Newsletter

FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT (A)

1st Reading: Isaiah 2: 1-5. 2nd Reading: Romans 13: 11-14
Gospel: Matthew 24: 37-44

Click above to hear Fr Doug’s sermon.

Today’s Theme: The Day of the Lord

Today we rejoice that the night of our long pilgrimage to God’s eternal city, the new Jerusalem, will soon be over. The Lord’s unending Day is dawning. Already, in the words of Isaiah, we see ‘the mountain of the Temple of the Lord’ etched against the eastern sky. Let us wake up and stand ready.

MASS INTENTIONS FOR THE WEEK

Saturday 30th November   9.00am Holy Souls (Please note new Mass time Saturday am)
                                                6.00pm Fiona, Margaret, Frances, Dan and Daniel
                                                   Harrington RIP (Eileen Sheehan and Family)

Sunday 1st December   8.30am Mary Arden RIP (Sheila Jones)
                                          10.30am Living and Deceased Dunning and Wheatley Families
                                                   (Eileen Wheatley)

Monday 2nd December   9.30am Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament
                                             10.00am Sonny Sheehan RIP (Choir)

Tuesday 3rd December   7.00pm Jim Henry RIP (Tim Bowman)
                                             7.30pm Exposition and Our Lady and St Pio’s Prayer Group

Wednesday 4th December   9.30am Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament
                                                10.00am Intentions of Sylvia Hams (Tony Frake)

Thursday 5th December   9.00am Eucharistic Service

Friday 6th December   No Exposition or 10am Mass
                                             11.00am Funeral Mass for Jim Henry RIP

Saturday 7th December   9.00am Intentions of Josephine and David Collison (Anne Harris)
                                             6.00pm Tony Sullivan RIP (Marie)

Sunday 8th December   8.30am Intentions of Billy Mahoney (Ann Hyde)
                                          10.30am Les Truman RIP (Carole Hughes)

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

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

PRAY 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 and Iris May, Gracie Maddox, Anne Hastings, Timmy Lenihan, John Clarey, Tess Truman, Irene Gannaway, David Collison, George Waller, Ray Smith, Tommy Otte, Sr 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 and Ray Blackman..

FEAST DAYS: Tuesday St Francis Xavier, Priest; Day of Prayer for Migrants. Wednesday St John Damascene, Priest and Doctor of the Church; St Osmund, Bishop of Salisbury. Thursday St John Almond, Martyr. Friday St Nicholas, Bishop. Saturday, St Ambrose, Bishop and Doctor of the Church.

OFFERTORY: Gift Aid £454.45. Loose £216.60. Total £671.05.
2nd Collection, Catholic Youth Work Gift Aid £154.93 Loose £93.06. Total £247.99.

ROTAS: Readers: Saturday 6pm Kathy Fogarty. Sunday 8.30am Doune Robinson; 10.30am Tilly and Ella.  Eucharistic Ministers: Saturday 6pm Edna, Volunteer. Sunday 8.30am Bridie, Volunteer. 10.30am Volunteer, Mary H, Volunteer, Rob, Eileen W(Host).  Collector 8.30am Mass: Mrs M Lee.  Front of Church: John Stanton.  Typing Newsletter: Graziella Highland.  Photocopying Newsletter: Calen Delpaul.  Washing of Purificators: Kathy.

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 8pm to 1am.  £12 per adult, £2 per child, 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

ELECTION HUSTINGS arranged by Churches Together in Sidcup Wednesday 4th December at St John’s Church, Church Road, DA14 6BX, 7pm (doors open 6.30pm) Please arrive in good time, especially if you would like to ask a question. Alternatively, questions can be submitted in advance to the vicar, Revd Cathy Knight-Scott, revcathyks@gmail.com

MEDJUGORJE IRISH CENTRE PILGRIMAGES APRIL – OCTOBER 2020: Seven 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: 020 3239 8662 or email: reservations@med-irishcentre.com.

AYLESFORD RETREAT 2020: The annual Aylesford Retreat list for 2020 (15-17 May) is now in the porch. To reserve a place please pay £10 deposit. Thank you, John Stanton

FEAST OF CHRIST THE KING (C)

We celebrate Christ our anointed King who overcame suffering and death and so brought us out of darkness into his kingdom of light.

1st Reading: Samuel: 5:1-3 2nd Reading: Colossians 1:11-30, Gospel: Luke: 23:35-43

MASS INTENTIONS FOR WEEK 23rd NOVEMBER – 1st DECEMBER

Sat 23 Nov.    10am Eucharistic Service
                         6pm John & Joy Hubbard RIP (Eilenn Sheehan)

Sun 24 Nov.    8.30am Larry Fernandes RIP (Alesx & Dahlia Fernandes)
                         10.30am Mrs. O’Callaghan RIP (Danny & Kay Lyons)

Mon 25 Nov.    9.30am Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament
                         10am Intentions of Dorothy Speed (Chior)

Tues 26 Nov.   7pm Eucharistic Service
                         7.30pm Exposition + Our Lady & St Pio’s Prayer Group

Wed 27 Nov.    9.30am Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament
                         10 am Violet & Liam Gray RIP (Friends)

Thu 28 Nov.    9am Eucharistic Service

Fri 29 Nov.    9.30am Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament
                         10am Eileen Murphy RIP (Eileen Sheehan)

Sat 30 Nov.    9am Holy Souls (Please note new Mass time Sat. mornings)
                         6pm Fiona, Margaret, Frances, Dan & Daniel Harrington RIP
                         (Eileen Sheehan & Family)

Sun 1 Dec.    8.30am Mary Arden RIP (Sheila Jones)
                         10.30am Living & Deceased Dunning & Wheatley families
                         (Eileen Wheatley)

Reconciliation Times: Sat 9.30 am (following Mass) and Sat 5.30 pm (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, Sr. 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: Grace Rose Ferrara, Mary Mulraney, Maria Angerer, Grey Wemyss, Fr Ernest Akorsou, Violet Gray, Maria Williamson.

Feast Days: Monday St. Catherine of Alexandria, Vir.& Martyr, Saturday: St. Andrew, Apostle (Patron of Scotland).

OFFERTORY COLLECTION – 17th Nov. Gift Aid £378.00, Loose £252.63 Total £630.63. Retiring Collection (Deanery) Total £103.25. This week’s second collection.: Catholic Youth Work.

ROTAS (week commencing Mon 25/11)
Readers: Sat 6.00 pm Andy Watson, Sun 8.30 Bridie Haylett, Sun 10.30 Ryan Benarte.   Copying of News Letter Mollie 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 Kathy, Volunteer; Sun 8.30am Volunteer, Mary J; 10.30 am Volunteer, Margaret, Peter H, Mary H, Kate U.   Washing of Purificators: Norma.   Flower Arranging: Sue

SVP HAMPERS – If anyone knows of someone locally who would benefit, please post a note marked “SVP Hampers” through the Presbytery door.

AYLESFORD RETREAT 2020 The annual Aylesford Retreat list for 2020 (15-17 May) is now in the porch. To reserve a place please pay £10 deposit. Thank you. John Stanton.

ST. JOHN FISHER NEW YEAR FAMILY DISCO 31 December 8 pm to 1 am. Tickets are now available. Tickets are £12 per adult and £2 per child. Licensed bar but bring your own nibbles. Please contact Noel McCarthy with your ticket requirements on 07813 890556/020 8301 2479 or email noel.mccarthy60@outlook.com

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

CAFOD HARVEST CAKE SALE – Thank you to everyone who contributed to our recent Harvest Cake Sale. £107.41 was raised and this money will help CAFOD continue to provide vital emergency relief and development work in the world’s poorest communities. Angela Underwood, The Children’s Liturgy Group.

FIRST HOLY COMMUNION 2020 – Application forms are now available for the First Holy Communion Programme 2020 for children in year 3 or above who attend mass regularly at St. John Fisher Bexley. These are available at the back of the Church (porch) or see Angela Underwood (Children’s Liturgy coordinator). 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. Closing date for returned completed application forms is 22nd December 2019.The programme commences in January 2020. The First Holy Communion Service will be held in June 2020. Full details of the programme, a list of all relevant dates, parents meetings etc. to follow soon.

BEXLEY DEANERY DEVELOPING WORLD GROUP – Thank you for your kind donation of £103.25 on Sunday 17 November. We have contributed to our first project by giving £1,000 to Father Doug to take with him to Ghana. Further info. from our Parish Representative Maria Ward 01322 555553/07802 023571.

33rd SUNDAY OF THE YEAR

The Triumph of God
The day is coming when all that is evil will be brought to nothing. Already Christ has given us the strength to overcome evil: we receive it in the Eurcharist.

1st Reading: Malachi 3: 19-20 2nd Reading: 2 Thessalonians 3:7-12 Gospel Luke 21:5-19

MASS INTENTIONS FOR WEEK 16-24 NOVEMBER 2019

Sat 16 Nov   10am Eucharistic Service
                        6pm Frances, Dan, Fiona, Margaret+Daniel Harrington RIP
                                       (Sheehan Family)

Sun 17 Nov   8.30am Mary Arden RIP (Peter & Ann Wilkes)
                        10.30am Mary Nealon RIP (Joseph & Family)

Mon 18 Nov   9.30am Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament
                        10am Alfred De Mello RIP (Brian & Edna Fernandes)

Tues 19 Nov   7pm Eucharistic Service
                        7.30pm Exposition + Our Lady & St Pio’s Prayer Group

Wed 20 Nov   9.30am Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament
                        10am Sonny Sheehan RIP (Eileen Sheehan & Family)

Thurs 21 Nov   9am Eucharistic Service

Fri 22 Nov   9.30am Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament
                        10am Intentions of Eileen Hollis (Choir)

Sat 23 Nov   10am Eucharistic Service
                        6pm John & Joy Hubbard RIP (Eileen Sheehan)

Sun 24 Nov   8.30am Larry Fernandes RIP (Alex & Dahlia Fernandes)
                        10.30am Mrs O’Callaghan RIP (Danny & Kay Lyons)

Reconciliation Times: No confessions Sat am this week. Sat 5.30pm (before Mass) only

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

Feast Days: Thursday The Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary Friday St Cecilia, Martyr Saturday St Clement, Pope and St Columban, Missionary

OFFERTORY COLLECTION – 10 November 2019
1st Collection :  Gift Aid  £466.50;  Loose  £232.21;   Total   £698.71
2nd (Archbishops Admin Fund):  Gift Aid £123.00;  Loose £ 99.62;  Total £222.62
This week’s retiring collection is for Bexley Deanery
Next week’s second collection is for Catholic Youth Work

ROTAS (week commencing Mon 18/11)
Readers: Sat 6.00pm Peter Harris, Sun 8.30 Larissa/Rob, Sun 10.30 John Rayer.   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 Peter H, Ann Hyde; 10.30am Kathy, Marlene, Patricia, Kate U, Molly.   Washing of Purificators: Patricia.   Flower Arranging: Theresa and Doune

JIM HENRY RIP. Sadly we have heard that Jim passed away on Thursday 14/11/19. Please can you remember his wife Mary and all the family in your prayers at this time.

READERS Please collect a short note from the Sacristy with further guidance on the Entrance and Communion Antiphons. Thank you. Kathy Fogarty

AYLESFORD RETREAT 2020 The annual Aylesford Retreat list for 2020 (15-17 May) is now in the porch. To reserve a place please pay £10 deposit. Thank you. John Stanton.

BEXLEY WINTER SHELTER Volunteer Training: Volunteers are require for this shelter. Please help us to provide local rough sleeper guests with an evening meal, a safe place to sleep, breakfast and a packed lunch. Additionally, in partnership with other agencies, we are able to give ongoing support. This includes encouraging and and helping our guests to address their financial, accommodation, employment and medical needs.
The shelter runs from the beginning of January to the end of March; usually the coldest months of the year. It is hosted by a different church venue each night; Sunday night including Our Lady of the Angels. We require 200 plus volunteers to cover all the evening, night and morning shifts. If you would like to volunteer you are required to attend one of two-hour training sessions which will both take place at Welling Baptist Church, Axminster Crescent, Welling DA6 1HF on Saturday 16 November at 2pm and Saturday 23 November at 9.30am. For further information please visit http://www.bexleywintershelter.org.uk.

NEW YEAR FAMILY DISCO 31st December 8am to 1am. Tickets are now available for our New Years Disco at St John Fisher Hall. Tickets are £12 per adult and £2 per child. Licensed bar but bring your own nibbles. Please contact Noel McCarthy with your ticket requirements on 07813 890556 / 020 8301 2479 or email noel.mccarthy60@outlook.com.