3RD SUNDAY OF ADVENT
The Joy of Expectancy
At his coming Christ fulfilled the lame walk, and the lepers clean. We must not lose heart in face of all the evils of the world, for we too have a glorious expectation. Come, Lord Jesus and save us.
1st Reading: Isaiah 35:1-6, 10 2nd Reading: James 5:7-10 Gospel: Matthew 11:2-11 Click above to hear Fr Doug’s sermon.
MASS INTENTIONS FOR WEEK 14 – 22 Dec 2019
Sat 14 Dec 9am Jim Henry RIP (Marlene Burt)
(please note new Mass time Sat mornings)
6pm Sonny Sheehan RIP (Eileen & Family)
Sun 15 Dec 8.30am Christopher O’Malley RIP (Michael Coyne)
10.30am Deceased members of the Hollis Family (Eileen & John)
Mon 16 Dec 9.30am Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament
10am Mercy Easton RIP (Gloria & Tony Laws)
Tues 17 Dec 7pm Patrick McQuaid RIP (Seamus, Patricia & Siobhan)
7.30pm Exposition + Our Lady & St Pio’s Prayer Group
Wed 18 Dec 9.30am Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament
10am Jim, Danny, Thomas & John Harrington (Eileen Sheehan)
Thurs 19 Dec No Eucharistic Service
Fri 20 Dec 9.30am Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament
10.00 am Intentions of Peggie Dunne (Bridie Haylett)
Sat 21 Dec Feast: St Peter Canisius
9am Intentions of John & Eileen Stanton (Tony Frake)
(please note new Mass time Sat mornings)
6pm Dan & Julia Harrington & Patrick & Mary Sheehan RIP
(Eileen Sheehan)
Sun 22 Dec 4th Sunday of Advent
8.30am Intentions of Margaret Kyne & Family (Bridie Haylett)
10.30am Tony Sullivan RIP (Marie & Family)
3pm Nativity & Carols
Reconciliation Times: Sat 9.30am (after Mass) and Sat 5.30pm (before Mass)
Prayers for the Sick: David Brailsford, Colin Anderson, Joe Reape, Giulio Venturi, Anne Newton, Bridie Cripps, Ray Blackman, Peggy Whiteside and all those with ongoing poor health.
Anniversaries: Mary O’Sullivan, Ronald Andrews, May Williams Patrick McQuaid, Charlotte Seekings, David Rogers
OFFERTORY COLLECTION – 7 December 2019
1st Collection Gift Aid £518.01; Loose £258.07; Total: £776.08
This week’s retiring collection is for Bexley Deanery
ROTAS (week commencing Mon 16/12)
Readers: Sat 6.00pm Peter Harris, Sun 8.30 Peter Wilkes, Sun 10.30 Marlene Burt. Copying of Newsletter John Stanton. Newsletter Typist: Sheila Botterill. Collection for 8.30am Mass: Mrs T Li/Ray. Parishioner Attending To Front of Church on Saturdays: Ken Crump. Eucharistic Ministers: Saturday 6 pm Mary H Volunteer, Sun 8.30am Bridie, Mary J; 10.30am Kathy, Eileen W, Patricia, Margaret, Rob. Washing of Purificators: Alvira.
NOTE TO ALL VOLUNTEER GROUPS: the rotas will no longer appear on the newsletter from January 2020. Please refer to your group’s rotas regarding your slot.
ST JOHN FISHER NEW YEAR’S EVE FAMILY DISCO 31st DECEMBER: £12 per adult, £2 per child, 8pm to 1am. Bring your own nibbles. Licensed bar. Please contact Noel McCarthy with your ticket requirements on 07813 890556 or 020 8301 2479. Email: noel.mccarthy60@outlook.com
FIRST HOLY COMMUNION: Application forms are now available for the First Holy Communion Programme 2020. Children eligible for First Communion must be in Year 3 or above and should attend mass regularly at St John Fisher Bexley. Application forms can be collected from the back of the church (porch) or please see Angela Underwood (Children’s Liturgy co-ordinator). If you are a new parishioner and/or do not attend mass at this parish but wish your child to join the programme please speak to Father Doug. Completed application forms must be returned no later than the 22nd December 2019. The programme will commence in January 2020. The First Holy Communion Service will be held in June 2020. Full details and a list of relevant dates to follow.
SPECIAL MINISTERS: If you are able, please volunteer over Christmas time. Please sign list available in the Sacristy. Many thanks. Kathy and Patricia.
EASYFUNDRAISING.ORG.UK If you are shopping on the internet PLEASE use easyfundraising.org.uk. You will raise FREE donations for St John Fisher every time to make a purchase. It’s easy and doesn’t cost anything. Over 4,000 retailers have signed up to the scheme, including those many of us use regularly. Two parishioners began to use the scheme earlier this year whilst shopping online, have raised funds, and have said how easy it is to use. Many thanks.
VOLUNTEER TYPISTS REQUIRED Due to Molly Robins standing down in the new year we urgently need 1 or 2 typists to assist with producing the newsletter. Commitment is only around 1-2 hours once a month. Proficiency with word and access to a pc are all that is required. If interested please contact Ruth Powers on ruthmac18@gmail.com or the parish office. Many thanks.
CHRISTMAS DAY COMMUNITY LUNCH, Albany Park Baptist Church are offering lunch to anyone who is going to be alone or otherwise disadvantaged on Christmas Day. Transport to and from the Church in Stansted Crescent DA5 3JB can be arranged, a five course traditional Christmas meal with dietary options and a gift for everyone – complete free of charge. Volunteers are also sought. To book call 020 8300 1392/07738 008783 or email minister@albanyparkbc.org.uk by 19 December. See poster in the porch.
stjohnfisherbexley.org 