Now at last the destined ages
Their appointed course had run,
When rejoicing from His chamber
Issued forth the Bridegroom Son.
 
He embraced His bride, and held her
Lovingly upon His breast,
And the gracious Mother laid Him
In the manger down to rest.
 
There He lay, the dumb beasts by Him,
They were fitly stabled there,
While the shepherds and the angels
Filled with melody the air.
 
So the feast of their espousals
With solemnity was kept
But Almighty God, an Infant,
In the manger moaned and wept.
 
So the bride at her betrothal
Did the bridal gifts arrange
But the Mother looked in wonder
At the marvellous exchange.
 
Man gave forth a song of gladness,
God Himself a plaintive moan
Both possessing that which never
Had been hitherto their own.
St John of the Cross
 
Thank you for the kindness, support, and the example of faith lived every day which I have experienced since becoming part of the Parish community. 
With my best wishes to you, your families, and all who are dear to you, and of course the promise of prayers as we prepare to enter the Holy Year
​
Fr Robert 

The O Antiphons.
From Tuesday onwards the begins to pray the 7 O Antiphons as an Octave of Prayer in preparation for Christmas.  The Roman Church has been singing the "O" Antiphons since at least the eighth century. They are the antiphons that accompany the Magnificat canticle of Evening Prayer from December 17-23. They are a magnificent theology that uses ancient biblical imagery drawn from the messianic hopes of the Old Testament to proclaim the coming Christ as the fulfillment not only of Old Testament hopes, but present ones as well. Their repeated use of the imperative "Come!" embodies the longing of all for the Divine Messiah.
Additionally, the ancient monks who first assembled the O Antiphons were very creative with the order in which they were prayed. If you take the first letter of each antiphon (in the Latin) and read them from last to first, the word ERO CRAS is spelled, which translates as "Tomorrow I will come." If you wish to join with this Octave of Prayer the antiphons are:
 
Dec 17 - O Wisdom of our God Most High, guiding creation with power and love: come to teach us the path of knowledge.
Dec 18 - O Leader of the House of Israel, giver of the Law to Moses on Sinai: come to rescue us with your mighty power.
Dec 19 - O Root of Jesse’s stem, sign of God’s love for all his people: come to save us without delay.
Dec 20 - O Key of David, opening the gates of God’s eternal Kingdom: come and free the prisoners of darkness.
Dec 21 - O Radiant Dawn, splendour of eternal light, sun of justice: come and shine on those who dwell in darkness and in the shadow of death.
Dec 22 - O King of all nations and keystone of the Church: come and save your people whom you formed from the dust.
Dec 23 - O Emmanuel, our King and Giver of Law: come to save us, Lord our God

Solemnity of The Immaculate Conception
This is usually celebrated on the 8th of December but this year is transferred to Monday the 9th when Mass will be offered at 1000. 

​Times of Christmas Masses
St Alphege       Christmas Eve
9 30 pm            Carol Service with Readings
10.00 pm          Mass of Midnight
St Alphege       Christmas Day
11.00 am          Christmas Day Mass
 
St Joseph PsJ  Christmas Eve
6.30 pm            Carols
7.00 pm            First Mass of Christmas
St Joseph PsJ  Christmas Day
09.00 am          Christmas Day Mass