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Thank you for your offerings last week of £1,387. Maintenance fund collection was £706. Thank you. Mass attendance was 690.
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Sunday 18/12/16 |
Fourth Sunday of Advent
6.00pm 100th Birthday Thanksgiving for Marjorie Farrell 9.15am People of the Parish 11.00am People of Syria (Tomkins Family)
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Monday 19/12/16
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Feria 9.30am James Mooney RIP (Mooney Family) |
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Tuesday 20/12/16 |
Feria 9.30am Anthony Olivelle RIP (M Olivelle) |
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Wednesday 21/12/16 |
Feria 9.30am Mick Brace RIP(Tomkins Family)
10.45 – 11.45am Eucharist Adoration
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Thursday 22/12/16 |
Feria 10.30am Funeral Mass for Kathleen Shuttleworth RIP
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Friday 23/12/16 |
Feria 9.30am Monsignor John Elliott RIP (Simon Family) |
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Saturday 24/12/16 |
Christmas Eve Masses 6.00pm People of the Parish 11.30pm Midnight Mass
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Sunday 25/12/16 |
Christmas Day
9.15am People of the Parish 11.00am People of the Parish
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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.
Fr David writes…
I must say I love people who have a genuine drive, a passion for life. They are normally people who take life by its horns and try to live it to the full. People who have dreams and genuinely desire to achieve them, usually are people who would walk the extra mile to do so. They are not frightened of the hard work on the way, as long as they arrive at their destination one day. On the other hand there are people who choose to live life within their comfort zone. They do not seem to have a lot of ambition. They don’t have the oomph! They are just happy with what they have. Ironically most of the time, these two different personalities find themselves attracted to one another. A good partnership helps in balancing the dynamic. The ambitious one would need to calm down a bit whilst the laid back one would need to widen a bit more their horizons and push their comfort zones. Unfortunately, the one with high ambitions sometimes experiences disappointments. This happens when they experience a shattering of their dreams for one reason and another. This can be a great time of grief. When your dreams are shattered one goes through all the stages of grief. The loss of dreams are experienced as a great loss. This happens because dreams become part and parcel with one’s identity. If for example your dream is to get married and have a family, if for one reason or another, that dream is not accomplished, you would feel the loss. It would take time to re-gather yourself and accept your “reality” and try to find new ways of being in the world without the family. Part of you would feel that you have failed.
I know of someone whose dream was to work overseas, even sacrificing himself by being away from his family in order to be able to be comfortable enough to retire early. He actually did this for a few years however at some point, war in the area pushed him out of the country for his safety. He miraculously escaped and went back to his home country with a shattered dream. It took him ages to settle back home. He couldn’t settle in any job for some time and psychologically and emotionally he felt devastated. This affected not only himself but also his family. He experienced depression. At the time he experienced that Life seemed to be over for him. And although those around him were trying to help him see the advantages of being in the safety of home with his family, he could genuinely not see it. He kept on hoping that somehow peace would resume and everything would continue as he left it. Of course this did not happen and so he had to re-negotiate his dream and his identity. This took a long time but now he seems to be happy with a new lease of energy and enthusiasm about life in general.
Shattered dreams do affect us psychologically, emotionally and spiritually. Why did God allow this to happen to me? Where is God in all this chaos? In today’s gospel as we start our final week of Advent, Matthew’s narrative of the birth of Jesus is centred on Joseph. When the angel revealed to him that the conception of the child of Mary is by the Holy Spirit, Joseph agreed to cooperate with God’s plan by bringing Mary into his home in marriage thus he eventually became the legal and foster father of Jesus. The decision on the part of Joseph was not an easy one. His own personal dreams were shattered; his own family would frown upon him; the society would look upon him as a weak person. His faith must have been shaken. Who am I now? Where do I fit in, in all of this? He must have had to make a leap of faith and surrender himself to God’s plan for him even though he must not have understood it initially completely.
And also with us, I feel. If we keep on harbouring over our shattered dreams, we fall into the trap of resentfulness and bitterness. We become negative people. This would tint all our relationships and life in general. After a period of healthily grieving our losses and our dreams, we need to learn to let go and embrace a new way of being in the world. Sometimes these moments of crisis can provide new openings which would surprise us. As the saying goes God closes a door and opens another. We learn that in life we are not in control but as believers we trust in a God of surprises.
“Drop-In” – Evening Surgery
This next Drop-in Surgery will take place on Tuesday 17th January 5pm – 7pm. Please call at 281a Crescent Drive. No appointments necessary.
Parish Pastoral Council
Summary of the meeting of the Parish Pastoral Council (PPC) held on 6th December 2016.
The PPC organises its work under the headings of eight ‘pillars’. These include Pastoral Care, Evangelisation, Communication, Liturgy, Young Church, the Social Life of the Parish, Finance and Maintenance. Each pillar has nominated leaders who are working with other parishioners to help to develop activities under these headings.
The Open Part of the Meeting (when parishioners are welcome to attend).
One parishioner attended this meeting, although not to raise any queries, but simply to observe how the PPC worked together. Issues raised by other parishioners via notes and emails included:
· very warm thanks to, and praise for, Fr David for his inclusive approach to his work in developing the parish
· suggestions that a projector should be permanently mounted in the community centre and that “remote” control should be considered for its heating
· a request that the PPC might consider supporting a prisoner’s charity
The PPC welcomed the visiting parishioner and these comments and suggestions. Members will respond directly to parishioners who raised enquiries as needed.
During Part Two of the meeting, the PPC received an update about parish finances and the work of the various pillar groups. Discussions included e.g. that:
a) Offertory contributions were increasing overall
b) The Pastoral Care pillar was working to identify and establish its framework of support through both pillar group and open meetings with parishioners; and by closer follow up of new registration forms.
c) The Communication pillar was preparing to launch a parish Facebook page; and would consider how best to maintain this and the new online diary for parish events.
d) The Evangelisation pillar had been working through its programme of parish meetings and discussions and received agreement that they should continue with their programme and objectives.
e) Advent and Christmas services were being organised by the Liturgy pillar and the programme was underway.
f) The Social pillar is considering how to develop social inclusiveness more fully within the parish.
Parishioners are welcome to come and talk to members for half an hour before each meeting and raise suggestions and queries. To raise an issue for discussion by the full PPC, or to make an enquiry, please email ppc@stjamespettswood.org, or drop a note into the Parish office so that your issue can be considered.
Evangelisation Pillar
RCIA – Journey in Faith at St James’
The Journey in Faith (The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) will meet on Tuesday 10th January 8 – 9.30pm. Meet in the Community Centre.
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 our last in the series of special events:
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.
Young Church Pillar
Are you a young person aged between 9-18yrs? Read on to find out how you can take up the ‘Faith in Action’ challenge today!
‘Faith in Action’ is a new, national, catholic award scheme from CYMFED which challenges young people of faith to make a difference in the world. There are four levels of the award - Pin, Bronze, Silver, Gold and each one recognises the good work young people already do in the Church, whilst encouraging them to become involved in a wide range of activities and projects which positively contribute to their parish, school or community. The Faith in Action award scheme will run each year, from January to November, finishing with an awards ceremony to celebrate the work of those who complete each stage. There will be frequent opportunities for young people to spiritually reflect on their chosen activity in the light of the Gospel message, to seek meaningful ways to develop their own unique gifts and talents and to embrace the challenge to become disciples of the modern world. All young people in Bromley Deanery aged 9-18 years are invited to take part in the Faith in Action Award Scheme, which will be launched on 28th January 2016 at 11am at St Joseph’s Church, Plaistow Lane, Bromley. So, if you are a young person who already reads at Mass, sings or plays an instrument in the choir, altar serves, helps or volunteers in your school or community in any way, then come along to register – you may already qualify for one of the awards! Alternatively, you may want to become involved but are not sure how to begin – come along to meet the team and learn more about the range of exciting opportunities open to you. For more information please see our website: http://www.bromleydeanery.org/faith-in-action-award-scheme-2017/ or email susan.longhurst@bromleydeanery.org.
Calling all young people in Y9, Y10, Y11, Y12 and Y13!
Enjoy an informal gathering/stress free study session for a couple of hours to get some support and encouragement and get into the Christmas spirit with a festive hot chocolate too!
With New Year exams around the corner, why not come along, meet up with old friends and share your study experiences! Friday 23 December - 10am to 12pm in the Church Community Centre.
Liturgy Pillar
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.
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 half hour rehearsals.
Wednesday 21st December - 10.00am (in the Church)
Saturday 24th December - 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.
Christmas Rotas – Readers and Eucharistic Ministers
For the Christmas Eve and Christmas Day Masses, we have put 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. Although quite a few people have volunteered already, we still need some more people for all the Masses.
Gifts on Christmas Day
At all Christmas Masses you are invited to bring a gift of a new toy to put around the Christmas tree. This year we are supporting Bromley and Croydon Women’s Aid, who are looking forward to receiving toys/gifts for boys aged 0 - 12 and girls aged 0 -16. Please wrap your toy/gift and indicate who it is suitable for. BCWA have received may generous donations for the women they support
so whilst they appreciate gifts for the children they do not require any adult donations. We know you will be generous as always.
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.
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.
Social Pillar
Thank you to everyone for your support of the Friends events last weekend which were a huge success. Whether you came and supported or contributed in some way, we would like to thank you. Special mention to Russel Diniz and Iron Mountain for putting on a great show on Saturday night. The proceeds from the Christmas Market was £2,088 and the Raffle raised £1,412. Well done everyone!
Fr David would like to thank especially the members of ‘Friends’ who worked tirelessy to ensure that everything went off with a bang. Photographs of the events will be available to view on social media shortly.
New Year’s Eve Party!
This year’s New Year’s Eve party is being planned so keep the date in your diary. Tickets are now available from Frank but they are limited so don’t delay!
Communications Pillar
Launch of Parish Facebook Page
We are launching a new Facebook page for the Parish, on which we intend to post a mixture of Spiritual and Informative items. If you would like to receive these updates from the Parish on Facebook you can find the page by searching Facebook for ‘St James’ the Great RC Church Petts Wood’ and click on ‘Like’.
Parish diary now online
There is now an online diary mapping out parish events for 2017. It can be accessed at www.stjamespettswood.org/diary.html or go to the parish website and use the main menu item "Parish diary". Please check that information is correct and report back, via the parish office, any problems. Bookings will continue to be made through the parish office but hopefully people will be able to check when there are available slots for meetings, social events etc. PPC
St James’ Primary School and Faith Schools
School Applications and SIF
Please ensure that a family photograph accompanies all school applications when submitting the SIF to Fr David.
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.
Breakfast Supervisor required
to support wrap around care between 7.15am and 9am from Monday to Friday term time only.
School Chaplain required
to take a leading role in the development of Chaplaincy throughout the Catholic school. The successful applicant will enhance the spiritual, liturgical and prayer life of the school and be responsible for organising a full programme of activities and form links with the wider community. The closing date for application is 10th January.
Parish Groups
Sleeping Bags Required
If you have sleeping bags that are no longer being used, the homeless men and women at the Whitechapel Mission would be very grateful for them. Please leave them at the back of the church or phone Mary on 01689 832192 to arrange collection. Thank you very much.
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 21st January at 10 am – 11.30 am.
Other Notices
Zaytoun Olive Oil Orders
This message is for the 20 people who placed orders for the Palestinian olive oil at the Christmas Market Traidcraft stall last Sunday. Unfortunately our suppliers are unable to fulfil the order until January. If you would like to cancel your order and receive a refund please email roger.wright@stjamespettswood.org for details. We have been assured that more supplies will be available and we hope to have them in time for the next Traidcraft stall on 28-29 January if not before. Sorry for the inconvenience. J&P Group.
Rotas for next week
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Sat 24th Dec 6.00pm |
Sun 25th Dec 9.15am |
Sun 25thDec 11.00am |
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Welcomers |
J Callinan |
C Cook E Froud |
S Kavanagh T Connolly |
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Readers |
M O’Mahony K Rogerson |
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Ministers of Holy Communion
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B Bridle H Rothon P Cantopher S Poulton |
K Chan B Babb A Babb
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J Callinan A Bunnage |
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Coffee |
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Bar |
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Tellers
Church Cleaning
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Peter Benson, Nigel Longhurst
Readers, Altar Servers |
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Midnight Mass
Eucharistic Ministers Readers
D Hairs C Hairs
T Troy C D’Souza
K Evans C D’Souza
A Evans R Del Guercio
R Wright
T Forde
Catholic Papers
It is with regret that you will no longer be able to buy one of the Catholic papers from St James' after the Christmas editions. The publications affected are the Universe, Catholic Times and Catholic Herald. Sales of these papers have slumped from over 40 covers to less than 10 in the last 10 years, and delivery arrangements make further supply impractical. I am sorry that this service will no longer be available but subscriptions to your home address are available for all three publications. Roger Wright
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
Parking
Would all parishioners attending Mass please ensure the disabled parking spaces are left available for those with blue badges or those who have mobility difficulties. Many thanks!
Christmas Mass Collections
As usual the Collections from the Christmas Masses go directly to Fr David. Thank you in advance.
Reminder for Parents – Food & Drink should not be brought into the church for consumption during Mass. Thank you for your co-operation.