This week's news

Could this be a pair of the most adorable delivery elves you've ever seen?

We were blessed to have a visit from our wonderful Pre-school on Thursday whose families had donated items for our Community Kitchen Cupboard.

Our wider parish family is so caring and kind and so many people want to help those who are in need of a bit of support, so by donating these Christmas goodies and cupboard staples it will really assist those who just need a bit of extra food at this time.
Thank you to St Augustine's Pre-school for your kindness.

The Community Kitchen Cupboard is an informal food bank where people who need some extra's, for whatever reason, can take what they need. No referral needed.

The church is open most days and usually into the evenings on Tuesday, Friday and Saturdays, so please come along if you need to - no need to ask - just take a few things.

Bishop Bosco has recorded a special Christmas message for this Holy Season.

In his message, he tells us that the heart of Christmas is a simple scene:

Mary and Joseph, the child, the manger.

No triumphal entrance, no grand stage.

God chooses closeness.

God chooses to come within reach.

He continues to tell us that Christmas can feel very different from one person to the next. For some, it is pure joy: family, food, carol singing, full churches, familiar traditions that warm the heart. For others, it is a harder season: a grief that has not softened, relationships under strain, worries about money, anxiety about the world, a loneliness that feels sharper when everyone else seems to be celebrating.

You can watch the full video here:

'Bambinelli Sunday'

On Gaudete Sunday ~ 14th December ~ we followed Pope John Paul II's lead and held our own 'Bambinelli Sunday' where parishioner's were invited to bring their figures of Baby Jesus from their cribs (or the whole crib!) to Mass and Fr Barnabas blessed them all.

He even attempted a 'remote' blessing to all the home cribs that hadn't made it in!

A lovely tradition!

NEW CONTACTLESS DONATIONS ~ Say hello to DONA!

You may have noticed our new contactless digital collection plate at the back of church for those who wish to donate electronically, rather than by cash.

Our 'soft launch' at the weekend went well as with no fanfare, announcement or information it has already been used 16 times! Thank you!

It allows for usual ‘Donations to Church’ (the same as the offertory basket for general parish funds), donations to our Parish Projects, Soup Run & for shop purchases.

Special collections (currently showing the Christmas offering to our Priests), appeals & more will appear through the year.

It is easy to use & also allows you to securely enter your details for Gift Aid claims (if you are a tax payer & would like us to claim 25% extra from the Government on your donation - you will only need to enter your info on the screen that first time.)

Donation arrangements you may already have in place by Standing Order or by use of your envelopes are not affected by this.

Thanks to all who contribute to the finances of the parish in any way.

Parish office hours over the Christmas Period:

Open as normal Monday 22nd December, 9am until 3pm.
Open as normal Tuesday 23rd: 9am until 12noon
Closed Christmas Eve and closed over the Christmas period.
Open again Monday 5th January at 9am (but allowing for a Christmas Staff Lunch in the afternoon!)

We wish you all a very Happy & Holy Christmas!