ADVENT SUNDAY

Today, the freezing weather could have prevented people coming to Mass but although some stayed at home because of the icy conditions, the majority were there as usual. Father Mervyn presided and Father Martin preached. At the start of Mass the Advent Wreath was blessed and a child from the congregation lit the first purple candle. In his sermon Father Martin mentioned the 400^th anniversary of the Authorised Version of the Bible which is being celebrated next year. The initiative for this started at a meeting of the Havering Deanery Synod who sent a resolution to the Chelmsford Diocesan Synod who passed it and sent it on to General Synod who also passed it.

During the Notices at the end of Mass we heard that the total for the Christmas Bazaar had now risen to an outstanding £2,500.

There was a good attendance this evening for our Nine Lessons with Advent Carols in candlelight. The Choir sang The Advent Prose, Adam lay Y’bounden and When came in Flesh. Amongst the readers were three teenagers from our congregation. It was a lovely way to start Advent.

On Thursday 2^nd December some of our congregation led by Father Martin will be taking part in the sponsored event “Santa’s on the Run” in aid of Richard House, London’s first hospice for children with life-limited and complex healthcare needs. It starts at Riverside Walk, St Gabriel’s Wharf (Southbank) at 6.00 p.m. when people dressed up as Santa’s will run, jog or walk for 2 km raising money towards the £1.8 million needed this year to ensure the running of the hospice.

On their Website they say this: Richard House is a purpose built children's hospice in east London. Our core purpose is to accompany families with children and young people life-threatening conditions or complex healthcare needs, during the child or young person's journey through life to death, creating positive experiences along the way which become good memories for the future. Our services are wide-ranging, completely free to families and tailored to our multi-cultural community. We need to raise £3.1 million each year to keep Richard House open.

If you are able to sponsor a member of the congregation please contact Father Martin or Father Mervyn.

SOLEMNITY OF CHRIST THE KING

Today we celebrated the Solemnity of Christ the King in a joyous service at which Father Martin celebrated and preached. We gave thanks for the resounding success of yesterday’s Bazaar and for all those who gave their time in preparation, for all those who came and spent their money and for a happy event. Father Mervyn was away officiating at St. Barnabas, Woodford Green.

Next Sunday is Advent Sunday and there will be an Advent Service of Carols & Reading at 6.00 p.m. Readings for Year A start on Advent Sunday

DATES FOR DAIRIES

Monday 22^nd  November (Tomorrow) the Redbridge & Havering Ordinariate Group will be meeting at 7.30 p.m. with Mass and a continuation of the course “Evangelium”.

Monday 29^th November Deanery Synod at St. Albans, Romford.

Saturday 4^th December NOT THE CHRISTMAS PARTY         7.30 p.m.  All ages welcome. Cost £2 per head – bring your own Drinks & Nibbles.

Wednesday 8^th December Mass at 7.30 p.m. followed by PCC meeting.

NEW YEARS EVE Social in the Hall starting at 8.00 p.m. and continuing until 2011. Admission free but names to Father Martin please.

CHRISTMAS BAZAAR UPDATE.

THE TOTAL PROFIT AT THE CHRISTMAS BAZAAR AS AT 16.10 IS A TREMENDOUS £2,179.11 (and there will be more added from the sale of cakes at Mass tomorrow.)

CHRISTMAS BAZAAR

Today, we held our Christmas Bazaar. The pictures were taken before the hall opened for the many people who came to patronise this annual event including our MP Andrew Rosindell. We hope to know the result tomorrow at the Parish Mass. Stallholders were dressed from the story Snow-white and the Seven Dwarfs.

REMEMBRANCE SUNDAY 2010

 

Today, Remembrance Sunday, a Requiem Mass was held for those who gave their lives in the service of their country in two World Wars and in many subsequent wars such as Korea, the Falklands, Suez, Iraq, Afghanistan etc. Father Martin presided and Father Mervyn played the organ. Our Scout Group paraded their flags whilst our Guides and Brownies were unable to be with us this year as some had been chosen to be at the London Cenotaph, whilst others were at the Civic Service in Romford. The Mass started 15 minutes earlier than normal so that we could observe the Two Minutes Silence at 11.00 a.m. It had been arranged that those who wished to light a Votive Candle, for those who had died, close to the Statue of Our Lady were able to do so. During the Communion the Choir sang the beautiful piece “May the Choirs of Angels”. Just before 11.00 a.m. the Altar Party, Choir and Congregation processed to the Memorial Garden where a wreath and poppies were laid, Binyon’s Poem was recited and the Two Minutes Silence kept, marked by a guest trumpeter Michael playing the Last Post and Reveille. After the National Anthem, Father Mervyn played Walford Davies Solemn Melody as the congregation returned to the church and then went to the hall for refreshments.

FUTURE EVENTS

Saturday 22^nd November WINTER BAZAAR. Doors open at 10.00 a.m. Many Stalls, Christmas Cards at bargain prices, Refreshments, Grand Draw. Come early and get yourself a bargain.

Monday 22^nd November Redbridge & Havering Ordinariate Group meet at 7.30 p.m. for Mass and will be continuing the Course “Evangelium”

Tuesday 30^th November 7.30 p.m. ROSARY in the Lady Chapel.

Saturday 4^th December NOT THE CHRISTMAS PARTY. ...fun & games for all the family. 7.30 p.m. – 11.00 p.m. Cost £2 per person.

NEW YEARS EVE PARTY 8.00 p.m. ending in 2011. FREE ADMISSION!!!!!! More details to come.

32nd SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

Today Father Martin presided at the Concelebrated Parish Mass whilst Father Mervyn preached on the Gospel of the day. He pointed out that the Sadducees didn’t believe in life after death and it was pointed out to them, by Jesus, that God was a God of the living not of the dead: the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. November was the month when we observed All Saints, and All Souls and we also we remembered those who had died as a result of two world wars and many other conflicts since. He mentioned that eternal life was now with the Church Triumphant, the Church Expectant and the Church Militant “here on earth” – all one church worshipping the one true God, a God of the living not the dead.

FORTH COMING EVENTS

Wednesday 10th November 7.30 p.m. Mass followed by a meeting of those exploring the Ordinariate. This is open to anyone who is interested.

SUNDAY 14th November REMEMBRANCE SUNDAY Requiem Mass starts at 9.45 a.m. followed at 11.00 a.m. with the Two Minutes silence in the Memorial Garden.

SATURDAY 20th November WINTER BAZAAR If you are able to help please let either Father Martin or Geoff know. Doors open on Saturday at 10.00 a.m.