ST.
JOHN VIANNEY 4 Vincent Road, London N15 3QH
CHURCH
WEST GREEN
14th/ 15th December 2019
3rd SUNDAY OF ADVENT
Gaudete (Joyful) Sunday
Dear Parishioners,
On this third Sunday of Advent, we are
invited to REJOICE as the coming of our
Saviour draws near.
In the first reading, Isaiah invites even the
desert land to rejoice! He continues with a
prayer for strength – “strengthens all
weary hands … courage, do not be afraid!”
St James, in the second reading calls for
PATIENCE.
The Gospel takes up the story of John the
Baptist in prison. He had spoken out
against Herod who had married his
brother’s wife, Herodias – he ended up in
prison. From his dark dungeon, John sends
messengers to Jesus to ask plainly: “Are
you the one who is to come, or have we
got to wait for someone else?” Is this
question telling us that John had doubts
about Jesus as the Messiah? Or is it more
likely to help strengthen the faith of other
disciples? Last week we heard a clear
message from this same John: “Repent, for
the kingdom of heaven is at hand … the
one coming after me is mightier than I …
I am not worthy to carry his sandals”. At
this point, John is very clear about Jesus.
It is worth keeping in mind as we study St.
Matthews’ Gospel – up to now we read of
many miracles and signs that Jesus gave.
Note too, the authorities did not accept
Jesus. Keep in mind part of the text of last
Sunday’s Gospel and the words of John:
“Even now the axe lies at the root of the
trees. Therefore every tree that does not
bear fruit will be cut down and thrown on
the fire.” John seems to be of the belief
that the Messiah will come and destroy all
non-believers – they will be eliminated.
Parish Office: 020 8888 5518
E-mail: westgreen@rcdow.org.uk
Website: stjohnvianneywestgreen.co.uk
But Jesus’ ministry is different. “Go back
and tell John what you see and hear: the
blind see again; the lame walk; lepers are
cleansed, the deaf hear; the dead are
raised to life; the Good news is proclaimed
to the poor and blessed is the person who
does not lose faith in me.” Jesus is showing
God’s compassion, contrasting John’s ideas.
Whether John doubted or not doesn’t
matter to him at this stage. He has fulfilled
his mission. It is likely that John wanted
his disciples to meet Jesus face to face; to
listen to him first hand and so believe for
themselves. There is no substitute for
personal experience for anything in life.
Jesus then speaks of John. His dialogue
shows a sense of humour or irony. Reeds
grow in swampy ground – not deserts;
people wearing fine clothes belong in
palaces – “you went to see a prophet; John
is the greatest of all prophets – yet the
least in the kingdom of heaven is greater
than he is.” That is us! We are privileged
to be part of the new Kingdom of God.

FIRE DRILL: Many of us will have the
experience of doing a Fire drill in school or
at work. Basically it means getting out of
a building as quickly and safely as possible.
That includes our church. Do you
remember the last fire drill in Church?
Never! So this weekend we will attempt it.
Simply: When you hear the
bells – get ready to leave.
Notice the nearest EXIT to
where you are; the children
will be guided by their
leaders; those who are somewhat feeble
will need extra attention; follow the signs
to the ASSEMBLY POINT. We will try to
complete this exercise in three (3) minutes.
Thanks for your co-operation.
That’s all for this week, God bless,
Fr Joe
 THANK YOU FOR YOUR GENEROSITY
LAST SUNDAY!
CATECHETICAL PROGRAMMES
2019-2020
For more information, contact the
office or Sr. Devy on 07455 544 065
FIRST COMMUNION PROGRAMME
Next session: Sat, 11th Jan. 2020, 10am
plus Sunday Mass at 11:00am.
CONFIRMATION PROGRAMME
Next session: Sat, 11th Jan. 2020, 3:30pm
plus Mass 6:00pm.
FIRST RECONCILIATION PROGRAMME
Children attending Catholic schools who
had received their first Holy Communion in
May 2019 are invited to prepare for their
first Sacrament of Reconciliation.
The first session will be on Saturday,
18th January 2020, 12pm-1:15pm
(for both children and parents)
RITE OF CHRISTIAN INITIATION
FOR ADULTS (RCIA)
Next session: Sat, 18th Jan 2019, 4:00pm
plus Mass 6:00pm
BAPTISM FOR INFANTS
If you would like to have your child
baptised on the 11th January 2020 or later,
please contact the Parish Office or Sr. Devy
to make the necessary arrangements.
Next session: Monday, 9th Dec, 7:30pm.
PARISH OUTREACH
SANDWICH MAKING (PREPARATION):
on Fri. 20th December after 9:15am Mass.
Next SOUP RUN: Group A
at 4.30pm on Sat, 21st December 2019
Volunteers for sandwich making and
drivers are urgently needed
We pray for the repose of the soul of:
MARY BOND, RIP
(mother of Jim Bond)
The Funeral Mass will be held at
Ramsgate on 18th December at 11:30am.
We remember her and her family in our
prayers. May she rest in peace.
THANK YOU FROM THE HOMELESS
On behalf of all the homeless who have
been seen and fed during our Soup Runs,
many thanks to all the parishioners who
have been helping with the preparation of
sandwiches, soups, tea and coffee
throughout the year; to those who have
generously donated gifts and clothing;
and especially to our drivers and helpers
who have been doing the soup runs over
the years. Thank you for your generosity
and constant support!
VISIT TO CALAIS
Thank you to all who have responded with
items for the refugees in Calais.
Your support is very much appreciated!
INSIGHT III:
WOMEN & MEN OF THE BIBLE
This course offers an insight into the lives
of various women and men in the Bible,
specifically from the New Testament.
Next session: Tuesday, 17th Dec (7.30pm)
or Wednesday, 18th Dec. (10am)
LIVE SIMPLY MESSAGE
St. Francis of Assisi
reminds us that our
Common Home is like a
sister with whom we share
our life and a beautiful
mother who opens her
arms to embrace us.
AVAILABLE NOW IN THE PIETY STALL
St Paul Sunday Missal: £5.95
Westminster Year Book 2020: £4.50
 ADVENT PENITENTIAL SERVICE
Here, at St John Vianney on
Monday, 16th December at 7.30pm.
A number of visiting priests will be
available for individual confession.
THE SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION
will be celebrated as per normal on
Saturdays, 9:45—10:15am
SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION
IN NEARBY PARISHES
Muswell Hill – Wed, 18th Dec (7:30pm)
Tottenham – Fri, 13th & 20th Dec (6-7pm)
Wood Green – Sat, 21st Dec (11am-12pm)
CAROL SINGING
Come and join us in Carol Singing
at Wood Green Shopping Mall
on Wednesday 18th Dec
from 5pm (in front of
Boots). To let us know
who will be joining us,
please sign up on the
list at the back
of the church.
ALL SPECIAL MINISTERS OF THE
EUCHARIST
are invited to a meeting and Get Together
on Saturday, 21st December after the
9.15am Mass, from 10.00am - 12.00 noon.
Lunch will be provided.
LITURGY GROUP GATHERING
for Tea and Mince pies!
We would like to invite all those who have
been supporting the daily and weekly
Liturgies, including: Church cleaners,
Collectors, Readers, Eucharistic Ministers,
Powerpoints, Flower arrangers, Altar
Servers, Musicians, etc, for a “Thank You!”
tea and mince pies on
Sunday, 22nd December at 10am
(between masses).
We hope you can come!
ADVENT & CHRISTMAS
MASSES AND SERVICES
Please take a copy and
pass one to your friends
and neighbours.
Thank you!
CHRISTMAS PLAY REHEARSAL
Children wishing to participate in the
Christmas Play for the Christmas Eve Mass
are invited to come for rehearsals this
Sunday and the next (15th and 22nd Dec)
at 12noon in the church.
CLEANING THE CHURCH FOR
CHRISTMAS
We are urgently looking for volunteers to
help with cleaning the Church Windows for
Christmas.
If you can help, please come along and
join us after our 9:15am Mass on
Friday 20th December. Thank you.
WALKING PILGRIMAGE TO FATIMA
for 16-20 year olds
We are currently organising a 5-day
walking pilgrimage from Lisbon to Fatima
for young people for the 3rd-9th April 2020
(during Easter break).
If you or anyone you know are interested
and would like to know more about it,
please speak to Sr. Devy.
ST. JOHN VIANNEY NURSERY
APPLICATIONS JANUARY 2020
If your child was born between
1 Sep. 2016 and 31st Dec. 2016 and you
st
wish to apply for a JANUARY 2020
Nursery place at St John Vianney School,
please collect an application pack from the
school office.
Address: St. John Vianney Catholic School,
Stanley Road, Tottenham N15 3HD
Telephone: 020 8889 8421
We offer FREE 15hour or 30hour
spaces (if eligible)
 MASS & SERVICE TIMES THIS WEEK WE PRAY FOR:
Monday 9:15am
The repose of the soul
Tuesday 9:15am Martin Lavin
Wednesday 9:15am Matt O’Brien
Joe Flannery
Thursday 9:15am
Mary Bond
Friday 9:15am Chiarina Bragoli
Saturday 9:15am Adele Bragoli
6pm (Vigil Mass) Luigi & Marina Rossetti
Raphael A. Oguejiofor
Sunday 9:00am and 11:00am Robert Wood
John Danaher
Deceased Members of the Onyekweli Family
SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION
Monday 7:30pm (Penitential Service)
Saturday 9:45am – 10:15am RIP Anniversary
Allan Essoo
ADORATION Michael Duffy
OF THE BLESSED SACRAMENT Justina Ikediashi
William Wadhams
Tuesdays – after 9:15am Mass Peter Stone
st
1 Friday of the month – 7:30pm Joan O’Callaghan
1st Sunday of the month – after 11am Mass

ROSARY Special Intentions

Weekdays at 8:45am (before mass)

First Saturday of the month at 3:00pm And for all the sick and
those in our parish
MORNING TEAS /COFFEE

(in the Parish Hall) Christmas

Sundays, after 9am and 11am Masses Mariantha & Joseph
Thursdays, after the 9:15am Mass Donor’s Intentions

PARISH TEAM
NAMES NOT LISTED ABOVE ARE
Fr. Joe Ryan, Parish Priest LISTED IN OUR BOOK OF INTENTIONS
Sr. Devy Pranadjaja, Parish Sister
Germaine Ng Ying, Parish Admin/Secretary

PARISH OFFICE HOURS

Tues. To Fri. 10am-12noon & 1pm-4pm 4th SUNDAY OF ADVENT

To make an appointment, 1st Reading : Isaiah 7:10-14

phone: 0208 888 5518 or Psalm : Psalm 23:1-6
email: westgreen@rcdow.org.uk 2nd Reading : Romans 1:1-7
Gospel : Matthew 1:18-24
We cannot guarantee to have anyone
available outside of these hours.