Author: Nuntius

FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT (C)

Today’s Theme: Our Liberation From Fear

Fear is the most crippling of all the emotions and there are many things in life and in the world that make us afraid. We lack integrity because we are afraid to be ourselves. But today we lift up our souls to Christ who comes to deliver us from fear. We can stand erect, hold our heads high, and dwell in confidence.

First Reading: Jeremiah 33: 14-16. Second Reading: 1 Thessalonians 3:2-4:2.
 Gospel: Luke 21: 25-28, 34-36

MASS INTENTIONS FOR THE WEEK
Please note the new time for weekday mass is 10am

Saturday 1^stDecember   10.00am       Maureen Ribbins RIP (Marlene Burt)
                                           6.00pm       Angela Cox RIP (Oonagh Wood)

Sunday 2^ndDecember      8.30am       Fr Ernest RIP (Ed and Sheila Jones)
                                           10.30am      Bill Keefe RIP (Iris and Family)

Monday 3^rdDecember     9.30am       Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament
                                           10.00am     Intentions of Bro. Martin Mikuskiewicz (Burke Family)

Tuesday 4^thDecember     7.00pm      In thanksgiving (Tony Frake)
     Adoration and Our Lady’s and St Pio’s Prayer Group

Wed 5^th December          9.30am Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament
                                           10.00am      Intentions of Ron and Joan Aspeek (Tony Frake)

Thursday 6^thDecember    9.00am       Eucharistic Service

Friday 7^th December       9.30am Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament
                                           10.00am      Intentions of David and Maureen Watkins
                                                          (Tony Frake)

Saturday 8^thDecember    10.00am     Holy Souls
                                           6.00pm       Ann Turp RIP (Turp Family)

Sunday 9^thDecember       8.30am       Parishioners
                                           10.30am       Pop and Mam de Groen Family and Friends
                                                          (Angela Chard)

Reconciliation Times: Saturday 10.30am (following Mass) and Saturday 5.30pm (before Mass).

ANNIVERSARIES: Rita Marsh, Sylvia Ann D’Rozario, John Flewitt, Mary Anne Lee, Jennifer North.

FEAST DAYS: Monday, St Francis Xavier, Priest. Tuesday, St John Damascene, Priest and Doctor of the Church. Wednesday, St John Almond, Martyr. Thursday, St Nicholas, Bishop. Friday St Ambrose, Bishop and Doctor of the Church. Saturday The Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

PRAY FOR THE SICK: Christine White, Kevin Harper, Ed Jones,  John Bird, Gail Noel, Chris Neal,  Tony Speed, Geoffrey Hildebrand, John Underwood, Mary Stubbs, John Harrington, Norma Brooker, Nina Szredski,  Eileen Weald, Maureen Fitzpatrick, Eric and Iris May,  Gracie Maddox, Anne Hastings, Tom Barrett, Timmy Lenihan, John Clarey, Tess Truman, Anne Comiskey, Irene Gannaway, David Collison, George Waller, Peter Dent, Ray Smith, Teresa Fan, Tommy Otte, Christine Hand, Fr John Diver, Sr Angela, Marion Hams and David Rogers.

OFFERTORY: Gift Aid £456.80, Loose £200.23, Total £657.03. Second Collection (Catholic Youth Work) Gift Aid £149.72, Loose £90.27, Total £239.99.
This week’s Retiring Collection is for Bexley Deanery Developing World Group.
Next week’s Retiring Collection is for AIC Saturday Friends.

ROTAS: Readers:Saturday 6pm Peter Harrix. Sunday 8.30am Larissa O’Halloran; 10.30am Tilly and Ella. Eucharistic Ministers: Saturday 6pm Ann Harris. Sunday 8.30am Bridie. 10.30am Kathy, Margaret, Patricia, Dorothy, Paul (Host).Collector 8.30am Mass:Mrs M Weeks. Front of Church:. John Stanton Typing Newsletter:.Graziella Highland Photocopying Newsletter:Calen Delpaul. Washing of Purificators: Kathy.

IT’S THAT TIME OF YEAR AGAIN! Christmas is coming! Everyone is welcome to join Churches Together in Old Bexley singing carols outside Blossoms Flower Shop in Bexley High Street on Wednesday 12^thDecember, 6-7pm. Please come and support us as we sing out the joy of Christ in Christmas.       Kathy Fogarty, Parish Unity Contact

SVP HAMPERS: If you know of someone locally who would find it helpful to have a little extra for Christmas, please post a note through the Parish House door marked ‘SVP Hampers’

ST JOHN FISHER NEW YEAR FAMILY DISCO, 8pm-1pm: Bring you own nibbles. Bar open. Tickets only. £12 per adult, £1 per child.    Contact Noel McCarthy on 07813 890556, 0208 301 2479.

AIC SATURDAY FRIENDS: As we begin our Advent preparation and make our Christmas plans with friends and family, it has been traditional in our parish also to take time to consider some of those less fortunate. Next weekend, 8/9^thDecember, our AIC ‘Saturday Friends’ group will make their annual appeal on behalf of homeless people. We hope to explain what, with your generous help, has been achieved this past year – and what, with continued help, can be done in 2019

FIRST HOLY COMMUNION 2019: Application forms are now available for the First Holy Communion Programme 2019. 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. 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 23^rdDecember 2018. The programme will commence on Sunday 13^thJanuary 2019. The First Holy Communion Service will be held on Sunday 9^thJune 2019. Full details of the programme and a list of all the relevant dates including parents meetings will follow soon. Finally, we really do need new volunteers to help run the programme. If you are interested in helping our children prepare for this special sacrament please speak to Angela Underwood.

MICHAEL’S NEW YEAR LUNCH: Michael hopes to organise a lunch on 5^thJanuary at 1pm and invite representatives from around the borough to promote social cohesion. He recently received a Faith in the Community Award and attributes it to all who helped him run last year’s lunch. If you can help this year by providing Shepherd’s Pie or Irish Stew, or by helping out on the day, please let him know by signing up on the clipboard in the porch.

DEEP CLEAN: The kitchen is going to have a deep clean in late December (around 19^th). Could parishioners make sure that they remove any plates etc before that date as they will be taken away otherwise. Also, any other equipment which needs to be removed.

EXPOSITION OF THE BLESSED SACRAMENT before the 10am Masses. Begins with the Church’s New Year in Advent: Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 9.30am.

AILEEN BECKWITH RIP: Sadly, Aileen passed away on 17^thNovember. Please remember her husband Brian and family in your prayers. Aileen’s Funeral Mass will be held at St. John Fisher on Monday 17^thDecember at 12 noon.

SR ANGELA WOOTTON, our beloved former parish Sister, sends her warmest Advent greetings to all her friends at St John Fisher Church. Sr Angela would like to remind everyone that she still lives at 83 Watling Street, Bexleyheath (tel: 01322 528408), is delightedto receive visitors (take a Parish Newsletter!) and that parking is easy.

OUR LADY’S FILM EVENING FINALE: Wednesday 5^thDecember: Outstanding movie on the life of St Dominic, Founder of the Order of Preachers (aka Dominicans), as he struggles to find a cure for the infestation of despair in his homeland. Later, in offering his life in the service of the Church, he is exposed to the greater perils of skewed Christian doctrines, which the Cathari professed to dying people. Bar open, Christmas charity stall, subtitles. All welcome, admission free, 7pm for 7.30 pm start.

OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST, KING OF THE UNIVERSE (B)
Today’s Theme: Christ The King

Today we celebrate Christ the universal king. He did not claim to be only the King of the Jews. His kingdom is not an exclusive one. He is king of all on the side of truth who listen to his voice.

First Reading: Daniel 7: 13-14 Second Reading: Apocalypse 1: 5-8
Gospel: John 18: 33-37

MASS INTENTIONS FOR THE WEEK

Saturday 24th November     10.00 am Father’s Intention
                                                   6.00 pm Private Intention (Marie Sullivan)

Sunday 25th November     8.30 am Parishioners
                                               10.30 am Mrs O’Callaghan RIP (Danny and Kay Lyons)

Monday 26th November     10.00 am June Robson (Pat and Percy Burke)

Tuesday 27th November     7.00 pm Jeremy and Mary Hanks (The Burke Family)
        Adoration and Our Lady’s and St Pio’s Prayer Group

Wed 28th November     10.00 am Deceased Members of the Gray Family (Friends)

Thursday 29th November     9.00 am Eucharistic Service

Friday 30th November     10.00 am Joe and Margaret McPartlin (The Burke Family)

Saturday 1st December     10.00 am Maureen Ribbins RIP (Marlene Burt)
                                              6.00 pm Angela Cox RIP (Oonagh Wood)

Sunday 2nd December     8.30 am Fr Ernest RIP (Ed and Sheila Jones)
                                              10.30 am Bill Keefe RIP (Iris and Family)

Reconciliation Times: Saturday 10.30am (following Mass) and Saturday 5.30pm (before Mass).

ANNIVERSARIES: Grace Rose Ferrara, Mary Mulraney, Maria Angerer, Greg (Wemyss), Fr Ernest Akorsou, Violet Gray and Maria Williamson.

FEAST DAYS: Sunday, St Catherine of Alexandria, Virgin and Martyr. Wednesday, St Catherine Labouré. Friday, St. Andrew, Apostle. Patron of Scotland; St Cuthbert Mayne, Martyr. Saturday, Our Lady; SS Edmund Campion, Ralph Sherwin and Alexander Briant, Martyrs.

PRAY FOR THE SICK: Christine White, Kevin Harper, Ed Jones, John Bird, Gail Noel, Chris Neal, Tony Speed, Geoffrey Hildebrand, John Underwood, Mary Stubbs, John Harrington, Norma Brooker, Nina Szredski, Eileen Weald, Maureen Fitzpatrick, Eric and Iris May, Gracie Maddox, Anne Hastings, Tom Barrett, Timmy Lenihan, John Clarey, Tess Truman, Anne Comiskey, Irene Gannaway, David Collison, George Waller, Peter Dent, Ray Smith, Teresa Fan, Tommy Otte, Christine Hand, Fr John Diver, Sr Angela and Marion Hams.

OFFERTORY: Gift Aid £411.07, Loose £216.20 Total £627.27.
This week’s Second Collection is for Catholic Youth Work.
Next week’s Retiring Collection is for Bexley Deanery Developing World Group.

ROTAS: Readers: Saturday 6pm Carol Anderson.  Sunday 8.30am Ann Wilkes; 10.30am Ryan Bernarte.  Eucharistic Ministers: Saturday 6pm Patricia. Sunday 8.30am Peter H. 10.30am Volunteer, Marlene, Volunteer, Paul, Molly (Host).  Collector 8.30am Mass: Mrs M Lee.  Front of Church: Paul Rowland.  Typing Newsletter: Molly Robins.  Photocopying Newsletter:. Mollie Hobson.  Washing of Purificators: Norma.  Flower Arranging: Sue (Advent Wreath).

EXPOSITION OF THE BLESSED SACRAMENT before the 10am Masses. Begins with the Church’s New Year in Advent: Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 9.30am.

FANCY A HOLIDAY IN ITALY? Join the parish in Assisi for a week’s half board accommodation with excursions thrown in each day. By doing so you’ll be following in the footsteps of St Francis and St Clare. Costs include flights and an Italian-speaking guide throughout. Come with us in October 2019. Details are in the porch, or contact Carol Anderson on 07913 698912.

SVP HAMPERS: If you know of someone locally who would find it helpful to have a little extra for Christmas, please post a note through the Parish House door marked ‘SVP Hampers’

COME TO HELP DECORATE THE HALL from 7pm on Friday 30th November and meet friends. Bar will be open.

QUIZ NIGHT: The Parish Quiz Night held last weekend was a lively, enjoyable evening, and well attended. Thanks to all those who helped to organise the event, particularly Brian and Edna Fernandes for setting and asking the questions. Over £500 was raised for the Church Maintenance Fund. Thank you for your support.

CHURCH FLOWERS: In keeping with tradition, there are no flowers in the church during Advent which starts next weekend. They will be back in all their glory as we celebrate Christmas. Can I take this opportunity to thank everyone for their kind comments about the displays during the past year and for their donations in the ‘Church Flowers’ box at the back of the church. So far this year we have collected just over £150. With costs always rising, especially during the winter months, all contributions are gratefully received. Sue Murphy

FIRST HOLY COMMUNION PROGRAMME 2019: Application forms are now available for eligible children, Year 3 or above, who attend mass regularly at St John Fisher Bexley. Full details next and subsequent weeks.

OUR LADY’S FILM EVENING FINALE: Wednesday 5th December: Outstanding movie on the life of St Dominic, Founder of the Order of Preachers (aka Dominicans), as he struggles to find a cure for the infestation of despair in his homeland. Later, in offering his life in the service of the Church, he is exposed to the greater perils of skewed Christian doctrines, which the Cathari professed to dying people. Bar open, subtitles, all welcome, admission free. Members of the International Association of Charities (AIC), available for those interested in knowing more. 7pm for 7.30 pm start.

33rd SUNDAY OF THE YEAR

The Eternal Perfection Of All Whom Christ is Sanctifying

We celebrate today the final consummation at the end of time. Each Mass continues Christ’s redemptive work in the world and brings us nearer to the final Mass when that work of sanctification will be complete.

1st Reading: Daniel 12:1-3 2nd Reading: Hebrews 10:11-14 18 Gospel Mark 13:24-32

Click to hear the sermon

MASS INTENTIONS FOR WEEK 17 – 25 NOV 2018
Please note the new time for weekday mass is 10am

Sat 17 Nov:     10am Fr’s Intention
                         6pm Ivor John & Anne Frances Burton-Bowen RIP
                                              (Oonagh Wood)

Sun 18 Nov:     8.30am Parishioners
                        10.30am Tony Sullivan RIP (Marie Sullivan)

Mon 19 Nov:     10am John Jameson RIP (Rose & Family)

Tues 20 Nov:     7pm Mulligan & Fitzpatrick Families RIP (Maureen Fitzpatrick)
      Adoration and Our Lady & St Pio’s Prayer Group

Wed 21 Nov:     10am Mae & Tim Moynihan RIP (Eileen Sheehan & Family)

Thu 22 Nov:     9am Eucharistic Service

Fri 23 Nov:     10am Chris McEniry (Deal Family)

Sat 24 Nov:     10am Father’s Intention
                           6pm Private Intention (Marie Sullivan)

Sun 25 Nov:     8.30am Parishioners
                         10.30am Mrs O’Callaghan RIP (Kay & Danny Lyons)

Reconciliation Times: Sat 10.30am (following Mass) and Sat 5.30pm (before Mass)

Prayers for the Sick: Christine White, Kevin Harper, Ed Jones, John Bird, Gail Noel, Chris Neal, Tony Speed, Geoffrey Hildebrand, John Underwood, Mary Stubbs, John Harrington, Norma Brooker, Nina Szredski, Eileen Weald, Maureen Fitzpatrick, Eric & Iris May, Gracie Maddox, Anne Hastings, Tom Barrett, Timmy Lenihan, John Clarey, Tess Truman, Anne Comiskey, Irene Gannaway, David Collison, George Waller, Peter Dent, Ray Smith, Teresa Fan, Tommy Otte, Christine Hand, Fr John Diver, Sr Angela, Marion Hams.

Anniversaries: Thomas Joseph Flower, Elizabeth Scott, Pat Underwood, Pat Wilkinson, Noel Horrabin.

Feast Days: Wednesday: The Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary Thursday St Cecilia, Virgin, Martyr. Sat: Ss Andrew Dung-Lac, Priest, and Companions, Martyrs.

OFFERTORY COLLECTION – 11 November 2018
First Collection Gift Aid: £370.15. Loose: £206.9. Total: £577.11
Second Collection. Gift Aid: £121.05. Loose £101.43 Total: £222.43

ROTAS (week commencing Mon 19/11)
Readers: Sat 6.00pm Kathy Fogarty, Sun 8.30 Peter Wilkes, Sun 10.30 John Rayer.   Copying of Newsletter: John Stanton.   Newsletter Typist: Molly Robins.   Collection for 8.30am Mass: Mr T Lee.   Parishioner Attending To Front of Church on Saturdays: Ken Crump.   Eucharistic Ministers: Saturday 6 pm Mary H Sun;  8.30am Bridie; 10.30am Volunteer, Eileen W, Patricia, Molly, Rob.   Washing of Purificators: Patricia.   Flower Arranging: Doune and Lynn

AYLESFORD RETREAT 2019:  The annual Aylesford Retreat list for 2019 (10-12 May) is now in the porch. To reserve a place please pay £10 deposit. Thank you. John Stanton.

BEXLEY DEANERY DEVELOPING WORLD GROUP Thank you for your generous donations for October 14th (£129.74) and November 4th (£166.58). A further eight projects have been agreed for the coming year at the AGM on 18th October. If you have any queries regarding the Group please contact our Parish Representative, Maria Ward, on 01322 555553.

FANCY A HOLIDAY IN ITALY? Join the parish in Assisi for a week’s half board accommodation with excursions thrown in each day. By doing so you’ll be following in the footsteps of St Francis and St Clare. Costs include flights and an Italian-speaking guide throughout. Come with us in October 2019. Details are in the porch, or contact Carol Anderson on 07913 698012

JOHN UNDERWOOD, our much-loved former parishioner, sends his warmest greetings to all his friends in Bexley. John now lives at: The Sidcup Care Home (Room #1), 2-8 Hatherley Road, Sidcup DA14 4BG; personal phone 020 8302 8577, reception 020 8300 7711, and would be delighted to receive visits (take a Parish newsletter!) and car parking is easy.

HIRE OF HALL I have decided, after many years, to step down from dealing with the hire of our hall. I hope a parishioner can step forward to take over. I will of course be happy to help during the transition period. Thank you. Kay

OUR LADY’S FILM EVENING FINALE – Wed 5th Dec: Outstanding movie on the life of St Dominic, the founder of the Order of Preachers (aka Dominicans). Bar open, sub-titles, all welcome, admission free, members of International Association of Charities (AIC) available; 7pm for 7.30pm start.