Fr Andrew writes…
This season of Advent continues, which I hope is proving a time of hope and renewal for you all. Without wanting to wish this time away, I thought it worthwhile setting out here our plans for Christmas mass times which may help you to plan ahead. This year Christmas falls on a Monday, which means that the 4th Sunday of Advent is actually on Christmas Eve. This, and the fact that I must care for two parishes, means that there has to be adjustment.
Sat 23rd Dec 4.45pm – 5.45pm Confessions
Sat 23rd Dec 6pm at Poplar (Vigil Mass of the 4th Sunday of Advent)
Sun 24th Dec 11am at Limehouse (4th Sunday of Advent)
Sun 24th Dec 6pm at Poplar (Vigil Mass of Christmas – Angels and Shepherds)
Sun 24th Dec 10pm at Limehouse (Christmas Mass in the Holy Night)
Mon 25th Dec 10am at Poplar (Christmas Day Mass)
Mon 25th Dec 11am at Limehouse (Christmas Day Mass)
Tues 26th – Fri 29th 10am Mass at Poplar (Canon Wright Chapel)
Sat 30th Dec 6pm at Poplar (Vigil Mass of the Holy Family)
Sun 31st Dec 10am at Poplar (Feast of the Holy Family)
Sun 31st Dec 12noon at Limehouse (Feast of the Holy Family)
Mon 1st Jan 12noon at Poplar (Solemnity of Mary the Mother of God and dedication of the New Year to Our Lady)
Tue 2nd Jan NO MASS
Wed 3rd Jan 10 Mass at Poplar (and normal timetable resumes)
God bless you all
SACRAMENTS
BAPTISMS—Please speak to Fr Andrew and collect a form for the preparation course. Next course on Monday 8th January at 7.00pm in the Guild Room.
FIRST HOLY COMMUNION—The next meeting for parents and children will be in January in the Guild Room. Date to be announced soon.
CONFIRMATION—Would parents with children in year 9 who wish to be confirmed please pick up a form at the back of church and return it to Clergy House as soon as possible.
RCIA—Next meeting will be on Monday 18th December at 7pm in the Guild Room.
CHRISTMAS PREPARATIONS
If there is anything that you would like to do to help us to prepare for and celebrate Christmas as a parish, please speak to Fr Andrew. Any ideas, suggestions and offers of help will be very gratefully received.
SPECIAL ADVENT MASS AT LIMEHOUSE
On Sunday 17th December the usual 12noon mass at Limehouse will be moved to 6pm in the evening to allow for a special Advent celebration before Christmas when many parishioners will be away. Mass will be by candlelight, there will be a choir and refreshments afterwards. All are most welcome.
CHRISTMAS OFFERINGS
Special envelopes will be available shortly for you to put your Christmas offerings in. The collections at Christmas and Easter (together with offerings you give for masses to be said and for baptisms, weddings and funerals through the year) all go to determine the amount which the parish has to support a resident priest. Using the envelopes helps us to account for the Christmas offerings separately from your regular weekly offerings. All the financial support that you give for the parish is greatly appreciated and, along with your involvement in the life of the parish, it all helps to build up and sustain the parish and its works. Thank you.
SANCTUARY LAMP
If you would like to have our Sanctuary Lamp burning for a week before the Blessed Sacrament in memory of a loved one, please make a donation using the envelopes at the back of Church. This week the lamp is burning in memory of the deceased FCJ Sisters.
| Envelopes | Loose | Total |
| N/A | N/A | N/A |
Standing Orders
SEPTEMBER: £563-34 OCTOBER: £562-94
Many thanks for your continued generosity.
NEWSLETTER ITEMS—Need to be received by noon on Thursday.
WEDDINGS—The Church requires that at least six month’s notice of any intended wedding be given so that full preparation can be made.
REPOSITORY—Now well stocked with Christmas Cards, Calendars, and other religious items.
NEIGHBOURS IN POPLAR
| KEEP AN EYE OUT for neighbours who are having problems keeping Warm! Not only the elderly but also families and people on their own. We are now asking you to ensure that your elderly neighbours are not going to be on their own for Christmas, often a very lonely time for those alone. Perhaps you might ask a neighbour to join you for Christmas dinner, in that way putting Christ back into your Christmas! The Dinner Project will be delivering hot festive dinners again this year, let us have names etc. of anyone you would like us to include(nip65@msn.com). Deliveries will be on December 25th, 26th and January 1st. Extra Drivers would be most welcome on any of those days as we expect extra addresses! Peelers will be welcome on Saturday December 23rd and Saturday 30th, from 9am onwards. A million thanks! MSF Final collection next weekend 16th/17th with mince pies and hot chocolate after Masses. To date MSF does not run medical programs in Israel. They are based in Gaza’s Al Shifa hospital, without electricity, and with thousands of injured patients everywhere. Sadly, they have lost many members of staff, volunteers and thousands of patients. FUND RAISING EVENT Saturday 16th in St. Matthias, 1pm to 6pm in aid of Charities working in Gaza. SATURDAY 16th Santa will be in Chrisp St. Market from lunchtime with activities for children. |
PRAYERS PLEASE FOR
Those of our parish who are sick at home or in hospital, especially Francis Charles; Refugees; Peace in the world, especially in Israel and Palestine; Those who have died recently, including Eileen Hamilton, Marietta Ben, Barry McCarthy, Elizabeth Annie Jones, and All whose anniversaries occur at this time.
ART CLASS FOR OVER 60’s
This popular group welcomes new members (aged 60+) on Tuesdays from 2.00pm to 4.00pm in the Guild Room. Beginners welcome. (Entrance in Canton Street).
THE UNIVERSE CATHOLIC WEEKLY
We remain true to our mission of being “a light to guide the world, and a mirror to reflect it”, keeping Catholics informed about their faith and bringing them ever closer to God. In order to help us maintain a strong weekly Catholic voice, please consider taking out a subscription. Order your Digital 4 weeks free introductory offer by contacting Michelle (michelle.jones@universecatholicweekly.co.uk).
CATHOLIC BISHOPS CONFERENCE
The Bishops Conference of England and Wales website has numerous articles on many other subjects. Go to www.cbcew.org.uk for the latest Catholic News.