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Thank you for your offerings last week of £1,444. Mass attendance was 852. |
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Sunday 4/12/16 |
Second Sunday of Advent
6.00pm Renate Kiely RIP (C Kiely)
9.15am People of the Parish
11.00am Michael O’Sullivan (L O’Sullivan)
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Monday 5/12/16
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Feria
9.30am Robert Feeney RIP (Feeney Family)
8.00pm Advent Reconciliation Service
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Tuesday 6/12/16 |
St Nicholas, Bishop
9.30am Funeral Mass Margaret Littlemore RIP
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Wednesday 7/12/16 |
St Ambrose, Bishop 9.30am Private Intention Sr Michael
10.45 – 11.45am Eucharist Adoration
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Thursday 8/12/16 |
The Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary
9.30am Anthony Olivelle (M Olivelle)
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Friday 9/12/16 |
Feria
9.30am Relatives & Friends of Fyson Family
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Saturday 10/12/16 |
Vigil Mass 6.00pm Reg Griffin RIP (K Griffin)
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Sunday 11/12/16 |
Third Sunday of Advent
9.15am People of the Parish
11.00am KSC Widows (L Thomas)
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Confessions heard Saturday 5.00-5.45pm or by appointment.
Morning Prayer: Takes place Monday – Friday at 9.10am. All are welcome to attend.
Pondering the Word (Lectio Divina)
A quiet reflective look at the following Sunday’s Gospel. Mondays 11am - 12 noon, except for Bank Holidays, here in the Church. All welcome.
RCIA – Journey in Faith at St James’
The Journey in Faith (The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) will start with a welcome session on Sunday 4th December, 3 – 5 pm in the Church.
Second Collection this Weekend
The second collection this weekend is for our Parish overseas project to help St Helen’s parish in Peru with paying for the cost of building a chapel at the family centre in their parish. Please give generously if you can. Thank you in advance.
Fr David writes…
Within the aridity of our soul, a cry is heard. A tiny voice calls us out to be transformed. Calls us out to drink from the well of living water. We are aware maybe for the first time that we do thirst! The landscape of the soul can easily be saturated by innumerable needs. Needing acknowledgement, a desire to be heard and listened to. Within our soul, a voice cries out in the wilderness to be loved, embraced and touched – to become visible, to be awakened. We spend so much time trying to deny our pain. Trying to suffocate our past traumas. The inner child in each one of us wastes so much energy trying to address issues of the past, yearning for reconciliation and peace. The little child screams out at us and we find it easier to shut him/her out by activism, denial and sometimes also addiction rather than befriending, reassuring and experiencing healing. At times, we can feel overwhelmed by our desires, needs and past sufferings. Existentially we feel lost, sleep walking without any compass or direction. We tend to latch onto and harbour past wounds and unforgiveness. Falling into resentfulness and bitterness. We feel stuck. And so we try to fill the aridity and the wilderness in which we find ourselves in, by clutter and very shallow human relationships. Until one day, something in us awakens and we realise that we have been building our foundations on sand. The first reaction is – we panic. We scream or fall into silence for the first time. There in the wilderness of our soul, we are invited to take a glimpse of pure hope. Hope for authenticity. Hope to build a new beginning. Hope for new life. Hope for reconciliation and hope for inner peace. This is our wilderness. The place where nothing makes sense. Sometimes the place of utter despair. And yet paradoxically, it is the place of encountering the cry of our soul. The place where we touch the depth of our core which leads us to transformation and growth. The voice that cries out from the wilderness has the power to save us.
The wilderness is the traditional place associated with the growth of Israel’s religion. It was in the desert that Israel first met God, and the story of the people’s wanderings through the wilderness became the story of their growth from crisis to settlement in the Promised Land. In the desert the people of Israel were tested, and later when they failed God, they were told that they would be taken back into the desert where God would speak again to their heart.
So it is appropriate that the word of God should come again to the people in the wilderness. John the Baptist stands at the beginning of the Gospel. He is the one who marks the end of the time of waiting and the beginning of the new age in Jesus. John is conscious of his mission to call Israel to repentance and to baptise those who do repent. The people come and listen to him because they believe he speaks the authentic word of the Lord. Those who are moved by his call confess their sins and are baptised by John. John calls everyone to a change of heart. During the time of Advent, this call is addressed to us. That challenge is addressed to each one of us. We are probably all aware of areas in our own lives that need to be changed and to be touched by the power of God’s forgiveness. This coming Monday, I would like to invite you all to attend the Advent Reconciliation Service which is going to be held in the parish at 8.00pm. As we enter more seriously into Advent, it is good that as individuals and also as a Community of faith we come together to experience God’s mercy in our lives once again. Our wilderness can become the place of healing.
Holy Baptisms
This weekend we welcome, through Holy Baptism: Josh Guadalupe and his parents Lee May and Rogie, Charlotte Irwin and her parents Carolyn and Alex, and Jacob Randall-Hall and his parents Sophie and David.
“Drop-In” – Evening Surgery
The next Surgery will take place on Tuesday 6th December 5.00–7.00pm. Please call at 281a Crescent Drive. No appointments necessary.
Eucharist Adoration
Every Wednesday after 9.30am Mass
Eucharist Adoration will take place for an hour each Wednesday shortly after the morning Mass starting at 10.45 am and finishing at 11.45 am. This Devotion to the Eucharist after Mass will be a time of silent prayer and quiet music. Everyone is welcome for all or part of this time of prayer before the Blessed Sacrament.
First Friday of Month
In addition, Eucharist Adoration will take place on 1st Friday of each month from 7.30 pm – 9pm and will conclude with Benediction. Everyone is welcome for all or part of this time of prayer before the Blessed Sacrament.
Parish Pastoral Council
The next meeting of the Pastoral Council will take place on Tuesday 6th December at 8 pm in the Community Centre. All welcome.
Youth Pillar
The next meeting of the Youth Ministry will take place on Thursday 8th December at 7.30 pm in the Community Centre.
Evangelisation Pillar
First Holy Communion 2017
If you would like your child to take part in our parish programme for First Holy Communion, please send an email to the Parish Office with all relevant details, child’s name, date of birth, school, names of parents, address and contact details. Candidates must be in Year 3 or above. All preparation classes are held on Saturdays from 4.30 to 5.45 and will run from January to June. Dates for First Holy Communion are 10th and 17th June 2017.
Advent Spirituality Programme
Please join us for a series of special events for Advent:
There will be a special Advent Reconciliation Service be on 5th December at 8 pm.
Wednesday 7th December: Sr Marie Christine, For you, O Lord, my Soul in Stillness Waits
Wednesday 14th December: Mike Ford, Henri Nouwen and the Wounded Healer
Monday 19th December: Fr David Camilleri, Prepare the Way of the Lord (a time of quiet reflection)
All talks will take place in the Community Centre at 8pm and will be followed by refreshments. Please see flyers and posters for more details or contact sue.david@stjamespettswood.org.
Liturgy Pillar
Children’s Choir for Christmas Day Mass at 9.15am
There will be a special children's choir to sing at the 9.15am Mass on Christmas Day and we would like to invite children from Years 3-8 to join. This will require three short rehearsals, half an hour each:
Saturday 17th December at 1.45am (in the Community Centre)
Wednesday 21st December at 10.00am (in the Church)
Saturday 24th December at 10.00am (in the Church)
If your child is interested, please sign up on the form at the back of the church, or email the Parish Office with your details.
Eucharistic Ministers and Readers
We are looking for some additional people to become Readers and Eucharistic Ministers at the Sunday morning 9.15 Mass. Training will be provided.
Current Eucharistic Ministers and Readers are invited to volunteer for the Christmas Advent Masses, please see lists at the back of the Church and add your name.
Children’s Liturgy
If your child is 3 years old or above, they are welcome to join us for Liturgy sessions at the 9.15 am Sunday Mass each week.
NB We regret to inform parents that there will be no Children’s Liturgy running on 11th December due to the setting up the Community Centre for the Christmas Market. We apologise for this.
Calling Children to Read and Sing at Mass
We are inviting children who have made their First Holy Communion and those who are older to become readers/singers at the 9.15 am Mass on Sunday mornings. We are hoping to start a Children’s Mass once a month at 9.15 am when the children do the Readings but also the singing and serving. Please let the Parish Office know if you are interested.
Pastoral Care Pillar
Invitation to all Parishioners
Henri Nouwen – ‘The Wounded Healer’ – 14th December
On Wednesday 14th December, BBC religious journalist Michael Ford will be coming to St James’ to give a talk about Pastoral Care and the internationally renowned Priest and author of ‘The Wounded Healer’ Henri Nouwen. This will take place in the Community Centre at 8pm and all parishioners are invited. A number of Henri Nouwen’s books will be available for purchase afterwards.
Social Pillar
Family Christmas Party Night – Saturday, 10th December from 7pm
Start the festive season with a special Family Christmas party in the Community Centre, featuring the amazing sounds of Iron Mountain. Come and enjoy a glass of Prosecco on arrival, a delicious curry supper followed by live music and a cash bar. Tickets are available to buy after Mass and cost £15 per adult and £5 per child, with a 10% discount to all members of the Friends of St James’. Be quick as tickets are selling fast!
St James’ Christmas Market and raffle – Sunday, 11th December from 10.30am
The Friends of St James' traditional Christmas market will take place in the Community Centre, featuring festive stalls with gifts, crafts and delicious delicacies from around the world, mulled wine, Irish coffee and the grand raffle. There will also be exciting activities for children, including a guest appearance from Santa and a barbecue for all.
Donations of homemade Christmas delicacies (candied fruits, sweets, biscuits and cakes that can be packaged up and sold), foods from around the world, and bottles for the tombola (anything from alcohol to sauce to shampoo and olive oil but also in date and full!) as well as any knitted Christmas decorations are particularly welcomed. Volunteers are also kindly asked to come forward to help set up, clear up and man the stalls.
Raffle tickets will be on sale at the back of the church after each mass and will be drawn at the market.
New Year’s Eve Party!
This year’s New Year’s Eve party is being planned so keep the date in your diary. Tickets will be available soon.
Parish Groups
Foodbank news - Christmas is coming!
Very many thanks to the parishioners who have been so generous with their Foodbank donations recently. If anyone else is able to help make Christmas a little more enjoyable for the Foodbank's clients, it would be much appreciated. Christmas hampers will be given out in mid-December so please donate what you can, placing items in or around the box at the back of church. The priority items are: Christmas cake, Christmas biscuits, Christmas sweets/chocolates, and longer dated mince pies (dated into 2017 if possible and certainly after 25th December). The J&P Group will make sure your gifts arrive at the Foodbank in good time. Thank you.
Parent & Toddler Group
A Parent & Toddler Group meets every Friday during term time in the Community Centre from 1.30 – 3pm. Parents with babies from 0 up to age 5 are welcome to attend. Do come along and enjoy the companionship and the fun. Refreshments provided.
DAD & Me – 17th December
The next meeting of Dad & Me will be held at the Community Centre on Saturday 17th December at 10 am – 11.30 am.
St James’ Preschool Vacancy
St James’ Preschool would like to employ a Key Worker for 2 sessions a week (days tbc). The candidate must have a full and relevant Level 2 childcare qualification. Please email your CV to stjamespreschool@live.co.uk marking it for the attention of Natasha. The Closing date is 11th December 2016.
Bishop Challoner School – Vacancy Mid-Day Supervisor
Bishop Challoner School is seeking to appoint a committed, enthusiastic and positive candidate with experience of working with children and who is prepared to work as part of a team. Fixed term contract. Working hours 11.45 am – 1pm Monday to Friday.
Contact the school office on 020 8460 3546 or www.bishopchallonerschool.com. Closing date 4 January 2017.
St James’ RC Primary School Choir Concert with Orpington Chorale
Please support St James' RC Primary School Choir, led by Elizabeth Atkinson, who are taking part in a collaborative concert with the Orpington Chorale on Saturday 10th December at 7.30pm at Chislehurst Methodist Church, Prince Imperial Road, Chislehurst BR7 5LX. The programme includes a performance of Benjamin Britten's St Nicolas as well as Christmas carols and songs, with a retiring collection in aid of the Young Musicians Fund of the Bromley Youth Music Trust. Tickets £10, Concession £5.
Christmas Crib – Poinsettias Needed
If you would like to donate some poinsettias for the crib this Christmas, they would be gratefully received. Please drop them off at the Church on the weekend of 16th and 17th December.
Rotas for next week
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Sat 10 Dec 6.00pm |
11 Dec 9.15am |
11 Dec 11.00am |
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Welcomers |
L Ruber |
M Howell A Neal |
Uniform groups |
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Readers |
K Salter K Lams |
J Gibson |
Parade Mass |
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Ministers of Holy Communion |
G Foster C Cosgrave P Cosgrave B Babb T Babb |
D Hairs W David B D’Arcy T Forde M Howell
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K Chan T Troy B Bridle A Bunnage P Murray |
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Coffee |
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E Aletta S Dixon |
T Troy J Cosgrave B Bridle |
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Bar |
F Simon P Dabrowski |
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Tellers
Church Cleaning |
F Simon J Cosgrave
H Rothon, C Hairs, D Hairs, M Gallagher |
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Christmas Rotas – Readers and Eucharistic Ministers
For the Christmas Eve and Christmas Day Masses, we are putting up a ‘please sign up’ list at the back of the church asking for Readers and Eucharistic Ministers to volunteer for the Mass times that suit. Please complete the form on the table at the back of the church. Thank you in advance.
Please take the Pilgrim home
The Pilgrim is circulated by the Diocese to every parish every month and you are encouraged to take a copy home FREE OF CHARGE
Reminder for Parents – Food & Drink should not be brought into the church for consumption during Mass. Thank you for your co-operation.