FR TOM WRITES
Rejoice! On the Fourth Sunday of Advent the Church prepares us to celebrate the momentous feast of Christmas by reminding us that God promised humankind the gift of salvation, and this is why His Son was born of the Virgin Mary. With so many parties and joyous occasions filling these days, let us not miss the opportunity to receive Our Lord in a new way during this festive period. We are looking forward to seeing you all at Christmas and send you all every good wish and blessing.
CHRISTMAS MASS TIMES
24th December no morning Masses on Christmas Eve
6pm Family Christmas Vigil Mass (carols from 5.30pm)
11pm Christmas Mass in the Holy Night (carols from 10.30pm)
25th December Christmas Day Mass 8.30am, 9.45am, 11.15am & 12.30pm.
26th December Boxing Day Mass 12 noon
27th December Mass 10am
CONFESSIONS
Confessions are heard in church every Saturday at 3pm until 3.45pm. The priests need to finish at 3.45pm in time to prepare for Mass at 4pm so please arrive early.
CHRISTMAS COLLECTION
The Christmas collection is very important to the life of the Parish. We know you are always very generous and send our thanks in advance. If you will be away at Christmas, you are kindly invited to leave your Christmas offering before you go. There are extra envelopes available in the church porch for offerings thank you.
PARISH OFFICE
The Parish Office will be closed this week on Wednesday (Christmas Day), Thursday (Boxing Day) and Friday.
ADORATION - PRAYER AND PEACE BEFORE CHRISTMAS
There will be exposition this Sunday afternoon after 12.30 Mass until 2.30pm.
CHRISTMAS CARDS WITH MASS TIMES
Please take a Christmas card from the church porch with the festive Mass times. The times of Masses for this week are also included here, on the page opposite, and also overleaf. You can also see the Mass times on the website. Please try to keep these times handy rather than the ringing the presbytery. Thank you in advance.
EXTRAORDINARY MINISTERS OF HOLY COMMUNION
If you are an extraordinary minister of Holy Communion and are able to help at one of the Christmas Masses, please sign the list in the church porch. Thank you.
ALTAR SERVERS & BOXING DAY
Altar Servers are asked to indicate which Christmas Mass they will be attending and serving at. Altar Servers are also invited to Mass on Boxing Day at 12 noon. New servers will receive their Guild Medals.
CRIB COLLECTION
The annual crib appeal will go to help the Catholic Children’s Society (Westminster).
BAPTISM
The next application for Baptism will take place on Monday 6th January at 6.30pm in the Parish Centre.
WESTMINSTER YEAR BOOKS 2025
These are available for sale in the Paper Shop.
HOLY YEAR
Pope Francis will open the Holy Year on Christmas Eve in Rome at his Christmas Eve Mass. The theme of the Holy Year is ‘Pilgrims of Hope’. Let us pray that we may cross the thresholds of hope in our own lives in the coming year, and welcome the many graces associated with the coming jubilee.