Today Father Martin presided and Father Mervyn preached at the Parish Mass. During his sermon Father Mervyn related how Handel had written the Oratorio “The Messiah” in just 24 days, giving the work to The London Foundling Hospital for fund-raising. He mentioned that originally the London Clergy had been opposed to it and prevented it from being performed. Handel had written The Messiah as a thanksgiving to God for his talent as a musician. Handel directed the performance every year for 20 years at venues decided by the Foundling Hospital. Unlike the Scribes and the Pharisees in today’s Gospel who assumed that their salvation was assured because they were “sons of Abraham” Handel did not make a presumption of entitlement – the way of selfishness –instead, he prepared. John the Baptist calls us to “prepare” and Advent gives us the opportunity to prepare for his coming again.
During the Notices we heard that the event “Santa’s on the Run” which was to be held on the 2nd December had been cancelled due to the adverse weather conditions. It has been rescheduled for the 14th but those taking part from St. Augustine’s are unable to take part on that date. Instead, they will go from the church to Queen’s Hospital on the 18th December prior to Carol singing at the hospital.
Members of the PCC are reminded that their next meeting is on Wednesday 8th December (The Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception) Mass at 7.00 p.m. followed by the meeting
CHRISTMAS SERVICES
Christmas Eve 24th December
4.30 p.m. CHRISTINGLE S SERVICE
6.00 p.m. Vigil Mass
11.30 p.m. MIDNIGHT MASS followed by Mince pies & Drinks in the Hall
CHRISTMAS DAY 25th December
10.00 a.m. PARISH MASS with carols for all the family
Sunday 26th December (St Stephen’s Day) THE HOLY FAMILY
10.00 a.m. SOLEMN MASS.
Sunday 2nd January 2011
6.00 p.m. CAROL SERVICE.
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