Nearly there with just two days to wait. Our invitation “Come Lord Jesus come” will be met with the birth in Bethlehem of Jesus. There will be the 12 Days of Christmas to celebrate. The Creed reminds us of the meaning of the feast – unlike the thin and dim media statements “this is Christmas” from November onwards. “I believe in the only begotten Son of God…God from God, Light from Light… incarnate of the Virgin Mary”. At the crib at home and in the church – wonder, pray and be filled with joy.
Archbishop Elect Of Westminster
A surprise this Friday morning. Our Bishop Richard has been appointed to the Diocese of Westminster by Pope Leo. Our Prayers will be offered for him in gratitude for his ministry with us and for his new ministry with major responsibilities. Please click here for more on this story.
Bishop Ricard’s Weekly Reflection
Dear brothers and sisters,
With the focus in Advent moving, from the 17th December, to the proximate preparation for our celebration of the Lord’s birth, this Sunday’s readings focus very clearly on the Incarnation.
Isaiah’s message is clear: the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call him Emmanuel – God-with-us. St Paul, in the first words of his letter to the Romans, is clear in his witness to the Saviour, from the House of David.
Matthew’s account of the announcement of Jesus’ coming focuses on Joseph – of the House of David, and the angel’s words to this man of integrity, astounded at what he has been told, are those of Isaiah.
The One who is to be born is the fulfilment of the prophecies of old, of David’s line and coming to the world in simplicity and in wonder. As we prepare in these final few days before the celebration of Christmas, may our response be that of Joseph: wonder, reflection and – now that our salvation has been won for us – obedience to the Word made flesh, God-with-us.
With every blessing,
+ Richard
Joint Statement From Bishop Richard and Archbishop Bernard Longley
Today, 17 December, sees the beginning of the octave before Christmas, an ancient part of our liturgy, dating back to the fourth century, with a focus upon the coming of Christ the Prince of Peace at Christmas and marked by the singing of the ‘O Antiphons’ at the evening Office of Vespers.
The Christmas story gives us inspiration and hope in a world that can feel divided. We are concerned about the tensions that are growing in society and the desire by some groups to sow seeds of division within our communities. This does not reflect the spirit or message of Christmas.
From the Latin word adventus, meaning “coming” or “arrival,” referring to Jesus’ birth and second coming, Advent is a time of preparation. Parishes will have an Advent wreath with candles which are lit each Sunday as we approach Christmas. The candles symbolise hope, peace, joy and love. For Catholics these form the focus of our liturgy, prayer and social action. Our participation in Advent and the celebration of Christmas is our lived response in opposition to those who seek division.
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Mass Schedule
- Sunday 21st December 10am
- Monday 22nd December 8:15am St Mary’s House
- Tuesday 23rd December 9:30am
- Wednesday 24th December 9:30am
- Wednesday 24th December 6pm CHRISTMAS MASS WITH BLESSING OF CRIB
- Thursday 25th December 10am CHRISTMAS DAY MASS WITH CAROLS
- Friday 26th December 10am St Stephen’s Day
- Saturday 27th December 8:15am St John Apostle HMP Lewes
- Sunday 28th December 10am Holy Family
- Monday 29th December 8:15am St Thomas Becket St Mary’s House
- Tuesday 30th December 10am
- Wednesday 31st December 10am
- THE YEAR OF OUR LORD 2026
- Thursday 1st January 11am Mary, Mother of God
- Friday 2nd January 9:30am Ss Basil and Gregory
- Saturday 3rd January Holy Name of Jesus
- Sunday 4th January 10am 2nd Sunday of Christmas
May I wish you joy, peace, and hope for these days of Christmas.
O come let us adore Him,
Christ the Lord!