As we speed towards the feast of the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ, we hear the story of the visitation of Mary to Elizabeth. It is from this moment that we take some of the words of the Angelus devotion that we say at the end of mass each Sunday: Of all women you are the most blessed, and blessed is the fruit of your womb. All mothers bear the miracle of human life, but she bears God-made-man.
You can read the scripture readings for this Sunday here.
Sunday School is running again this Sunday, December 19th at 11am.
Christmas Carols this Sunday evening at 6pm: followed by mince pies and the vicar’s mulled wine!
Christmas Appeal: ends Monday 20th December
This year we are arranging a collection for the Whitechapel Mission (whitechapel.org.uk). Since 1876, they have been serving people caught up in the cycles of poverty. They open every day of the year, including Christmas Day, offering a day centre, meals, showers, advice and clothing for people who are rough sleeping.
They need very specific items only, so please take an information sheet from the back of church if you would like to donate, or see the post on our website.
Christmas Dates for your Diary
Christmas Carols – Sunday 19th December 6pm
Children’s Carols Round the Crib – Friday 24th December 4pm
Midnight Mass, 1st Mass of Christmas – Friday 24th December 11.30pm
Solemn Mass of Christmas Day – Saturday 25th December 11am
Confirmation Mass 2022 Bishop Jonathan is coming to Baptise and Confirm on Sun 27th Feb 2022 at 11am. Speak to Father Guy if you are interested in exploring this or email him: father.guy@saintbenets.org.uk
The cover art this week is The Visitation by Romare Bearden (1941) held in the Museum of Modern Art, New York.