Parish News: The Presentation of the Lord (Candlemas)

This Sunday we celebrate the feast called Candlemas. It commemorates the presentation of the child Jesus in the Temple according to the Law. There he is recognised as the Messiah by Anna and Simeon; the one who will bring light to all. We light and bless candles at the beginning of this mass to call to mind that pronouncement. 

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 can be found here.

Please pray for:
The sick and those in need
Brenda, Reece, John, Cheryl, Ann, Chika, Alessandro, Sonny, Jan, Danielle and Grace.
The Faithful departed
All who have worshipped and served here, those who have died recently and those whose year’s mind falls about this time, amongst them Sheila Lloyd (1st), Robert Bunting (2nd), Roma Mahon, Peter Jerry (3rd), Vera Johnson, Elizabeth Awusu (5th).

Wine Tasting: Wines of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Fri 6th Feb 2026, 7pm. The lands of the former Austro-Hungarian Empire form part of a distinctive wine making tradition and area, characterised by some unique grape varieties. This year we will taste five wines with notes from Margaret Harvey MW covering a wide range of styles from this part of central Europe. Substantial snacks included. Tickets £40 per person.
Book online here: https://tickets.myiknowchurch.co.uk/gb/NzkzMS00/t or by cash or card at church.

Community Quiz: Friday 13th Feb 2026, 6pm-8pm. A family friendly quiz night. 1st prize: £100 voucher for Rosella Restaurant. Drinks and snacks available. All profits to St Mungo’s Homeless Charity. Tickets £5 per adult. Children free but must be accompanied by an adult. Book online here: https://tickets.myiknowchurch. co.uk/gb/NzkzMS01/t or by cash or card at church.

Jonathan our Bishop warmly invites you all to his Lay People’s Congress: Ready with a Reason at which Bishop Lindsay Urwin OGS will help us to reflect on how we can more effective in our sharing of the Good News of Jesus Christ. Saturday 21st March 2026 10.00am – 3.30pm at St Alban’s, Holborn EC1N 7RD.

The cover art is Presentazione di Gesù al tempio by Ambrogio Lorenzetti (1285 – 1348). Held in the Uffizi, Florence.