Dear friends in Christ

The name of St John the Baptist is synonymous with Advent. He is the one chosen by God to be the link between the Old and New Testaments. He is the man who will prepare the way for the Messiah by calling the world to repentance and purification, so that Christ can enter. Daily at Mass we hear his words, as we are invited to the Banquet of the Lamb: Ecce Agnus Dei…behold the Lamb of God! Whenever we come to Mass we can think of him, as he calls us still to prepare for the coming of Jesus, especially by the inner purification of our lives that comes par excellence through the Sacrament of Reconciliation—Confession.

In the midst of Advent we celebrate the Immaculate Conception of Our Blessed Lady: Wednesday, 8th December. The Church celebrates how Mary was chosen and preserved from Original Sin and personal sin, from the first moment of her conception in the womb of her mother, St Anne. Because Lourdes is closely associated with this doctrine of our Faith, each year we ask for Mary’s special protection of our Parish. On Wednesday there will be Masses at 9am and 12 noon. In the evening at 7pm there will be Rosary and Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament. Traditionally, we Consecrate the Parish Family to the Immaculate Heart of Mary on this feast, entrusting to her maternal Heart all families, individuals and especially the sick and suffering.

On 8th December we conclude the Year of Saint Joseph. This last year has given us the opportunity to better appreciate the life and virtues of the Glorious Patriarch. As Saint Joseph is one of the central figures of Advent, we implore his intercession, that he will ever lead us to Jesus, and that we may remain close to Him. May St John the Baptist, and the Blessed Mother, lead us once again through the days of Advent towards a worthy celebration of the Incarnation. With every blessing!

Msgr Kevin Hale