BULLETIN NOTES – 21.12.14.

Anniversaries for week of 28thDecember

John McLoughlin, Paul Thompson, Clare Walpole, Elizabeth Vaughan-Shaw, Maureen Milsom, Victor Chambers, Peter McNally, Martin Duggan, Philip Squires, Maureen Sheehan, Mary Ayers, Bett Scully, Fr. Dermot Grehan, Jean Venters

VOCATION MATTERS:

21st December –“The Holy Spirit will come upon you.”

In Greek there are two words for ‘time’: ‘chronos’ and ‘kairos’. Chronos is the normal passing of time. Kairos relates to appointed times, times loaded with meaning. These are often referred to as ‘kairos moments’. The Christmas Season is a time for kairos moments because, pondering on the Word made Flesh, innocent and vulnerable in a manger, we glimpse a vision of God’s love; we glean our calling to be children of God; and we see who we are called to be with for time and eternity. We have to grasp these kairos moments. They are pure gift. They will help us on our journey of discerning God’s will because they enlighten our hearts and minds to the truth.

28th December – The Holy Family – “They went back to Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth”

In 1966, Simon and Garfunkel released Homeward Bound. Emptiness and homesickness led Paul Simon to write, “I wish I was homeward bound. Home where my thought’s escaping. Home where my music’s playing. Home where my love lies waiting, silently for me.” Today we reflect on the gift of family with Jesus, Mary and Joseph as our model. Most of us are called to marriage and to raising families. Let us pray for this vocation and all being drawn to it. Also let us remember those who have no family; those separated from their families; and those for whom, through broken relationships and abuse, the idea of going homeward bound at this time of year is no joy at all.

ADVENT CENTERING: The Advent Centering Prayer at St. James’ during Advent is finished now, and will start again on Thursday 19th February for Lent.

INTERFAITH MATTERS: The Jewish holiday of Hanukkah, also known as the Festival of Lights, began on Tuesday evening (16th December) with the lighting, in Jewish homes and synagogues of the first of eight candles in the special candelabra (menorah). It is an eight day celebration marking the victory of the Maccabees over the Syrian Greek army around 165 BC and the subsequent re-dedication of the Temple in Jerusalem. Only one vial of sanctified oil was found to light the lamp at that time –enough only for one day, but miraculously it lasted for the required eight days. On each night of Hanukkah an additional candle is lit accompanied by special prayers and hymns, exchange of gifts, playing of games and eating food fried in oil such as doughnuts and potato cakes. We wish our Jewish friends a happy Festival.

(Paul – for some reason Brian Cross was left off the “sick list” last week

– his wife would be grateful if he could be put on again. Thanks.)

(Mary says could you repeat the entry for the First Holy Communion again – they have not had many takers. Thank you)

FR. ALAN WRITES: When I write this column eachweek I try to be aware that I am speaking to many who are regular parishioners, some fromother parts of the city, but in these days of electronic communication you may well read this in another part of the globe. I hope I also write, at times, expressing the sentiments of all parishioners and our Parish Pastoral Council. So, at this time of year, may I say a warm (well that depends on temperatures the next week or so!) welcome to Clifton Cathedral as you come to worship with us this Advent and Christmas season. You may just be out for a walk and calling in to see the Cathedral, likewise welcome. Many visitors will be catholics, but we hope whatever religion, creed, nation or race you are from that you will find a sense of peace and of God’s presence in this building which is the MotherChurch of the Catholic Diocese of Clifton. Bishop Declan Lang will extend the same welcome as he celebrates Midnight Mass (beginning at 11.30pm) and 11am Mass on Christmas Day.

Events in our world (I write on 18th December) often show scenes of violence and fear. At Christmas we thank God for the birth of His only Son, Jesus. He is the Prince of Peace, and Jesus told us that He gives a peace the world cannot give. He also tells us that life is not without suffering. Recent Sunday readings have reminded us that we are called to be happy at all times, to pray constantly and to thank God for all things. I, and Cathedral parishioners, pray for peace in our world, our country, our city, our families, our schools, our parish and deep within our own hearts. We pray for all in Pakistan (especially bereaved parents), Australia, Nigeria and the Middle East, and endless places where there is need for particular help and consolation. Let us remember at this time of year especially those who are homeless, hungry, lonely or ill. As we give thanks to God we do so that we are free to practice our faith publicly and to gather in a church.

Cards giving times of Christmas Masses and Services are in the Cathedral. Do take one or more. The Sacrament of Reconciliation will be celebrated at 11am on Christmas Eve (and as I said last year, a good penance might be to help with the big clean up on Monday 22nd December from 9am onwards!).

Finally, on behalf of Fr Ikeokwu and myself may I thank all the clergy who assist us regularly throughout the year, Deacon Kevin Moloney, Canon Kevin Mortimer, Fr. Cavan McElligott, Fr. John Morley-Bunker, Monsignor Gabriel Leyden, Fr. Matt Anscombe and others too. The Christmas Day collection is traditionally for the personal use of all the clergy. Thanks of course too for the devoted service of Cathedral staff, Mary, Penny Jo, Peter and Vernon, and all volunteers in Cathedral House. Happy Christmas to you all. With my thoughts and prayers. Canon Alan Finley, Cathedral Dean.