Dear friends,
The figure of St John the Baptist stands at the centre of this Sunday’s Gospel reading, reminding us too of ourChristian vocation to raise prophetic voices, and offer evangelical witness to Christ. The celebrations of the coming week then draw our focus on to Our Lady, who likewise points us to Jesus, and encourages us to do the same. On Monday, we will mark the beautiful Solemnity of her Immaculate Conception: although there will be no public services at St Mary’s, nevertheless all are welcome to St Paul’s Cathedral (for Masses at 8am and 12.30pm, and Choral Evensong at 5pm) – when our parish will be prayed for by name. Next week is then studded by a succession of Marian celebrations – reason, if ever reason were needed, to come specially to Mass!
Tomorrow (Friday, 5 December) our own St Mary’s Church celebrates its 89th birthday, and anniversary of dedication: all are welcome to Mass at 9.30am, and afterwards for a light breakfast, and sparkling refreshments.
Did you know that St Mary’s was an early adopter of live-streaming? We have two cameras, which cover the high altar, and the Blessed Sacrament chapel, respectively. With thanks to a generous donor, and to the expert help of our friend Fr Matthew Cashmore, the camera in the Blessed Sacrament chapel has recently been replaced – and we have also just finished setting up its audio: you are encouraged to log on here, to join in Morning and Evening Prayer, and four of each week’s seven Masses, according to the schedule on the pew sheet.
Please note that Fr Richard will be preaching at St James, Garlickhythe this Sunday – with Fr Mike kindly covering the Masses at St Mary’s.
As we continue the countdown to Christmas, 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, please speak to me.
Also in church is a basket for your kind donations towards the cost of this year’s Christmas flowers: these contributions need to be received by next Sunday, 14 December, please.
Volunteers are requested to help put up the Christmas trees in church on Monday next week, 8 December, around 12 noon. We would likewise be grateful for any additional volunteers to assist with our schools’ and Scouts’ Christmas activities next week, according to the list in church.
The funeral Mass of the late Alan Anyon will be celebrated in church on Friday, 12 December at 2.30pm: all are afterwards likewise welcome to a reception, from 4pm, at the Travellers’ Rest. May he, and all the faithful departed, rest in peace.
Please note that a week on 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 (see the attached flier): the 6pm Vigil Mass will be celebrated in the Blessed Sacrament chapel.
Please could those who have signed up to come to the pantomime a week on Sunday, 14 December now please also see me to pay for their tickets (further information to follow next week).
Thank you for your donations last month, in aid of Bereavement Care, which totalled £768.10 (+Gift Aid); our retiring collections this month will be in aid of St Luke’s Hospice: please use one of the special Gift Aid envelopes in church, and place this (with your donation) into the basket, i.e. do not return direct to St Luke’s. There are also three spaces left to come carol-singing at St Luke’s on Tuesday, 16 December for thirty minutes from 5pm: please see me.
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 are details of Christmas with the Bishop, at St Andrew Holborn; and a poster for a Christmas concert on Saturday, 13 December at St Andrew, Kingsbury.
This Sunday’s incense will be Corfe Cassia.
May the God of peace make you perfect and holy, and keep you safe and blameless for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ,
Fr Richard