FR DAVID WRITES
Today is the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord, the end of the Christmas season. However, the unfolding of the mystery of the Epiphany continues to reach out to us through the liturgy. The Baptism of Jesus is connected to the Epiphany as it represents a continued revelation of who Jesus really is. Similarly, next week we will hear about the first sign worked by Jesus at Cana. This too forms part of the epiphany about the Christ, who reveals his glory as his disciples believe in him. The mystery of Christmas will continue to shine in the liturgy until the Feast of the Lord’s Presentation, on Sunday 2 February.
NEW TERM
We welcome everyone back to the new school term and send best wishes to all who will return to college, university and work at this time. We hope everyone had a good Christmas break and a Happy New Year. May God bless you all.
FR SEAN CARROLL RIP
On Sunday, we were very sad to receive the news that Fr Sean Carroll has died unexpectedly in his parish in Ruislip. We received this message from Bishop John Sherrington: ‘It is with deep sadness that I inform you of Fr Sean Carroll’s sudden death at Sacred Heart, Ruislip. I ask for your prayers for the repose of his soul and that the Lord’s merciful love will welcome into eternal life. Fr Sean was a priest of great integrity, for whom justice was always important. May the Lord welcome home this good and faithful servant.’
VENERAMUS
The next Veneramus evening will be on Monday 20th January at 7.30pm. Please join us for a time of prayer, teaching, adoration, music and confession. If you have any questions, please speak to Fr Tom.
FIRST HOLY COMMUNION
Today we welcome the First Holy Communion children and families who join us at the 11.15 Mass. Please keep them all in your prayers.
BAPTISM APPLICATIONS
The next applications for Baptism will take place on Monday 3rd February at 6.30pm in the Parish Centre.
ADVANCE NOTICE: FEAST OF OUR LADY OF LOURDES
Our patronal feast, Our Lady of Lourdes, will be celebrated here on Tuesday 11th February with a special Mass in the evening at 7pm, followed by a parish social in church hall. We will be pleased to welcome Bishop Jim Curry, who was recently made a new auxiliary bishop in our diocese, who will lead the celebration. Please make a note of the date in your diaries. The 10 am Mass that day will be the celebration for Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Primary School.
FRANK KELLY RIP
The Funeral Mass will take place on Wednesday 15th January at 10am. May he rest in peace.
ANTONIO BISI RIP
The Funeral Mass will take place on Tuesday 28th January at 10am. RIP.
JUNIOR CHOIR
Our Junior Choir continue to regularly support the celebration of the Saturday 6pm Mass with their singing. Deacon Ian has been helping train the young people, aged 8-14, and wishes to invite more of our young people to join the group. They meet each Saturday at 5.15pm in the small hall to practice. Please speak to a member of the clergy for more information.
LIVESTREAM & WIFI
As many of you know, we have been experiencing a problem with our internet connection, which is affecting the whole site. This has been entirely beyond our control. We are working to fix it. Due to the scale of the problem it means that the livestream will not be available for at least another 2 weeks. We understand how frustrating this is for everyone (including us!) and will do our best to restore the service as soon as possible.
FAIR TRADE
The first fair trade stall of 2025 is after Masses in the hall next weekend, 18th & 19th January.