Newsletter - 1 December
THE START OF ADVENT
Dear brothers and sisters,
We are already at the start of Advent. Shops and other commercial events are glimmering with lights and other decorations to obtain our attention for the festivities ahead. I visited a school this week and when asked who is the one coming at Christmas, a few children answered spontaneously with all their heart “Santaaaa!”. Brothers and sisters, we need time to prepare our hearts to the coming of the Lord, which is the real and true gift.
There is of course his first coming around year zero, when the event of Incarnation actually took place, and which transformed the whole destiny of humanity. But there is also a coming which happens every year where we experience both something repetitive and non-repetitive. The repetitive aspect relates to the celebration of the unique event which occurred in the past when our Saviour espoused our human flesh and became one of us. But it is also true that Christmas is not repetitive, every year we are a different person. We may be the same but we go through new experiences, adventures, joys, difficulties, challenges… Life does not spare us from new episodes which form part of our normal existence of limited human beings. And these episodes as well as their impact on us form part of ourselves. It is this present self, who we are today – at this very moment – which is of interest to the Lord.
Advent provides us a good opportunity to ponder on his coming. But how to get prepared inside? How to approach the mystery of incarnation? We could for instance choose to read slowly one of the books of the Bible, a Gospel or one of the prophets like Isaiah. Or we could decide to take a few special prayer times, on our own or as a family, around the coming of Jesus. During Advent, the parish will provide an additional adoration time on Sundays from 4pm to 5pm to help those who cannot come during weekdays. This prayer time will be family friendly and children are welcome. Moreover, it will be possible to take time to reconcile with the Lord for those who would like.
Whatever be our decision, may it help us to prepare our hearts to welcome the Lord who is longing to dwell in us. I wish to all of you a blessed Advent time.
Fr Pascal Sullivan, ccn
Focus of the Week
ADVENT PROGRAMME
Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament and Confession
Sunday 1,8, 15, 22 December 4 – 5pm
Rorate Masses
Friday 6, 13, 20 December 7am
Carol Singing
Sunday 22 December 5pm
CHILDREN’S NATIVITY DRAMA 2024
Children of the parish are invited to sign up to participate in our Nativity Drama which will take place at the 4:00p.m. Mass on the 24 December. A rehearsal will be held Monday 23 December 4:00-5:30pm and Tuesday 24 at 2:30pm.
Please register by emailing Caterina, with children’s name, age, and your phone number: cockfosterspa@rcdow.org.uk