Parish News: Third Sunday and Week of Advent

The 3rd Sunday of Advent is known as ‘Rejoice’ Sunday from the words of the introit – Rejoice in the Lord always. Rose vestments are worn and we light the rose candle in the Advent wreath. These lighter colours remind us that whilst we watch, wait and prepare for Jesus’s coming at Christmas, we do so rejoicing that his victory has already been accomplished. 

St Benet’s is self supporting: we receive no regular central church or government funding, so you can donate using card online to support St Benet’s: and every penny really does count! You can also donate by cash or card in person, by texting BENET followed by your donation amount to 70450 to give that amount. Or why not set up a regular standing order with your bank?

The readings for this Sunday are available here.

Please pray for:
The sick and those in need
Brenda, Reece, John, Cheryl, Ann, Mana, Chika, Alessandro, Sonny, Jan, Danielle and Grace.
The Faithful departed
All who have worshipped and served here, those who have died recently, amongst them Michael Jarvis and those whose year’s mind falls about this time, amongst them Alice Johnson (15th), Chris Lorden and Hilda Budd (20th).

Advent Bible Study
For two more Mondays in Advent after the 6.30pm Mass, we will meet to reflect on, and learn more about, three key events in the history of salvation. Lasts about 30 minutes.
7pm Monday 15th December – The Visitation
7pm Monday 22nd December – The Nativity

Christmas Highlights:
Christmas Lessons and Carols, followed by refreshments
Sunday 21st December, 6pm

Children’s Carols Around the Crib
Christmas Eve, 4pm

Midnight Sung Mass
Christmas Eve, 11.30pm 

Sung Mass of Christmas Day
Christmas Morning, 11am

Save the date: Wines of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Fri 6th Feb 2026, 7pm. Tickets & details to follow.

The cover art is Saint John the Baptist in Prison Visited by Two Disciples by Giovanni di Paolo di Grazia (c. 1403–1482) held in the Art Institute of Chicago.