Sunday, 30th November 2008
PRAYERS FOR THE SICK
Please remember: Bridie Boylan, Josephine Brisefer, Angela Connolly, Karen Desborough, Ann Gonzi, Ada Long, Sheila Mellish, Gabrielle Murray, Deacon Roger,  Joyce Timcke, Nicolette Thompson, Effie Jane Wallis and Andre Warner.

HOLY HOUR AND ADORATION
Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament now takes place usually on Friday mornings immediately after the 9.15am Mass, concluding at 10.30am.
This is a time of silent prayer.

THANK YOU
Many thanks indeed to all involved in organising the Christmas Fayre on Saturday. To all who brought goods, bought tickets, donated gifts and ran the various activities, know that your time and commitment is deeply appreciated. Full details and results will be posted on the notice boards during the week.

ANNUAL INVITATION
St Lawrence C/E community have invited us to join them for an Advent Service of Light this Sunday 30th at 6.00pm in St Lawrence’s church. This is an annual invitation from Fr Charles Pickstone and quite a number from Holy Cross respond every year. So do please come along as it is a very useful opportunity to join in prayer with our neighbours.

GRENADA MASS
On Saturday 6th December, Bishop Pat Lynch will celebrate the 6.30pm Mass with us for the Grenada community. Open to all.

MASS TIME
Please note the Mass on Wednesday morning will be at 11.30am. This is a memorial celebration for the late Andrew and Anne Baptiste. There will not be a 9.15 Mass on this day.

NEWS FOR NEWSLETTER
Please send any items for the newsletter to
Mrs Mary Baldwin at Hartley Hall: office@holycross-catford.org.uk

DRAMA AND CAROLS
The choir will meet on Wednesday evening this week at 7.30pm to prepare for our special production on Sunday 14th December 6.00pm.
New people welcome.

CAFOD CONGO CRISIS APPEAL
This is a special appeal for the disaster unfolding in the Congo. Please send donations direct to CAFOD, Feeepost, London SW9 9BR
Thank you for supporting the work of CAFOD.

HARTLEY HALL DATES TO NOTE
Thursday 4th December, 7.30 – 9pm
The CTS Bible and other Resources
This is an information evening with the Catholic Truth Society when we can see some of the excellent resources available to Parishes. Their recent publication of the CTS Bible will also be available. A useful event for Parents, Catechists, RCIA groups and anyone involved in handing on the faith.  Facilitator: Piero Finaldi

Thursday 11th December, 7.30pm – 9pm
Fr Gerry O’Collins SJ will give a presentation on Who is Jesus?. Some of his books will also be available for sale on the evening.
Both these evenings are part of the Lewisham Pastoral Year and are a preparation for Advent.

UNION OF CATHOLIC MOTHERS
Monday 1st Quiz and pre Christmas lunch.
Wednesday 3rd games and pre Christmas supper.

BELMONT HILL
There will be Mass celebrated at the convent in Belmont Hill on Tuesday 9th December at 5.00pm for the Sacred Heart Companions of Prayer.

FINANCE
Last week’s offertory: £1240.84. Thank you.

ADVENT IS HERE
There is a new publication for Advent ‘Walk with Me’ which contains readings and reflections for the whole season. Copies are available at the Contact Corner £1.

ADVENT
A reflective stillness lies at the centre of Advent. Placed between Christ’s first and second coming, the rhythms of the liturgy measure our time. Quietly, but insistently it awakens our hope and invites us to wait upon the Lord who will fulfil his promise. It assures us that we will not wait in vain. Advent calls us to renew and deepen our trust, while the world finds trust difficult and ‘hope’ is dismissed as naive. Now, in this season of Advent we come to know that this time, the time in which we live, whatever the time, is the time of our redemption.
James Hanvey SJ, The Tablet, 29th Nov. 2008.

ADVENT BLESSING
We thank you, Lord, for this season of Advent
When our hearts yearn for your coming.
Bless us with joyful attentiveness,
with eyes fixed on your arrival,
ears alert for your gently spoken word.
Bless, with a glimpse of your stillness
all whose lives are filled to the brim.
Help us to build a home
where there is space for you.
                                                Walk with me
AN ADVENT SONG
Every valley shall be exalted
And every hill made low
And all God’s people shall see together
The glory of the Lord.