Feast of the Holy Family, Sunday December 28th 2008

On a freezing morning, we gathered to celebrate the Feast of the Holy Family. Despite this traditionally low Sunday, theere was a good turnout at church, especially from our music group. Hymns today included Angel Voices Richly Blending, the Calypso Carol and Ding Dong Merrily. A quartet from the music group sang the Coventry Carol. Deacon John was today's preacher.

There were prayers for the people of Israel and Palestine at this difficult time.

The children had their own liturgy today, returning as normal at the Offertory.

Next week, we celebrate the feast of the Epiphany, so don't forget to leave your slippers out overnight!

A video for Christmas

Here is a short video of Christmas morning at Sacred Heart, just as the 9.30am service has ended.

Christmas at Sacred Heart

Here are a few images of Sacred Heart Church at Christmas 2008. Once again we were blessed with very full churches on both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. The crib figures have been kindly re-painted by parishioner Joan Medley.

4th Sunday of Advent

It's good to see this blog proving so popular - we nearly up to 700 visitors now. Today was the 4th Sunday of Advent, with the final candle - that of love - being lit on the Advent wreath.

The focus of today's liturgy was Mary, and Father Ted preached about family trees, especially that of Jesus.

Today is a big day for the children of the parish. They will be having their own Advent service this afternoon at 4pm. In previous years this has proved very popular - and there are snacks afterwards.

Today was sunny in Rugby by the way. It also marks the turning of the season as the days actually grow longer from now on. So happy Solstice!

Also this week, Churches Together is organising carol singing on Monday night around the retirement homes of Bilton. Please meet at the Co-op at 6pm.

Young parishioners Maciek Hulme and Hugh Potter are joining a trip to the Himalayas in 2010. Various fundraising events are being planned. Please support them.

3rd Sunday of Advent

The third candle has been lit, the pink one, and Father Ted was in rose-coloured vestments today. Deacon John preached about John the Baptist and again mentioned the growing lists of parishioners who wish to be involved in the parish's future planning. It is really encouraging to see so many volunteers keen to get involved.

Today was a big day for the Holiday Club as it was the draw for the £1,000 first prize. Eilish Rooney took the first prize pot, with Anne Loftus and Pat Garrett winning runners-up prizes. Once again, thanks to those who organise the Holiday Club - it's such a good way of supporting the parish.

Young parishioners were signing up today for the dressing up part of next Sunday's Family Advent Service. There's always a good turnout for this event - the service lasts half an hour and there are refreshments afterwards. It starts at 4pm.

If anyone has a poinsettia (no it's not a dog!), then bring it along next week so the church can be decorated for Christmas.

Senior parishioners - there are presents waiting for you at church, in case you missed last week's party.

Anyone who wishes to be involved in singing or playing an instrument at the Christmas services should come along to the hall on Saturday at 10am for a practice.

Second Sunday of Advent

Father Ted preached today about preparing the way. He said John the Baptist was one of his heroes and that we can prepare the way by turning from consumerism and the need to constantly have things and possess the very latest gadgets - there is anoent.
ther, simpler way.
We sang the traditional hymn - On Jordan's Bank - and had the Advent Litany of prepare (Word of Justice...). The second candle was lit for Advent.
This week there are two more ways to prepare - an hour of quiet reflection and chant on Monday at 7.30pm, and a service of reconciliation on Thursday at 7.30pm.
Christmas cards and Fair Trade goods were on sale after mass, plus a fundraising stall by Macek Hume. There were also Christmas posters to take away and put in your window.
The Holiday Club is nearing the end of its six-month cycle with a fantastic £1,000 prize up for grabs shortly. Make sure your subscription is up to date, and why not join??