NEWS & VIEWS

Today, the last day of the Octave of Christmas, we celebrate the feast of The Most Holy Name of Jesus. The Gospel reading recounts that - just like any Jewish baby boy, in accordance with Jewish law - Jesus was circumcised “after eight days had passed” and ceremonially received his name “the name given by the angel before he was conceived in the womb.”

A WARM WELCOME and thanks to Fr Mark Kenny, our principal celebrant and preacher today.  

WEEKDAY SERVICES Until Fr Gareth returns from leave on Sunday 15 January the only weekday services will be Mass on Thursdays at 10am.

NEXT SUNDAY We welcome The Venerable Chris Burke, Archdeacon of Barking, as our preacher. We celebrate the Epiphany of our Lord (transferred from 6th). Epiphany was denoted ‘the manifestation of Christ to the Gentiles’ - Magi (or wise men) from “the east” followed The Star to the house where ‘the new-born king’ was staying, and presented to him their symbolic gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.

WELCOMERS We are looking volunteers to be welcomers at Mass on Sundays. This is an important ministry of hospitality, but something we sadly lost during the pandemic. It involves being in church 15 minutes before Mass to welcome those coming into church and handing them a service sheet, assisting those who are new, and being generally warm and friendly! With enough help, this would only be once every 3 or 4 weeks for any one person. We need to get this together urgently, so please speak to Fr Gareth ASAP.

PARISH SHARE If you haven’t already, please take home and read the leaflet explaining the new Parish Share system for the diocese. Each parish in the diocese is expected to pay its share - the leaflet explains what the money is used for. Next year, St Mary’s is being asked to pay £50,000 - nearly £959 per week. This is one of the lower amounts being asked of the parishes in this area, but nevertheless it is our largest single annual expense.

CHURCH FINANCES We rely on the people who worship at St Mary’s to cover the costs associated with our church. Financial giving to fund the ministry of the Church is part of being a Christian and an essential part of our commitment to our faith. Please, if you don’t already, would you consider giving a regular amount each month? We are really struggling to make ends meet! No amount is too small. Using our parish giving plan is easy and you are in full control (and Margaret Quinney will be pleased to help you if needed).

INTERCESSION

OF YOUR CHARITY, PLEASE PRAY FOR

the sick, distressed and bereaved
John & Joan Cassidy, Richard Holland, Lucy Ball, Amberly Crediton, Kathy Valentine, Margaret Harding, Mel Taylor, Bernard Street, Muriel Masters, Fr Oliver Coss, Keith Holland, Helen Johnson, Joe & Sally Cox, Kay Higgins, Peter Decker, Joy Bewick, Doris & Dave Collom, Matthew; Joyce Hinds

the recently departed

Doris Nisbet

those whose anniversaries of death fall this week

Sunday

Stella Randle, Germaine Lovell, David Pendry, Naomi Houghton

Tuesday

Hilda Candelin

Wednesday

Cyril Martin, Annie Wharton, Jim Crosby

Friday

Frederick Andrews

Saturday

Audrey Williams, Arthur Sharpe, Lilian Seabrook,                          Gladys Henery, Louise Frazer, Florence Mason, Kenneth Hinds priest

please pray especially for

peace in Ukraine

ORDER OF SERVICE