Thank you for your offerings last week of £1,538.  Mass attendance was 907.
Sunday 20/11/16	Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe 6.00pm Victor Clark RIP (Clark Family) 9.15am People of the Parish 11.00am Michael Kelly RIP (M. Kelly)
Monday 21/11/16	The Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary 9.30am Ranjana Chavhan (M. Kelly)
Tuesday 22/11/16	St Cecilia, Virgin & Martyr 9.30 Teresa Adams, 91^st Birthday (Friends)
Wednesday 23/11/16	Feria Louise Mages RIP (Howell Family) 10.45 – 11.45am  Eucharist Adoration
Thursday 24/11/16	St Andrew Dung-Lac 9.30am Margaret Jackson RIP  (Jackson Family)
Friday 25/11/16	St Catherine of Alexandria 9.30am Fr Hutton (Howell Family)
Saturday 26/11/16	Vigil Mass 6.00pm Johanna & Dennis Ashton RIP (K. Griffin)
Sunday 27/11/16	First Sunday of Advent 9.15am  People of the Parish 11.00am Desmond Ryan RIP (G & B Ford)

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.

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 1^st 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.

“Drop-In” – Evening Surgery

The next Surgery will take place on Tuesday 29th November 5.00–7.00pm.  Please call at 281a Crescent Drive.  No appointments necessary.

Second Collection

This weekend, there will be a collection for Catholic Youth Services.

Fr David Writes…

Manager and leader are two completely different roles, although we often use the terms interchangeably.  Managers are mainly facilitators of their team members’ success.  They ensure that their team members have everything they need to be productive and successful; that they are well trained, happy and have minimal roadblocks in their path.  That they are recognized for great performance and coached through their challenges.  However, a leader can be anyone on the team who has a particular talent, who is creatively thinking outside the box and has a great idea, who has experience in a certain aspect of life and prove useful to the manager and team.  A real leader leads based on strengths, personal skills and personality, and not titles.  From the mid twentieth century, organisational studies have helped us to start analysing and understanding the different leadership styles that are around based on the personalities of individuals and also the specific needs of the organisation which they are used for.  There are as you know many studies on models of leadership.  Some are classic, others have been tuned up according to the new insights gathered along the decades.

One of the theories is based on Goleman’s six leadership styles.  The first style he says is the pacesetting leader.  This leader expects and models excellence and self-direction.  This is the “do as I do, now” style.  The second is the authoritative leader.  He or she mobilizes the team towards a common vision and focuses on end goals.  This is “come with me style”.  The third is the affiliative leader who works to create emotional bonds that bring a feeling of bonding and belonging to the organisation.  This is the “people come first” style.  Then comes the coaching leader who develops people for the future.  This is the “try this” style.  The fifth is the coercive leader who demands immediate compliance.  And this is the “do as I tell you” style.  The sixth is the democratic leader who builds consensus through participation.  If this style is summed up in one phrase, it would be “what do you think?” style.

All the styles have pros and cons results.  None of the styles are perfect.  For example the authoritative style works best when the team needs a new vision because circumstances have changed, or when explicit guidance is not required.  However it is not the best fit when the leader is working with a team of experts who know more than him or her.  On the other hand the democratic leader is most effective when the leader needs the team to buy into or have ownership of a decision, plan or goal or if he or she is uncertain and needs fresh ideas from qualified teammates.  However again, it’s not the best choice in an emergency situation, when time is of the essence for another reason or when teammates are not informed enough to offer sufficient guidance to the leader.  This shows us that a real leader needs to be creative and flexible enough in order to change his styles according to the different circumstances that he or she is faced with.  All leaders though have a natural tendency towards some of the styles and less towards others.

We need to be aware of our strengths and limitations in our leadership style.  As disciples of Christ, today’s feast – Christ the King, shows us clearly what kind of leader Jesus is and what his style of leadership is.  Jesus’ leadership stems from an inner authority.  He knew who he was and had a clarity of his mission in life.  His authority did not stem from titles.  Although he was a Rabbi, he was not part of the clerical world of his time.  His authority came from his intimate relationship with God – his father.  His option in life was to empower the poor and the marginalised of the society of his time.  His main thrust was for the outcasts; the ones who had no voice.  And because he was so different than the religious leaders of his time, he became a threat to the establishment and the establishment wanted him out of their way.  For this reason he was crucified and died.  To the world he was a criminal – for the believer he is a king – a Servant King.  He is also challenging constantly our own styles of leadership.  Whom are we serving in our leadership roles?  Ourselves or others?  Our ego or our mission – making a difference in the world around us.  Christ the King brings to an end the liturgical year of the Church and also the Year of Mercy.  May this special year opened us to experience God’s mercy in our lives and inspired us to remain being more merciful towards others.

Remembering our Loved Ones

Names of Deceased on the Altar during November

If you have not yet had an opportunity, please write the names of deceased family and friends on the sheets at paper provided in the Church porch if you would like them to be remembered at all Masses throughout November.  All the collected names will remain on the altar for the month.

Parish Pastoral Council

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 10^th and 17^th June 2017.

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 27^th November, 3 – 5 pm in the Church.  Please let the Parish Office know if you would like to begin your journey with us.

Calling all Catechists:

There will be a meeting of all Catechists on Tuesday 22nd November, 8pm in the Community Centre.  If you are involved in Baptism, Children's Liturgy, First Holy Communion, Confirmation, RCIA or would like to be involved please do join us.

Advent Spiritual Programme

Please join us for a series of special events for Advent:

Wednesday 30th November: Geoff Whelan SJ, “Contemplating Mercy through Art and Scripture”.

There will be a special Advent Reconciliation Service be on Monday 5^th December at 8pm.

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 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 11^th 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

Meeting 23^rd November 7.30pm - Discover the peace of Shalom

The Acorn Christian Healing Foundation is a training service set up to offer a wide range of focused training experiences which meet the needs of churches and individuals who want to serve their communities better.    Subjects cover reconciliation, wholeness, and prayer ministry and equip the church to make a transforming impact in their communities.

On Wednesday 23^rd November at 7.30pm, the Director of Acorn, Wes Sutton is coming to give a talk at St James’ Cummunity Centre and we are inviting all parishioners to attend.  Acorn was established in 1983 by Bishop Morris Maddocks and has been at the forefront of providing people regardless of ther circumstances, background or life choices with the opportunity to experience the ‘shalom’ a life-encompassing peace – that is at the heart of the Christian message.  Shalom impacts every area of a person’s life – relationships, physical and spiritual wellbeing and emotional wholeness.

To find out more, do join us for what promises to be a enlightening and comforting spiritual experience.  Please let the Parish Office know if you are planning to be there.  Tea/Coffee served.  Finish at 9 pm.

Henri Nouwen – ‘The Wounded Healer’ – 14th December

On Wednesday 14^th 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 Nouwens’ books will be available for purchase afterwards.

Social Pillar

Family Christmas party

Start the festive season with a special Family Christmas party on Saturday 12th December in the Community Centre featuring the amazing sounds of Iron Mountain in the Community Centre on the 10th of December at 7pm.  Come and enjoy a glass of prosecco on arrival, a delicious curry supper followed by live music.  Book your ticket early to avoid disappointment.  Tickets will go on sale after mass from this weekend and will cost £15 per adult and £5 per child with a 10% discount to all members of the Friends of St James’.

Get ready for Christmas at the Friends of St James' traditional Christmas market, taking place from 10:30 on Sunday 11th December.  There will be festive stalls with gifts, crafts and delicious delicacies from around the world, as well as exciting activities for children, mulled wine, Irish coffee, a winter barbecue and grand raffle.  We welcome any donations of homemade Christmas delicacies, foods from around the world or bottles for the tombola as well as any knitted Christmas decorations.  Tickets for the raffle will be on sale at the front of the church after each mass.  What better way to get into the Christmas spirit?!

Parish Groups

Justice & Peace Group

There will be a meeting on Wednesday 23^rd November at 7.45 pm in the Parish office meeting room to which all parishioners are welcome to attend.

Foodbank News

The Foodbank organisers have sent a message saying that washing up liquid, washing detergents and toiletries are in short supply and would be much appreciated.  They are also beginning to collect Christmas food suitable for their special hampers, so items such as cakes, biscuits and chocolates would also be very welcome.  Please continue to check Briefly for current needs.  Thank you.

Foodbank Volunteers

The Bromley Foodbank has asked for volunteers to hand out leaflets to shoppers at some local Tesco stores on Thursday 1 December and Saturday 3 December.  The leaflets will contain a list of items that the Foodbank requires and will invite customers to purchase an item or items from the list to donate to the Foodbank.  A link to enable volunteers to select a store and the day and time they are able to help is set out below.  Parishioners have on past occasions signed up to help with the Tesco collections for the Foodbank.  Thank you.  http://signupschedule.com/bromleyboroughfoodbank

Traidcraft stall

Thank you for your generous support, takings last weekend were £337.  Ordered Advent calendars will be available for collection from back of church after each mass this weekend.

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.

Wanted: Father Christmas lookalike!

On Friday 16th December, the St James’ Parent & Toddler Group will be celebrating the festive season with a Christmas party.  Unfortunately, the real Father Christmas will be making last minute preparations for Christmas, so is unable to attend.  Instead, we are looking for a Father Christmas lookalike with a Santa costume too, who will be free to hand out gifts and spread good cheer.  If this is you, or you know someone who fits the bill, please contact parent.toddler@stjamespettswood.org.

Catholic Women’s League

The CWL will hold their monthly meeting on Monday 28^th November at 8pm in the Community Centre.  Please come along if you would like to learn more about the League.

DAD & Me

The next meeting of Dad & Me will be held at the Community Centre on Saturday 17^th December at 10 am – 11.30 am.

St James’ RC Primary School Open Day

The Open Day will take place on Wednesday 23rd November at 9.30 – 10.30 am.  It is not necessary to book a place, parents are invited to turn up at the appointed time.

Supplementary Information Forms will be distributed at this event.  Please contact the school directly for any further information.

Rotas for next week

	Sat 19 Nov 6.00pm	Sun 20 Nov 9.15am	Sun 20 Nov 11.00am
Welcomers	I Garcia	A Lench L Santoro	S Ingle J Ingle
Readers	C Kiely	Children’s Mass	P Dabrowski Z Bajorek
Ministers of Holy Communion	P Driscoll T Babb B Babb P Crosland P Cantopher	B Cotta W David B D’Arcy T Forde D Hairs	V Terry N Longhurst T Willard R Mwansa S Ingle
Coffee		G Brookes D Brookes	P Flockhart A Huntington S Ingle
Bar	O Clutton A Barrradell M Horner
Tellers Church Cleaning	L Lynch M Ardron O Clutton, M Mathews, R Blanco, R Mwansa

Reminder for Parents – Food & Drink should not be brought into the church for consumption during Mass.  Thank you for your co-operation.