Weekly Newsletter

15 December 2023 Nuntius

SUNDAY 17^th December 2023

THIRD OF ADVENT,YEAR B

Readings: Isaiah 61:1-2, 10-11 Psalm Luke 1 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24 Gospel: John 1:6-8,19-28

Sat 16^th Dec 17.30 Confessions

18.00 Baby George Vincent (Fogarty)

Sun 17^th Dec THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT

08.30 Patrick McQuaid RIP (McQuaid)

10.30 Mary Finden RIP (White)

Mon 18^th Dec 09.15 Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament

10.00 Iris & Sylvia Ross RIP (Balogh)

Tues 19^th Dec 09.15 Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament

10.00 Harrington Family (Sheehan)

19.30 SERVICE OF RECONCILIATION with Confessions

Wed 20^th Dec 09.15 Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament

10.00 Fr Paul Rout (Wheatley)

Thurs 21^st Dec 08.00 Priest’s Intention

Fri 22^nd Dec 09.15 Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament

10.00 Souls in Purgatory (B.Gillespie)

Sat 23^rd Dec 17.30 Confessions

18.00 Ron Aspeek RIP (Morris)

Sun 24^th Dec FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT

08.30 Marie Sullivan RIP (Kennedy)

10.30 Hollis Family (Hollis)

FEAST OF CHRISTMAS

Vigil Mass 18.00 Kay Gillespie RIP (J.Gillespie)

Christmas Night 22.00 Maria & Giuseppe Nucera RIP (Highland)

Mon 25^th Dec 08.30 Barry Southgate RIP (Cannon)

Christmas Day 10.30 Ron Aspeek RIP (M.Fitzpatrick)

LIVE STREAMING OF MASSES ON THE WEBSITE

All masses are streamed live and can be viewed via the link:

Recordings are available. The Sunday sermon is also on the website in printed form.

FINANCES

Many thanks for your offertory collection last week: Incl. S.O.s £986.46

The Collection on Christmas Day is your gift to your Parish Priest

Direct Bank Payments to RCAS Bexley, Sort code 51 70 14, Account 01831763

Please put your name and if you use envelopes, your envelope number, as the code.

Card Payment Machine – located in the porch, is easy to use.

Gift Aid Please join the GIFT AID scheme – Forms are at the back of the Church. For every £1.00 donated the Parish receives 25p from the Tax Office. Standing Orders are best for us. Thank you.

Please join us in the Hall for refreshments after the 10.30 mass

Newsletter: Please copy notices to Fr Doug by the previous Wednesday

Dear Parishioners,

First of all, thanks to everyone who attended our beautiful carol service. Thanks especially to all the children who led us so well and to those who supported and prepared them. A big thanks too, to those who catered a marvelous reception for us afterwards with mulled wine and mince pies.

Next Sunday is the 4^th Sunday of Advent with our usual masses. Christmas begins with evening mass that same day. Confusing? Yes.

We will be donating this year’s Crib Offerings to Friends of the Holy Land

God Bless, Fr Doug

ADVENT RERFLECTIONS

On Friday morning after 10.00 mass we will, for the last time this year, be doing some deeper reflection with one of the advent reflections from the diocese.

FESTIVE PARTY

Friday 29th Dec 2-5pm. £5 Adults, £3 primary school children. Please join us to celebrate the festive season with entertainment for young and old. For you, your children and grandchildren. Children’s games / face painting /Raffle (unwanted Christmas gifts gratefully received) / Live singer / Open bar. Please bring your own nibbles. Free Pizza for those who are on Santas ‘good list.’

CONFIRMATION 2024

Application forms are now available for our Confirmation programme. Young people who are 13/14 and in year 9 or above can join. Application forms can be found in the foyer of the church. Please submit all completed forms to Father Doug straightaway

SERVICE OF RECONCILIATION

Tuesday evening at 7.30 with confessions

BRIDIE HAYLETT RIP

Please pray for the soul of Bridie who died during the week.

MORE CAROL SINGING

The Bexley Churches will be bringing festive cheer to Bexley High Street with carol-singing outside Flowers of Bexley, 36 High Street, on Wed 20 Dec, 6-7pm. ALL are welcome to join for part or all of it. We are not fundraising – just reminding everyone of the meaning and joy of Christmas.

A GENEROUS OFFER!

Den and Anne who bought the meat at the bbq last summer, will be going to Smithfields Market and invite anyone to order a fresh turkey crown or other Christmas meats.

4 Kilo Turkey breast (boned) would be £60.00 – larger crowns can be ordered.

1 Kilo of cocktail sausages £10.00 (approx. 45-48), 20 Cumberland sausages £10.00

If interested, please call by 17^th December to place an order. Tel 07724 839432 or 07701 092507

FLOWERS AT CHRISTMAS

We anticipate the wonderful floral arrangements that always grace our Church at Christmas, in celebration of the great feast. If you wish to be involved by offering financial support, feel free to donate using the donation box in the wall at the back of church on the right-hand side, or use an envelope, suitably marked.

SR ANGELA WOOTTON

Our former parish Sister sends warm Christmas greetings to all her friends here. She still lives at 83 Watling Street, Bexleyheath and is delighted to receive visitors provided her care staff are forewarned (tel: 01322-528408). Sr Angela reached 98 years old on 13^th December.

9 December 2023 Nuntius

SUNDAY 10^th December 2023

SECOND OF ADVENT, YEAR B

Readings: Isaiah 40:1-5, 9-11 Psalm 84 2 Peter3:8-14 Gospel: Mark 1:1-8

Sat 9^th Dec 17.30 Confessions

18.00 Patricia Liddiard RIP (Watson)

Sun 10^th Dec SECOND SUNDAY OF ADVENT

08.30 Paul Smith RIP (Cannon)

10.30 Arsenia Mencias RIP (Bernarte)

16.00 Carols & Nativity

Mon 11^th Dec 09.15 Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament

10.00 For the Parish

Tues 12^th Dec 09.15 Our Lady of Guadalupe Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament

10.00 In Thanksgiving (Bosser)

Wed 13^th Dec 09.15 St Lucy, Martyr Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament

10.00 Thomas Egan RIP (Speed)

Thurs 14^th Dec St John of the Cross NO 8.0am MASS

Fri 15^th Dec 09.15 Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament

10.00 Michael Brown (Botterill)

10.30 Prayer Group

Sat 16^th Dec 17.30 Confessions

18.00 Baby George Vincent (Fogarty)

Sun 17^th Dec THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT

08.30 Patrick McQuaid RIP (McQuaid)

10.30 Mary Finden RIP (White)

LIVE STREAMING OF MASSES ON THE WEBSITE

All masses are streamed live and can be viewed via the link.

Recordings are available. The Sunday sermon is also on the website in printed form.

FINANCES

Many thanks for your offertory collection last week: Incl. S.O.s £818.42

Last week: Catholic Youth Services £22.00

Direct Bank Payments to RCAS Bexley, Sort code 51 70 14, Account 01831763

Please put your name and if you use envelopes, your envelope number, as the code.

Card Payment Machine – located in the porch, is easy to use.

Gift Aid Please join the GIFT AID scheme – Forms are at the back of the Church. For every £1.00 donated the Parish receives 25p from the Tax Office. Standing Orders are best for us. Thank you.

OUR PARISH HALL

Our hall is available for hire. Please email bexley@rcaos.org.uk at ANY time for enquiries and our hall secretary will get back to you.

Please join us in the Hall for refreshments after the 10.30 mass

Newsletter: Please copy notices to Fr Doug by the previous Wednesday

Dear Parishioners,

In Advent we like to anticipate the coming of the Light of the World, “a light that darkness could not overpower”, but we can’t help but be aware of so much darkness in our world, especially in Gaza. Many have commented on the reluctance of world leaders to speak out. In the Church at least, we can look to our leader: Pope Francis has described the war between Israel and Hamas as terrorism. On November 22, during a general audience in St. Peter’s Square, he said,

“This morning, I received two delegations, one of Israelis who have relatives as hostages in Gaza and another of Palestinians who have relatives suffering in Gaza. They suffer so much. I heard how they both suffer: wars do this, but here we have gone beyond war. This is not war; this is terrorism.”

He has repeatedly called for a ceasefire and remains in regular contact with the Catholic community in Gaza. We pray his words may be heard.

God Bless, Fr Doug

PARISH CAROL SERVICE – TODAY!!: at 16.00 with refreshments in the hall afterwards. All children, from 0-100 years old, are very welcome whether dressed as kings, shepherds, angels, stars or normally! Come and enjoy the festive season.

CONFIRMATION 2024

FIRST HOLY COMMUNION 2024

Application forms are now available for our First Holy Communion programme. Baptised children in year 3 or above can join. Forms can be collected from the foyer after mass. Completed forms must be returned by 1st December 2023. The programme will commence in January 2024.

A GENEROUS OFFER!

Den and Anne who bought the meat at the bbq last summer, will be going to Smithfields Market and invite anyone to order a fresh turkey crown or other Christmas meats.

4 Kilo Turkey breast (boned) would be £60.00 – larger crowns can be ordered.

1 Kilo of cocktail sausages £10.00 (approx. 45-48), 20 Cumberland sausages £10.00

If interested, please call by 15^th December to place an order. Tel 07724 839432 or 07701 092507

CAROL SINGING

The Christian Churches of Bexley will together, be bringing festive cheer to Bexley High Street with carol-singing outside Flowers of Bexley (formerly Cherry Blossom), 36 High Street, on Wed 20 Dec, 5-7pm. ALL are welcome to join for as little or long as possible. We are not fundraising – just reminding everyone of the meaning and joy of Christmas. Kathy Fogarty, 07963 454480.

FESTIVE PARTY

Friday 29th Dec 2-5pm. £5 Adults, £3 primary school children. Please join us to celebrate the festive season with entertainment for young and old. Please bring yourselves / children / grandchildren. Children’s games / face painting /Raffle (unwanted Christmas gifts gratefully received) / Live singer / Open bar. Please bring your own nibbles. Free Pizza for those who are on Santas ‘good list.’

CHRIST THE KING SIXTH FORMS

Our Christmas campaign needs your help to support: Demelza, Refuge, Lewisham Foodbank, the Manna Society and the St Vincent De Paul Society. We’d welcome toys, puzzles, colouring/puzzle books, gift vouchers, toiletries, chocolates, biscuits and hot beverages. Or donate money via the college’s ‘GoFundMe’ link. The deadline for donating gifts is Wednesday 13th December. Drop off any gifts at CTK St Mary’s, Chislehurst Rd, Sidcup DA14 6BE

1 December 2023 Nuntius

SUNDAY 3^rd December 2023

FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT, YEAR B

Readings: Isaiah 63:16-17, 64:1, 3-8 Psalm 79 1 Corinthians 1:3-9 Gospel: Mark 13:33-37

Sat 2^nd Dec 17.30 Confessions

18.00 Margaret Morris (Anderson)

Sun 3^rd Dec FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT

08.30 Doune Robinson (Jeyaseelan)

10.30 Tess Truman RIP (Truman)

Mon 4^th Dec 09.15 St John Damascene Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament

10.00 Sonny Sheehan RIP (Sheehan)

Tues 5^th Dec 09.15 Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament

10.00 For the Parish

Wed 6^th Dec 09.15 St Nicholas Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament

10.00 Tess Truman RIP (Wheatley)

Thurs 7^th Dec 08.00 St Ambrose Priest’s Intention

Fri 8^th Dec 09.15 Immaculate Conception Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament

10.00 Sheila Jones RIP (Connolly)

Sat 9^th Dec 17.30 Confessions

18.00 Patricia Liddiard RIP (Watson)

Sun 10^th Dec SECOND SUNDAY OF ADVENT

08.30 Paul Smith RIP (Cannon)

10.30 Arsenia Mencias RIP (Bernarte)

LIVE STREAMING OF MASSES ON THE WEBSITE

All masses are streamed live and can be viewed via the link:

Recordings are available. The Sunday sermon is also on the website in printed form.

FINANCES

Many thanks for your offertory collection last week: Incl. S.O.s £791.63

Last week: Catholic Youth Services £173.11

Direct Bank Payments to RCAS Bexley, Sort code 51 70 14, Account 01831763

Please put your name and if you use envelopes, your envelope number, as the code.

Card Payment Machine – located in the porch, is easy to use.

Gift Aid Please join the GIFT AID scheme – Forms are at the back of the Church. For every £1.00 donated the Parish receives 25p from the Tax Office. Standing Orders are best for us. Thank you.

OUR PARISH HALL

Our hall is available for hire. Please email bexley@rcaos.org.uk at ANY time for enquiries and our hall secretary will get back to you.

Please join us in the Hall for refreshments after the 10.30 mass

Newsletter: Please copy notices to Fr Doug by the previous Wednesday

Dear Parishioners,

Happy New Year! – new church year, anyway, as we enter Advent today.

Our thoughts do now of course turn toward celebrating Christmas, but not without enjoying the wonder-filled season of Advent. Why not take time to reflect each day, even perhaps as you open an Advent Calendar window. Thousands of people accept the offer below:

Southwark Diocese Spirituality Commission will send a brief daily reflection to your own email! It is focused on the readings of the day, short and relevant to daily life! Sign up at https://www.southwarkdsc.org.uk/ and click on the box for Advent reflections – or email spirituality@rcaos.org.uk

Our Parish Spirituality team are focusing on those who do not use the internet. Each Advent Friday morning after 10.00 mass we will use paper copies of one of the reflections, to lead some reflection and if desired, some sharing. We will not be more than half an hour.

God Bless, Fr Doug

CONFIRMATION 2024: Application forms are now available for our Confirmation programme. Young people who are 13/14 and in year 9 or above can join. Application forms can be found in the foyer of the church. Please submit all completed forms to Father Doug by 20th December. Please contact Father Doug for any queries you may have. Barbara Assam

FIRST HOLY COMMUNION 2024

THE ANNUAL ADVENT TEA PARTY FOR SENIOR CITIZENS

St Catherine’s Catholic School on Friday 8^th December from1.30-3.00pm. You are most welcome, but, RSVP 01322 556333 dcunningham@steeg.Cco.uk Watling Street, DA6 7QJ

PARISH CAROL SERVICE: Sunday 10th December at 16.00 with refreshments in the hall afterwards. All children, from 0-100 years old, are very welcome whether dressed as kings, shepherds, angels, stars or normally! Come and enjoy the festive season.

CAROL SINGING

FESTIVE PARTY: Friday 29th Dec 2-5pm. £5 Adults, £3 primary school children. Please join us to celebrate the festive season with entertainment for young and old. Please bring yourselves / children / grandchildren. Children’s games / face painting /Raffle (unwanted Christmas gifts gratefully received) / Live singer / Open bar. Please bring your own nibbles. Free Pizza for those who are on Santas ‘good list.’

FRIENDS OF THE HOLY LAND – Christmas Concert

With the London Welsh Male Voice Choir. Thurs Dec 14th at Our Lady of Victories Church, Kensington. Buffet from 6pm (£50) or concert-only ticket to start at 7:30pm (£30)Buy your tickets through Eventbrite: Info at friendsoftheholyland.org.uk/christmas-concert-2023

We will be donating this year’s Crib Offerings to Friends of the Holy Land

ST. BARNABAS – SAT 2nd Dec, 7:00pm: Music, Readings and Carols. Tile Kiln Lane, DA5 2BB, Audience participation and Christmas jumpers essential! Tickets £10.00 Poster in porch.”