The birth of JESUS is the best gift the world has ever received!
Dear brothers and sisters in Christ Jesus, Christmas is here again! It’s the season of the birth of our Redeemer, the Only Begotten Son of God sent to bring us back into life with God. It gives me a great joy to celebrate my second Christmas with you as your parish priest.
May Jesus be reborn in your heart and life during Christmas 2023 and every day of the New Year 2024. May He radiate His presence from within you as sharing love, unconditional forgiveness, humble service, a compassionate heart and overflowing generosity. May the Holy Babe of Bethlehem bless you with health in body and soul and grant you a peaceful and blessed New Year. I assure you of my special prayers during my Christmas Holy Masses and every day in the New Year.
Happy Christmas! I sincerely hope that the remembrance of Christ’s birth brings you much peace and hope. As we celebrate Christmas, I would like to thank you for your presence and all the support you give to the parish.
I extend a special welcome if you are joining us for the first time, if you are visiting from any other places or faith traditions, or if you do not worship with us on a regular basis.
Have a great Christmas with all your family and friends! God bless you!
Father Peter
For MASS TIMES OVER CHRISTMAS click here for the Mass Times page
NB. The Collection taken at the Christmas Masses is the traditional Christmas gift to our parish priest, Fr Peter.
Crib offerings – in support of the urgent need in the Holy Land.
This Weekend Friday abstinence is dispensed during the Christmas Octave.
Scam Emails. If anyone receives any email asking for money or gift cards using Fr. Peter’s name, please do not reply or make contact in any way.
The First Aid Training Course will take place at St John of the Cross on Monday 8th January at 2pm. The session will last approx. 75 minutes. Defibrillator training will be included. Would all those who volunteered to be ‘First Aiders’ please be at St John’s in plenty of time to ensure a prompt start.
The Website Calendar is now in use again.
Salvation Army Christmas Presents Appeal. Many thanks to all who so generously donated. Presents will go to local families in need.
Please remember, the parish hall is still a building site and, for health and safety reasons, is officially out of bounds.
Key Register. It is important that we have a record of all church keys. Please fill in a slip from the back of the church or inform Peter, Antonia or Fr. Peter. Thank you.
We pray for our sick parishioners: Matt Butler, Frances Palman, Mary Bell, Mary Carr, Paul Watson, Cyril Shenton, Patricia Newton, Celia Cooper, Marie Barton, Robert Buhagiar, Margaret Larkins, Daphne Necchi, Bert Pooler, Maria Halsey, Shirley Teague, Joan Macnamara, Richard Skelton, Teresa Fitzmaurice and Joan Gale.
We pray for those whose anniversaries occur at this week: Nora Slater, Frank Loads, Patricia Coles, Kathleen Bates, Ruth Blishen, Thomas Proud, June Cole, George Mousley, William Pursey, Raymond Miller, Cecilia Booth-Skinner and Anthony Seaborne-Howard. May they rest in peace.
