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Thank you for your offerings last week of £1,449. Second Collection – Archbishop’s Admin Fund
£585. Mass attendance 867. |
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Sunday 19th
November (Saturday
Vigil) |
Thirty-Third
Sunday in Ordinary Time 6pm Thanks
to the Holy Spirit |
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9.15am Mary
Lowe & Family RIP (K Self) Francesca
Sio RIP (Sio Family) 11am People
of The Parish |
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Monday 20th
November |
Feria 9.30am Michael
Kelly RIP (M Kelly) |
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Tuesday
21st November |
The
Presentation Of The Blessed Virgin Mary 9.30am Jacqui Hayler (Enda Blacker) |
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Wednesday
22nd November |
Saint
Cecilia 9.30am Blacker
Family (E Blacker) |
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10.45am Eucharistic
Adoration |
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Thursday
23rd November |
Feria |
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9.30am Hannah Cott
(L O’Sullivan) |
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Friday
24th November |
Saint
Andrew Dung-Lac 9.30am Ralph Pophan
RIP (D Betts) |
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Sunday
26th November (Saturday
Vigil) |
Our Lord
Jesus Christ, King Of The Universe 6pm Johanna
& Dennis Ashton RIP (K Griffin) |
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9.15am Francesca
Sio RIP (Sio Family) Mrs
Florence Broderick (The Sands Family) 11am People
Of The Parish |
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.
Sunday Mornings in the Community Centre
Every Sunday coffee and tea is served after
the 9.15am and 11am Masses. Please join
us for a while and get to know each other over a cuppa!
Second Collection
This week’s second collection is for the new
parish project, St Catherine’s, Philippines.
Next week’s second collection is for the Catholic Youth Services.
Christmas items in the Repository
Religious advent calendars, Christmas cards and the like are now on sale
in the repository and from the stall in the church porch after all Sunday
Masses.
Fr David writes…
Life has taught me that achievement
demands a vision and a willingness to risk. That’s the difference between a mediocre
existence and an inspirational one. It
is quite well researched that personality styles have a lot to do with the
difference between both. Some people for
one reason or another live in constant fear.
This stems from a sense of insecurity.
Their lives are structured around rules and regulations. They constantly need an external compass to
reassure them that they are on the right path.
For some reason they keep on doubting their own innate ability to shine. Actually, the reason why they are frightened
to shine is that they know that there is a risk of failure when risking. So, it feels for them much safer to play it
safe. I am not saying that we do not
need rules. Of course, we need rules and
regulations to live in harmony with one another but when the rules and
regulations suffocate initiative and creativity, something in our soul dies. In this way, we can be destined to live in
silent desperation. On the other hand,
we all know of people who inspire us by their enterprising, dynamic ways of
living. They have the spark! They possess the X Factor! When you are with them, you feel their energy
and the excitement that they generate. These
are the visionaries within our communities.
Visionaries with a big sense of adventure. They are those who are not hindered by
negative people who always try to dampen one’s dream by the excuse that the
dream is not feasible or viable. These
are people who dare to risk. And yes –
sometimes they do fail. However, if they
fail, they see it as an opportunity for growth and learning and move on to the
next project. It is wonderful to be in
their presence as their energy liberates us in the process. It is contagious. At the same time, it absolutely terrifies
those who prefer security and safety over life.
The Protagonist in the Gospel today
is a rich oriental person who must leave for a long journey. He entrusts his possessions to the most
trusted servants. He knows their
abilities, competencies and according to these he establishes how much to
assign to each. He gives no indication
on how to manage the talents giving a sign of full confidence in the
intelligence, insight, prudence of his servants, and respect for their freedom
and creativity. The second part of the
parable describes the different behaviour of the servants. Two are enterprising, dynamic and hardworking,
while the third is fearful and insecure.
Matthew wants to encourage his community to a test. He invited them to ask themselves first if
they are aware of the treasures they have in hand, to check if all the talents
are used for the best or if any gift is hidden underground, if there are
neglected aspects of the Faith Community.
In the third part of the parable we witness the rendering of account. The scene was initially quiet and secure,
then it becomes dark and it culminates in a dramatic way. The first two servants present themselves. With justifiable pride, they say to the
master of having doubled their possessions.
Then the third servant says “I know – that you are a hard man. You reap what you have not sown and gather what
you have not scattered. I was afraid, so
I hid your money in the ground. Here
take what is yours”. The central message
of the parable is in the master’s rebuke of the servant. The only unacceptable attitude is
disengagement; it is the fear of risk. Even
to the first two, perhaps not all the economic transactions went well. However, the third servant is condemned
because he let himself be blocked by fear.
Jesus is seen in this parable to make a point against the scribes and
the Pharisees. Their chief aim was to
keep the Law which they had been given exactly as it was – not to change it,
not to develop it, not to alter it in any way.
It’s as if they wanted to put the Law into a state of perpetual coma or
paralysis. That way they would avoid the
risk of its walking the streets where it would have to change and grow
according to the conditions it met. Unfortunately,
there is a spirituality which create this type of Christian, that is a
Christian who, to avoid sins, always plays it safe. They could not risk it because those who try,
those who commit themselves inevitably expose themselves to the risk of being
wrong. Those who preach this fear,
without realising it, are the cause of the lack of love, sterile goodness and
spiritual lethargy. The punishment for
making the talents of God unproductive is the exclusion from his joy. We can ask ourselves how we imagine God and
how the way we see God influences our attitudes and behaviour. Is our life of faith a life of fear? Within our families and communities are we
people who because of our personal insecurity always try to pour cold water
over new ideas and projects, or are we people who are fired up by the
excitement of the potential of new projects and visions. The Church throughout history always benefited
by visionaries to dream big and make a concrete difference in the lives of
others. We need them more than ever
today. These visionaries are those who
believe in the ability of their gifts, they are ready to risk and share them
with us and yet know that only God can make the dream a reality. Jesus is telling us that there is no religion
without risk, no religion without adventure, no religion without enterprise. Willingness to dare is an essential part of
our faith
“Drop-In”
Evening Surgeries
The next Drop-in Surgery will take place
on Wednesday 22nd November between 5–7pm. Please call at 281a Crescent Drive. No appointments are necessary.
Holy Baptism
This weekend we welcome, through Holy Baptism, Oliver Preston and his
parents Carl and Julita, and Cora Parmar and her
parents Jayesh and Ciara.
200 Club winners!
£100 No 79 Mrs F Raingeard
£50 No 159 Mr Liam
Keane
£25 No 7 Mrs
Sarah May
£25 No 162 Mrs Kay
Walsh
Congratulations to our
winners. There are still places
available for any new parishioners or late comers. Please contact Ken Evans for details.
Primary
School Supplementary Information Forms (SIF)
If you are applying for a place at a Catholic Primary School and need me
to sign your SIF, could you please ensure that all paperwork and a family photo
is handed in (to me or the Parish Office) by Thursday 7th December
at the latest. Thank You. Fr David.
Christmas Day Lunch with Fr David!
I would like to invite adult parishioners, either individuals or
couples, who are on their own this year to join me for Christmas Day lunch in
the Community Centre. Transport can be
provided to collect you and bring you home and there will be great food, good
company and the Queens speech!
We have 40 places available,
so if you would like to join me, please phone, visit or email the parish office
as soon as possible. Places are
available on a ‘first come first served basis’ and we must know final numbers
by 14th December.
Regrettably, we won’t be
able to accommodate young families with children at this event.
Advent and Christmas
Advent Reflection Evening
with Fr Denis McBride called Journeying towards Jesus in Advent. On Wednesday 29th November from
7.30-9.30pm in the Community Centre.
Advent Reconciliation Service
Will be held here in the church on Monday 4th
December at 8pm.
A Reflection with Michael Ford
on the life of Fr Mychal Judge (Victim 0001 in Twin Tower attack) on
Wednesday 13th December 8pm.
Advent Carol Service
Will be held here in the church on Sunday 17th
December at 4.00pm. Our
Advent Service is an opportunity to pause in the busy preparations leading up
to Christmas. Through readings, prayer
and music, we will reflect on the Christmas story and how it relates to our
lives today. All parishioners are
invited to come and share in this special service to start their Christmas week
focussed on Jesus.
Give your heart a Home
Wednesday 20th
December at 8pm - quiet reflection to prepare for Christmas with Fr David
Camilleri
Liturgy Pillar
Eucharist Adoration
takes 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 is 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 - Eucharist
Adoration also takes place on the 1st
Friday of each month from 7.30 pm – 9pm and concludes with Benediction. Everyone is welcome for all or part of this
time of prayer before the Blessed Sacrament.
Annual Cemetery Mass and Blessing of the Graves
will take place at St Mary’s,
Crown Lane, Chislehurst on Saturday 18th November at Noon, remembering those buried at Saint
Mary's and Beaverwood Cemetery. Also, on
Sunday 19th November at 2pm at Kemnal Park cemetery and memorial
gardens the annual Catholic blessing of the graves will take place.
Children's Liturgy helpers and leaders needed!
Do you have a
child who attends Children's Liturgy? If
so, please have a think about volunteering in this very important ministry. Our children are only children for a very
little time, and so we need new helpers and leaders! I will be compiling a new rota for January
and need helpers and leaders for this ministry and important part of 9.15 Mass
to continue. Please think about giving
up a little bit of your time for the benefit of all our children. Thank you.
Please email Hannah Harrison at childrens.liturgy@stjamespettswood.org or via the Rotas part of the website.
Christmas Choir
As we prepare to enter the Advent season, we invite singers to join in
our Christmas choir which sings in four-part harmony. The Advent service is on the 17th of
December, Sunday at 4.00pm. On Christmas
Eve, we will start off with carols at 11.30pm followed by Midnight Mass. Rehearsals will be held every Thursday from
7.30-9.00pm starting on the 16th November (followed by Nov 23, 30, Dec 7, 14,
and possibly another rehearsal just before Christmas if needed). This is a lovely way to participate in the
parish festivities so if you enjoy singing, please come along to the first
rehearsal on the 16th. Hope to see many
of you there.
Pastoral Care Pillar
Dementia Café at St James’
On Saturday 25th November a meeting will be taking place in the
Community Centre from 9.30am to 11.00am with Nicola Fishman, Community
Development Worker for Bromley Dementia Support Hub with a view to starting up
this worthwhile support within the Parish during the early part of 2018. She will be talking to us about the benefits
of the cafe and the structure required to be able to provide this service. If you feel you would like to know more or
wish to be involved in this initiative, please do come along to the meeting.
Evangelisation Pillar
First Holy Communion
2018
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 9th
and 16th June 2018.
Brain-storming
Session on the Spiritual Growth of St James’
·
Have
you attended any of our Parish spiritual formation events? (talks, workshops, study days, discussion
groups) How do you find them?
·
Have
you or your children attended any of the catechistic programmes? (Baptism preparation, First Holy Communion,
Children Liturgy, Confirmation, RCIA) How
do you find them?
·
What do you think can help you, your
family, and the parish grow in faith?
·
Come
and share your thoughts and ideas over a coffee (or a glass of wine) on Wednesday 22nd November 8pm in
the Community Centre.
We look forward to seeing
you and the sparkling discussion that evening.
If you cannot come, but would
like to contribute, please email your thoughts and ideas to ken.chan@stjamespettswood.org
or speak to Ken Chan, Sue David, Hannah Harrison or Michelle Wilson.
Pilgrimage
to The Holy Land
22nd
– 30th November 2018
We are organising a pilgrimage to The Holy Land for next year. This pilgrimage will be an opportunity to
re-invigorate our faith as it will be rooted in prayer and biblical experiences
and it will also provide opportunities for us to grow in fellowship. We need to establish the level of interest
and potential numbers. You can find full details on
the parish website with a form to complete and return to the parish office
by 29th November 2017
Youth Pillar
Saturday
Night Youth Club on 25th November
Bowling
in the Glades, Bromley (7.15pm-9pm)
The
Bromley youth club will be on location on Saturday 25th November
enjoying an evening’s bowling in Bromley.
Tickets cost £8 in advance or email SNYClubs@gmail.com
Christ
the King Youth day
REMINDER:
it is almost here!!! (18.11.17 at St Joseph’s Church, Plaistow Lane, Bromley)
Are
you in school years 7 and above? If so,
you are warmly invited to Christ the King Youth Day at St Joseph’s Church,
Bromley on Saturday 18th November 2017 from 12pm until 6pm. Preparations are underway for a day packed
with fun, music, art and reflection led by the Southwark
Catholic Youth Team and will be followed by a Youth Mass at 6pm. Refreshments will be provided throughout the
day, tickets cost £2 and can be bought on the day. If you would like to get involved with the
musical activities, please make sure to bring your instruments with you on the
day. So tell your friends and invite
them along to enjoy a fantastic, youth-led celebration for the Feast of Christ
the King. We look forward to seeing you
there! For more information on this event, see our website: http://www.bromleydeanery.org/christ-the-king-youth-day-18th-november-2017/
Church Sound System
We
are looking for a volunteer with some knowledge in sound systems to take over
the running and upkeep of the system. This
isn’t an onerous task and guidance will be given of the current system within
the church. Please contact the parish
office if you can help. Many Thanks.
Justice and Peace
Traidcraft Stall this weekend. All
your favourites and some Christmas items.
Parish New Overseas Project
The second
collection this weekend 18/19 November will be to support the
technical education programme of the parish of St Catherine's in the
Philippines. The programme is for
youngsters who have left school and unemployed adults in the skills of
dress making and tailoring, electronics and electrical installation and
welding.
J&P
Meeting
The
Justice and Peace group will meet on Wednesday 22nd November at 7.45pm
in the Parish Office meeting room (281A Crescent Drive). All parishioners are assured of a warm
welcome.
Food Bank Supporters
We have been advised that the list of
items in short supply has grown a bit since last week and is now as follows: instant
coffee, desserts, nappies of all sizes, toilet rolls, men and women’s
toiletries (especially shower gel, shampoo and deodorants), household goods such as washing powder, washing-up liquid, cleaning
materials. Thank you for your continuing support.
Special request from the Foodbank
The Foodbank Christmas Tesco collection
days are Thursday 30th November, Friday 1st and Saturday 2nd December at the
Bromley and Orpington stores. Please
help the Foodbank collect food to give to their clients for Christmas. You can sign up directly via the link: http://signupschedule.com/bromleyboroughfoodbank. Thank you.
Recycling
bins
There
are separate bins for paper/cardboard and bottles/cans by the gate of the main
car park. Please make sure you sort
items and deposit them in the correct bin.
We quite often find recyclable items in the big general waste bin which
is a shame, and even general waste in the recycling bins. The council took quite a lot of coaxing to
provide our recycling bins and it would be a shame to lose them. Thank you for your cooperation.
Catholic Women's League
The next monthly meeting will be held on Monday 27th
November at the earlier time of 7.30pm as at 8.00pm Chris Bartlett will be
giving a talk about internet safety. Any members of the parish wishing to learn more about this are very
welcome to join us.
Watch
RISE Theatre’s new play about Blessed Oscar Romero
We are delighted to welcome RISE Theatre,
a professional Christian theatre company, who will be performing their original
play ‘Romero – Heartbeat of El Salvador’
at St James’ on Sunday 26th
November at 7.30pm.
The
production tells the true story of Blessed Oscar Romero and his heart for the
oppressed people of El Salvador. Romero
chose to challenge those in power and stand up for social justice. He demanded respect for human rights. Come and experience this exciting new play,
performed with energy and passion by the RISE Theatre team - www.risetheatre.co.uk
“A challenging and moving production about the life and legacy of this
great man of justice.” Bridget Fenwick, CAFOD
For
tickets please contact
Parish
office on 01689 827100 parish.office@stjamespettswood.org
or visit https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/date/411171
Performance lasts approximately 75 minutes and
is suitable for adults and children 11+
Friends of St James’
The Friends of St James’
AGM will take place in the community centre small hall straight after the 11am
Mass on Sunday 26th November.
All Welcome.
The Christmas Fayre
is coming on Sunday 10th
December after the 9.15am and 11am Masses.
Would
you like to be involved?
Here are some
opportunities:
Bake
a cake from your country
Donate
a Christmas dish from your country
Make/donate
a Christmas decoration from your country
Donate
a bottle for the bottle tombola
Sing/provide
a Christmas carol from your country. We
hope to have carols being sung/played throughout the event.
Come
and help on a stall
Donate old CDs / Computer games/DVDs
(No Videos please)
All offers of help to be
directed to the parish office – parish.office@stjamespettswood.org
or sign up at the back of the church.
Mikołajki
On
Saturday 2nd December the parish Polish community together with the
local Polish Playgroup invite Polish families to come join them in the
community centre as traditionally Saint Nicholas brings presents on 6th
December. Contact Katarzyna for details
and to register your kids as places are limited kateg1978@yahoo.co.uk
Bollywood Dance Fitness
All
are welcome from beginners to mixed ability, to join our dance class in a fun
& friendly environment at St James' community centre, on Fridays from 2.00
to 2.45pm. A dance routine with
Bollywood music (Indian Film songs), that will make you smile, pump you with
energy and burn your calories, with easy moves to remember forever. If you are interested or want to give it a
try, please contact Niljo Roy at email: niljo.roy@gmail.com.
Petts Wood Churches
Together
As
part of Petts Wood Churches Together 500th Reformation Year, we have a special
musical event arranged for 19th November at 2pm, to be held at Christ Lutheran
Church. The Secret Life of Lutheran
Chorales, with Nordic Lyres, Bray Harp, bells and singing. Please see the link: secretlifeoflutheranchorales.com. Everyone is welcome.
Advent at Southborough
Lane Baptist Church
On
26th November, Noel Richards will be giving a concert at
Southborough Lane Baptist Church. Tickets
are £2.00 each. Please contact events@slbc.org.uk or 07515 812530.
Parent and Toddler Group
St Francis
Of Assisi, Greencourt Road (Off Willett Way)
The Little Lambs group for parents and toddlers (from birth to pre-school
age) meet in St Francis Church Hall in term time on Tuesdays from 13.00 to
14.30. The charge is £2 per family.
St Patrick’s Church Hall,
Chislehurst Quiz Night
For
the benefit of retired Priests. Friday
24th November 7pm for a 7.30pm start. Bring your own food and drink. £5 per person. For more information call Paul Goodhill on 020 8462 0957 or email paul.goodhill@ntlworld.com
Seeing a Chaplain if You Are Admitted to Hospital
Fr David would always be very happy to visit you too, so please ask a relative or friend
to let him know about your admission. You
or they can email Fr David on father.david@stjamespettswood.org,
or phone the parish office on 01689 827100.
Weekend Rotas:
Thank you for helping.
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Saturday 25th November |
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Cleaning the Church |
S
Lams, L Monsah, D Generowicz,
K Salter, M Gallagher |
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Wednesday Coffee 22nd November |
Minon Gyi, Sheila Barradell, Brigid D'Arcy |
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26th November |
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Mass |
Saturday 6pm (Vigil) |
Sunday 9.15am |
Sunday 11am |
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Welcomers |
J Callinan |
M Howell K Drabowicz |
S Ingle J Ingle |
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Readers |
J Bajorek M O’Mahony |
Childrens Mass |
R Rowan Z Bajorek |
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Ministers of Holy Communion |
C Cosgrave P Cosgrave P Driscoll T Babb B Babb |
S Cotta A ward A Hawkins D Hairs B Cotta |
N Longhurst T Willard R Mwansa K Chan K Evans |
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Bar |
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B Meehan O Clutton |
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Coffee |
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D Delf F Curran E Aletta |
M Harrington S Paris R Scott |
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Altar Servers |
A Lynch A Poulton Oliver Johnny Angela J Monaghan |
J Lench |
Paulina J MacFadyen Z Teare E Teare |
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Tellers |
P Benson, N Longhurst |