Category: Weekly Newsletter

HOLY FAMILY OF JESUS, MARY & JOSEPH

We celebrate that Holy Family of Nazareth which is the model for all who fear the Lord and walk in his ways.

Click below to hear Fr Doug’s Sermon

MASS INTENTIONS FOR WEEK 29 December 2018 – 6 January 2019
Please note the new time for weekday masses is 10:00am

Saturday 29 Dec     10:00am  Foundation Mass for Jamie Cowdell
                                   6:00pm  Mike Campbell RIP (Oonagh Wood)

Sunday 30 Dec      8:30am  Intentions of Teresa Fan (Diane Melaugh)
                                   10:30am  Louise Moore (Mrs Anthony)

Monday 31 Dec      9:30am  Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament
                                   10:00am Alison Johnson RIP (Bridie Haylett)

Tuesday 1 Jan.        New Year’s Day No morning Mass
                                   No evening Mass

Wednesday 2 Jan     9:30am Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament
                                   10:00am. Dan & Julia Harrington + Patrick & Mary Sheehan RIP
                                   (Eileen & Family)

Thursday 3 Jan     9:00am No Eucharistic Service

Friday 4 Jan     9:30am  Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament
                             10:00am Margaret Kyne & Family (Bridie Haylett)

Saturday 5 Jan     10:00am Eucharistic Service
                             6:00pm  John Whiteside RIP (Whiteside Family)

Sunday 6 Jan     8:30am  Intentions of Teresa Fan (Diane Melaugh)
Epiphany.        10:30am. Deceased Members of The Henry Family (Mary & Jim)

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, David Rogers, Leigh Richards

Anniversaries: Amanda Johnson, Joseph Kinley, Bemvinda Fernandes, Dick Fitzpatrick, Jamie Cowdell, Gerry Clark, Marilyn Mullins, Vernon Bunce, Elizabeth Izegbuwa Iroku
Feast Days: Sun: The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary & Joseph Tue: Mary, The Holy Mother of God Wed: St Basil the Great & St Gregory Nazianzen, Bishops Thurs: The Most Holy Name of Jesus

ROTAS: (5 – 6 Jan) Readers: Saturday 6:00pm Peter Harris;  Sunday 8:30am Ann Wilkes;  10:30am Tony Frake.   Copying of Newsletter: Calen Delpaul.   Newsletter Typist: Graziella Highland.   Collection for 8:30am Mass: Mrs M Lee.   Parishioner Attending to Front of Church on Saturdays: John Stanton. Eucharistic Ministers: Saturday 6:00pm Kathy; Sun 8:30am Marlene ;Sun 10:30am Volunteer, Margaret, Peter H, Molly, Rob.   Washing of Purificators: Patricia.   Flower Arranging: Doune & Theresa.

OFFERTORY COLLECTION:
Sunday 23rd December 2018. Gift Aid: £388.28; Loose: £201.15; TOTAL: £589.43
Christmas Offertory 25th, December. Gift Aid: £1489.90; Loose: £1114.94; TOTAL: £2604.84

Church Flowers: Thank you for all your kind comments about the decorations in the church at Christmas, largely due to several generous donations from parishioners. Thanks also to everyone who has contributed towards the costs of flowers over the past year using the box in the wall on the right hand side as you leave the church. The winter months are always the most expensive for fresh flowers and your continued support is much appreciated. Sue Murphy

NEW YEARS EVE FAMILY DISCO 8pm to 1am: Bring your own nibbles. Bar open. Tickets £12 adult, £1 child. Contact Noel McCarthy on 07813 890556 / 020 8301 2479.

CAR PARK: Please renew your car park permits for next year or apply for one.

MEETING PLACE: Will be closed over Christmas and New Year – re-opens on 9 January 2019.

MOVIE EVENING: Wednesday 23rd January 2019. Movie on St Thomas Becket. 7pm for 7.30pm start.

FIRST HOLY COMMUNION 2019: Application forms are available for the First Holy Communion Programme 2019. Children eligible must be in Year 3 or above and should attend Mass regularly at St John Fisher, Bexley. Application forms are at the back of the church (porch) or please see Angela Underwood. If you are a new parishioner and/or do not attend Mass, please speak to Father Doug. Completed forms must be returned no later than 23rd December 2018. The programme will commence on Sunday 13th January 2019. Full details of all relevant dates will follow soon. Finally, we really 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.

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.

Fourth Sunday of Advent

Mary’s Child: The Prince of Peace

From the least of the clans of Judah, from Mary his lovely handmaid,
God prepared a body for his Christ, who comes to fill the world with his spirit of peace.

First Reading: Micah 5:1 – 4 Second Reading: Hebrews 10: 5 – 10 Gospel: Luke: 1:39 – 45

MASS INTENTIONS FOR WEEK 22 – 30 DECEMBER 2018
Please note the new time for weekday masses is 10:00am

Saturday 22 Dec     10:00am Intentions of Kathleen Gilmartin (P & PB)
                                 6:00pm Cliff Knight RIP (Oonagh Wood)

Sunday 23 Dec     8:30am Parishioners
4th of Advent     10:30am Timmy Lenihan (Nora & Michael Moran)

Monday 24 Dec     No morning mass
Vigil Mass.                 6:30pm Tony Sullivan RIP (Marie & Family)
Christmas Night     11:00pm Kay Kilcullen (B Kilcullen)

Tuesday 25 Dec     8:30am Parishioners
Christmas Day     10:30am Wellbeing of Dorothy & Tony Speed (Tony Frake)

Wednesday 26 Dec     9:30am Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament
Boxing Day                 10:00am Sonny Sheehan RIP (Eileen & Family)

Thursday 27 Dec     9:00am No Eucharistic Service

Friday 28 Dec     9:30am Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament
                             10:00am Martin Lacey RIP (unknown donor)

Saturday 29 Dec     10:00am Foundation Mass for Jamie Cowdell
                                 6:00pm Mike Campbell RIP (Oonagh Wood)

Sunday 30 Dec     8:30am Intentions of Teresa Fan (Diane Melaugh)
                             10:30am Louise Moore (Mrs Anthony)

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, David Rogers, Leigh Richards

Anniversaries: Amanda Johnson, Joseph Kinley, Bemvinda Fernandes, Dick Fitzpatrick, Jamie Cowdell, Gerry Clark, Marilyn Mullins, Vernon Bunce, Elizabeth Izegbuwa Iroku.

Feast Days: Sun: Fourth Sunday of Advent Tue: The Nativity of the Lord Wed: St Stephen, 1st Martyr Thurs: St John, Apostle & Evangelist Sat: St Thomas of Canterbury, Bishop & Martyr

ROTAS: (29 – 30 Dec)
Readers: Saturday 6:00pm Carol Anderson,  Sunday 8:30am Peter Wilkes,  10:30am Katherine Bernarte.   Copying of Newsletter: Mollie Hobson.   Newsletter Typist: Venus Bernarte.   Collection for 8:30am Mass: Mr T Lee.   Parishioner Attending to Front of Church on Saturdays: Paul Rowlands. Eucharistic Ministers: Saturday 6:00pm Kathy Sun 8:30am Peter W Sun 10:30am Kathy, Marlene, Volunteer, Mary H, Margaret.   Washing of Purificators: Barbara.   Flower arrangers: Sue Murphy.

OFFERTORY COLLECTION: Sunday 16th December
Gift Aid: £372.05; Loose: £197.74; TOTAL: £569.79

GREETINGS FROM FR FRANCIS HARTLEY: Fr. Hartley’s brother, John, rang to say that Fr. Hartley would not be able to send Christmas cards, so could we put a note in the newsletter thanking all those who sent him a card.

THE CHRISTMAS TREE in the church this year has again been given in memory of Kathleen Murphy and after the success of the ‘Memory Stars’ last Christmas, the family would again like all parishioners to join in decorating it. Write the names of anyone you’ll be missing this Christmas, not just those who have died but also those who perhaps live too far away, on one of the silver stars and hang them on the tree. There is a box of stars by the tree and hopefully some pens.

CHRISTMAS OFFERINGS: May we remind you that your Christmas offerings is your personal gift to Fr. Doug. (Easter Day is the other day this coming year that this happens. All other Sunday collections are exclusively for Parish expenses.

BEXLEY DEANERY DEVELOPING WORLD GROUP: Thank you for your kind donation of £134.30 on the 2nd December. Please contact our Parish representative, Maria Ward on 01322 555553, if you have any queries.

MOVIE EVENING: Wednesday 23rd January 2019. Movie on St Thomas Becket. 7pm for 7.30pm start.

NEW YEARS EVE FAMILY DISCO 8pm to 1am: Bring your own nibbles. Bar open. Tickets £12 adult, £1 child. Contact Noel McCarthy on 07813 890556 / 020 8301 2479.

FIRST HOLY COMMUNION 2019: Application forms are available for the First Holy Communion Programme 2019. Children eligible must be in Year 3 or above and should attend Mass regularly at St John Fisher, Bexley. Application forms are at the back of the church (porch) or please see Angela Underwood. If you are a new parishioner and/or do not attend Mass, please speak to Father Doug. Completed forms must be returned no later than 23rd December 2018. The programme will commence on Sunday 13th January 2019. Full details of all relevant dates will follow soon. Finally, we really 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.

MEETING PLACE: Will be closed over Christmas and New Year – re-opens on 9 January 2019.
Parishioners sending a card to John Bird please note his address is now: Pendleton Court 22 Chaplin Close, Chasely Road, Manchester M6 8PW. He would love to hear from you.

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.

 

THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT

A day of Festival

Today we sing and shout for joy with Christ, the Lord of Dance, who brings good news of our redemption, and renews us by his love.

1st Reading: Zeph 3:14-18a 2nd Reading: Phil 4:4-7 Gospel Luke 3:10-18

Click above to hear Fr Bull’s sermon for the Third Sunday of Advent

MASS INTENTIONS FOR WEEK 8 – 16 DEC 2018
Please note the new time for weekday mass is 10am

Sat 15 Dec        10am Holy Souls
                         6pm Dan & Julia Harrington + Patrick & Mary Sheehan
                          (Eileen Sheehan & Family)

Sun 16 Dec        8.30am Intentions of Teresa Fan (Gill Brooks)
3rd of Advent     10.30am Mercy Easton RIP (Gloria & Tony Laws)
                            3pm Childrens Nativity

Mon 17 Dec        No Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament
                          No 10am Mass
                          12noon Funeral Mass for Aileen Beckwith

Tues 18 Dec        7pm Patrick McQuaid RIP (Seamus, Siobain & Patricia)
                          Adoration and Our Lady & St Pio’s Prayer Group

Wed 19 Dec        9.30am Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament
                             10am Jim, Dannie, Thomas & John Harrington RIP
                             (Eileen Sheehan &Family)

Thu 20 Dec        9am Eucharistic Service

Fri 21 Dec        9.30am Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament
                        10am Scott’s Mum & Dad (Eileen Wheatley)

Sat 22 Dec        10am Intention of Kathleen Gilmartin (P&PB)
                            6pm Cliff Knight RIP (Oonagh Wood)

Sun 23 Dec        8.30am Parishioners
4th of Advent      10.30am Timmy Lenihan (Nora & Michael Moran)

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

Anniversaries: Mary O’Sullivan, Ronald Andrews, May Williams, Patrick McQuaid, Charlotte Seekings.

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, David Rogers, Leigh Richards.

Feast Days: Wednesday: Friday St Peter Canisius, Priest, Doctor of the Church

OFFERTORY COLLECTION – 9 December 2018
First Collection: Gift Aid- £451.75 Loose- £228.87. TOTAL – £680.62
Retiring Collection (AIC Saturday Friends) £760.50

ROTAS (week commencing Mon 17/12)
Readers: Sat 6.00pm Kathy Fogarty Sun 8.30 Doune Robinson Sun 10.30 Marlene Burt.   Copying of Newsletter John Stanton.   Newsletter Typist: Venus Bernarte.   Collection for 8.30am Mass: Mr V Jeyaseelan.   Parishioner Attending To Front of Church on Saturdays: Ken Crump.   Eucharistic Ministers: Saturday 6 pm Rob Sun 8.30am Mary J 10.30am Volunteer, Eileen W, Patricia, Margaret, Molly.   Washing of Purificators: Alvira.   Flower Arranging: Note on 23rd – Christmas Flowers

CHILDREN’S NATIVITY will be on Sunday 16 December at 3pm (NOTE: rehearsal on Sunday 16 December at 10.30am). Following the Nativity, there will be refreshments in the hall with mulled wine and mince pies. Please come to see and support our children as they perform the Nativity Play, interspersed with carols.

MOVIE EVENING: Wednesday 23rd January 2019. Movie on St Thomas Becket. 7pm for 7.30pm start.

NEW YEARS EVE FAMILY DISCO 8pm to 1am. Bring your own nibbles. Bar open. Tickets £12 adult, £1 child. Contact Noel McCarthy on 07813 890556 / 020 8301 2479.

FIRST HOLY COMMUNION 2019 Application forms are available for the First Holy Communion Programme 2019. Children eligibile must be in Year 3 or above and should attend Mass regularly at St John Fisher, Bexley. Application forms are at the back of the church (porch) or please see Angela Underwood. If you are a new parishioner and/or do not attend Mass, please speak to Father Doug. Completed forms must be returned no later than 23rd December 2018. The programme will commence on Sunday 13th January 2019. Full details of all relevant dates will follow soon. Finally, we really 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.

A SERVICE OF RECONCILIATION FOR ADVENT will be held on Monday evening 17th December at 7pm here at St John Fisher.

MEETING PLACE will be closed over Christmas and New Year – re-opens on 9 January 2019.
Parishioners sending a card to John Bird please note his address is now: Pendleton Court 22 Chaplin Close, Chasely Road, Manchester M6 8PW. He would love to hear from you.

SATURDAY FRIENDS:  APPEAL FOR WORK WITH HOMELESS PEOPLE We are very grateful for last week’s wonderfully generous response of £773.20. You can be sure that every penny will be spent directly on our homeless friends‘ rehabilitation. On the display in the porch you will see how the resources you provide are spent – and some of the touching thank you cards received. Your donations will be presented as part of the Offertory procession at each Mass this weekend. God richly bless your kindness. AIC Bexley ″Saturday Friends″.

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.