Newsletter

4th SUNDAY OF ADVENT

Mary’s Child: The Emmanuel

 God’s choice rested on the House of David which was to bring forth the Emmanuel, the God-with-us. But Mary’s Child was to belong to all the nations. We are one of those nations who, by God’s call, belong to Jesus Christ.

1st Reading: Isaiah 7:10-14 2nd Reading: Romans 1:1-7 Gospel Matthew 1:18-25

MASS INTENTIONS FOR WEEK 21- 29 Dec 2019

Sat 21 Dec   9am Intentions of John & Eileen Stanton (Tony Frake)
                      6pm Dan & Julia Harrington & Patrick & Mary Sheehan RIP (Eileen Sheehan)

Sun 22 Dec   8.30am Intentions of Margaret Kyne & Family (Bridie Haylett)
                        10.30am Tony Sullivan RIP (Marie & Family)
                      3pm Nativity & Carols

Mon 23 Dec   9.30am Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament
                        10am Intentions of John & Eileen Hollis (Tony Frake)
                         7pm Service of Reconciliation.

Tues 24 Dec    Christmas Eve
                          6.30pm Vigil: Alison Johnson RIP (Mary Lee)
                           11pm Midnight: Ellen & Laurence Dowling RIP (Margaret Gillis)

Wed 25 Dec    Christmas Day
                          8.30am Fr. Ernest Akorsou RIP (Friends)
                           10.30am Kit & Hugh O’Reilly RIP (Eileen Sheehan)

Thurs 26 Dec   No Eucharistic Service

Fri 27 Dec   Feast: St. John, Apostle and Evangalist
                        9.30am Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament
                        10.00 am Sonny Sheehan RIP (Eileen)

Sat 28 Dec   Feast: The Holy Innocents
                        9am Tony Crowe RIP (Marlene Burt)
                        6pm Bridie, Michael & Brendan Houlihan RIP (Eileen Sheehan)

Sun 29 Dec   The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph
                        8.30am James & Ellen Connolly RIP (P.Coyne)
                        10.30am Foundation Mass for Jamie Cowdell RIP

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: Amanda Johnson, Joseph McKinley, Bemvinda Fernandes, Dick Ritzpatrick, James Fowdell, ~Gerry Clark, Marilyn Mullins, Vernon Bunce, Elizabeth Izegbuwa Iroku

OFFERTORY COLLECTION – 14 December 2019
First Collection: Gift Aid – 430.80;  Loose –  £218/.01;  TOTAL   £648.81
Bexley Deanery: £152.63

ROTAS (week commencing Mon 23/12)
Readers: Sat 6.00 pm Andy Watson Sun 8.30 Larissa/Rob Sun 10.30 Katherine Benarte.  Copying of Newsletter: Molly Hobson.   Newsletter Typist: Molly Robins.   Collection for 8.30 am Mass: Mr. V. Jeyaseelan.   Parishioner Attending to Front of Church on Saturdays: Paul Rowland.   Eucharistic Ministers: Saturday 6 pm Kath, Patricia, Sun 8.30 am Volunteer, Peter W. 10.30 am Carole, Marlene, Peter H, Mary H. Molly.   Washing of Purificators: Barbara.     Sue.

NOTE TO ALL VOLUNTEER GROUPS: The rotas will no longer appear in the newsletter from January 2020. Please refer to you group’s rotas regarding your slot.

SPECIAL MINISTERS: If you are able, please volunteer over Christmas time. Please sign list available in the Sacristy. Many thanks. Kathy and Patricia.

WISHING YOU PEACE FROM PADRE PIO REHABILITATION CENTRE, GHANA: Thank you to all at St. John Fisher for your generous support. The staff and residents want to wish you all a very Happy Christmas and Peace in 2020.
If you would like to read about some of the activities that Fr. Doug was involved in during his recent visit, please do take a look at this uplifting December update at www.ahoto.org/newsletters. For more information about the Padre Pio Centre click on their logo on our “links” page.

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

EASYFUNDRAISING.ORG.UK If you are shopping on the internet PLEASE use easyfundraising.org.uk. You will raise FREE donations for St John Fisher Church every time you make a purchase. It’s easy and doesn’t cost you anything extra.

VOLUNTEER TYPISTS REQUIRED: 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.

BEXLEY DEANERY DEVELOPING WORLD GROUP. Thank you for your generous donation of £152.63 on Sunday 15th December. For further information please contact the Parish Representative, Maria Ward, on 01322 555553/0780262351.

CHURCH CLEANING – A big THANK YOU to the small group of parishioners who give up- their free time to help keep our church clean. The rota for 2020 is now available for collection from the cupboard. More volunteers are needed to either join an existing group or make up a new one. Each group cleans once every six weeks, another group of three or four people, means that would change to once every eight weeks. If you are able to help please ring Carole Hughes on 020 8303 90703.

THE CHURCH CHRISTMAS TREE has been given in memory of Kathleen Murphy and once again her family would like all parishioners to join in decorating it with “memory stars”. Write the names of anyone you’ll be missing this Christmas on the white side of one of the gold stars and hang them on the tree. There is a tin of stars by the tree and hopefully some pens.

FIRST HOLY COMMUNION 2020 Completed Application forms for the First Holy communion Programme 2020 (collected from the Porch) should be completed and returned no later than 22nd December 2019. Year 3 Children or above are eligible for First Communion and should attend mass regularly at St. John Fisher, Bexley. New parishioners who wish their child to join the programme please speak to Father Doug. The programme commences in January 2020 and the First Holy Communion Service will be held in June 2020. Details of the programme, relevant dates, parents meetings to follow.

MEDJUGORJE IRISH CENTRE PILGRIMAGES APRIL – OCT 2020
7 Night Stay and Airport Shuttle service from Dubrovnik or Split for £266 per person sharing. Book any flight – any time and we provide guaranteed airport shuttle service. Call us for further info and book the dates that suit you. Tel: 020 3239 8662 or email reservations@med-irishcentre.com

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 11:2-11Click 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.

SECOND SUNDAY OF ADVENT (YEAR A)

Our Baptism With The Holy Spirit And Fire

May the Lord who gave us this baptism purify us in our celebration today; for he can brook nothing that lacks integrity and truth. Then, through the Spirit of our baptism, united in heart and voice, we will be able to give glory to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

1st Reading: Isaiah 11:1-10 2nd Reading: Romans 15:4-9
Gospel Matthew 3:1-12

MASS INTENTIONS FOR WEEK 07-15 December 2019

Sat 7 Dec    9am Intentions of Josephine & David Collison
                      (Please note new Mass time Sat Mornings)
                      6pm Tony Sullivan RIP (Marie)

Sun 8 Dec    8.30am Intentions of Billy Mahoney (Ann Hyde)
                      10.30am Les Truman RIP (Carole Hughes)

Mon 9 Dec    9.30am Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament
                       10am Eusebio Vaz RIP (Mark Vaz)

Tues 10 Dec    7pm Intentions of Gloria Laws (Family)
                         7.30pm Exposition + Our Lady & St Pio’s Prayer Group

Wed 11 Dec    9.30am Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament
                       10am Intentions of Iris Keefe (Tony Frake)

Thu 12 Dec    9am Eucharistic Service

Fri 13 Dec    9.30am Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament
                      10am Jim, Danny, Thomas & John Harrington

Sat 14 Dec    9am Jim Henry RIP (Marlene Burt)
                      (Please note new Mass time)
                      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)

Reconciliation Times: Sat 9.30am (after Mass) and Sat 5.30pm (before Mass)

Prayers for the Sick: Christine White, Kevin Harper, John Bird, Gail Noel, Chris Neal, Tony Speed, Geoffrey Hildebrand, John Harrington, Norma Brooker, Nina Szredski, Eileen Weald, Maureen Fitzpatrick, Eric & Iris May, Gracie Maddox, Anne Hastings, Timmy Lenihan, John Clarey, Tess Truman, Irene Gannaway, David Collison, George Waller, Ray Smith, Tommy Otte, Sister Angela, Marion Hams, Leigh Richards, Peter Hogg, Christine Brown, Tony Laws, David Latimer, David Brailsford, Colin Anderson, Joe Reape, Giulio Venturi, Anne Newton, Bridie Cripps, Ray Blackman.

Anniversaries: Walter Trembaluk, Bernard Fitzjohn, Tom Ryan, Ernie Hildebrand, Myfanwy Hogg, Laurence Keefe.

Feast Days: Monday The Immaculate Conception of The Blessed Virgin Mary. Tuesday Saints John Roberts, Eustace White, Edmund Gunnings and Swithin Wells. Wednesday Saint Damascus I, Pope. Thursday Our Lady of Guadalupe, Common of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Friday Saint Lucy. Saturday Saint John of the Cross.

OFFERTORY COLLECTION – 1 December 2019
Gift Aid £452.89       Loose  £293.47    Total  £746.36
Next week’s retiring collection for Deanery.

ROTAS (week commencing Mon 09/12/19)
Readers: Sat 6.00pm Carole Anderson Sun 8.30 Sheila Jones Sun 10.30 Tony Frake.   Copying of Newsletter Emma Fox.   Newsletter Typist: Ruth Powers.   Collection for 8.30am Mass: Mrs M Weeks. Parishioner Attending To Front of Church on Saturdays: Giovanni Aletta.   Eucharistic Ministers: Saturday 6 pm Ann Harris, Peter W.; Sun 8.30am Peter H, Ann Hyde; 10.30am Volunteer, Mary H, Patricia, Kate U, Margaret (Host).   Washing of Purificators: Molly.

SPECIAL MINISTERS – VOLUNTEERS OVER CHRISTMAS: We would be most grateful if any of our Ministers who are able to volunteer over the Christmas week, could sign the list available in the Sacristy. Many thanks, Kathy & Patricia.

MEDJUGORJE IRISH CENTRE PILGRIMAGES APRIL – OCTOBER 2020: 7 night stay and airport shuttle service from Dubrovnik or Split for £266 per person sharing. Book any flight – any time and we provide guaranteed airport shuttle service. Call us for further information and book the dates that suit you. Tel. 0203 239 8622 or email reservations@med-irishcentre.com

EASY FUND RAISING: If you are doing any shopping in the lead up to Christmas PLEASE use easyfunding. This way, you’ll raise FREE donations for St John Fisher Church, Bexley every time you make a purchase! It’s easy, doesn’t cost you anything extra and really helps us out! easyfundraising@e.easyfundraising.org.uk Top supporters in November: Molly R £5.55 and Carol A £1.03

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 of the programme and a list of all the relevant dates including parents meetings to follow soon.

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