Dear friends,
This Sunday’s Gospel reading invites us to contemplate the figure of St Joseph in the Christmas story: although no words of his (beyond the name he gives to his foster-child) are recorded in Scripture, yet his is an example which speaks eloquently: to us from St Joseph we learn the importance of patience, perseverance and prayer – as well as a profound concern for the righteousness of God, and the well-being of others. Let us therefore come together at the altar, with St Joseph and with all the saints, to draw close to the Son of God, our Saviour.
Our guest preacher on Sunday (the Fourth Sunday of Advent) will be the Ven. John Hawkins, Archdeacon of Hampstead. Especially as the busyness of the season ramps up, it is vitally important that we keep Christ in first place – and do not neglect to come to Mass to worship him. For this reason, and to welcome Archdeacon John, please do try your best to be present for Mass this coming Saturday/Sunday.
Volunteers are kindly requested on Monday next week, 22 December, to help decorate the church for Christmas – after a special 9.30am Mass; help is needed again on Christmas Eve morning, Wednesday next week, 24 December, when – after the usual 9.30am Mass – we will arrange the Christmas flowers, and complete our preparations in church for the celebration of the Saviour’s Birth.
Thank you for donations totalling £400 towards the cost of this year’s Christmas flowers.
Do please also take home from church a bundle of Christmas cards (and/or a poster), for delivery around the parish: there is a list of roads, which you are invited to tick off – and posters may be offered to local businesses, or displayed in your window.
Our Christmas services are as follows: on Christmas Eve, Midnight Mass will begin at 11.30pm; on Christmas Day, there will be a Sung Mass with Carols at 10.30am. Please invite family and friends to attend with you.
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.
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.)
Please find attached invitations to two Epiphany Carol Services in the New Year – one locally, at St George Headstone on 4 January; the other at St Cuthbert, Philbeach Gardens on 11 January.
This Sunday’s incense will be frankincense and myrrh.
May Christ, who comes as Redeemer and Judge, reveal to you the path from darkness to light,
Fr Richard