This months's Parish Priest's News
My dear friends
I very much welcome the return of the Solemnity of the Epiphany to its observance on January 6th as it provides more time to reflect on the Christmass Season before the arrival of the Magi and gives witness to the long journey they made.
The last civic year was certainly a journey unlike none before as we began the year in a third period of lock down and ended it with the threat of the Omicron variant leading to the mandatory use of masks In Church once again. Though I regretted having to cancel our Carol and Crib Services together with our New Year Lunch and fellowship after Parish Mass we have still been able to sing our favourite seasonal hymns and I thank you for your forbearance.
I am writing this letter, in order that this edition be printed in time for publication on December 26th on the same day as I have prepared the Epiphany Worship material for School on January 6th. On the great day when our Orthodox brethren celebrate the Nativity we shall have two Masses and at both the traditional piece of Chalk will be blessed for you to mark your homes as those where Christ is at the centre of family life. In looking for material for school, I came across this Epiphany dismissal that for me highlighted the purpose of this signing of our homes that they may show: -
“To a troubled world—Peace from Christ.
To a searching world—Love from Christ.
To a dying world—Hope from Christ.”
I sincerely hope we shall all make every effort to celebrate the Epiphany, even though it be on a Thursday—it is after all listed among the Feasts of Obligation. That aside reflecting on the determination of The Magi to make the journey and at its conclusion not to be deterred from finding their goal will be inspirational to us as we begin a new civil year, that will undoubtedly be full of changes and worries, with renewed commitment to regular worship and service that like them, at the end of our journey, we may enter the same close presence of God as did the Magi.
Fr Andrew joins me in taking this opportunity to thank you for your Christmass greetings to us and wishing you all Health and Happiness for the New Year.
With my love and Blessing