Parish Announcements – 17th December, 2023 – Holy Family Catholic Church

APPRECIATION: We wish to express our deepest gratitude to the Planning Committee, the Choir and all Parishioners for their presence and support at last week’s Parish Festival of Lessons and Carols Ceremony as well as the Send-forth Ceremony for our beloved former Associate Priest, Rev. Fr. Mark Okojie, Rev. Sr. Josephine Odorwike, EHJ and Rev. Sr. Clementina Okoli, EHJ. May the good Lord replenish us in abundance. Amen.

SPECIAL COLLECTION FOR THE POOR: Today, 17^th December 2023 is our monthly Special Collection for the Poor. This collection is to help support the activities of St. Vincent De Paul. Let us all prepare to donate generously. “Remember, whatsoever you do to the least of my brothers, that you do unto me”

SMALL CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY: SCC meetings will take place at various community centers on Wednesday, 20^th December 2023 at 6pm. Scriptural reading: Luke 1:26-38. Please note that there will be no evening Mass or Society meetings during the SCC time. There shall be mass this Wednesday at St. Paul SCC. Venue: 401 Road, G Close, Block 5, Flat 4, Festac Town. All those living around should be in attendance. Please refer to the Parish notice board or parish website for the various centers.

CHRISTMAS/NEW YEAR BULLETIN: The special Christmas/New Year bulletin publication will be on sale next Sunday, 24^th December 2023. It will cover from next week Sunday 24^th December 2023 to Saturday 13^th January 2024. Price: #500

CHRISTIAN WAKE: There will be Christian Wake for Late Mrs Theresa Ogbolu Ilechie on Tuesday, 19^th December, 2023 by 6:00pm (Venue: 401 Road, I Close, Block 1, Festac Town). She was a member of Knights of St. Mulumba & Confraternity of Christian Mothers. We are all encouraged to pray for the repose of her soul.

HARVEST PLEDGE REDEMPTION: We wish to encourage all parishioners to kindly redeem their pledges at the Harvest Stand (on Sunday) and the parish office (on Weekdays) in cash, cheque or POS and get a receipt. You can as well pay directly to the Harvest Account; HOLY FAMILY CATHOLIC CHURCH, HARVEST, ZENITH 1014506326.

CHRISTMAS SHARING: The Society of St. Vincent De Paul wishes to inform parishioners that her annual Christmas Sharing for the poor and needy is here again. As such, we plead for your support. We need non-perishable food items such as bags of rice, beans, garri, cooking oil etc. Kindly donate in cash or kind to the society or contact the Parish Priest. You can as well transfer to: First Bank, St. Vincent De Paul- 2027264230. God bless you richly as you give to the Lord through the poor and the needy.

CHRISTMAS PARTY: The members of the Confraternity of the Miraculous Infant Jesus heartily invites all parishioners and friends of the Holy Infant Jesus to her annual birthday party celebration. This year’s event is loaded with lots of fun, plenty of food to eat and drink and so much gifts to be won. Venue: Holy Family Catholic Church, 22 Road, Festac Town, Date: Monday, 25^th December 2023 (Christmas Day). Time: 1:00pm prompt. We hereby solicit your support to make this event another memorable one.All transfers can be sent to: Access Bank, Confraternity of Infant Jesus- 0026621328. Come let’s celebrate with the Holy Infant Jesus.

CATECHISM CLASSES: This is to inform parishioners that Catechism Classes which holds every Saturdays (4:00pm) & Sundays (2:00pm) has closed for Christmas break and shall resume on Saturday 20^th January, 2024.

PRE-MARRIAGE CLASSES: This is to inform parishioners that Pre-Marriage Class which holds every Sunday at 10:00am has closed for Christmas break and shall resume on Sunday 14^th January, 2024.

PARISH OFFICE: The Parish Office will close for Christmas Break on Wednesday, 20^th December 2023, to reopen on Tuesday 9^thJanuary, 2024. Please take note. Mass Bookings can be done at the Sacristy after mass.

THANKSGIVING ITEMS: Parishioners are encouraged to consider purchasing essential items needed for the Parish during their individual and family open thanksgiving. Kindly consult the priests or the Parish Office for the list of items.

CHAPLAINS: Societies and Organizations executives should kindly check the Parish notice board or Parish website for the updated list of Chaplains and duly arrange a meeting with their new assigned Chaplains.

PEWS DONATION PROJECT: This is to notify all parishioners that compilation of the names of those who supported the Parish with pews is currently ongoing. Please kindly come to the Parish Office (on Weekdays) or Bulletin Stand (on Sundays) with evidence. This can also be done through your society and organizations leaders. Thank you as you do so and may the Lord bless you abundantly and reward handsomely. Amen.

21-DAY FOUNDATIONAL PRAYER: All Parishioners are specially invited to next year’s Parish 21-Day Foundational Prayer 2024. Theme:“Return Back to Bethel” and the focus is: “Building a Fruitful Congregation”. Date: 6^th – 26^th January 2024. Time: 6pm – 9pm excluding days of vigil. Venue: Holy Family Catholic Church, 22 Road, Festac Town, Lagos. Come and be Blessed!!

(1%) ONE PERCENT BIBLE CHALLENGE: We wish to encourage all Parishioners to read and study the word of God for at least 15 minutes every day; which is about 1% of 24 hours. For this week, as the Season of Advent begins, we shall be reading from various passages of the scriptures about the birth of Jesus Christ. Take up this challenge faithfully as stated below and be enriched spiritually.

RETURN TO THE SACRAMENTS: We wish to encourage those who have been estranged from the sacraments for one reason or the other especially the Holy Eucharist, to return to the Sacraments. Kindly meet any of the Priests if you are having any difficulty in this regard. May Christ grant us life through His Body and Blood. Amen.