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Not only do we have a magnificent church, the first of Edward Pugin's designs, with its altar designed by John Francis Bently (later architect of Westminster Cathederal) and its impressive stained glass window, provided by the renowned Hardman and Co., but we are blessed each week with an organist and choir providing beautiful music to enhance and enliven our worship.
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The busy cycle of our parish social activity is one of
interwoven actions, spiritual, liturgical, evangelical,
ecumenical and practical, continuing unceasingly
by a caring, dedicated community.
It is a cycle centered on the daily celebration
of the Eucharist, the Sunday Eucharist being the
high point of the week, when we come together as
a family.
From the lighting of the first
Advent candle at the beginning of the Church’s
year, through to the great feast of Christ the
King, our Sunday liturgy reflects the changing
seasons.
Parishioners of all ages come together to form
rotas to read at Mass, to compose and read bidding
prayers, to carry the offertory gifts, to help
the children with their special liturgy, to clean
the church, decorate it with flowers and to welcome
visitors. Members of the Society of St Vincent de Paul arrange and finance
taxis to bring in some of our elderly or less able
parishioners. Our many Eucharistic ministers take
Holy Communion out from Mass to comfort and console
the sick, disabled and house-bound, above all uniting
them with the parish family each Sunday morning.
The Ladies Group meets monthly to discuss where they can be of benefit in the parish and also to arrange social and spiritual events. A Justice and Peace group operates within the parish. Being a Fair Trade parish regular Traidcraft sales take place.
Our Bible Study Group meets each week to prepare our SundayLiturgy of the Word.
A weekly bulletin keeps everyone up to date with all of the news and events. |
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Preparing the church for the celebration of the birth of Christ is a happy
social event. Banners are hung, flowers arranged, carols practiced, Christmas tree decorated and our beautiful life size crib erected. Children love to visit the crib and spot the three Kings on their way, suitably placed at the far side of the church.
As we move toward the Epiphany so they are moved ever nearer to the crib.
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In the darkness of Christmas Eve the babe is carried in and placed in the straw by the priest. He blesses the crib and then to the sound of ‘Hark the Herald Angels Sing’, we begin our celebration of Christ’s
birth. On Christmas morning the children celebrate the birth of Jesus with their own
special Mass during which they perform a nativity play.The S.V.P. distribute food parcels and hampers to ensure that all have a happy Christmas.
As the twelve days of Christmas pass, our
thoughts turn to a New Year. Parish groups meet to plan and prepare their year’s activities. With the coming of our new parish priest, Father Gordon Ryan, who is assisted by our deacon Rev Michael Rowell, we are taking a fresh look at the various roles of parishioners and how we can be more effective in all areas. Two lay-leaders have also
recently been appointed to help. Father Ryan has selected three areas of focus.
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In 1975, in his Evangelii Mountain. Pope Paul VI stated:
"The question of how to evangelise is permanently
relevant because the methods of evangelising vary according
to the different circumstances of time, place and culture
and because thereby present a certain challenge to our capacity
for discovery and adaptation. On us........rest the responsibility
for reshaping with boldness and wisdom, but in complete fidelity
to the content of evangelisation, the means that are most
suitable and effective for communication the gospel message
to the men and women of our times."
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Bishop Ambrose greets parishoners after
a recent confirmation ceremony.
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