Thank you so much for your recent generous support both financial and spiritual. Our parish of St Teresa of the Child Jesus raised £418 this Harvest for those in need. Thanks to you, more families like Meera’s can get help from doctors and other local experts when they need it most.  Doctor Nasha writes:
“We are incredibly grateful to you for thinking of us and helping. It’s so heartwarming to know we have friends who are there for us when we need it most. Thank you so much.” 
This Christmas you may wish to give a needy family a World Gift such as the gift of clean water or the gift of chickens or goats which can provide a family with a livelihood. More information is available on worldgifts.cafod.org.uk.
CAFOD’S Christmas Fun Run is back. It is a festive walk, run or stroll around Clapham Common at 11.00 a.m. on Saturday 9th December. It is an event for all the family.  For further information check the website.
Finally, CAFOD are continuing to support our global family in the Middle East and in Ukraine as well as in other areas around the world.

Please see the website for important information and invitation to a meeting for parents/guardians of First Holy Communion children 2024 or pick up a hard copy at the Contact Corner. The meeting will take place Saturday 13th January 2024 at 9.30am in the church.

There are sheets in the sacristy for Readers and Altar Servers to sign up for the Christmas and New Year Masses.

The Feast of Christ The King is a magnificent celebration that marks the culmination of the Church's year. It is a time of great significance, and I want to take this opportunity to address our young friends directly on this Youth Sunday.
Dear Young Friends, I want to commend you for your unwavering witness to our Catholic faith. Your presence in our churches is a source of hope and inspiration for all of us. But I also want to challenge you to take your faith to the next level.
As you journey through your teenage years, you will undoubtedly face numerous challenges and temptations. The world will try to pull you away from your beliefs, questioning the very foundation of your faith. But I implore you, do not waver. Instead, let your faith be a beacon of light amidst the darkness.

Now, more than ever, we need young people like you to step up and be active in parish ministry. Your energy, enthusiasm, and fresh perspective are invaluable assets to our community. Whether it's serving at Mass, proclaiming the Word of God in our midst, or leading us in our petitions to Heaven, or being a member of our youth ministry, or getting involved in charitable initiatives at school, in the parish or in our local community. your contributions can make a real difference.
But don't stop there. I also want to encourage those of you who may be feeling a calling to priestly ministry. Our Church needs dedicated and passionate young men to answer this divine vocation. Do not dismiss the whispers of your heart. Explore this possibility, seek guidance, and discern whether God is calling you to serve Him in this sacred way.

In the midst of your busy lives, do not neglect the power of prayer. It is through prayer that we connect with God, find solace in His presence, and seek His guidance. Look to Blessed Carlo Acutis, a young man who exemplified a deep love for the Eucharist and a vibrant prayer life. Let his example inspire you to make prayer a priority in your daily routine.

Lastly, I want to emphasise the importance of the sacrament of Reconciliation. Confession is not just a ritual; it is a profound encounter with God's mercy and forgiveness. Regularly availing yourself of this sacrament will cleanse your soul, strengthen your relationship with God, and give you the strength to overcome any obstacles you may face.

Dear young friends, know that you are not alone on this journey. Our parish family stands ready to support you every step of the way. We believe in your potential, and we are here to help you grow in faith and become the leaders our Church needs.
So, as you go about your daily lives, remember the significance of this Feast of Christ The King. Let it be a reminder of your role as disciples of Jesus, called to follow Him and spread His message of love and hope to the world.

May God bless you abundantly, guide your steps, and grant you the courage to live out your Catholic faith boldly. The future of our Church rests in your hands. Embrace this responsibility, and together, let us build a stronger, more vibrant Catholic community.

Blessings to your family, blessings to your days at school or college or even university.
You are capable of great things. Believe in yourselves, trust in God, and let your light shine brightly for all to see.

God bless you all.
Canon Michael