Events

Diary

Saturday, 4^th December

Concert of Mozart Music at 7.30pm

It is excellent to welcome the Saint James Singers with the Northumberland Orchestral Society Ensemble to sing this concert, as well as the folks who will come to listen.

Tickets are available from the Vicar (£5; concessions £3)

Wednesday, 8^th December

Conception of the BVM

Sung Mass at 7.30pm, followed by a measured party in the Vicarage, our Lady being one of the patrons of the benefice.

The Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary has a higher profile in the Roman Catholic Church than it does in much of the Anglican Communion. Roman Catholic teaching requires the faithful to accept the belief that our Lady’s Conception was immaculate – that the sinful inheritance that usually taints humans when they are conceived, was absent in her case. Some Christians of other denominations believe that too, but it is not necessary, like, for example, believing that Jesus was divine.

Either way, the Conception of our Lady kicked off the sequence of events that culminated in the life and ministry of her Son. She has a particular place of honour amongst Christians and so we celebrate the day.

Saturday, 11^th December

Coffee Morning at 11am to raise money for Carol Books

There will be a coffee morning at 2 Clovelly Avenue (Chez Evans) to raise money to purchase new carol books.

Wednesday, 15^th December

Joint PCC meeting

This will take place at 7.30pm in the Church Hall – lots of interesting things to discuss …

Saturday, 18^th December

Carol Singing at 2pm

There will be Carol Singing and tea in the Church Hall.

Christmas Services at S Matthew’s

Friday 24^th December

Christingle at 6pm

Midnight Mass of the Nativity and Blessing of the Crib at 11.30pm

Saturday, 25^th December

Sung Mass of the Day at 10am

Anyone wishing to make their confession before the festival should contact the Vicar.

Please remember that Christmas is first and foremost an occasion for worship and only secondly an opportunity for a bit of self indulgence: please try to attend as many Christmas services as possible. Folks can receive Communion at every Mass they attend.

Sunday, 26^th December

Boxing Day

There will be one Mass at 10am and no evening service

Monday, 27^th December

Saint John the Evangelist

Sung Mass at 7.30pm

This Saint John is traditionally identified as the author of the fourth Gospel, the epistles that bear his name and the Book of the Apocalypse (Revelation). In the Gospel, he is described as the Beloved Disciple. He was (in the fourth Gospel) at the Cross as Jesus died and Jesus entrusted to him the care of His Mother.

2005

Thursday, 6^th January

The Epiphany

Procession and High Mass at 7.30pm followed by a simple party in the Vicarage – No Mass at 9.45am

In the West, the feast of the Epiphany, the twelfth day of Christmas, marks the visit of the Magi (wise men/kings) to the infant Christ. In the East, the day is connected with the Baptism of Christ – or even the Nativity; but we have another day for that (see below).

Unlike Eastertide, Christmastide has a rather ragged end. The decorations should come down today, but the vestments stay white until Sunday and the Crib remains until Candlemas on 2^nd February.

Sunday, 9^th January

The Baptism of Christ and benefice farewell to Fr Elliott

Sung Mass at 10.30am; Solemn Evensong and Benediction at 6.30pm.

This is the last day of the Christmas services. Ordinary (green) Time starts tomorrow. Father Elliott, the Archdeacon of Northumberland, will be celebrating and preaching at the one Mass this morning to mark his time as Archdeacon, prior to his retirement. Donations towards a present, which will be given to him after the Liturgy, should be given to the Treasurer (Allen Mundangepfupfu) marked “Archdeacon’s Leaving Present”. After the Mass, there will be a buffet lunch in the Vicarage. Fr Elliott has been a good friend to our benefice, PLEASE make every effort to adjust your arrangements for this day so that you can be present at our opportunity to thank him and Mrs Elliott.

Sunday, 16^th January

Diocesan Farewell to Fr Elliott

At S Matthew’s: Sung Mass at 9am; High Mass at 10.30am; Solemn Evensong and Benediction at 4.30pm

The diocesan farewell to Fr Elliott as Archdeacon of Northumberland (he will still be living in the diocese after he retires) takes place in the Cathedral at 6pm, to which all are invited and, as well as the events here the week before, it would be good if we were well represented at this service

Tuesday, 25^th January

The Conversion of Saint Paul

Low Mass at 12 noon, but see below

Saint Paul is one of the most influential characters in Christian history, whose writings are a key element in theological reflexion. He started as a persecutor of the early Church, but was dramatically converted on the road to Damascus, as he was off to hunt down a few more Christians (see Acts 9: 1ff). He was, afterwards, the most energetic missionary for the Faith.

Today is the Patronal Festival of S Paul’s Whitley Bay (you may not be surprised to read!). They will be celebrating with a Sung Mass at 7.30pm to which we are invited. It would be good if lots of us could go. If there are sufficient, we will arrange a minibus.

FORWARD NOTICE

Wednesday, 2^nd February

Candlemas

Lighting of lamps, Procession and High Mass at 7.30pm