Missal: Mass pg 695 Psalm Response: Sing and shout for joy ... 2015 12 13.pdf · needs: counsel the doubtful, instruct the ignorant, admonish sinners, ... Gospel writer who includes

Confirmation 2016: the Confirmation Mass at which the Sacrament will be conferred will be celebrated on 10th March 2016 at 7.30pm. Induction of candidates takes place on 24th January 2016. Application forms are available

at the back of the church. Candidates must be in Year 8 or above. ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Last Tuesday Pope Francis opened the Door of Mercy in St Peter’s in Rome, inaugurating the Extraordinary Jubilee of Mercy. The celebration continues this weekend when a Door of Mercy will be opened in St George’s Cathedral, our Mother Church. Pope Francis has especially emphasised the importance for all Catholics of making a real and sustained effort during the Holy Year to perform the Corporal and Spiritual Works of Mercy. The Seven Corporal Works are aimed at relieving the material and physical needs of others: feed the hungry, give drink to the thirsty, clothe the naked, shelter the homeless, visit the sick, visit the imprisoned, bury the dead. One way of doing the first four of these is to support one of any number of charities (e.g. the Food Bank); we all know of sick people who would appreciate a visit; and notice of Requiem Masses is put in this newsletter, which is an excellent way of fulfilling the last Work. The Seven Spiritual Works are aimed at helping people with their spiritual and emotional needs: counsel the doubtful, instruct the ignorant, admonish sinners, comfort the afflicted, forgive offences, bear wrongs patiently, pray for the living and the dead. Forgiving those who offend us is at the very heart of mercy: and we should never forget that Jesus taught us to pray Forgive us our offenses as we forgive those who offend us. Pope Francis writes, “It is indeed my wish that the Jubilee [of Mercy] be a living experience of the closeness of the Father, whose tenderness is almost tangible, so that the faith of every believer may be strengthened.” (Letter granting the Jubilee Indulgence 1st Sept. 2015)

The Third Sunday of Advent is known as Gaudete (Rejoice) Sunday. Gaudete comes from the first word of today’s Mass, the Entrance Antiphon (which we don't say, as we sing an entrance hymn instead): Rejoice in the Lord always; again I say, rejoice! The Lord is near (St Paul’s letter to the Philippians 4:4-5). To make this joyful mood visible, this week’s Advent candle is pink instead of purple. The focus will shift this week from the Coming of Christ at the end of time to his first Coming among us, born in human flesh at Bethlehem. We now begin to reflect on the unimaginable depth and breadth of God’s love for us. As St John says: God’s love for us was revealed when God sent into the world his only Son so that we could have life through him; this is the love I mean: not our love for God, but God’s love for us when he sent his Son to be the sacrifice that takes our sins away (1 John 4:9-10). It is in the confidence and joy of being the recipients of such love that, on Wednesday (eight days before Christmas) we decorate our homes and include a Nativity scene to remind us of the staggering reality we are celebrating: as St John the Apostle put it in his first letter, Something which has existed since the beginning, that we have heard, and we have seen with our own eyes; that we have watched, and touched with our hands: the Word, who is life—this is our subject (1 John 1:1). This miracle of miracles is the cause of our celebration and our joy: The Word was made flesh, he lived among us, and we saw his glory, the glory that is his as the only Son of the Father, full of grace and truth (John1:14).

13th DECEMBER 2015 THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT (C)

Missal: Mass pg 695. Scripture ref: 1st Zephaniah 3:14-18 2nd Philippians 4:4-7 Gospel Luke 3:10-18

Psalm Response: Sing and shout for joy for great in your midst is the Holy One of Israel.

Gospel Acclamation: Alleluia, alleluia! The spirit of the Lord has been given to me. He has sent me to bring good news

to the poor. Alleluia!

Festive Christmas Party: Saturday 19th December

Come and join us for a Christmas get-together. Mulled wine! Tea and coffee! Sausage rolls! Mince pies!

Parish hall, Saturday 19th December 12.30pm. Raffle prizes galore!

Proceeds to the Hall Loan Repayment Fund.

REFLECTIONS ON THE READINGS FOR THE THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT CYCLE C

Zephaniah 3:14-18; Isaiah 12:2-6; Philippians 4:4-7; Luke 3:10-18

The first reading is from Zephaniah, the prophet known for his striking imagery of the Day of the LORD. Writing probably in the 7th century BCE, Zephaniah strongly condemns social injustice and the people’s failure to live up to their faith in God. But in

the final chapter, from which we read today, he calls upon the faithful to rejoice already in God’s victorious kingship. There is no more talk of judgement. God, who alone will be their king, is in their midst. Zephaniah calls upon the people to repent, to submit humbly to God and depend upon God alone. Exuberant joy is the themesong of this passage: “[The Lord your God] will exult with joy over you, God will renew you by God’s love; The Eternal One will dance with shouts of joy for you as on a day of festival.” It doesn’t get any better than this! Our Jewish friends are celebrating the joy of Chanukah at this very moment – the eight day festival of deliverance and light. Zephaniah’s words reflect that joy: “Rejoice, exult with all your heart, daughter of Jerusalem!”

The theme of joy, based on firm trust in God, is continued in the reading from the prophet Isaiah, which is a song of praise and thanks to God, the only hope of God’s people. Forming a conclusion to the first 12 chapters of the Book of Isaiah, it is an act of buoyant and determined hope that refuses to give in, despite present difficult circumstances. It sings of God’s goodness and generosity, looking forward to sure deliverance from the exile they currently endure. Again, the reading from Paul’s Letter to the Philippians, is a call to joy and peace. Paul’s constant insistence on joy is not mere cheerfulness: joy, together with following Christ with a right mind are the key themes he chooses when addressing the Philippians. He assures them that “the Lord is very near”, whether in joy or suffering. The basis for their courage is to be a perfect trust in God, expressed in prayer, which brings peace.

The passage from the Gospel of Luke focuses on the ministry of John the Baptist, the one whose task it is to prepare for the coming of Christ. Luke is the only Gospel writer who includes an account of John’s ethical teaching. The crowds who come for baptism are to “bear fruits worthy of repentance” and specific teaching is given to a number of groups, who reflect those who were particularly open to exploiting their fellow human beings: those well provided for are to share their resources; tax-collectors are not to abuse their legitimate authority; soldiers are not to exploit their powers. John’s words here share that strong social concern which is so evident in Luke’s gospel. He really acts here as a forerunner for Jesus and becomes an important part of God’s action in him. John fulfils his father Zechariah’s expectation that he would “go before the Lord to prepare

the way for him … give his people knowledge of salvation through the forgiveness of their sins … by the tender mercy of our God” (Luke 1:76-78). It is fitting that we remember this cousin of Jesus, who so powerfully and vigorously prepared the way for Jesus to begin his public ministry, at a time when we ourselves are preparing to celebrate the Feast of the Incarnation.

Sr Margaret Shepherd nds _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Food Bank: almsgiving is a good way to prepare for Christmas. Please try to be extra generous in giving to the Food Bank so that those in need can enjoy a good meal. “Come you whom my Father has blessed, take for your heritage the kingdom prepared for you since the foundation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me food” (Matt.25:34-35). Cards listing required foodstuffs are at the back of the church. __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

☺ ☺ ☺ ☺ SUNDAY SMILE SUNDAY SMILE SUNDAY SMILE SUNDAY SMILE ☺☺☺☺

Overheard on a bus: “I’m still looking for a man who believes that it’s better to ask twice than to get lost once.” ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

The Sunday collection came to £1639. Thank you for supporting your parish. The second collection today is for the Hall Loan Repayment Fund. ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Christchurch Coffee Shop: open every Friday morning 9-11am in the parish hall. Home-made cake! ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

BORROWING BOXBORROWING BOXBORROWING BOXBORROWING BOX

Do make use of the many excellent books in the Borrowing Box, as well as all the many aids to making a good Advent that are available at the back of the church. ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Sunday 20th December - Teas / Coffee Volunteers

9:30am - Martha Nyirenda, Maribel Menaj, Elyzene Ponce

11:30am - Dave Runham, Jan Runham, Lee Huxley

If you are not able to be on duty, please arrange for someone to take your place. Volunteers’ phone num-bers are on the back of the rota.

LITURGICALLITURGICALLITURGICALLITURGICAL

Jubilee Indulgence: Pope Francis has granted a special Jubilee Indulgence to those who, during the Year of Mercy, make a pilgrimage to a Holy Door, receive the Sacraments of Reconciliation and Holy Communion with a reflection on mercy (within 20 days of the pilgrimage), say the Creed and pray for the Pope and his intentions for the Church and for the world. The same indulgence is granted to those who cannot make a pilgrimage e.g. the sick, the elderly, the housebound, if they resolve to live their sickness and suffering as an experience of closeness to the Lord whose Passion, Death and Resurrection give meaning to pain and loneliness; and if they receive Holy Communion or attend Holy Mass and community prayer even online or through other means of communication. In addition, the Holy Father also writes that each time one of the faithful personally performs one or more of the Spiritual and Corporal Works of Mercy (for which see p. 1 of this newsletter), he/she “shall surely obtain the Jubilee Indulgence.” The Jubilee Indulgence can also be obtained for the deceased when the appropriate works and prayers are offered for this intention. The Holy Father writes, “I wish that the Jubilee Indulgence may reach each one [of the faithful] as a genuine experience of God’s mercy, which comes to meet each person in the Face of the Father who welcomes and forgives, forgetting completely the sin committed.” (Letter granting the Jubilee Indulgence 1st Sept. 2015) Monday is the memoria of St John of the Cross OCD (1542-1591), Priest and Doctor of the Church. During his short life this amazing Carmelite, together with St Teresa of Avila, reformed the Carmelite orders of priests and nuns. He was a man of profound prayer, and wrote poems about his mystical experiences which are counted among the greatest treasures of Spanish literature. These poems, as well as his prose works and letters are invaluable guides to the spiritual life. Thursday 17th December is the start of the second part of Advent when we look forward in joy Next Sunday is a special day of prayer for expectant mothers. ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Please pray for the souls of all deceased parishioners, especially Agnes Weir Kelly: Funeral service Wednesday 16th December at Eltham New Cemetery, Crown Woods Way at 10am followed by the Committal at 11am. May the souls of all the faithful departed rest in peace. Amen. ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Preparing for God’s Coming – 5 minute daily thoughts for Advent: to make use of this excellent Advent help, please subscribe via http://eepurl.com/bF0b6P

DIOCESAN PRAYER INTENTIONS DIOCESAN PRAYER INTENTIONS DIOCESAN PRAYER INTENTIONS DIOCESAN PRAYER INTENTIONS

Advent and ChristmastideAdvent and ChristmastideAdvent and ChristmastideAdvent and Christmastide

Archbishop Peter asks you, of your kindness, to pray for the following causes: openness to the word of God; migrants and refugees; expectant mothers—especially on 20th December. ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Don’t miss these! Christchurch Diaries 2016 are now available at the back of the church. £2.50—what a bargain! Catholic Directory of the Archdiocese of Southwark. Packed with useful information e.g. Mass times in every parish, details of schools, and all the liturgical information you need to be fully in tune with the Church during the coming year. Invaluable and just £3.50. ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

ARE YOU INTERESTED?ARE YOU INTERESTED?ARE YOU INTERESTED?ARE YOU INTERESTED?

Events Old Mother Hubbard panto by the Priory Players at Progress Hall, Admiral Seymour Road, Eltham SE9 1SL from 20th-23rd January plus matinee on 23rd January. Tickets £8/7. Phone 07502450983 or e-mail [email protected] ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

REGULAR EVENTS REGULAR EVENTS REGULAR EVENTS REGULAR EVENTS

Baptism Preparation Course If you are expecting a baby, have a new baby, or have a child under school age whom you wish to have baptised, please come to the Priory on any Friday at 8pm to start the Baptism Course; the course is for 4 weeks. No need to make an appointment, just turn up. Leaflets are available at the back of the Church. Journey in Faith (RCIA) Anyone interested in joining the Catholic Church should speak to Fr John. We run a course that meets in the Priory on Mondays at 8pm. Parent & Toddler Group: Wednesdays (term time) 9.30am -11.30am in the parish hall. £3 per family session.

Safeguarding our children Entrances to the church and hall remain open during Mass.

There is a potential hazard to children using the toilet on their own .

FORTHCOMING EVENTSFORTHCOMING EVENTSFORTHCOMING EVENTSFORTHCOMING EVENTS

• Ascent Group: our next meeting will be on Monday 14th December in the Priory at 1.45pm. Do come along and join us for a friendly cuppa, a chat and prayerful reflections on the Sunday readings.

• Christmas Party: the Ascent Group invites you to enjoy mulled wine, sausage rolls and mince pies after the 12 noon Mass on Saturday 19th December. Plus a raffle! Gamblers—here’s another opportunity to win great prizes. Tired Shoppers—you might win the very gift you’ve been looking for. Proceeds to the Hall Loan Repayment Fund.

• Film Evening: the inspiring story of St Maria Goretti’s life and death. At St John Fisher Church Hall, 48 Thanet Road, Bexley DA5 1AP on Wednesday 9th December. Arrive 7pm for 7.30pm start. Admission free. All welcome. For the 2016 programme of films see the poster at the back of the church.

• Divine Mercy Retreat: Saturday 19th December 11am-4pm at St Joseph RC Church, 68 Grange Park Road, E10 5ES. Please bring a packed lunch.

• Light to the Nations: a charity concert in aid of Tyburn Convent and its Mission Foundations will be held at St. James’ Church, Spanish Place on Saturday 2nd January 2016 at 7.30pm. Tickets are on sale at Tyburn Convent or via the website: www.tyburnconvent.org.uk/concert

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NOTICESNOTICESNOTICESNOTICES

Prayers for the Sick: we will have the service on Tuesday 15th December, and after that we take a break for two weeks—22nd and 29th December. We will meet again on Tuesday 5th January. Thank you for your support all year, and especially for the money we raise for Marie Curie. Wishing everyone the most happy and blessed Christmas. Volunteers for Children’s Liturgy: we are in urgent need of people to help with the Children’s Liturgy on Sundays at 9.30am. If you can help, please phone or e-mail the parish office. Contact details top of page 1. Rotas: the following are available in the sacristy: - Weekday Readers, December– January - Tuesday Prayers for the Sick, January—March 2016 - Altar Linens, January—March 2016 Ministers of Holy Communion: the rota for December and January together with an updated list of ministers is ready for collection in the sacristy. It has already been e-mailed out. Hand-knitted ‘Tiny Snow Babies are on sale in the Repository. Tiny babies £3.50. Teeny babies £2.50. Ideal stocking fillers. In aid of Great Ormond Street Hospital. Last chance to buy one!

A reminder for parents - food and/or drink should not be brought into the church for consumption during Mass. Thank you for your co-operation.

THIS WEEK

Sunday:

Monday: 8.30am Morning Prayer (Mon-Sat)

10am Church cleaning

8pm RCIA

Tuesday: 9.30am Prayers for the Sick

11am Legion of Mary

Wednesday: Exposition after 9am Mass

Thursday:

Friday: 9am Coffee Shop

Brass cleaning after 9am Mass

Saturday: 11.30 Rosary

Sunday: 3pm Baptisms a.m.D.g.

We light the third Advent candle as 

the Church bids us rejoice at the 

imminent coming of Christ our Re-

deemer as a baby in Bethlehem.  

Lord, may I rejoice in you each day, 

certain that, loving me so greatly, 

you are always with me, holding 

my hand in yours. 

Christmas Flowers

Make a donation towards the Christmas flowers and, at the same time, enclose a card with your special Christ-mas intention on it. Put the donation and the card in an envelope, and put the envelope in the box at the Lady Chapel. Cards and envelopes can be found at the back of the church and in the Lady Chapel The cards will be displayed in the Lady Chapel during the Christmas Octave, and a Mass will be said for the Christmas Flowers Intentions.

Thank you! Thank you to Sainsbury’s for their kind donation of mince pies for the Christmas Fayre.