News for week of 31st January

News for week of 31st January

Candlemass.

The Presentation of the Lord.

Traditionally Candlemass is the point at which Christmas decorations are taken down in the home. Certainly the crib is not put away until February 2nd – the date of The Presentation of the Lord. 

It is the 40th and final day of the Christmas & Epiphany season (even though we have already entered Ordinary Time). It’s a moment to look back at the joy of Christmas, the arrival of the Wise Men and the time of celebration that the new year brings. 

But now, we face the year ahead. We – like Mary and Joseph – take our hopes and dreams for the coming year to God in prayer. 

We gather in church and meet with our friends. We meet wise members of the congregation who guide us, who offer us their hard learnt lessons and if we’re lucky, bless us on our journey.

It’s traditionally also a time when people bring their candles into church to be blessed. 

We will be doing that this year on Tuesday evening at a special Candlemass Holy Communion and blessing service. 

We will gather at 5pm for Evening Prayer and then a special Mass for the Presentation of the Lord followed by blessing of the candles. 

All of this will be in candle light – it will be very special indeed. 

Fr. Matthew

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On Monday Fr. Matthew will be at St. Mary’s in Kenton to assist with the reception of the late Lady Margaret (as we called her!) The reception is at 4:30pm and Evening Prayer will be streamed from St. Mary’s immediately afterwards. Timing will need to be flexible. 
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On Tuesday for the Presentation of the Lord there will be a traditional Candlemass at 5pm after Evening Prayer. The services will be held in candlelight and you can bring your own candles in to be blessed. Morning Prayer will be said privately. 

An enormous thank-you to all who helped clear the Walsingham Chapel ahead of our building work starting.

Don’t forget to consider setting up regular giving with the Parish Giving Scheme. Call 0333 002 1271 with your bank details to hand and quote our Parish Code – 230 623 503