Dear friends,
Thank you very much to all those who have been able to assist in church this week, first decorating the Christmas trees, and then with our schools’ and Scouts’ Christmas activities: your generous commitment, and willingness to help, is so much appreciated. (Please note that volunteers will next be required to help set up the Crib, after the 6pm Mass on Thursday next week, 18 December; we will then also clean and decorate the church for Christmas on Monday, 22 December (after a special Mass at 9.30am), and then conclude our preparations – and arrange the Christmas flowers – after the 9.30am Mass on Christmas Eve, Wednesday 24 December.)
Thank you again for your contributions to our “care boxes” appeal for St Luke’s Hospice: the Head of Patient and Family Support has written to me to say that ‘[the] response was amazing… We have filled the gift bags and started distributing them, including the [Christmas] cards, via our Woodgrange, Brent and Harrow Community services. Bags will also be provided to those in our IPU on Christmas Day. I met with two children yesterday, who were visiting their grandfather, and they were delighted to choose a colouring book and pencils to entertain them during their visit. Please share our thanks with your parishioners and we wish you all a Happy Christmas and health and happiness in the coming year.’
This is, of course, a very busy time of year – and we seem also to be experiencing a particularly bad ‘flu season; however, numbers at Mass last weekend were rather concerning – and I hope and pray that these will increase this weekend coming. As today’s Gospel reading simply and beautifully reminds us, Jesus says, ‘Come to me, all who labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest‘: and, as the well-known hymn has it, in the Blessed Sacrament – a ‘dear home for every heart‘ – so we find too an ‘ark from the ocean’s roar… where restless yearnings cease / and sorrows all depart.’
Please note that this Saturday, 13 December, there will be no public Evening Prayer or Confessions, on account of the Stanmore Choral Society concert in church at 3.30pm: the 6pm Vigil Mass will take place as usual, but will be celebrated in the Blessed Sacrament chapel.
This weekend we will celebrate the Third Sunday of Advent, or “Gaudete” (“Rejoice!”) Sunday – and you are invited to wear something rose pink to Mass.
We will also rejoice, on Sunday at 10.30am, to welcome by Baptism into the family of the Church baby Rhys Watkis, whose parents cordially invite members of the congregation to join them afterwards for a reception, at Harrow Leisure Centre from 3pm.
Our Romanian Orthodox friends similarly invite us to join them in church at 3pm for a children’s Christmas Carol Service: we are very grateful to Fr Aurel and his congregation for the beautiful Christmas tree in the sanctuary.
This weekend is the final opportunity to contribute towards the cost of this year’s Christmas flowers: donations may be made using cash, or by contactless payment.
And please take home from church a bundle of Christmas cards, for delivery around the parish: there is a list of roads, which you are invited to tick off. If any of our young people would like to earn some Christmas pocket-money delivering these invitations, please speak to me.
Our Director of Music and organist, Peter Crawford, is happy to supply rehearsal videos of each Sunday’s hymns, better to acquaint ourselves with them: please let me know if you would like to receive these from him.
Please note that there will be no public Evening Prayer on Tuesday next week.
The first Confirmation class takes place next week on Wednesday – and is open also to those who simply wish to renew their understanding of the Faith: please see me, for more information.
Next week on Friday, 19 December I will celebrate my thirteenth anniversary of ordination to the priesthood: do join me for Mass at 9.30am, and afterwards for a glass of something sparkling!
Fr Mike and I are deeply grateful each year for your kind Christmas cards, gifts and best wishes: the simplest and most versatile gifts you can give are vouchers, gift cards and cash: God bless you for your love and support.
I of course was not with you last weekend, but was instead the guest preacher at St James, Garlickhythe in the City. This interesting church is considered one of St Christopher Wren’s loveliest creations – and you can view a recording of last Sunday’s Mass at St James’ here.
On New Year’s Day (Thursday, 1 January 2026) there will be a Sung Mass at 12 noon (in honour of Mary, the Mother of God) – followed by a bring-and-share parish lunch in the Hall (alcoholic and soft drinks provided). Please confirm your contribution to Pat – who would also like to draw up a list of those kindly prepared to help set up, and to clear away afterwards. (Please note also that there will be no public services on Friday, 26 December.)
Likewise included with this mailing is an invitation to a Holocaust Memorial Day event next month.
This Sunday’s incense will be Violet.
May God, who loved the world so much that He sent His only Son, give you grace to prepare for life eternal,
Fr Richard