Today we begin a new Christian year with the start of Advent. We await Christ's coming in glory to be our judge, we recognise his coming to us now in the sacraments, we prepare to celebrate his birth at Bethlehem. Today we light the first of the four candles of the Advent wreath, each marking one of this seasons four Sundays.
Today's Bible Readings: This year, ('A' of the three year cycle of Sunday readings,) the Gospel will usually come from St Matthew. In today's extract we hear Christ urging his disciples to stay awake in readiness for the coming of the Son of Man, which will happen when we do not expect it – like a thief in the night, or like Noah's flood. This reflects the Advent theme of judgement, to the fore on this first Sunday. St Paul compares it to the night coming to an end, which means that with the dawning of Christ's day we must give up sinful deeds of darkness. But there is also the Advent hope of Messiah's coming, which will bring peace and unity to the nations, over whom he will rule dwelling on Mount Zion.
Fr Rajiv’s homily will be updated on https://castingfire.wordpress.com
Mass and Devotions for the Week beginning Sunday 27th November
Saturday 9.30 am Mass
feria - of BV Mary 6.00pm First Mass of Sunday
Sunday 27th November 8.30 am Mass
First Sunday of Advent 10.00 am Family Mass
11.30 am Solemn Mass followed by Confessions
6.30 pm Mass
Monday 6.00pm Mass followed by Adoration
Advent feria and Benediction until 7pm
Tuesday 6.00pm Mass followed by Rosary
Advent feria
Wednesday 6.00 pm Mass
St Andrew, Apostle
Thursday 9.00 am Mass followed by Rosary
Advent feria
Friday 9.00 am Mass followed by Divine Mercy Prayers
Advent feria
Saturday 9.30 am Mass
St FGrancis Xavie 6.00pm First Mass of Sunday
Sunday 4th December 8.30 am Mass
Second Sunday of Advent 10.00 am Family Mass
11.30 am Solemn Mass followed by Confessions
6.30 pm Mass
If you are gluten intolerant, there are coeliac hosts available. Please speak to the priest.
SACRAMENTS
Preparation for the Sacrament of Baptism
If you have a child for Baptism under 5 years old please email us for an application form. You will be contacted once the form has been received. A copy of one of the Catholic parents’ baptism certificate will be required. Baptisms can only take place on Saturdays at 11am.
Monthly One Hour Devotion will take place on Saturday 03 December at 2PM, for the intention and protection of priests worldwide.
Meetings for adults exploring the Catholic faith continue next week. If you feel drawn to the Catholic Church, would like to be confirmed as an adult or would like to know more please get in touch via srjenefer@rcdow.org.uk, the parish office, or speak to one of the priests. All welcome, baptised or not.
RAFFLE WINNERS
216-220 White ticket wins the hamper
446-450 White ticxket wins the Nespresso machine
976-980 Green ticket wins the ham
Please call 07999 506 232 to claim your prize
Silent Auction: Fr Rajiv will bake one of his fabulous loaves of bread for the highest bidder! Text your bid to 07999 506 232 or put your bid with your name and phone number into the parish office letterbox by 11th December!
New Sunday Missals, dated for all the Sundays from Advent 2022 until the end of November 2023 are put into use in church, to assist you in following the Order of Mass, and the variable prayers and Bible readings of each. If you would like to buy your own copy from us, at £9.95, please contact the parish office.
'Walk with Me, A Journey of Prayer through Advent' is a popular booklet helping us prepare for Christmas, giving us for each day a text a Bible reading, a reflection and a prayer. Now on sale at £1.
Next Sunday there will be a money collection (not clothes,) after the Masses for Mary's Meals, a charity providing more than 2 million children in some of the world’s poorest communities with a nutritious meal every day they attend school!
The Christmas Services Leaflet, giving times for all Masses, confessions and devotions for the Christmas season, will be available next Sunday.
Special dates in Advent:
The Immaculate Conception of Our Lady, Thursday 8th December. Mass at 9.00 am and 6.00 pm
Blessing of Bambinelli ,the figures of the Infant Jesus to place in your Christmas cribs at home, takes place on Gaudete Sunday, 11th December at 10.00 am family Mass
Parish Christmas Carol Concert given by our Family Mass Choir, is on Tuesday 13th December at 7.30 pm. Choir items – congregational carols – prayers and readings – Retiring collection for Aid to the Church in Need to support persecuted Christians – followed by mulled wine and mince pies.
Holy Trinity Cine Club:
for children in Year 7 to Year 9 on a Friday evening and Year 10 to 12 on a Saturday evening once a month. Quality ‘surprise’ movie followed by discussion and pizza. All are welcome, suggested donation of £5 towards running costs. Contact cineclubbg@gmail.com.
Parents who wish to request a Certificate of Catholic Practice
for Catholic Primary School can contact the parish office to request an information form which needs to be completed and returned before the day of an interview with one of the priests.
There is a bookcase at the back of church
containing Catholic books for very young children to use in church: prayers, Bible stories, Mass books. On arrival in church before Mass starts, you can help your child choose a book and return it to the box at the end of Mass - not during. The books must be kept clean and with no pages missing. The idea is to help your child to remain content in their place, and at the same time help you to follow the Mass. Children from 4 to 7 years of age can join the Children's Liturgy at the beginning of the 10.00 am Family Mass: they return to their parents at the offertory.
HOLY TRINITY HAS GONE DIGITAL
You will find our new CONTACTLESS GIVING device in the church
porch and you can now use your contactless debit/credit card
to make a donation.
Simply choose the amount you wish to donate and
hold your card onto the reader.
You can now donate from home by using the button below.
Thank you to all who have been able to continue giving in these difficult times.
If you wish to make a one-off donation, or continue giving, please use the red DONATE button above which will allow you to easily use your credit or debit card.
Alternatively, you may make any offering via bank transfer to:
HSBC
Acc Name: Westminster Roman Catholic Diocese Trustee, Brook Green Holy Trinity
Acc no: 01308173
Sort Code: 40-05-20
Thank you for remembering that without your donations the parish cannot run. A lot of expenses remain whilst our income has been drastically reduced. We are very grateful for your continued support.
Christian Marriage: a journey of healing
On Friday 29th September the Church celebrated the Great Feast of the Three Archangels: Michael, Gabriel and Raphael. Can you identify them in the picture above?
Michael carries a sword in his hand to defend your marriage from the Devil who accuses us when we sin, lies to us about what makes us happy, and puts in our minds doubts about the love of God.
Gabriel carries a pregnant womb, the visible sign that every Word of God carries new life and can become flesh in your marriage, because ‘nothing is impossible to God’.
The third angel, in the middle, is Raphael, meaning ‘God’s healing’. This Angel carries the hand of a young man - called Tobias - and is walking with him towards the marriage with Sarah. Raphael is the Guardian Angel of Tobias and Sarah,and of EVERY married couple.
For marriage enquiries please contact the parish priest:
Planning to get married?
Marriage Preparation Course
Our course is open to all couples intending to marry in a Catholic Church, regardless of which parish you live in.
We will be beginning marriage preparation by the end of September for those engaged to be married. Those interested, please contact Fr Rajiv: rajivmichael@rcdow.org.uk
