1st Sunday of Advent - 29th Nov 2009

Padre Pio Prayer Group meeting this Thursday - consists of Mass, Rosary and prayers for the sick – all are welcome.

The Queen of Love prayer group is preparing to make a consecration to Our Lady at the Immaculate Conception. All welcome: Tuesday evenings 8 pm

The Christmas fair at St Mary Magdalen's on Saturday 5th December 2pm to 4pm. Usual festive fun.

Helpers of God’s Precious Infants - On Friday the 4th of December Monsignor Reilly - founder of "The Helpers of God's Precious Infants" will give a talk entitled "Reasons for Hope in this Epic Struggle for Life", at 7.30pm at St James' Church Hall, Spanish Place, 22 George Street, London, W1U 3QY. On 5^th December there will be Mass and Benediction at Ealing Abbey W5 2DY followed by procession to Marie Stopes abortion Centre –Please see the poster for more details or telephone 0208 252 3109.

Lit candles should not be placed on the foil underneath the proper metal holders, especially at the Pieta, presumably because there is no room left. This has proved to be a serious fire

hazard. Please refrain from it – and use other stands when your preferred one is full.

WELCOME TO ADVENT! (hence the purple colours!)

The Catechism stresses the two-fold meaning of this “coming” : “When the Church celebrates the liturgy of Advent each year, she makes present this ancient expectancy of the Messiah, for by sharing in the long preparation for the Savior’s first coming, the faithful renew their ardent desire for His second coming” (No. 524).

This season is shorter than Lent: don’t let it pass you by! Spend a bit longer each day/week in yearning for the coming of Christ into your heart and life in a deeper manner. One good way to start Advent is by coming to our First Friday Holy Hour this Friday evening at 7pm.

COMING UP Ø Maryvale Catechesis Course: Course commences Sat 12th Dec in W. London. Ø Our Advent penitential service is planned for Thursday 17th December Ø School application forms – for Sep 2010 entry into St Mary Magdalen’s Junior School and Convent of Jesus & Mary Infants School – appointments are now available on four dates between 18 January and 6th February 2010 – please contact Clergy House. Ø Confirmation Preparation Course for those in Year Nine: This will start early in 2010. Watch this space for times for introductory meetings. Ø Annual Parish Concert is very likely to be on 30th April Ø King's Hall Community Centre - Christmas Fair 12th December 1.30-4.30pm. Local crafts, gifts & Father Christmas. 155 Harlesden Road' Ø Days with Mary: 9:30 am Sat 5th Dec Our Lady of Lourdes, Acton High St, London, W3 – Sat 19th Dec St James’s, Spanish Place, George St W1

Diocesan vacancies - CHEF/COOK and KITCHEN ASSISTANT – at SPEC (Catholic Residential Retreat Centre in London Colney Herts) - more details from -Julie Dauncey Email: juliedauncey@rcdow.org.uk or visit our website at www.rcdow.org.uk, or Tel 020 7798 9167.