HAPPY NEW YEAR – ADVENT
Today marks the beginning of Advent, and with it, three and a half weeks of preparation before we celebrate Christmas Day. For many, this countdown is welcome, though it can also evoke thoughts of busyness and expense. Yet perhaps this year we might choose a different approach — one that enables us to arrive at the feast of the Nativity renewed in mind and spirit. How, then, might we approach Christmas more awake, more receptive, and more spiritually alive? A central invitation of Advent is to cultivate openness to the surprising ways in which God comes to us. We are all familiar with the contrast between preparing for an expected guest and being caught unprepared by an unexpected visitor. Allow the memory of such moments to remind us of the importance of maintaining a constant readiness for the Lord’s coming. In practical terms, this may mean intentionally choosing a simple spiritual path over the coming weeks, so that we do not arrive at Christmas merely tired or overwhelmed, but rather attuned to the mystery we celebrate. This might include setting aside additional time for quiet reflection, meditation, or prayer. It may involve engaging more deeply with the Scriptures — perhaps especially the Book of Isaiah, whose prophetic voice resonates so strongly in this season. You are warmly invited to participate in 9.30am Mass followed by Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament on 3rd, 8th, 15th, and 22nd December, with Mass at 7pm concluding the time of Adoration on each of these days, as well as Confession on 20th December. Above all, Advent calls us to attentiveness — to remain open to the moments of grace through which God draws near. If we do so, we may find ourselves approaching the celebration of Christmas not only prepared, but with hearts lifted in quiet and enduring joy.
CELEBRATIONS THIS WEEK
Wednesday 3rd December – St Francis Xavier
Saturday 6th December – St Nicholas
SICK & RETIRED PRIESTS FUND – Thank you for the collection of £1747.70. The collection is now closed.
WEDDINGS – For those couples wishing to get married here or elsewhere, it is important that you notify Fr Perry at least 6 months before your wedding date. If you wish to attend the Pre-Marriage Course please register with Fr Perry.
MASS INTENTIONS – We begin booking Masses for January 2026 on Monday 1st December. Please note that if you asked for an intention on a specific date and a funeral is subsequently arranged on that day, the intention will be moved to the next available date. We can send Masses to Fr Henry in Malawi.
ADVENT 2025
During Advent, there will be Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament after the 9:30am Mass and concluding with Benediction and Mass at 7pm on the following days. Please sign-up if you can come and watch at a specific time.
Wednesday 3rd December
Monday 8th December
Monday 15th December
Monday 22nd December.
Confessions in preparation for Christmas
Saturday 20th December 11am – 12:30pm & 3pm – 4:30pm
A number of visiting priests will be available
THANK YOU – to those who prepared the new Mass Books for us to use this weekend.
YOUTH ALPHA FOR AGES 13 TO 18 THIS JANUARY! After the fantastic experience of our last group, we know this next one will be even better. Come and explore life and faith in a fun, relaxed, and open environment, guided by our amazing young team! Confirmation Preparation Starts Here! Are you feeling called to take the next step in your faith journey and receive the Sacrament of Confirmation? The first step is to join the Youth Alpha in January. This course is the required foundation for all confirmation candidates. Following Youth Alpha, those who feel ready will then continue their preparation through Confirmation Classes leading up to the Sacrament. Don’t miss out! Registration forms are available today and should be returned by 14th December.
PAX CHRISTI – PEACE OF CHRIST GROUP – ‘Peace I leave with you’. Where do we start? We start with the non-violent Jesus. We also start with where we are and with each other, in the circumstances of today. Pax Christi is open to all, of any Christian denomination and others, who want to explore the meaning of Peace of Christ.
Pax Christi = The Peace of Christ. Please speak with Fr Perry to learn more.
CATHERINE (KITTY) JONES RIP – We pray for the repose of the soul of Kitty Jones who died on the 16th of November. We keep her family in our prayers. The funeral will take place at St Augustine’s church in Tunbridge Wells, Kent. No date as yet.
ST FRANCIS XAVIER – 3RD DECEMBER – Feast Day Celebration Mass will be on Wednesday 3rd December at the 7pm Mass. Any volunteers to prepare refreshments for after the Mass?
FIRST SATURDAY MASS – 6th December at 10:30am followed by Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament until 12 noon
THANK YOU FOR THE COLLECTION FOR SUNDAY:
23rd November Total £827.44 (Loose £658.44; Envelopes £169) Contactless £385
ABOUT BEING CATHOLIC (ABC) COURSE Are you curious about the Catholic faith? Thinking about Baptism, wishing to complete your Sacraments, or exploring the possibility of becoming Catholic? You are warmly invited to join our About Being Catholic (ABC) Course—a friendly and welcoming journey of discovery, open to adults from all backgrounds. Our next series of sessions begins on Wednesday, 21st January 2026 at 7.30pm in the Parish Centre. If you feel drawn to take a step forward, please call the Parish Office on 020 8888 2390 (Monday–Friday, 10am–2pm) to arrange a time to meet and register with Fr Perry. We look forward to welcoming you.
COMING IN 2026 – “FOLLOW ME” – meeting Jesus in the Gospel of John. An 8 part Bible Study Course with Edward Sri. Begins on Monday 2nd February at 7:30pm. Please take one of the flyers for more information and how to register.
LOURDES 2026 – 24TH – 29TH MAY 2026 (6 DAYS) – Lourdes by air from Stansted. 1 suitcase per person 20 Kgs. 5 nights full board 4* HOTEL PADOUE. Inclusive excursions to Hosanna House & Gavarnie. Price £799 per person sharing; £959 single room. Please collect a booking form from Fr Perry or from the Parish Office The deposit is £300 per person. A discount of £100 for children under 12. If people wish to purchase the insurance they should do so at the Time of booking.
LOURDES PARISH PILGRIMAGE – MAY 2026 – We are delighted to announce that in May 2026, there will be a wonderful opportunity for young people to join our Parish Pilgrimage to Lourdes. Priority will be given to: Members of the Family Mass Choir, Altar Servers and those who have taken part in Youth Alpha and Post-Alpha sessions. All interested young people and their parents (who must attend) are invited to an information meeting on Sunday, 30th November at 1.15pm in the Parish Centre.
NOTICE FROM THE SVP – A reminder to all our parishioners who have signed up to attend, that our annual Christmas dinner will be on Sunday 14th after the 12 o’clock Mass. Do you have any unwanted gifts like chocolates and wine etc that you can donate towards our raffle prizes? Please bring in and leave in the office. The SVP is inviting families to take part in our advent calendar Christmas giving initiative for the less fortunate. Please collect a calendar and donate what you can to make someone else’s Christmas a better one. There is no obligation to donate 24 different items just give whatever you can.
ST MARTIN DE PORRES – There is an article about St Martin de Porres Primary School in the Ham and High. It can be found by following the link https://www.hamhigh.co.uk/news/25623876.academic-success-st-martin-porres-primary-school/
NEXT SUNDAY 7TH DECEMBER is the Second Sunday of Advent – 1st Reading Isiah 11:1-10
2nd Reading Romans 15:4-9; Gospel Matthew 3:1-12
| PARISH DIARY – THE WEEEK AHEAD | |
| Sunday 30th Nov Refreshments after 10am Mass 1:15pm Lourdes Youth Pilgrims Meeting Monday 1st Dec 7:30pm SVP Tuesday 2nd Dec Refreshments after 9:30am Mass Church Cleaning | Wednesday 3rd Dec 10:30am Welcome Space Friday 5th Dec 10am ASCENT Group Sunday 7th Dec Refreshments after 10am Mass |