Crib Service today

Our Crib Service today was a heartwarming occasion with little shepherds, angels and kings taking part in a tableau to celebrate the birth of our Saviour Jesus Christ.

Some of the older ones read passages from the Holy Scriptures:

and some of the younger ones just took part in their own way:

One young shepherd was particularly enthused by some of the carols:

The Kings made their procession with gifts as described in Holy Writ. It was great that so many dads came along like St Joseph, the "upright and just man", supporting the family occasion:

And finally, all the children gathered to sing, to receive a blessing, to be photographed by loving parents and to help us all to enter into the spirit of the feast day:

Carol and Memorial Service

Our Parish Carol Service will be on Sunday 6 December 3pm. At this Service, held in co-operation with Ashdown Funeral Services, we will also remember those who have died. It offers an opportunity for us to welcome non-Catholics to the Church, offering our prayers and charity.

Happy Christmas

I pray that the celebration of the birth of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ will bring joy and peace to your homes and families.

I wish to offer thanks on behalf of the whole parish for the work of all those who have given their time and energy during the year to the various tasks that enable the mission of the parish to be carried out effectively.

May God bless your generosity.
Fr Timothy Finigan

Manna Centre appeal

At this time of the year, the homeless especially need our support and generosity. The UCM have been organising various donations for the Manna Centre and have raised over £700 so far.

If you would like to make a donation, please put it in an envelope marked “Manna Centre” and post it in the presbytery letterbox. (If you write a cheque, please make it payable to "Our Lady of the Rosary, Blackfen" and I will send a single cheque to the Manna Centre from the parish.)

Christmas Masses

The Masses for Christmas Day are celebrated as follows:

Midnight Mass
(preceded by carols from 11.20pm)
Solemn High Latin Mass sung in the older form of the Roman Rite

9am Dawn Mass
10.30am Day Mass
English Masses with carols in the ordinary, newer form of the Roman Rite.
At the 9am Mass, after Holy Communion, the children are invited to gather round the crib to sing the carol Away in a Manger.

Crib Service

This afternoon we had our Christmas Children's Crib Service. Children are invited to come dressed as an angel, a shepherd or a king and the children's liturgy team organise them in a simple service of readings and carols with a tableau of the Nativity.

Each year, the team try to find out about a baby who is to be born shortly before the service who can play the part of baby Jesus. This year it was Joshua. It was a very special day for him since he was also baptised this morning.

Christmas Services

There is a special page with times of services for Christmas and the New Year.

Please note that there is no early evening Mass on Christmas Eve. Our first Mass for Christmas is the Midnight Mass. The Church will be open from 11pm. Carols before Midnight Mass begin at 11.20pm.

May Jesus Christ,
the Son of God
who became man
for our salvation,
bless you
and your families
during this Holy Season.

Contemplating with Mary the face of Christ

This picture from our Crib Service this afternoon brings to mind the words of Pope John Paul in his Apostolic Letter Rosarium Virginis Mariae

To recite the Rosary is nothing other than to contemplate with Mary the face of Christ.

Christmas and New Year services

There is a special page with times of services for Christmas and the New Year.

Please note that there is no 6pm Mass on Christmas Eve. Our first Mass for Christmas is the Midnight Mass. The Church will be open from 11pm. Carols before Midnight Mass begin at 11.20pm.

May Jesus Christ,
the Son of God
who became man
for our salvation,
bless you
and your families
during this Holy Season.

School Christmas Bazaar

Last Saturday, Our Lady of the Rosary School held its Christmas Bazaar. When Mac McLernon put some photos on her blog Mulier Fortis. An American reader commented

"If that's what british Moms look like, why did we have a revolution?"

Here are some of the photos. (I have enhanced some of them a little with Paint Shop Pro and given the cake a new background.)

Dates for December

Parish Carol Service, Sunday 16 December 3pm
The Choir are preparing an inspiring programme with plenty of favourite carols for everyone to join in.

At this service, held in co-operation with Ashdown Funerals, we will also remember all the faithful departed and especially those who have died during the past year.

Children’s Crib Service, Sunday 23 December 3pm
All children are welcome to come, dressed simply as shepherds, angels or kings.
Please note that we do not have a “vigil Mass” for Christmas Day. Our first Mass for Christmas is the midnight Mass.

Times of Services for Christmas and the New Year

There is a special page with times of services for Christmas and the New Year.

Please note that there is no 6pm Mass on Christmas Eve. Our first Mass for Christmas is the Midnight Mass. The Church will be open from 11pm. Carols before Midnight Mass begin at 11.20pm.

May Jesus Christ,
the Son of God
who became man
for our salvation,
bless you
and your families
during this Holy Season.

Children’s Crib Service

On Sunday 17 December 3pm, we have our children's Crib Service. All children are welcome to come, dressed simply as shepherds, angels or kings.

Parish Carol Service

Tomorrow, Sunday 10 December, at 3pm we have our Carol Servied, an opportunity to sing and listen to God’s word in preparation for Christmas. Do come along.