St Benedict’s Social Club Rowan Rd Batchley

Available for hire Baptisms, Weddings, Funerals and other occasions.

Telephone the Club on 01527 60345

BINGO Every Sunday 2.30pm & Monday 8pm

Hadzor Prayer Group Friday mornings 11am-12.30pm to reflect on the Gospel for the coming Sunday. Refreshments provided

St Mary’s Alvechurch Ecumenical Faith Group On the third Wednesday of every month at 10.30 am – all welcome

New LIFE Care Service in Redditch By appointment

telephone 07516 257409 Free National Helpline 0808 802 5433

In the porches there are some LIFE cards which we would ask you to take and place in your doctor’s surgery

“My house shall be called a house of prayer” Please be sensitive to those who want to pray in silence before Mass. Before Mass Talk to God During Mass Listen to God After Mass Talk to each other

Statue Visitation for the Consecrated Life

Parishioners are invited to receive the statue of Our Lady for one week and place her with flowers and candles in a prominent position in the home. Each day you are committed to praying the rosary to which parishioners can be invited to join in if you so wish. If you would like to participate in this, please see one of the clergy or contact the parish office.

ROTA SO FAR ......... Sunday 19th November 2017 Ann Glennon Sunday 26th November 2017 Caroline Holland Sunday 3rd December 2017 Vincent Sampays Sunday 10th December 2017 Linda Gordon Sunday 17th December 2017 Susan Salam If your date is not convenient for you, please either swap with someone else or let the parish office know. Could you welcome the statue of Our Lady into your

home? - Yes? - please contact the parish office!

If you wish to contact the parish St Vincent de Paul group, please telephone

07531 818731 (the SVP phone) and leave

a message with your contact details so we can

return your call.

THE SHRINES OF OUR LADY & THE SACRED HEART To have the lamp burn for your intentions or loved ones, please contact the parish office, suggested donation £5.

Fellow Catholic Parishioners please come and join us

The Catenians - a Catholic men’s association

‘Strengthening family life through friendship and faith’ The Redditch Circle meets on the 3rd Thursday of every month at the Abbey Hotel and welcomes new members. For further information please contact Andrew Farrell on 07767831548 or Brian Green on 01527 543111

Mount Carmel Seniors Group

Thursdays at 2.30pm St Benedict’s

December 16th Trip to Leicester Market, Lunch & Mass with Fr Denis at the school. January 11th 2018 Pantomime at the Hippodrome

Do you support Catholic Schools and the

right of Catholics to send their children to

them?

Then we need you to make your voice heard. The Government is making a critical decision on whether to overturn the admissions cap which prevents Catholic schools from allowing all Catholic pupils to attend. They have acknowl-edged that this policy discriminates against Catholics and promised to abandon it, now we need you to tell them not to U-turn on their prom-ise to Catholics. Visit http://catholicnews.org.uk/education-cap or search for ‘Catholic Education’ in your search engine to write to the Government and urge them to drop their policy which bans new Catholic Schools.

With thanks for your kind co-operation together with assurance of prayers as Advent approaches. +Bernard Longley, Archbishop of Birmingham

Coffee Shop

at St Benedict’s, Batchley

Wednesdays

10am—12noon

Legion of Mary Mondays 10am Parish Centre All welcome

APF Missio Red Box Holders

2018 Calendars available at back of

church and in porches

CAFOD World Gifts Christmas Catalogue Available to take home

ST BEDE’S CHRISTMAS CRAFT FAIR

5th December 5pm—7.30pm

All welcome to come along to St Bede’s Christmas Fair. There will be over 25 stalls selling Christmas crafts. Refreshments on offer throughout the even-ing. There will also be a raffle with fantastic prizes to be won!

First Sunday of Advent ….

In Advent, Christians relive a dual impulse of the spirit; on the one hand, they raise their eyes towards the final destination of their pilgrimage through history, which is the glorious return of the Lord Jesus; on the other, remembering with emotion his birth in Bethlehem, they kneel before the Crib. The hope of Christians is turned to the future but remains firmly rooted in an event of the past. In the fullness of time, the Son of God was born of the Virgin Mary: ‘Born of a woman, born under the law’, as the Apostle Paul writes (Ga 4:4). We might say that Advent is the season in which Christians must rekindle in their hearts the hope that they will be able with God’s help to renew the world. (Pope benedict XVI)

Thank you’s

A sincere thankyou to all who contributed to making the Christmas Bazaar such a lovely event and to all who sup-ported it in any way. No definite total yet but at present the bottom line is £2051 after expenses but expect this will rise during the week. Detailed sheet out next week.

The Redditch Catholic Fellowship wish to thank all who supported their charity dance last Friday. £634.40 was raised towards their Christmas party fund.

On behalf of the Friends of the Holy Land, may I thank all those who gave so generously to the 2nd collection, to those who continue to give through the crib boxes and by single donation. To date we have received in excess of £1200 and this will go a long way to assist our brothers and sisters in Palestine, Gaza and Jordan.

Christmas Carol Concert

22nd December 7pm in Mount Carmel Church Duo Luminoso (Jobe & Alicja) + Guest Singer Polish & English Carols—Entry £5 Gloria, Gloria, Zas piewajmy! Glory, glory let us sing!

THE PARISH SVP would like to invite parishioners to

make a donation to the costs of the homeless Christmas party on Saturday 16 December. Christmas lunch and a Christmas present for everyone is planned. The day will cater for up to 180 homeless men and women who will enjoy Christmas carols, a gospel singer and musicians throughout the day. If you able to help please leave your donation at the parish office in an envelope marked SVP Party (cheques payable to Mount Carmel Church). Thank you for your wonderful support throughout 2017!

Redditch Carmelite Spirituality Meeting

Next Saturday 9th December at 11.15am. Our speaker is Brother Bernard Wassall, a Benedictine monk from Bel-mont Abbey and the title of his talk is: The Carmelite spirit of HOPE AND TRUST as seen in Sts Therese, Elizabeth and Benedicta. Lectio Divina at 1.15pm followed by a shared lunch.

Altar Servers—a date for your diary!

Guild of St Stephen Thanksgiving Mass 12 noon Saturday 17th February in St Chad’s Cathedral followed by refreshments in the Grimshaw Room. If you are interested in going, please let either one of the clergy or Paul Brewster know.

Christmas Cards, Calendars & Diaries

We have a few of the above still available from the Parish Office, cards £2 pack of 10, calendars £1 and Catholic Diaries with the Order of Mass included £2 each.

Exploring the World of the Bible

NB No Bible Study in January.

OUR LADY OF MOUNT CARMEL, REDDITCH

Beoley Road West, Redditch, Worcestershire, B98 8LT (01527) 63096

Email: office@mtcarmel.co.uk Website: www.ourladyofmountcarmel.co.uk

The Parish is part of the Archdiocese of Birmingham: Registered Charity No.234216

Parish Clergy: Fr Anthony Rohan, Fr Craig Davies, Fr Cornelius Safe

Permanent Deacons: Revs Des Chilton & Peter Griffiths

NEWSLETTER 1789 FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT 3RD DECEMBER 2017

Parish Mass Book 28 Isaiah 6316-17;64:1.3-8 Psalm 79 1 Corinthians 1:3-9 Gospel Mark 13:33-37

PARISH WEBSITE UPDATE: www.ourladyofmountcarmel.co.uk Journey in Faith, Baptism Enquiries, Wedding Enquiries etc,

Stations of the Cross

Fridays at 10am

after Mass

PLEASE do not leave bags of clothes in the church or bring them to the parish office. We will only accept what has been specifically asked for by the SVP Group.

Mass Times & Intentions

First Sunday of Advent

Week beginning Sunday 3rd December 2017

Saturday Mount Carmel 5.00 pm Thomas Meagher (a) Hadzor 5.00 pm Martin Fawlk

Sunday Mount Carmel 8.15 am Georg Hartung 9.45 am Mass in Polish 11.15 am Paddy Rogers 6.00 pm Myrtle Wilson Alvechurch 9.45 am Ita Hayes Feckenham 10.15 am People of the Parish

Monday Mount Carmel 9.10 am Morning Prayer 9.30 am Ints of Thomas

Tuesday Mount Carmel 9.10 am Morning Prayer 9.30 am Liam Mohan 6.00 pm Latin Mass (EF) Joyce Waters St Thos More Sch 9.10 am School Mass

Wednesday Mount Carmel 9.10 am Morning Prayer 9.30 am Philip Hadley 5.00 pm Mass in Polish

Thursday

Mount Carmel 9.10 am Morning Prayer 9.30 am P M Mathew (a) 6.30 pm Exposition 7.00 pm Sadie O’Callaghan St Aug Sch 9.30 am Yr 10 Form Group Mass

Friday—The Immaculate Conception Mount Carmel 9.10 am Morning Prayer 9.30 am STB’s KS2 in church Holy Souls in Purgatory esp. dec’d members of FOSS 11.00 am STB’s KS3 in church 10.00 am Stations of the Cross 5.00 pm Mass in Polish 7.00 pm Mt Carmel School KS2 Carol Service in church

Saturday Mount Carmel 9.10 am Morning Prayer 9.30 am Elizabeth Burak (a)

(The following fulfils Sunday Obligation) Mount Carmel 5.00 pm Joan Casey (a) Hadzor 5.00 pm People of the Parish

Second Sunday of Advent Cycle B

Week beginning Sunday 10th December 2017 Mount Carmel 8.15 am Tim Herlihy (b’day a) 9.45 am Mass in Polish 11.15 am Brigit Brewster (a) 6.00 pm Susan Cullen Alvechurch 9.45 am Gertrude & Joseph Lynch Feckenham 10.15 am Fran Maguire

Parish Diary ….

Sunday First Sunday of Advent, Year B, Psalter Week 1

Counting Team A Monday 10am Legion of Mary in Parish Centre 7pm Mount Carmel Choir Practice 7.30pm Narcotics Anonymous in Parish Centre

Tuesday 6pm Latin Mass (EF)

Wednesday 7.30pm Baptism Meeting in the Parish Centre (Jean Hardcastle)

Thursday 7.30pm Journey in Faith in the Parish Centre

Friday 10am Stations of the Cross in Mount Carmel

Saturday Redditch Carmelite Spirituality Group in Parish Centre Tea & Coffee in the Parish Centre after 5pm Mass Tea & Coffee after 5pm Hadzor in the Newman Room

NO FLOWERS DURING ADVENT Sunday Second Sunday of Advent Cycle B Psalter Week 2 6pm Churches together in Alvechurch & Rowney Green Joint Service at St Laurence’s Parish Church

Counting Team B

________________________________________________________________________________________________

Norah’s Bottle Raffle

1st Prize Jamesons Whisky Jennifer Barratt (taken) 2nd Prize Highland Earl Sarah Reynia 07826 748172 3rd Prize Baileys Maria Bradley 4th Prize Gin Frances Edmonds (taken) 5th Prize Croft Sherry Carmel Turner (taken) 6th Prize Small Champagne Norton 544553 7th Prize Cava Angela Allen (taken) 8th Prize Small Champagne Wood 517566 9th Prize Bollinger Rose (taken) 10th Prize Prosecco Bull 07941 304963 11th Prize Isla Negra White Pearce (taken) 12th Prize Chianti (red) Liz Hall (taken) 13th Prize Blossom Hill Rose—Peter Golby 14th Prize Frontera White Christine 502225

Mount Carmel 500 Club—Subs now due

Confessions at Mount Carmel

During Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament followed by Benediction Saturdays 10-10.50am

On the 1st Saturday of the month the Rosary will be said

after Devotions

Tuesday Evenings 6.30pm-7pm

The Parish Safeguarding Representatives are

Mrs Jane Craig & Mrs Linda Gordon

Monday Saint John Damascene

St John Damascene was born in Damascus in the late seventh century. He was a monk and priest at the monastery of St Sabbas in Jerusalem He is remembered for defending the faith and for his devotion to Our Lady. He died in the year 749.

Tuesday Feast of Saint Birinus

St Birinus was sent England by Pope Honorius I, was ordained as a bishop and established his See at Dorchester on Thames. He died in the year 650.

Wednesday Saint Nicholas

(Fourth Century) St Nicholas was born perhaps at Patara (now in Turkey) and became bishop of Myra. He was imprisioned under the Emperor Diocletian and had attended the Council of Nicea which opposed the Arian Heresy. The saint’s relics were later brought to Bari (Italy)

Thursday Saint Ambrose

St Ambrose was born at Trier about the year 340. Whle still preparing for his own baptism, he was chosen to be bishop of Milan. It was on this day in 374 that he was ordained bishop. He died in 397.

Friday Solemnity of the Immaculate

Conception of the Blessed Virgin

Mary

Saturday Saint John Diego Cuabtlatoatzin (1474-1548) St John Diego was born near what is now Mexico City and converted to Christianity in middle age. He showed a great piety and walked many miles to attend Holy Mass. While doing so on 9 December 1531, the Blessed Virgin Mary appeared to him on Mount Tepeyac, asking that a shrine be built on the spot. The local bishop asked for a sign and Our Lady left a mirac-ulous portrait of herself on St Jean Diego’s tilma or mantle.

GRAND RAFFLE PRIZE WINNERS

1st Prize £200 Ticket 02679 Mavis (taken) 2nd Prize £100 Ticket 02510 Amy Reynolds (taken) 3rd Prize £50 Ticket 02970 Brian Green 4th Prize Whisky Ticket 02970 Kate Taylor 5th Prize Brandy Ticket 02752 C Conboy 592054 6th Prize Vodka Ticket 01233 Ian (taken) 7th Prize Gin Ticket 01534 Les Crow 8th Prize Amaretto Ticket 02900 Tel 451234 9th Prize Chateau Singleyrac White Ticket 01660 Graham Lovett 10th Prize Campo Viejo Rioja Ticket 00344 James King 11th Prize 1st Cape Sauvignon Blanc Ticket 01583 P McMahon 12th Prize 1st Cape Shiraz Ticket 00159 J Fry (taken) 13th Prize Baron St Jean Ticket 00146 C Allen (taken) 14th Prize Cotes du Rhone Red Ticket 00106 M Lynch 15th Prize Stowells Merlot Ticket 00275 Anna Sedgwick 16th Prize Baron St Jean Rose Ticket 00700 Grace Taylor (taken) 17th Prize Stamford Merlot Ticket 01888 Norton 18th Prize Thorntons Pudding Ticket 02640 Wilkes 459767 19th Prize Shortbread biscuits Ticket 00514 Hilary Powell 20th Prize Thortons Toffee etc Ticket 01576 T Fulton 66873 21st Prize Thorntons Nut, Praline Ticket 02570 Rose (taken) 22nd Prize Cadbury’s Heroes Ticket 01280 Ammiel Reyer 522464 23rd Prize Bendick’s Mints Ticket 01151 Di Timmins

Feckenham Hampers

1st Yellow ticket 295 : Tony : 2nd Green ticket 238 : Norton

Test your dexterity James Tudor (Over 12), Leo & Les

Lamp at the Shrine of Our Lady of Mt Carmel

This week the lamp burns for the intentions of CATHERINE CONBOY ….. Next week the lamp burns for the Intentions of JOSEPH (First Birthday) & IRENA (Eleventh Birthday) from Mom

Lamp at the Shrine of the Sacred Heart

This week the lamp burns in loving memory of the JANE & HUGH McKENNA…. Next week the lamp burns in loving memory of BRIGIT BREWSTER (ANNIVERSARY)

For the dead ...

Your prayers are asked for MARTIN FAWLK Funeral Service 2pm Friday 15th December at the Abbey Chapel., FRANK FINNEGAN brother of parishioner. May their souls and the souls of all the faithful departed through the mercy of God, rest in peace.

Please pray for the sick…

Deacon Des, Carmel Fiolka, Fred & Pauline Clarke, Jane-Christina Thomson, Bob & Caroline Holland, Mick Halloran, Chris Figgett, Kitty Fanning, Thomas Henry Burnside, Bridget Heatley, Winifreda Olga Hall, Brian & Devan Dixon, Brian Dixon Snr, Pat Conner, Margaret Daly, Maureen Reavey, Gregory & Linda Daniel, Maura Lee, Sean Harkin, Margaret Clarke, Antho-ny Obinna, Margaret Leonard, Mary Hickey, Rita Wilson, Pat Davis, Grazyna, Kazik & Krzys Juszkiewicz, Delia Bree, Gino Belmonte, John Henry Birtle, Martin Twomey, Mgt Maddison, Fiona Short, Jane Elliott, Selina Kilker, James Daniel Durrant, Gillian Reeves, Biddy Smith, Andrew Quinn, Christopher Carr, Clive McColgan, Christine Watson, Maria Yates, Mark Yates, Josie Clarke, Stuart Pearson, Mandy Millward Morrissey, Francis & Judith O’Hare, Eugene Kirk, Tom Nicholas, Julia Hopkins

Congratulations …..

We welcome into God’s family CHARLIE BROOKS, KARA DAVEY, THOMAS PENNELL & LEON ZARACKI baptised last Sunday at Mount Carmel

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________

VACANCIES

St Thomas More School requires a Classroom Teacher with responsibility for Teaching and Learning/Curriculum Develop-ment for 16th April 2018. Group1 School, Main Scale, Salary Range £22,917 to £33,824 pa + TLR2 £2666 NOR 210, Age Range 4-9. To arrange a visit or an informal discussion about the post, please contact the school on 01527 525821 or email office@st-thomasmore.worcs.sch.uk Application pack available on their website www.stthomasmorefirst.com or contact the school office 525821 or email on above address. Closing date Friday 8th December, Interviews Wk beginning 15th January 18

Mount Carmel School due to movement within the school, now have the following pupil vacancies : two in Reception, two in Year 2 and three in Year 4—if you would like to apply for a place in any of these years, please contact the school on 01527 546398

What’s on ……….

Birmingham Newman Circle meeting Monday 4th December at the Catholic Chaplaincy, Newman House, Harrisons Road, Edgbaston B15 3QR. Deacon Peter Middleton will be giving a talk entitled ‘The Diaconate’.

WEEKLY STATISTICS

Weekend 25/26 November 2017 1st Collection £707.35 2nd Collection £337.97

Attendance 891 (No Polish Mass count) These figures do not include Standing Orders

SAINTS & FEASTS FOR THE WEEK …