DAY OF REJOICING

            Did you get to meet Cedric and Isaac? They are an interesting pair of characters. They came in from the country for a brief visit to our Parish last Sunday. I met up with them in the village, and walked down to the church with them. I can’t say the conversation was up to very much – perhaps they were concentrating on
the music being played by the band, or were appreciating the singing of the carols. Mind you, they didn’t join in the singing, which was maybe just as well - they were what one might call the strong, silent type! In fairness, neither did they partake of the mulled wine and mince pies afterwards, which was equally just as well, as it might have rendered them unfit for the homeward journey. I suppose you could say they were well balanced characters – with a leg at every corner!

Yes, of course I’m referring to the donkeys that were participating in the Living Crib, which attracted a respectable attendance – though I noticed that the numbers seemed to have swollen considerably by the time we reached the church compared with up the village. But I’m sure the mulled wine and mince pies had nothing to do with that! It’s the first time I can remember having experienced such an event, and I must admit it’s a nice idea. I say it’s a nice idea, because it’s certainly no harm to remind people in a graphic way as to why they’re involved in all the hectic shopping and card-writing at this time of the year. I can’t say for sure that all the drivers who had their journeys disrupted were absolutely delighted – though many were bemused, and then amused, to see a child dressed as Mary and riding a donkey through the centre of Highgate!

Before I forget it, I want to take this opportunity to thank all the people who put such time and effort into the event – all the children involved in the parade and tableau, those involved in all the organisation that was required, and of course the providers of the mulled wine and mince pies! If you missed it don’t despair – you have another opportunity this Sunday after our service of readings and music. I was going to suggest having the mulled wine first – it might help to loosen some of the vocal chords – but then I realised that we mightn’t want people to be too happy when it came to the singing!

Though the opposite is the heart of today’s Eucharistic liturgy! Today is Gaudete Sunday – literally Rejoice Sunday. Our readings remind us of all the reasons we have for rejoicing – He came “to bring good news to the poor” and “to bind hearts that are broken”. St. Paul reminds us to “be happy at all times”, because “God has called you and will not fail you”. Again John the Baptist in central to our gospel reading, making clear that his role is not as the light, but as a witness to speak for the light. If we put all that together we see that we are being reminded that our role as Christians is to be witnesses to that wonderful, positive message of Christ – that as long as we accept Him in our lives we need never be poor or broken-hearted. Instead we should be happy, and let people know we are happy.

Go on. Smile at that person beside you! See what happens!

ADVENT CELEBRATION of Readings and Music
7.45pm this Sunday evening, 14^th December,

Join us for a time of quiet reflection in the midst of wintry darkness, opening ourselves to Christ’s coming in our time.
Mulled wine and mince pies to follow (bring mince pies to share).

ADVENT RETREAT "Seeking Jesus" - Tuesday 16^th December

This Tuesday there will be a retreat day conducted inside the Monastery. The theme is "Seeking Jesus" and
this Advent retreat will be led by Fr Denis. The Retreat will begin after the 9.30 morning Mass, and will be from
10am till 2pm. It will be repeated in an abbreviated form in the Evening from 7pm till 9pm for those who cannot attend during the day. Please bring a sandwich lunch (tea and coffee provided). If you intend to come to either Day or Evening session, please add a TICK to the list at the rear of the church so that we have some idea of numbers.

Farewell to Shirley

We are sad to announce that Shirley Taylor, our Pastoral Assistant for the last eighteen years,
will be leaving us after Christmas.  We would like to thank Shirley for all her hard work, dedication and commitment to the parish over such a long period, and to wish her well for the future.  Everyone is invited to contribute towards a book of tributes for Shirley, who has touched so many lives during her time here. Details about how to do this will be forthcoming shortly.  We will say our goodbyes to her at the 12.00 noon mass on Sunday 4th January, so please mark that date in your diaries now.