ST THOMAS OF CANTERBURY

What a splendid afternoon we had last Saturday! You came in great numbers. There was a happy buzz as the cash tills hummed, you picked up conversations too long squeezed out by busyness, sat and enjoyed the excellent band. Thank you for contributing so generously to stocking the stalls beforehand. Teddy bears and bottles were in abundance. I thank the great team of organisers for all the work you put in in the preceding days and weeks. It was a real family-meeting of the whol

It is important that we all keep up with what is happening in our church, both at home and abroad. So we need to have access to the catholic press. Unfortunately the publishers will no longer give us a sale-or-return service. So from January 1st we must pay for all the copies they deliver to the parish. At present you see a large number remain each week unsold. I am reluctant to add any more administrative work to our overworked volunteers. What would you think to the suggest

The defibrillator is now installed beside the first aid cupboard outside the parish office. Last Monday more than 20 came and received thorough training in how to use it. I thank the donor and all who cooperated in providing instruction and installation. Your office staff spent best part of a day receiving first-aid training. Let’s hope neither will be needed. But you are being well-cared for.

Chigwell Convent is currently looking for a temporary part-time manager (approx. 25 hrs/wk). There is the possibility of this becoming a permanent position. For more details please contact Sr Maria at chigwellmanager@sacredheartsjm.o rg

On Sunday 22nd December after the 10am mass the Children liturgy Catechists are hosting a short Carol Service in the Becket Centre. Children will be singing carols, accompanied by a guitarists. polish cakes and Christmas biscuits and mince pies will be served. There will be an arts and crafts table for children to enjoy. Everyone is welcome we look forward to seeing you.

Is organising a Christmas party on the 23rd of December & Camp Wild activities on the 2nd and 3rd of January 2020 from 8.30am till 5.30pm in the Becket Centre Hall. Prices and availability can be checked on www.camp-wild.co.uk or call 07414274015 for more information.

We have some longer Albs now available in the Parish Office Also for those who serve at St Thomas’ we wish to update our records so can you please fill in the sheet provided with your details.

If anyone who attended would like the link to the videos mentioned please email the parish office.

We still have some raffle prizes to be collected. Please check the numbers below and collect from the Parish Office. Pink ticket numbers 200. White ticket numbers 54, 113.

There are some plants that were not sold last weekend at the Fayre. You will have a second chance to buy some this weekend after masses. All proceeds will be going to the restoration fund.

The Sisters of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary (Chigwell) would like to thank those who save used stamps for their missions. Your help is really appreciated.

Christ is King – yes. But he needs the growing young generation to make his kingdom. Our 3-parish partnership is working on a proposal to employ a professional to assist our young people. In St Thomas’ you do very well for the junior end. You have excellent primary and secondary schools and preparation for the sacraments. We saw provision for rainbows, beavers, brownies, cubs, guides and scouts on parade at Mass a couple of Sundays ago. We are looking now to provide for those

Brother Chris OFM will be delivering three Advent talks with discussion. The first of these will take place on 28th November on St Irenaeus on growing up as a Christian. This will begin at 7.30pm in the Assisi Room, upstairs in the Becket Centre. All are most welcome. Two more talks will take place on 12th December and 19th December.

The Woodford Fellowship of Christian Churches is holding an Advent Carol Service at St Thomas’s on 8 December at 4.30pm. There will be a retiring collection for the work of The Redbridge Cold Weather Centre and Mary’s Meals.