THE HOLY FAMILY 26th December
On the day after Christmas, we celebrate the Feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph. The Holy Family is not just the model for families but for all the ways in which human beings are called to live in connection with each other, because humanity is a family. Our Gospel relates to the time when Jesus as a 12-year-old could not be found by his parents. Obviously worried as any parent is when they lose a child, Jesus was found in the Temple talking to the doctors, listening to them and asking them questions. This is the only incident recorded in the scriptures between Jesus’ infancy and his appearance at the age of 30. It was an early indication of Jesus’ forthcoming mission. He would teach how we should live in connection with each other, how we can follow the Father’s will.
SOLEMNITY of MARY, MOTHER OF GOD (1st JANUARY)
We start the New Year by celebrating Mary’s Motherhood. We read in the Gospel how Mary treasured what had happened in Bethlehem, and pondered in her heart. We remember all mothers in the vital role they play in the lives of their children and that they have every reason to praise God, as did Mary. There will be a Mass at midnight as we enter the New Year and the morning Mass will be at 10am.
SECOND SUNDAY AFTER CHRISTMAS (2nd JANUARY)
We listen again to the Prologue to St John’s Gospel which we heard on Christmas Day. It is an opportunity to reflect on the Word, which was always there, has now become flesh. This Word lives among us and is still with us today.
THE EPIPHANY (THURSDAY 6th JANUARY)
This is a Holy Day when Masses will be at 9am and 7.30pm. The schools will be joining us by livestream for the morning Mass. On this day we hear how the magi travelled in hope to find the infant king. Epiphany means manifestation, the showing forth to the world that the Messiah has come and that our Saviour has been born to live among us. As followers of Christ, we have the duty to let others know this.
RECENTLY DECEASED
Please pray for the repose of the soul of JEAN BROOKS (Molly) whose funeral Mass will be on Tuesday 4th January at 1pm, and for JOYCE MACLEAN whose funeral Mass will be on Tuesday 18th January at 11am. Her body will be brought to the church on Monday 17th January at 5pm.
CHRISTMAS THANKS
Fr Colin and Fr David would like to thank everyone for their gifts, cards and good wishes at Christmas and we wish you a very happy, healthy and safe New Year.
READERS MEETING
There will be a meeting for all Mass Readers on Thursday 13th January at 7.30pm in the church. Anybody who would like to become a Mass Reader is invited along as well. Sunday 23rd January is the Day of the Word when Readers will be commissioned or re-commissioned.
FRIDAY ABSTINENCE
On Fridays the church asks us to abstain from eating meat but there is an exception on Friday 31st December as it lies within the Christmas Octave.
ENROLEMENT OF ALTAR SERVERS
As the Feast of the Holy Family has displaced the Feast of St Stephen this year, the enrolments of the altar servers into the Guild of St Stephen will take place at the 10.30 Mass on Monday 27th December, the Feast of St John the Evangelist.
WEEKDAY MASSES
Weekday Masses this week (Tuesday to Friday will be at 10am and also on Bank Holiday Monday 3rd January, and the revert to 9am from Tuesday 4th January.
CRIB OFFERINGS
As in previous years, the crib offerings will be sent to the Catholic Children’s Society. During the past year, it has provided mental health services and family support for thousands of vulnerable children and families. You can donate at the crib or via the CCS website www.cathchild.org.uk/crib.
TAKEHOMENEWS
This newsletter covers 2 weeks. The next Takehomenews will be on 9th January.
Baptism Preparation
The next session for parents who wish to have their baby baptised will be on Sunday 16th January at 4.pm in the Church.
Weddings in 2022
Couples who wish to be married in this church next year or require us to prepare them for their marriage elsewhere, please get in touch with Fr Colin or Fr David.
WESTMINSTER YEAR BOOK 2022
The 2022 edition of the Westminster Year Book is available in the porch priced £4.50. It gives useful information about parishes, priests, schools and organisations in the Westminster Diocese together with a liturgical calendar for the year.
CONFIRMATION PROGRAMME 2022
Applications are now complete for the Confirmation Programme. There will be a meeting for the parents of the candidates on Wednesday 26th January at 7.30pm in the Canon Smyth Parish Centre. The first session for the candidates will be on Wednesday 2nd February at 7.00pm, also in the Parish Centre. Bishop John Sherrington will minister the Sacrament of Confirmation on Thursday 12th May at 7pm.
FIRST COMMUNION PROGRAMME 2022
Applications are now complete for the First Holy Communion Programme. There will be a meeting for the parents of candidates on Tuesday 11th January at 7.45pm in the Canon Smyth Parish Centre. The first of seven sessions for the children will be on Sunday 16th January at 9am, also in the Parish Centre. The dates of the First Communions will be Saturdays 11th and 18th June at 2pm and 3.30pm. The allocation of these dates will be revealed at the first parents meeting on 11th January.
Christmas Message
Wishing you abundant blessings for Christmas and throughout the whole New Year. Fr Jozef
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