Fourth Sunday of Advent YEAR C 2024
Recognising the Child Jesus at Christmas
How can we recognise Jesus this Christmas when he comes so that we may share in his joy as Elizabeth and John experienced?
In this Sunday’s Gospel (Luke 1:39-45), John leapt for joy in Elizabeth’s womb at Jesus’ presence, and Elizabeth was filled with joy and the Holy Spirit. May we too be filled with joy and the Holy Spirit at the celebration of the birth of Christ. Christ’s birth is a sacred moment of gratitude and openness to God who brings us true joy, peace and freedom.
Like Mary, we are to trust God’s Word so that through us, Christ may be manifested in our midst. Hence, the Prophet Micah (5:1-4), reminds us that the fruit of Mary’s womb brings us joy. As Christ is born anew in our hearts this Christmas, may his presence renew our hope, faith, joy, peace and love for each other.
Lord, may we recognise the Child Jesus in each other during this Christmas festivities. May his loving presence calm our fears and anxieties and fill us with renewed joy, peace and the courage to welcome and adore him in the manger of our hearts.
Wishing you and your family members and loved ones a Merry Christmas and a Prosperous New Year. Fr Chinedu
RECENTLY DECEASED
Maureen Duggan previous teacher of Annunciation Infants School. May her soul and the souls of all the departed rest in peace.
CONFIRMATION PREPARATION
Confirmation 2025 preparation will start at the end of January. Bishop Sherrington will be presiding on the 30th May 2025 at 7pm.
CHRISTMAS CAROL SERVICE
Our parish Christmas carol service will be on Sunday 22nd December at 6:30 PM in the Church. Please, support this parish event with your presence.
CHRISTMAS EVE CHILDREN’S MASS
At the 6.30 Mass on Christmas Eve, the readings will be read by children and there will also be a presentation of the Nativity. There will be a rehearsal for those taking part immediately after the 10.30am Mass TODAY 22nd December.
CHRISTMAS ARRANGEMENTS
Please take a card giving the times of services over the Christmas period. This doubles as our Christmas card to you. Please note that the night Mass on Christmas Eve will be at 10pm this year.
CRIB OFFERINGS 2024
This year will be applied to the Catholic Children’s Society for the relief of poverty among the people of our Diocese and country.
NOVENA TO OUR LADY OF PERPETUAL HELP
The Novena to our Lady of Perpetual Held will not be held on Thursday 26th December. The next Novena will be Thursday 2nd January at 7 PM 2025.
BAPTISM PREPARATION
There will be a preparation session for parents who wish to have their baby baptised on Sunday 5th January at 4pm in the church.
WESTMINSTER YEAR BOOK 2025
The 2025 edition of the Westminster Year Book is available in the porch, priced £5.50. It gives useful information about parishes, priests, schools and organisations in the Westminster Diocese together with a liturgical calendar for the year.
TAKEHOMENEWS
The next Takehomenews will be on 12th January.
PLANNED GIVING DRIVE
Please return your forms to the presbytery. Thank you.
Office Re—Opens Tuesday 7 January 2025
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