This week:

s the birth of a child draws near, naturally all attention focuses on the mother. We are nearing the celebration of the Birth of Christ. Hence it should come as no surprise to find that Mary, His Mother, is at the centre of today's Gospel. Mary was a very humble person. A mere "Handmaid of the Lord" was how she saw herself. Her only concern was to do the will of God in her life. She invites each of us to do it also. First Reading. 2 Samuel 7: 1-5, 8-12, 14, 16. We read how King David had hoped to build a house (a temple) for God, but he is informed that it is God who will build a house (a dynasty) for him. Second Reading. Romans 16: 25-27. God's plan of salvation for Jews and Gentiles has come to fulfilment in Christ. The Good News must be broadcast everywhere. Gospel. Luke 1: 26-38. Mary gives her consent to become the Mother of the Redeemer, though she does not fully understand what is being asked of her. Fr. John Y. Batthula. Parish Priest.

We express our deepest sympathy and give the assurance of our prayers to the family of Paul's Funeral Service will be celebrated at the Church of the Immaculate Conception at 1.30 pm on Tuesday, 23rd December followed by cremation at Banbury Crematorium. May the angels lead you into paradise, may the martyrs come to welcome you and take you into the holy city, the new and eternal Jerusalem. Amen.

 

PARISH HANDBOOK ON SALE A mine of useful information about the parish only £5.00 a copy.

CHURCH HEATING AND PRESBYTERY WINDOWS

PRESBYTERY WINDOWS Quotations to replace the presbytery windows that are in a dire condition have now been received. The cost will be in the region of £29,000.00

CHURCH HEATING As you are aware the church heating is neither efficient or cost effective. In order to preserve our church building and to feel more comfortable, we need to replace the existing under floor system which was originally installed 50 years ago with a modern, efficient system. To install gas central heating it would cost £47,000 inc. VAT, plus £4,789 inc. VAT for infrastructure works. £51,789 in total.

Now I am appealing to every family in the parish to contribute in a generous way, as is financially possible to you to help us meet the total costs. Donations can be made by cheque to ‘Parish of the Immaculate Conception’ or by Bank transfer. Please contact the parish office for details. Progress so far.

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CHRISTMAS CRIB COLLECTION

The crib collection this year will be for the Batthula Care Trust. More on their website. Please put all donations into the collection box near the crib. Thank you in advance for your generosity.

PENITENTIAL SERVICE AND CONFESSIONS

On Monday, 22nd December at 7.00 pm. A short collective examination of conscience will be followed by Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament and individual Confession. Four visiting priests will be available for Confessions.

CHRISTMAS DAY MORNING MASS

The children of the parish will be acting out the Nativity at the 9.00 a.m. Christmas morning Mass. There will be a rehersal at 9.15 am on Saturday, 20th December in the church for children in Year 6. Please come along if you would like to take part. Younger children wishing to join in are invited to turn up on Christmas morning dressed as angels or shepherds. If you have any dressing up costumes that you no longer need and that would be suitable for children (including Mary and Joseph), we would be able to put them to good use. Please contact Victoria Conway.

CHRISTMAS OFFERING ENVELOPES

The collection at the Christmas Masses will be the traditional Christmas offering to the parish priest. Christmas offering envelopes are available at the back of the church. Please place them in the offetory collection bags. If you are going away, you can post your envelope through the presbytery door.

CHRISTMAS CLEANING

If anyone would like to come along to help with cleaning the church for Christmas please report after the morning Mass on Monday.

COFFEE MORNING

The coffee morning held on the 12th of December raised £189.65, making the total for the year £2,000.03. Our thanks to everyone who helped to raise this amazing amount, especially the 3p (every little helps), for church funds. We will have a rest in January and look forward to seeing you all again at the next coffee morning in February.

CHRISTMAS FAYRE

The Christmas Fayre raised £1,839.01. Thank you again to everyone who organised, helped, assisted and attended.

FEED THE HUNGRY

Please take a blue bag with you and fill it with non-perishable food and essential items and return it to the back of the church for the local food bank. Thank you.

SUNDAY COFFEE

If any parishioners would like to join the coffee teams, please contact the parish office. The 11.00 a.m. are down to five teams and ideally we would like to recruit three more.

CHRISTMAS STARS

Our church Christmas tree will be decorated with stars bought by parisioners and friends to remember departed ot sick friends and relations. The stars cost £3.00 each or £5.00 for two. Please complete the forms that will be available from this weekend and return them to the welcomers or to the parish office.

100 CLUB WINNERS

December 100 Club winners: £500 - 41 - Irene Ziegert, £100 - 53 - Teresa Allen, £50 - 31 - Hattam family, £25 - 84 - Christine Tett.

CHURCH CLEANING

We are very fortunate that, to date we have had a small number of dedicated men and women who regularly clean our church for us, some come after work, others are retired. However, we will be in desperate need of more cleaners to help clean the church in 2015. Currently teams clean once every 7 weeks for about 2-3 hours. Cleaning provides a good work out and is free, save money on expensive gym subscriptions! Please contact the parish office if you can help or need more details.

FUNDRISING CDS FOR SALE

A CD with various songs by artists Jamie Felton, Carol Hawes, Charlotte and Tom StJohn has been produced to raise funds for the parish. These will be on sale from the 16th of November at £5.00 each or 2 for £8.00 and make excellent Christmas gifts. Thank you to Carol and the team

SEEKERS/RCIA

Are you thinking of becoming a Catholic? Are you supporting your children on the sacramental programme? Have you been away from the church and are nervous about coming back? If you would be interested in the next course starting in November then please contact Fr. John, Ron Weaver, or the parish office. Full programme here.

CHILDREN'S SACRAMENTAL PREPARATION AND CELEBRATION

There will be some changes to our present system. All the information about the 2014/2015 Children's Sacramental Programme are enclosed in this Sunday's bulletin or here Confirmation - First Reconciliation and Holy Communion

Confirmation application form (PDF file will open in a new window)

First Reconciliation and Holy Communion application form (PDF file will open in a new window)

PRAYER

PRAY FOR THE SICK

Your prayers are requested for the following who are sick: H Starrett , B Shepard, P Harris, F J Smith, G Newton, P Davies, C Busby, A Elliot, E Browne, E Cotter, J Hurst, L Lambert, F Ostrowski, S Clarke, P Lunney, J Fowler, J James, B & D Weaver, T Kirby, N Southey, A Connell, E Stonell, M Cowley, A McCambridge, M Smith, D Spiteri, J Calver, P Selwood, P Dean, J James, J O’Rourke, M Lewandowski, M May, A Davies, N Cahill, Mrs Curzon, B Hunt, J Calnan, C Brown, S Condon., C Burns, C Morgan, E Hawkins, M Starrett, E Batchelor, M Bokhari, K Cashman, R Admans, Sr. Mary Humbert, C B Corpus., Anna Kustra. Myrna Delos Saintos.

Heavenly Father, source of all healing, visit and heal your servants from all physical and spiritual ailments, through the grace of your Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen

HOLY FATHER’S MISSIONARY INTENTION

That young seninarians and men and women religious may treceive their formation from wise and skillful teachers.

During Advent and Christmastide we are asked to pray for the following intentions:

Openness to the Word of God

Migrants and Refugees

Expectant Mothers

FORTHCOMING PARISH EVENTS IN THE JOHN PAUL II CENTRE.

DECEMBER

Sunday, 21st December - After 11.00 am Mass Drawing of the Christmas raffle.

JANUARY

Tuesday, 13th January - 8.00 pm RCIA talk on "Mary, Mother of God".

Tuesday, 20th January - 8.00 pm RCIA talk on "The Disciples".

Saturday, 24th January - 9.00 am First Holy Communion class for children attending non-Catholic schools.

9.00 am Confirmation class for children attending non-Catholic schools.

Tuesday, 27th January - 8.00 pm RCIA talk on "Christ and the Church".

FEBRUARY

Tuesday, 3rd February - 7.00 pm Parents' information session about the First Holy Communion programme. Please note that all children going to non-Catholic schools need to complete an enrolement form and bring it to the meeting.

Friday, 6th February - 7.30 pm "We've Got Talent" - the parish talent show. Tickets available from the parish or the school office.

Saturday, 7th February - All day. Retreat for those preparing for the Sacrament of Confirmation concluding with Mass at 6.00 pm.

Tuesday, 10th February - 8.00 pm RCIA talk on "Liturgy and the Eucharist".

Tuesday, 24th February - 8.00 pm RCIA talk on "Prayer and the Life of the Spirit".

Saturday, 28th February - 9.00 am First Holy Communion class for children attending non-Catholic schools.

MARCH

Tuesday, 3rd March - 8.00 pm RCIA talk on "The Communion of Saints",

Saturday, 7th March - 9.00 am First Holy Communion class for children attending non-Catholic schools.

Tuesday, 10th March - 8.00 pm RCIA talk on "The Last Things",

Saturday, 14th March - 9.00 am First Holy Communion class for children attending non-Catholic schools.

7.30 pm - St. Patrick's Family Night.

Sunday, 15th March - After Sunday Masses, Mothering Sunday celebrations.

Tuesday, 17th March - 8.00 pm RCIA talk on "The Role of the Laity",

Saturday, 21st March - 9.00 am First Holy Communion class for children attending non-Catholic schools.

Tuesday, 24th March - 8.00 pm RCIA recap and questions.

APRIL

Sunday, 5th April - After the 11.00 am Mass, drawing of the Easter Raffle. Tckets available from mid-February.

Saturday, 18th April - 9.00 am An opportunity for parents of children preparing for their First Holy Communion to understand more about this Sacrament.

Saturday, 25th April - "Carl and Dave's Comedy Magic and Illusion Show". It is suitable for all age groups so put the date in your diaries now. It will be a terrific evening,

MAY

Saturday, 8th May - Ukulele night.

Saturday, 23rd May - 7.30 pm. Fr. John's Indian Cusine Evening.

JUNE

Saturday, 13th June - Summer Fete.

Sunday, 21st June - 12.30pm Father's Day Celebration.

JULY

Sunday, 5th July - The Summer Family Festival.

The John Paul II Centre now has its own website here

SUNDAY COFFEE Come along for a coffee and meet new and old fellow parishioners after 9.00 am and 11.00 am Masses this weekend and every Sunday in the in the main hall downstairs of The John Paul II Centre. Come along...all welcome!

MASS ATTENDANCE LAST WEEKEND:
Saturday 6.00 pm 170
Sunday 9.00 am 150
Sunday 11.00 am 200
Total: 520 devout souls

PATTAYA TRUST

Donations of wool for blankets for children in Thailand are needed. Please deliver to Ann Swanson or to Sonia Drury or to the back of the church. Thank you for all the wool donated so far

VOTIVE LIGHTS

The votive lights in Our Lady's Chapel are now £1 each. Those in front of the statues of the Sacred Heart and St. Joseph are now 50p. Please put your donations in the wall collection box next to Our Lady's Chapel.

PRESENTATION ASSOCIATES

Meet on the first Wednesday of each month.

TRAIDCRAFT

Traidcraft is a Christian response to poverty, established in 1979 to fight poverty through trade. By buying these products you can help craft workers and farmers across Africa, Asia and Latin America to build a better future for themselves, for their families and for their communities. As well as goods on the stall you can order additional items through the catalogue, or buy online at Tradecraft For further information, please contact Ann Poole.

"My children, our love is not just to be words or mere talk, but something real and active." 1 John 3: 18.

Fr. John would like to meet all parents requesting the Sacrament of Baptism for their children. An application form is available for download here or can be collected from the Parish Office. Please e-mail Fr. John or the Parish Office to arrange an appointment.

If you are planning to get married either within The Parish of the Immaculate Conception or elsewhere, please use one of the forms below to make contact with the Parish Office. Thank you.

Sacrament of Matrimony application form (PDF file will open in a new window)

'Out of parish' Sacrament of Matrimony application form (PDF file will open in a new window)

Please note that the deadline for notices to be included in the weekly bulletin is 3.00 pm of the Thursday of each week.

The piety stall will now be available once a month in the porch after 9.00 am & 11.00 am Mass. Volunteers are requested to help run the stall after 6.00 pm Mass on Saturday evenings and 11.00 am mass on Sundays. More volunteers are urgently needed to help run the stall. Please contact the parish office if you can help

Please use the Mass offering envelopes at the back of the church. These can be posted through the door of the presbytery or given to the welcomers. Please be sure to give plenty of notice if specific dates are require

Meets every Thursday between 8.00 and 9.30 pm to reflect on the forhcoming Sunday readings. For further information, please contact Nick or Clare StJohn.

The parish office is located on the first floor of The John Paul II Centre. If the main doors are closed, then please press the buzzer located near the doors and wait for a member of staff to respond. When you exit the building please ensure that the door is fully closed. The telephone number is 01869 253 277.

Meets every Thursday from 9.15 am to 10.45 am in the Presentation Convent during term-time. Come along or Contact the parish office. More details

Do you have any old photographs of parish life, the church (Priory Road or The Causeway), St. Mary’s School, etc. that could go into a parish archive? If so, please could you deliver these to the parish office marked with your name. These will be scanned and returned to you. Thank you. A selection of older photographs can be seen here

This website has been set up by a parishioner. Please take a look on therosary3.com which takes you to a quiet place within; away from the noise and din of life, and all its distractions into the presence of God.