FR DAVID WRITES
Please see the message below about Candlemas Day this Friday, a day which marks the end of the Christmas mystery in the liturgy. Today (Sunday) at the 11.15 am Mass we welcome our children, families and catechists involved in the First Holy Communion programme. We send all parishioners best wishes from here at church.

THE PRESENTATION OF THE LORD (CANDLEMAS DAY)
This Friday, 2nd February, is the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord, also known as the Purification of Mary or Candlemas Day. This feast marks the fortieth day since Christmas, when the child Jesus was presented to the Lord in the Temple. It is customary on this day to bless candles. If you have any candles from home that you would like blessed, please bring them to Mass at either 8 am or 10 am.

FR DAVID WRITES
Today, the Third Sunday in Ordinary Time, is also known as the Sunday of the Word of God. This year, the lectionary gives us Gospel readings from St Mark. Have you ever read Mark’s Gospel? Can I suggest a challenge? Why not make time to read Mark in one go? Choose a modern translation. His Gospel is short (only 16 short chapters); he writes in a direct and snappy way. We only hear sections (pericopae) at Mass - you will be amazed at how different it is to read it all in one go! The word of God is alive and active - why not let the Gospel speak to you now and see how it goes!

FR DAVID WRITES
Today is the Second Sunday in Ordinary Time. In these days after Christmas and the Epiphany, the light of the Christmas message continues to shine brightly through the liturgy. We continue to hear about the revelation of who Jesus really is and about what God has marvellously accomplished in the mystery of Christ. St John declares, ‘Behold the Lamb of God!’ Jesus gives the invitation to his followers, ‘Come and see!’ Like the shepherds and the Magi, we too are invited to come and see the Christ, and to behold his glory as the Word-Made-Flesh and the Lamb of God. On Friday 2 February, the Church will celebrate the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord (Candlemas) which marks the final end of the Christmas mystery in terms of the liturgy. May God bless you all the week ahead.

THE EPIPHANY OF THE LORD
Today is the Solemnity of the Lord’s Epiphany - the feast of the revelation about the mystery of the Word-made-flesh. Today we see the Wise Men, who followed the star to Bethlehem to worship the Baby Jesus, come to the crib. Tomorrow (Monday) is the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord and the end of the Christmas season. The Feast of the Lord’s Presentation (Candlemas) will be celebrated on Friday 2nd February.

FR DAVID WRITES
We had beautiful celebrations here on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. A very big thank you to everyone who worked so hard to prepare for and celebrate Christmas here in Church—there are many people and many ministries involved. Thank you also to all who bring so much life to the life of the parish throughout the year. Everyone is grateful for so much kindness and generosity.

May God bless you all and may you continue to celebrate the festive season in your hearts and homes.

The clergy and parish team wish you all a happy, holy and peaceful Christmas, and every blessing for the New Year.

FR DAVID WRITES
Congratulations to Fr Jerome who was canonically installed as Parish Priest of St John Vianney, West Green, on Friday evening. Thank you to those who came to support him. Please make sure you take a card detailing the Christmas Mass times. Thank you to all those who supported the Joint Carol Service at St Paul’s Church last weekend, and especially our readers and singers. Finally, we send best wishes to all who begin their Christmas holidays this week. God bless you all.

FR DAVID WRITES
Today is the Second Sunday of Advent. Thank you to all who came or watched our Advent talk on Wednesday, and thank you to Rev Ruth Moriarty for her beautiful reflection. Many thanks also for the lovely School Mass, and we had a wonderful time at the Bernadette Club Christmas tea party. This week, the children from school will come on Thursday morning for their Reconciliation. God bless you all in the coming week.

FR DAVID WRITES
Today is the First Sunday of Advent - the start of the Advent season and a new liturgical year for the Church. Let us begin together with Christ, our Light, who comes to save us. As I wasn’t able to write in the newsletter last weekend, this is my first chance to thank Janet Butterworth and her team of volunteers for a fabulous Christmas Market two weeks’ ago, and thank everyone who helped to support it. Many thanks also to those who supported Red Wednesday and the ACN Coffee Morning last weekend. May God bless you all today and in these privileged weeks of Advent.

SUNDAY MASS TIMES
As announced, please note that from next Sunday 3 December, the 8.45 Mass will revert to 8.30am, and the 10am Mass will revert to 9.45am.

FR DAVID WRITES
Congratulations to Fr Andrew Bowden who was installed as the Parish Priest of Poplar on Friday evening. Thank you to those who joined us. This weekend we have our big Christmas Market in the hall after all Masses. Please come into the hall on this special weekend! This Wednesday is Red Wednesday, a day of solidarity with the persecuted Church. There will be exposition here after the 10am Mass. Also on Wednesday, at 5.30pm in Westminster Cathedral, we will celebrate the annual Mass for the deceased priests of the diocese - all are welcome. The same evening is also our St Cecilia’s Day concert here at 7.30pm. Everyone is welcome to both events. Finally, Wednesday is also the 15th anniversary of my ordination to the priesthood - please pray for me! Thank you, God bless you all, and have a wonderful weekend.