FR DAVID WRITES
Today is the feast of the Baptism of the Lord, coming quickly after the feast of his Epiphany which we celebrated on Friday. These mysteries concern the revelation of Jesus as the Christ—the Messiah, God’s anointed one. Today we celebrate the revelation of Jesus who is anointed by the Spirit to undertake his threefold mission as Priest, Prophet and King, the One who would save God’s people from their sins. Today marks the end of the Christmas season, but the mystery continues to reach forward until 2 February, the Feast of the Lord’s Presentation. Happy Christmas!
FR DAVID WRITES: POPE EMERITUS BENEDICT XVI RIP
On New Year’s Eve, we were all saddened to learn of the death of Benedict XVI, who was pope from 2005 until 2013. Joseph Ratzinger had been elected Bishop of Rome by the conclave on 19 April 2005. He lived a remarkable life of service to the Church, notably as Archbishop of Munich, then as Prefect of the Congregation of the Doctrine of the Faith, Dean of the College of Cardinals, and of course as Pope and Pope Emeritus. He was a friend of Jesus and, like his Lord, a Good Shepherd. I was privileged to be present at the World Youth Days with Pope Benedict XVI in Sydney (2008) and then Madrid (2011), and also saw him in Rome. I am sure we also remember fondly his visit to Britain in 2010 and the Mass he celebrated in Westminster Cathedral. I hope many of you were able to see his Funeral. Giving thanks to God and praying for his soul, I invite you to join us here at church for a Requiem Mass for the late Pope this Wednesday, 11 January, at 10am.
All welcome.
‘In light of the hour of judgement, the grace of being a Christian becomes all the more clear to me. It grants me knowledge, and indeed friendship,
with the Judge of my life, and allows me to pass confidently
through the dark door of death.’
Benedict XVI
ROSE MARY MURPHY RIP
The funeral takes place on Monday 16th January at 10 am. May she rest in peace.
MARY BRODERICK RIP
The funeral for Mary Broderick will take place on Monday 23rd January at 10am. May she rest in peace.
NORMA MURRAY RIP
There will be a funeral for Norma on Friday 20th January at 10 am. May she rest in peace.
CRIB COLLECTION - CATHOLIC CHILDREN’S SOCIETY (WESTMINSTER)
Thank you all very much for your generous donations to the Crib collection this Christmas. If anyone would still like to make a donation, please visit www.cathchild.org.uk/donate, where you will be able to add Gift Aid if you choose.
BAPTISM COURSE
If you would like to have your child baptised please come to the next Baptism course on Wednesday 18th January at 5pm.
NEW YEARS RESOLUTION—VOLUNTEERING FOR CAFOD
CAFOD, the Catholic Agency for Overseas Development, are looking for people join us in our mission here in the Westminster Diocese. Could you volunteer and help us raise awareness in either parishes or schools about our work across the developing world, tackling poverty and injustice? Find out more by joining one of our volunteer meetings in Lambeth on Saturday 21st January or Oakwood, North London on Wed 1st February. Please contact Tony at CAFOD for further details at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 0208 449 6970. Thank you.