Fr. Aaron Writes 18th December 2022

Fourth Sunday of Advent – This year’s Advent is the longest it could possibly be, with a full four weeks before the celebration

of Christmas. I hope this extended Advent will continue to present us with moments for reflection on the coming of Christ into

our daily lives. One way we can prepare a way for the Lord is to go to confession. We have, this Tuesday, an opportunity for

this, with many priests coming from the deanery to help us make our reconciliation and be ready to face Christ when he comes

again, whenever that might be. So make a note and come on Tuesday at 7pm in the church!

Simbang Gabi – Our Filipino community will be animating the 6pm Vigil Mass on Saturday 17th December as part of their

novena celebrations in anticipation of Christmas.

International Carols – There will be an international carol service in the church on Monday 19th December, starting at 6pm. We

will end, weather permitting, with English carols sung around the outdoor Nativity scene, followed by warming refreshments

in the Hall.

Christmas Masses – Available this weekend is a small poster of Christmas Mass times and other services. Do pass these on,

especially to those you know who may not have been at Mass for a while, encouraging them to come with you!

Masses on Christmas Eve will be at 5pm, 9pm and 12 Midnight, with carols beginning at 11:30pm. Children are warmly

encouraged to attend the 5pm Mass dressed as characters from the Nativity story.

Masses on Christmas Day will be at 8am, 9:15am and 11:15am.

St Stephen’s Day - A Special Mass for Altar Servers will be celebrated at 12 noon on St Stephen’s Day, Monday 26th December,

where a number of Servers will be enrolled into the Altar Serving Guild of St Stephen.

Parish Patronal Feast of St John the Evangelist – A Solemn Mass will take place on Tuesday 27th December at 12 noon,

followed by a party in the Hall.

Preparing Adults for Reception into the Church and/or Baptism – We are looking to restart a programme of formation in the

New Year for those who wish to join the Catholic Church. I really need parishioners who have an interest in the area of formation

and catechesis to join a new team. If you feel that this may be something you’d like to be involved with, then email me, please.

With every prayer and good wish,

Fr Aaron