FR DAVID WRITES
As we celebrate Christmas 2025, the Jubilee Year reaches its culmination. Fittingly, the Holy Year both begins and ends with the feast of the Incarnation, reminding us that renewal, reconciliation and hope find their source in Christ. At Christmas, we return to the heart of our hope, ‘The Word became flesh and dwelt among us.’ God’s answer to human longing is not an idea or a programme, but a person - Emmanuel, God with us. Although this Christmas marks the 2025th anniversary of Christ’s birth, we do not mark a calculation, but a mystery: the Incarnation as the turning point of history. I pray that this Christmas may seal the graces of the Holy Year in our hearts and renew us with joy and hope in Christ, the centre of time and history. May God bless us all in this wonderful week ahead!
ARCHBISHOP OF WESTMINSTER
On Friday, it was announced in Rome that Pope Leo XIV has accepted the resignation of Cardinal Vincent Nichols as Archbishop of Westminster. In turn, he has appointed Bishop Richard Moth to be our new archbishop. Bishop Moth has served as Bishop of the Forces and, most recently, as Bishop of Arundel and Brighton. As we give thanks for the 17 years of ministry given to us by Cardinal Nichols, please also pray for Archbishop-Elect Moth as he prepares to become our new shepherd in Westminster. Until the Installation Mass on Saturday 14 February, Cardinal Nichols will serve as the temporary Apostolic Administrator of the diocese.
FROM THE PARISH TEAM
Fr David, Fr Tom, Deacon Ian and the whole parish team send our best wishes and prayers to you all for a happy and holy Christmas. We look forward to seeing you all in the coming days, and hope everyone enjoys the Christmas holidays.
CONFESSION
There will be a further opportunity for Confession on Tuesday after 10 am Mass.
CHRISTMAS MASSES
Christmas Eve: 6pm (Vigil Mass with music); 11pm (Mass in the Night with music)
Christmas Day: 8.30am, 9.45am (with music), 11.15am, 12.30pm
Boxing Day: 12 noon Mass for St Stephen’s Day & Altar Servers’ Festival
PARISH OFFICE
Please note that the Parish Office will be closed on Christmas Day and Boxing Day, which are Bank Holidays.
CHRISTMAS COLLECTION
The Christmas collection is very important to the life of the Parish. We know you are always very generous. 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. You only need to use a special envelope or indeed any envelope marked ‘Christmas’ so we know what the offering is intended for. Thank you in advance for your generosity.
BAPTISM COURSE
The next application for Baptism will take place on Tuesday 13th January at 6.30pm in the parish centre.
THANK YOU FROM THE HATTERS
Thank you to everyone who supported the Hatters’ Cake Sale last weekend. They raised a great total of £794.
ALTAR SERVERS
Servers (or parents) are asked to indicate on the sheet in the sacristy which Masses you will be attending at Christmas. On Boxing Day (St Stephen’s Day) we will hold our annual Mass for Altar Servers at 12 noon. Please make sure to join the celebration.
FORTHCOMING FUNERALS: RIP
The Funeral for Nadege Bastide will take place on Monday 22nd December at 10am.
The Funeral for Maria Abdo will take please on Wednesday 7th January at 10am.
The Funeral for Thomas O’Donnell will take place on Friday 9th January at 10am.
CAR PARK
The parking system is in full operation. There is free parking for a max of 4 hours per day. For parish activities which last longer than this, please speak to the parish office. There may be some ‘teething problems’ as the system gets underway: any problems or questions, please speak to us.