Today we celebrate Mary, Mother of God (‘theotokos’ = ‘God-bearer’ – a title given to her at the Council of Ephesus to safeguard the divinity of Jesus -when many people were denying it). We also celebrate World Day of Peace, and New Year’s Day. A day of great hope as we step into 2012.
Many thanks to everyone who helped to make Christmas Day so joyful and prayerful. Special thanks to our musicians for enhancing our worship- and, of course, for their ministry throughout the year. Thank you also for your generous Christmas Offering, which is greatly appreciated in these stringent times; and Teresa and I thank you for your many cards and gifts - every blessing to you all.
The joy of the season has been clouded by the deaths of two in our community. Mgr. John Elliott died in the PRUH in the early hours of Christmas Day. We had hoped he would move into Coloma Court, West Wickham but this was not to be. Mgr. was parish priest here from 1978-2006 and many of you have happy memories, and will always be thankful for his ministry. He was a great support to me, especially in my early days here. Thanks are due to the small band of parishioners who cared so lovingly for Mgr. in his last years- I know he was profoundly grateful. No details of funeral as yet but we expect it to be here, with the Archbishop presiding - please keep an eye on the website.
Florence Angel died on the morning of the 26th. She was a lovely soul with a deep devotion to the Lord. She received the sacrament of the sick a few days before her death. Thank you to those who took Florence communion regularly, and who prayed the rosary with her. It meant so much. Our prayers and sympathy to Moira, Siobhan and Michael and the whole family at this difficult time - funeral details when these are known- again please see website.
May they both rest in peace- and rise in glory.
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Mass attendances last Sunday (Christmas Day) were 1,149. |
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Sunday 1/1/12 |
The Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of God 6pm – Deceased relatives of Pini Family 9.15am – Mrs J Gilmartin (Ardron Family) 11am – Eileen, Patrick, William Keane (Pat Farrant)
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Monday 2/1/12 |
SS Basil and Gregory Nazianzen 9.30am – Patrick & Nora Lanigan RIP (M. O’Leary)
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Tuesday 3/1/12 |
Feria 9.30am – Maurice Cantopher RIP (P. Cantopher)
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Wednesday 4/1/12 |
Feria 9.30am – Denise McDowall RIP (Kirsty Henderson)
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Thursday 5/1/12 |
Feria 9.30am – Welfare of the Angel Family (Florence Angel)
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Friday 6/1/12 |
Feria 9.30am – Mrs Paula Nelligan (Nelligan Family)
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Sunday 8/1/12 |
The Epiphany of our Lord Jesus Christ 6pm – Mary Casartelli (welf) 9.15am – Winifred Malone RIP (Family) 11am – Mrs Cathleen Benson (Peter Benson) |
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Tuesday 3rd Jan. We shall welcome the staff of St.James’ School to Mass at the start of their in-service day.
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Firm Believers - our Interchurch fun-fitness restarts on Tuesday 3rd January, from 7 to 7.45 pm in our hall. Suitable for all levels of fitness - go at your own pace. Wear any comfortable clothing and shoes. This is your chance to get fitter and slimmer. Relaxed atmosphere - come and give it a try. £4. Stay on if you wish for tea, etc and chat.
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Thursday (5th). Meeting of all childrens’ liturgy leaders- presbytery, 8pm.
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Next Sunday (8th)-Solemnity of the Epiphany (coming of the wise men)- retiring collection for SPUC (Society for Protection of Unborn Children).
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Next Monday (9th) 1st confirmation session – 7pm-8.30.pm- Social Centre.
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Please take this copy of Briefly home! It is for you to refer to. Many copies are just left in the porch.... Briefly is also on our website each week. Also, please join in boldly with the Mass responses (please return your leaflet to porch) and with the hymns (all numbers on the board.) And do come in to the adjoining Social Centre after Mass for coffee etc...- it is such an important time to get to know each other.......
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Every blessing for 2012! Fr Bryan |
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