Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, Universal King - The Church’s liturgical year draws to its close today and begins afresh next week with the season of Advent. Though earthly rulers come and go, and even at the height of their power, rule over only a very small part of the created universe, the reign of Jesus Christ is eternal and cosmic in its proportions. It is a reign founded on the principles of justice and integrity, where those who live according to the values of the Kingdom will feel at home. What Jesus speaks of in the parable of the Last Judgement is a fundamental rule of Kingdom living. What we do - one for another - heals and builds up the Body of Christ, that is the family of the Church. What we do not do - one for another - weakens and diminishes it. Jesus is a king who invites us into the fullness of life, which is His Life. The choice is ours!
‘Walk with Me’ – Booklets of reflections for each day of Advent are now available in the Church porch priced £1. This is a good way of preparing for the great festival of Christmas.
The ‘Spirit of Christmas’ Concert – given by the Fulham Camerata will take place at 7pm on Sunday 10th December here at Holy Cross, followed by mince pies and mulled wine. The suggested minimum donation to attend is £10, and all monies raised will go to the local homeless charity “Glass Door’ based at 155A Kings Road. Melissa Kerschen, their Communications Manager, will say a few words towards the end of the concert. For more information about their vital work see www.glassdoor.org.uk
Annual Holy Cross Parish Advent Service – will take place at 7pm on Monday 20th December with popular songs, readings and carols, followed by minced pies and mulled wine. A retiring collection will be taken to support the work of the Catholic Children’s Society in the Diocese of Westminster. See www.cathchild.org.uk for more information about their work.
Christmas Masses – Advance Notice – Many thanks to all those who expressed their views regarding Mass times at Christmas here at Holy Cross. I was grateful for the feedback. Going on the results of the consultation Masses will take place as follows: Saturday 23rd December 2017 - Vigil Mass for 4th Sunday of Advent - 6.30pm - Sunday 24th December - 4th Sunday of Advent - Mass at 10.30am only (no 9.30am or 11.30am Masses) Then, from 4pm on 24th December, its officially Christmas Eve, and the First Mass of Christmas will be at 8pm (NO Midnight Mass) Monday 25th December - Christmas Day - Masses will be at 9.30am and 11.30am. Fr Michael
French Mass – will take place here at Holy Cross Church this Sunday 26th November at 5pm.
First Holy Communion 2018 – The next sessions of Catechesis will take place on the 2nd /3rd December.
Day Retreat on the Spirituality of Padre Pio on Friday 15th December (10am to 3pm) - Programme will be led by Father John Mockler, a priest of the Diocese of Limerick in Ireland and a member of the Secular Institute of Padre Pio's Servants of Suffering. Programme for the day will be: 10 am Rosary and talk on Church teaching and the New Age. 11 am Holy hour of Healing. 12 noon: Confessions. 1 pm Lunch. 2 pm: Talk on Padre Pio's spirituality. 2.45pm: Divine Mercy Chaplet. 3pm: Holy Mass. Please note that there will be no 9.30am Mass.
Red Boxes for Missio - Would those parishioners who kindly save money for the overseas missions in the Missio red boxes, please return them to the Church Sacristy for emptying and counting as soon as possible. Thank you.
Devotion of 1.000 Hail Mary’s – Come and take part in a huge recitation of the Rosary on the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception, Friday 8th December from after the 9.30am Mass, until it finishes at approximately 3.30pm. 50 Hail Marys’ are recited for every mystery and the whole Glorious, Joyful, Sorrowful and Mysteries of Light will be undertaken. Some stay for the whole prayer, while others come and go, taking turns. We look forward to seeing you.
‘Donate a Coat’ 2017 Winter Coat Campaign – The charity ‘Calling London’ are collecting winter coats in a city wide initiative. When the coats are collected, they will be distributed to Londoners who don’t have anything to keep them warm. Nothing is sold! No money is involved! It’s as simple as it sounds. They need coats for men, women, teenagers, children and babies, as long as they are in a clean, good condition, and ready to be worn. Coats ONLY please, wool coats, ski jackets, duffle coats. NO thin rain wear, jumpers, work wear or any other clothing. Please bring your coats to Church and leave them in the porch near to the statue of Our Lady. Coats will only be accepted up until this Thursday 30th November. To find out more look at the website www.callinglondon.org.uk ‘Warm a heart with a Winter Coat’
School References – Certificate of Catholic Practice – For those parents hoping to get a place for their child in a Catholic school, priority is given to children of Catholic parents who participate at Mass every Sunday as part of this parish community. As Fr Michael has only been Parish Priest of Holy Cross since 1st September 2017, and does not yet know everyone, he will be unable to sign any statement unless he gets verification of three years weekly Sunday Mass and Holy Days attendance from the former Parish Priest, Fr Mehall Lowry. Fr Mehall writes: “Dear Parents. Since moving from Holy Cross I have been contacted by parents seeking admission to Catholic Schools in 2018 for ‘Catholic Practice’ certificates. Catholic Practice is observed by Catholics who attend Mass on Sunday and Holy Days. This observation is over three or more years. Catholic Practice does not mean attending occasionally, or once a month. If you attended another parish before this period or attend Mass in the month elsewhere you should contact that parish, or the priest you previously knew for the reference. Please send your email to with the following information. 1. Please provide a photograph of your family who practice. 2. State that you understand the term ‘Catholic Practice’ 3. State how many years you have attended Holy Cross. I will then forward an email to Fr Michael with my recommendation. Kind regards. Fr Mehall Lowry”
We pray for those who are sick: Sheila McCusker, Sarah Muir, Nana Akowuah, John Connors, Myra Scully, Teresa Knott and for all the sick and housebound in our parish.
We pray for the faithful departed: Recently deceased: David Kentish, Monica Audu, Monsignor George Tutto, Canon Louis Thomas, Terry Daley and all who have died because of war, terrorism or natural disaster. Anniversaries: William Daley