newsletter 13th December 2015

Newsletter 13th December 2015
Today the Third week of Advent – known as “Gaudete Sunday” from the first word of the Latin Introit of the Mass “rejoice in the Lord”. Today we use the rose coloured vestments to show that we are half way through the Advent season.
Today the choir provides a service of music, hymns and readings at 6pm. Afterwards there will be hot wine and mince pies in the Angelus Room. I hope that you will be able to come.
The structure of the crib is now in place and the figures are beginning to assemble. The three kings have started on their journey.
After the 9.30 Mass today there will be a short rehearsal for those with parts in the mystery plans. Still plenty of parts so remember to add your names to lists on the wall in the Angelus Room. It is most disappointing if the shepherds don’t turn up. Next Sunday the costumes will be laid out in the Big Hall. Remember to come in good time, put on your costume and come to the Church with your parents. The second part is on Christmas Day and the third part on 3rd January.
A reminder that there will be a Mass at 6pm on Christmas Eve, the Midnight Mass and Masses at 9.30 and 11 on Christmas Day.
Next Friday is the last day of term at the school and I have three Masses for the children. I will say a Mass at 7.30am in the Church but if the Bishop is not available, there will be a Eucharistic Service at 10am.
Monday is the feast of St. John of the Cross, the great friend of Teresa of Avila.
The Parish Magazine will be published next week – I am sure that you will want a copy – not least because it includes the Christmas Quiz – more difficult than ever this year – I warn you that the Oxford book of quotations will not be sufficient and you might not even find some of the answers on line. Teresa will be home after her first term of English studies so I will await her answers with interest.
From Thursday – the O antiphons – these are the Antiphons said before and after the Magnificat in the Office of Vespers – from 17th to 24th December there is a special antiphon each day beginning with “O”. The antiphons provided the basis for the carol “O, come all ye faithful”.
No trains to London Bridge over the Christmas holiday. Preparations have been made to commission the tracks over the new bridge over Borough High Street – the electric third rail is in place and the new signals have been constructed, covered with plastic bags for the time being. A temptation to take a very early trip on January 4th on the first public service over the new lines.
An Advent prayer: Lord God, we are preparing to celebrate the birth of your Son Jesus Christ. While we recall his coming as a child, in weakness and humility, ma we be reminded that one day he will come in power and glory. May our joy be deeper, our worship more real and our lives more worthy.
And now the recipe: line a pie dish with thin puff pastry. Cream together 4oz butter, 4oz caster sugar, the grated rind and the juice of one lemon and four egg yolks. Pour in the mixture and bake in a moderate oven for ¾ hour.
A few lines from Chesterton to entertain you:
The fine French kings came over in a flutter of flags and dames.
We liked their smiles and battles, but we never could say their names.
The great nephew is very busy with his Christmas play at school. He must not be distracted from his studies as he prepares for his Cambridge entrance exams. Meanwhile his small sister continues to charm everybody. She is the image of her mother when she was small.
Thank you for all your generous help with Giving Tree at the back of the Church. We hope to sort out the parcels and make sure that they are delivered. If you wrap your parcel, please remember to stick on the silver or the gold label.
Best wishes to you all,
Monsignor Nicholas Rothon