In the Old Testament, the Ten Commandments, carved on two tablets of stone, were kept by the Jews in the ark of the covenant – a large container, which itself was kept in a special tent. This was where God was believed to live - a focus and sign of his universal presence. Today we celebrate a new ark of the covenant (agreement between God and us) and that new ark is Mary of Nazareth, for in her God came to live bodily, in the annunciation, and then in the birth of Jesus, Son of God.
We too, through our baptism and confirmation, are called to be ‘arks of God’. Like Mary, we too are called to bring Jesus into the world, but we can only do that if he lives deeply within us. Only then can we offer him, share him with other people. This is our vocation- nothing less- to be effective signs of God’s universal presence. Like the sacraments.
|
Mass attendances last Sunday were 706.
|
|
|
Sunday 18/12/11 |
Fourth Sunday of Advent 6pm – People of the Parish 9.15am –Ted Bray RIP (Hugh & Teresa Forde) 11am – Pamela Squire RIP (Deasy Family)
|
|
Monday 19/12/11 |
Feria 9.30am – Evelyn Coles (Private Intention)
|
|
Tuesday 20/12/11 |
Feria 9.30am – John McGlone RIP (Maureen & Bernard Wynne)
|
|
Wednesday 21/12/11 |
Feria 9.30am – Thomas & Mary Ann Lanigan RIP (M. O’Leary)
|
|
Thursday 22/12/11 |
Feria 9.30am – Michael Cruger RIP (E. Gibson)
|
|
Friday 23/12/11 |
Feria 9.30am – The Cruger Family (E. Gibson)
|
|
Sunday 25/12/11 |
Christmas Day: The Nativity of Our Lord Jesus Christ 5pm (Vigil Mass) – For all sick children Midnight Mass starting with Carols at 11.20pm – People of the Parish 9.15am – Ted Bray RIP (M. Jackson) 11am – Kitty O’Riordan (Ned)
Your offering on Christmas Day is your personal gift to your parish priest, in accordance with church custom.
|
|
This afternoon at 4pm we have our Traditional Carols by Candlelight, followed by seasonal refreshments in the Social Centre. Christingles will be made today and will burn throughout the service. Our special Christmas choir with new choirmaster Dominic have been working very hard for the past six weeks to prepare a very special service to help us prepare for Christmas. It will last approx. 45 mins - (not really suitable for pre-school children.)
|
|
|
At 12 noon today-working party to decorate the church- could you please spare an hour or so? thank you.
|
|
|
Confessions before Christmas - Tuesday (20th) 10-10.30am and 7-8pm. (It was encouraging to see so many penitents at the Penitential Service last Monday.)
|
|
|
Christmas Masses. Sat.24th at 5pm (vigil-for those who will be working or away on Christmas Day); Midnight (carols from 11.20pm) and Sun 25th at 9.15am (family Mass- children please come as angels or shepherds!); and 11.00am.
Please make sure all bases are covered - we urgently need people for the 5pm and the 9.15am (readers, ministers, welcomers etc....) Sign list in porch.
|
|
|
People.......Mgr. John Elliott will be moving in to Coloma Court, West Wickham, this week…..please keep him in your prayers....Gerard Ussher-Smith and Michael send their best wishes to all parishioners- Gerard is currently in hospital so cannot send cards this year.........and it was so good to see Aline and Andrew Dalgleish, Charles and James who were here for a few days last week......our prayers go with them as they prepare to return to South Korea.
|
|
|
New Year’s Eve Party -in the Social Centre - 8pm-12.30.am. Tickets £5 –family ticket £12 from Frank Simon.
|
|
|
Many thanks to Suzanne Horner and her team for the Senior Citizens Lunch last Sunday and also to the confirmation leaders who helped with the evening session.
|
|
|
Orpington Foodbank was overwhelmed with your food gifts last weekend! Many thanks to all who gave - it will brighten up the lives of many local families this Christmas.
|
|
|
Petts Wood Festival Chorus. (5th year)The performance next year will be in St. James’ on Sunday March 25th and will be ’The Crucifixion’’ by the Victorian composer John Stainer. Rehearsals start on Sunday January 15th (3pm-4.30.pm). New singers most welcome but must commit to rehearsals. Registration on January 15th The performance will be in aid of the Marie Curie Cancer Fund.
|
|
|
Every blessing - and looking forward to welcoming your families and friends to Mass here over Christmas.
Fr Bryan.
|
|