FR TOM WRITES
With the revelation of Christ’s identity in the feasts of the Epiphany and the Baptism of the Lord, the Christmas season has drawn to a close. We now enter Ordinary Time, yet the Church continues to invite us to fix our eyes on Jesus and ask a simple question: who is he? This Sunday we encounter John the Baptist, who upon seeing the Lord proclaims, ‘Behold, the Lamb of God’. May we too, led by the spirit, acknowledge the Lord who comes in humility to lead our daily lives in holiness, peace and love. We wish you every blessing for the week ahead, and may we continue to accompany one another in prayer.
SISTER ANNE COLLETT RNDM
After 26 years, Sister Anne is leaving our parish to move to a new home. This year also marks her 90th birthday and the 70th anniversary of her profession in the Congregation of Our Lady of the Missions. We will hold a special Mass for Sister Anne on Tuesday at 10 am, followed by refreshments in the hall. Please join us to wish her well on this special occasion before she moves.
VENERAMUS
The next Veneramus evening will be on Monday 19th January at 7.30 pm. Please join us for a time of prayer, teaching, adoration, music and confession.
FEAST OF OUR LADY OF LOURDES
This year, we will celebrate our parish patronal feast with a special Mass on the evening of Tuesday 10th February at 7 pm (think of it as a ‘vigil Mass’). This will be followed by a parish social event in the hall. The following morning, on Wednesday 11th February, the children and staff from Our Lady of Lourdes Primary School will join us at 10 am Mass for their own children's celebration of the feast. Please make a note of these dates and be sure to join us at the special Mass.
CARDINAL NICHOLS THANKSGIVING MASS
After 16 years as our Archbishop, Cardinal Nichols will retire, with Archbishop Richard Moth succeeding him. A Mass of Thanksgiving for Cardinal Nichols will be held at Westminster Cathedral on Thursday 5th February at 5.30pm, and all are welcome. Archbishop Moth will be installed on Saturday 14th February. More information about the installation Mass will be available in due course.
FAIR TRADE
Due to unforeseen circumstances, the Fair Trade event has been put back to the weekend of 24th and 25th of January. Thank you everyone for your patience.
OCTAVE OF PRAYER FOR CHRISTIAN UNITY
18th-25th January 2026 marks the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, which this year has the theme ‘One Body, One Spirit’. During these days, we will pray for the unity of the Christian family.
FIRST HOLY COMMUNION 2026
The meeting for parents will be on Tuesday 20th January at 7 pm. The children meet on Saturday 24th January. The Family Mass will take place on Sunday 25th 11.15 am. Please continue to pray for our children and their families who are preparing to celebrate the sacraments for the first time.
FORTHCOMING FUNERALS: RIP
The Funeral for Maria Tortorello will take place on Thursday 22nd January at 10 am.
The Funeral for Pat Hunt will take place on Friday 23rd January at 10 am. RIP.
CHURCH FLOWERS VOLUNTEERS
If you would like to be added to the rota to help once a month with the church flowers please leave your name with the parish office.
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’: any problems/questions, please speak to us.
YOUNG ADULTS DISCERNMENT RETREAT IN AYLESFORD, KENT
(Men & Women, ages 18–30) 6–8 February 2026. Held at Aylesford Priory, the ancient home of the Carmelites, this weekend offers space to step away from daily busyness for prayer, reflection, and community, in partnership with the Religious of the Assumption and the Carmelite Friars. Cost: £200. For more information or to register, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.