2nd Week of Christmas.
3-9 January 2021.
The gospel reading in today’s Mass is the same as that used for Christmas morning – the sublime poetry of the Prologue to St John’s gospel. There is a clear link with today’s first reading that is summed up in the phrase ‘he lived among us’. In the Old Testament Israel is the one place where God dwells. For John that place is no longer a matter of geography, but a reality in the person of Jesus: ‘the Word was made flesh and dwelt among us’.
On Wednesday we will celebrate the Feast of the Epiphany. The usual times of the holyday Masses will be different this year: 9.30 am at St Helen’s will also be a Requiem Mass for Lesley Shenton. This will be followed by a cremation service at 11 am. The Mass at the Sacred Heart will be at 12 noon. There will be an evening Mass at St John of the Cross at 6 pm.
The Church in England and Wales has invited us to engage with the Bible this year in its initiative The God who Speaks. The current situation makes it impossible for us to meet for study groups. However, for those who are reasonably computer savvy it is possible to do this electronically. If you would like to take part in a regular Bible study group on Zoom, contact John Bolger on: bolger@waitrose.com or ring him on 01692 581516.
Please pray for our sick parishioners: Matt Butler, John Gowing, Derek and Frances Palman, Kevin Fitzmaurice and Mary Carr.
We also pray for two of our parishioners who died recently – Lesley Shenton and James May; and for those whose anniversaries occur this week: Philip Byrne, Pamela Corbould, Arthur Hodgson, Essie Rimmer, Freda Hodgson, Kate Denton, Adele Green, Mahalla Waller, Lilian Pycroft, Mary Betts, Wladyslaw Przybyla, Bridget Power, Marie Heath and Jayne Youngman.
Last week’s plate collection: £225.00. Standing orders: £553.00
As we end a hard and difficult year we begin 2021 with hope and optimism. In spite of the restrictions our churches remain open for the celebration of Mass which is the heartbeat of every Catholic community. Some parishioners follow the Mass on their computers. The important thing is to keep our faith and our prayer life alive and active.
Father James
