Today (Advent 2) is known as ‘Bible Sunday.’
In the Mass we are fed and nourished at two ‘tables’: Word ( the scriptures) and Sacrament (Holy Communion) . At the first, we are instructed by Christ the Teacher, and at the other we are fed by the same Christ, the Bread of Life. Both are closely related and form one single act of worship.
Today we thank God for the scriptures- and also for those who proclaim them in the Mass (our Readers, who will be renewing their ministry at Mass today.) I am immensely grateful to them.
We really must know our Bibles! It is so good that many in our parish read the Bible daily, using one of the excellent schemes (e.g., My Day by Day). If this is not possible, try and look at the readings for the next Sunday (you will need a Sunday Missal) and think about them and mull over them so that you do not hear them ‘cold’ at Mass.
And try and hear what God might be saying to you (sometimes risky!)- this is all part of praying- listening to God rather than talking to him.
But it does require a short period of stillness and silence each day....perhaps an aim for Advent?
If you would like to be a Reader at Mass (preparation and training provided) please let me know: you will be very welcome.
‘Blessed Lord, who caused all holy Scriptures to be written for our learning: help us so to hear them, to read, mark, learn and inwardly digest them that, through patience, and the comfort of your holy word, we may embrace and forever hold fast the hope of everlasting life, which you have given us in our Saviour, Jesus Christ.’ (BCP, Advent 2.)’
|
Mass attendances last Sunday were 608.
|
|
|
Sunday 5/12/10
|
2nd Sunday of Advent (A) 6pm- People of the Parish 10am- Stanley & Elizabeth Lowe RIP (Teresa Lowe) 11.30am – Bridget & Paul Wiggins (Ned)
Readers renew their ministry at Mass
U Touch Africa – Fr. Arbo writes ‘Thank you for your welcome- I felt I wanted to stay forever!’ Collection next Sunday (12th Dec.) Could we all fast on Friday for this charity?
|
|
Monday 6/12/10 |
St Nicholas Bishop 9.30am – Peggie & May Linehan (Ned)
6pm St James School Advent Carol Service
|
|
Tuesday 7/12/10
|
St Ambrose (Bp./Doc) 9.30am- Catherine Buckland (M. O’Leary) Benediction and confessions after morning Mass
7.15pm –Mary Casartelli (Ned) confessions heard from 6.45pm
Finance Committee – presbytery 10.15am
|
|
Wednesday 8/12/10 |
The Immaculate Conception of the BVM 9.30am –Mary Bray RIP (Ted Bray)
Penitential Service -7pm with priests from Bromley Deanery
|
|
Thursday 9/12/10 |
Feria 9.30am –Rels. & Friends of the Fyson family (Found.)
Choir practice – 7.45pm -9.15pm
|
|
Friday 10/12/10 |
Feria 9.30am –Mary & Jimmie O’ Connor (Ned)
|
|
Sunday 12/12/ 10 |
Third Sunday of Advent (A) 6pm- Mervyn Cardoza RIP (Cecily & Christine Cardoza) 10am- People of the Parish 11.30am – Martin Browne RIP (Annie Cane) Taizé service at St James’ starting at 7.00pm. Everyone is most welcome and especially young people.
|
|
Sunday 19/12/10 |
Christingle Service at 5pm (refreshments at 5.45pm); and Now Thrice Welcome Christmas at 6.30pm (foll. by mince pies & mulled wine.). |
|
Penitential Service had to be cancelled because of the snow. We will have another try next Wednesday (8th) at 7.30pm not 7.00pm as previously announced.
|
|
Over 60’s Lunch Next Sunday (12th)- we are a bit late this year- you must sign up today if you wish to come!! And thanks to those who are preparing this event. (List in porch.)
|
|
Cleaning (11th ) and Carol Singing (20th) -please sign lists in porch- we must know numbers (esp. for singing)
|
|
Hall Survey Next Sunday (December 12th) is the last day for returns! Please complete and return your form if necessary. Many thanks to those who have, and also to the team who are analysing them. Results towards the end of January!
Please let us know of changes! e.g., if you change address or phone or email, etc...or if you are moving
|
|
New Publications (in porch- highly recommended) NB ‘Catholic Basics’ and ‘A Time for Prayer’
|
|
Rotas now available in porch and online.
|
|
Delivery of Christmas Cards (8 envelopes in porch) – could you please deliver some of the PWCT cards...? Thank you. A massive ‘thank you’ to all our youth groups who will be delivering the rest!
|
|
Advent. one a year the chance to wait with a purpose.
Makes a change. ........by Carolyn Morris |
Keep warm! Fr Bryan