this time of pandemic. We continue to remember in our prayers all those who are sick and those who care for them. CAROL SERVICE All going well, we will have our carol service in the Church on 21st December at 7.30 pm. VINCENT DE PAUL SOCIETY The SVP will host their afternoon tea and bingo this Monday, 6th December, from 2-4 pm in the Parish Hall.
COVID PRECAUTIONS In line with the instructions about wearing masks in shops etc, we remind all parishioners, except those excused for various reasons, to wear their masks in church. It is important to remember to wear your mask over both your mouth and your nose. CHURCH NOTICE BOARD We now have a digital noticeboard at the door on the Broadway; this will minimise the amount of clutter in the Narthex. If you wish to have any notices displayed, please submit them to the Parish Office. FRIENDS OF THE HOLY LAND (FHL)
At this time of the year, especially, we think of the land where Jesus was born and of the needs of its peoples today, especially in the area of health. If you wish to support this important work, you can donate at friendsoftheholyland.org.uk.
Christmas Voices from the Holy Land; FHL have also produced a book of Prayers, Poems and Reflections by Fr Richard Nesbitt, which can also be ordered on-line from their website or purchased from our Church Repository.
FHL also have an excellent newsletter, available on their website.
CATHOLIC CHILDREN'S SOCIETY This Christmas, as usual, any funds collected at the Crib will be donated to the Catholic Children's Society. There will also be a QR code for those who wish to donate online and envelopes are available in the Narthex from this weekend for those who wish. All information at cathchild.org.uk WESTMINSTER YEAR BOOK/LITURGICAL CALENDAR Copies are still available at the Parish Office for anyone who would like one. CHURCHES TOGETHER IN MILL HILL; CHRISTMAS DAY LUNCH This will be going ahead in a similar format to last year, namely lunches will be delivered to people’s homes. This is because it is felt that the situation may change suddenly, thus preventing people gathering, clients may not be willing to meet together in a large grouping and there were insufficient volunteers to run a sit down meal. Volunteers are still needed to help pack the meals and deliver them. Please contact Maggi Lamb if you are able to help (020 8959 7918). We pray that Christ, of whose coming we are reminded in such a special way in Advent, may help us to be people of faith and action, people of integrity. With every blessings and good wish, Rev Eugene Curran CM