FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT & HOLY FAMILY OF JESUS, MARY & JOSEPH (YEAR B)
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Notices
YVONNE, FR JOSEPH & FR ANTHONY wish you and your families a very Merry Christmas and a blessed new year. Fr Joseph will be away from 26th December until the end of January visiting his family in Nigeria. Fr Anthony will be looking after the Parish whilst Fr Joseph is away. We wish him a well-earned break and safe journey. Please feel free to email or phone the parish office (01628 605764) for any enquiries.
Christmas 2020
CHRISTMAS SERVICES FOR OUR LADY OF PEACE AND ST ANDREW’S As promised, I am delighted to announce the schedule for the Christmas Services. You will see extra services planned this year to enable as many as possible to attend. A booking system will be in operation to manage numbers (for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day services only), to ensure maximum safety for all and will be done on a first come, first served basis.
Booking is not required for 26th or 27th December. Bookings can be made by telephone or email (see details below). Please do not telephone the Presbytery but instead use the dedicated email address or telephone number to book your places and please also ensure you book only one service per person or group.
Update (20/12/2020): Please note the 5.00PM Christmas Eve Children’s Masses are both fully booked. If you cannot attend the mass you have booked, please make contact for us to make provision for anyone on the waiting list.
Dedicated telephone number and email address for OLP and St Andrew’s Christmas Eve and Christmas Day Services. Telephone: 07869 932 246 or email: olopxmasservices[AT]gmail.com
Email requests should include which service you wish to attend, how many people will be in your group, and also your telephone number. As per Government guidance, groups are limited to no more than 6 from your household or support bubble (unless a legal exemption applies).
I look forward to welcoming you all to Masses this advent and over the Christmastide.
Fr Joe
Masses at Our Lady of Peace:
| Day/Service | Date | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Christmas Eve Children’s Mass* Mass is fully booked | 24th December | 5.00pm |
| Vigil & Midnight Mass* | 24th December | 11.30pm |
| Christmas Day (9.30am)* | 25th December | 9.30am |
| Christmas Day (11.00am)* | 25th December | 11.00am |
| Boxing Day (Saturday 10.00am – online only Mass) | 26th December | 10.00am |
| Boxing Day (Saturday evening) | 26th December | 6.00pm |
| Sunday | 27th December | 9.30am |
*Booking required, telephone: 07869 932 246 or email: olopxmasservices[AT]gmail.com
Masses at St Andrew’s:
| Day/Service | Date | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Christmas Eve Children’s Mass* Mass is fully booked | 24th December | 5.00pm |
| Vigil & Midnight Mass* | 24th December | 9.30pm |
| Christmas Day* | 25th December | 11.30am |
| Sunday | 27th December | 11.30am |
*Booking required, telephone: 07869 932 246 or email: olopxmasservices[AT]gmail.com
CHRISTMAS OFFERING Christmas and Easter are two times in the year that your donations go directly to the priest as a significant part of his wages. Should you wish to give a Christmas Offering to our priest, among the numbered offertory envelopes, there is a white one written Christmas Offering for this purpose. The Missionary Society of St Paul’s donation envelopes are also available in the Church should you wish to use them. You could also donate directly to the parish accounts or through the diocese’s online and phone in giving platforms, quoting the reference: Christmas Offering. Please refer to the Parish Donations section on the parish website for the bank and online donation details. Thank you for your ongoing support especially at this trying times.
MICHELE DI GANGI RIP Please pray for the repose of the soul of Michele Di Gangi RIP who died recently, his funeral service will be on Friday, 8th January at 11,00 am in Our Lady of Peace, followed by burial at Slough Cemetery.
PARISH OFFICE Yvonne has returned to her duties as Parish Secretary, albeit working from home for two days per week on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9.00am to 2.00pm, until further notice. For all Parish matters please contact Yvonne via email on office.ourladyofpeace[AT]northamptondiocese.org or Fr Joseph via email on frjosephudoh[AT]northamptondiocese.org or you can telephone the Parish office on 01628 605764 and leave a message.
TWO WEEK NEWSLETTER This week’s newsletter will be for two weeks, then back to weekly from the weekend 9th – 10th January 2021, the deadline for notices will be Thursday, 7th January 2021 by 12noon. Please email notices to Yvonne on office.ourladyofpeace[AT]northamptondiocese.org or drop in the Presbytery door.
CRIB DONATIONS will be made to the Cabrini Children’s Society/White Flower Appeal.
CONGRATULATIONS to Holly and Adam who were Married on 19th December in Our Lady of Peace. We wish them every blessing in their Married life.
CAR PARKING Please when parking at Our Lady of Peace we ask that you take care not to block pavements or the corner of the road leading into St Michael’s Court. It is very difficult for residents of St Michael’s Court to access Lower Britwell Road when cars are parked on the corner obstructing the view onto the road. When using the car park please drive in as far as you can to allow us to use all the available spaces. Over the Christmas season there will be extra cars and we ask please could everyone park considerately.
FACE MASKS We remind you that proper face coverings must be worn over the nose and mouth before entering the Church and throughout the duration of services.
FINANCES We are ever so grateful for your financial support, and to the volunteers who help in so many ways for the Church to open again for Masses and for private prayer. Tony McNiff, the new Chief Operating Officer, COO of the Diocese, who is head of Finance and Development offices of the diocese has written to introduce himself and to thank you for your contributions. He is appealing on behalf of the Diocese for your ongoing financial support. His letter also gives update on the sad financial impact of the COVID 19 on diocesan income, with loses for 6 months up to September 2020 amounting to £1.7m and our parish losing 55% of parish income for the same period. The full text of Tony’s letter is below.
Letter from Tony McNiff, Chief Operating Officer for the Diocese of Northampton
Dear Fellow Parishioners,
I am writing to introduce myself as the new Chief Operating Officer at the Diocese having joined at the beginning of September.I am very much looking forward to visiting the parishes across the Diocese as soon as possible but unfortunately the constraints of COVID-19 have meant that I have been unable to visit as many as I would have wished.
Parishes I have visited and the financial returns from those I have not, tell a very similar story. The reality of the situation is that they have been struggling to cover their costs with reduced income. Over the period to September 20 (the latest accounts produced), income received has dropped by almost £1.7m and whilst efforts have been put in place to reduce costs including claiming support from the Government’s furlough scheme and reducing property expenditure to all but essential H&S related matters, a reduction of this magnitude has been difficult to manage.
For Our Lady of Peace and St Andrew’s, income from Offertory is down by 50% from £26000 for 6 months to September 2019 to £13000 to September 2020 and total income for the same period, down by 55% from £47000 to £21000.
I would, first of all, like to thank you for the generosity that you have shown in continuing to support the life of our parishes over recent months. I am also acutely aware that many are suffering significant hardship as a result of the pandemic.
But, as we come out of lockdown and our churches reopen more fully, our costs will start to increase and it will become increasingly challenging to support our parishes with reduced levels of donations. For that reason, I am asking you consider recommencing or increasing your donations if you are able to do so.
The support of those parishioners who contribute regularly by standing order and the associated Gift Aid we have been able to claim from the Government have been invaluable over the last 9 months and have highlighted how important this method of giving is. If you are able to contribute by standing order, please consider doing so. The Finance Team at Bishops House can help you with this if you are unable to arrange this locally.
If you are unable to attend Church and therefore find it difficult to contribute, please remember that you can do so online (see Parish Donations) or by ringing the Diocesan Finance Team at Bishops’ House who will be pleased to help you donate.
Our priests rely heavily on your contributions, particularly at Christmas and Easter and your generous offerings at these times are hugely appreciated.
Thank-you for listening and for your ongoing support.
Tony McNiff
PARISH ONLINE PRAYER SERVICE A dedicated email has been set up for you to send prayer requests. The email address is: prayerministry.ourladyofpeace[AT]northamptondiocese.org Meanwhile, let us continue to support and pray for one another in the parish.
CAN WE HELP? Please get in touch with Fr Joe if you or any parishioner needs help.
MASS BOOKING Kindly drop off your intentions at the Presbytery, place it in the donation box in the Church or give it to Fr Joseph. You can still make a request for Masses by email and telephone.
RESUMPTION OF PUBLIC LITURGIES AT OUR LADY OF PEACE AND ST ANDREW’S
Please note:
- Restrictions apply on number of attendances at Baptism, funeral, and marriage.
- Proper face coverings must be worn over the nose and mouth before entering the Church and throughout the duration of Mass and services.
- Please provide contact details on entry. We have a number of methods (QR code, form or tick list). The NHS QR App can be found via this link: https://covid19.nhs.uk/.
- After Mass, please stay seated until a Steward advises when you can safely leave.
- To light a candle after Mass, please wait until others have left and advise a Steward.
- Doors will remain open for proper ventilation – do wrap up well before coming to Mass.
- Please avoid congregating in the car park in groups – in line with Government guidance.
- If you need to speak to Fr Joseph please contact the office by phone or email to set up a time: Phone (01628 605764). E-mail (frjosephudoh[AT]northamptondiocese.org).
If you are concerned about anything, please do not hesitate to contact the Parish office. In the meantime, please feel free to come for private prayers at the times and dates shown below (No private prayer schedule at St Andrew’s):
Private Prayer Sessions (N.B. revised schedule) (Excluding holidays)
| Day | Venue | Open | Close |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monday | Our Lady of Peace | 7.00pm** | 8.00pm |
| Friday | Our Lady of Peace | 10.00am | 12noon |
A donation box is available in Our Lady of Peace for Mass intentions, offertory envelopes, donations, etc.
Thank you for your cooperation and God bless.
Fr Joe
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS Please read Attending Mass After Lockdown: Your Questions Answered.
Public Mass Downloads:
Parish Donations
FINANCES
Tony McNiff, the new Chief Operating Officer, COO of the Diocese, who is head of Finance and Development offices of the diocese has written to introduce himself and to thank you for your contributions. He is appealing on behalf of the diocese for your ongoing financial support. His letter also gives update on the sad financial impact of the COVID 19 on diocesan income, with loses for 6 months up to September 2020 amounting to £1.7m and our parish losing 55% of parish income for the same period. Full text of Tony’s letter is available in the Church and on the parish website.
We are ever so grateful for your financial support, and to the volunteers who help in so many ways for the Church to open again for Masses and for private prayer.
- Donating by phone: ‘Giving Tuesday’ – Telephone Donation In addition to the online donation facilities currently available, the Diocese has begun a ‘Giving Tuesday’. Each Tuesday between 10:00am and 4:00pm, you can call this number, 01604 712065, and donate to your parish.
- Online Donation We have an online donation facility on our main Diocesan website through Virgin Money giving (link below). If you use this option, we ask that you please indicate in the notes section which parish, including the parish name that you would like your donation to be attributed to. Please note that there is the facility to Gift Aid any donation to your Parish: northamptondiocese.org/donate/
- Standing Order via donor’s own bank: You can set up a standing order for donations to your parish using either your online bank account or in branch. You can also make a one-off payment to the parish. The information required to make the donation is as follows:
Bank: NatWest.
Sort Code; 60-06-11.
Account Name; 46716203. Account Name; RCDN Our Lady of Peace.
Payment Ref: Our Lady of Peace, Slough or Parish Priest’s Easter offering. - Standing Order using the form: https://northamptondiocese.org/wp-content/uploads/GAD-general-June-18-v2-revision.pdf You can complete the standing order form for donations to your parish with the option to Gift Aid. Please indicate on this form if you are not a tax payer but would like to set up a standing order only.
There are two sides/sheets to this form, it should be printed, completed, signed and returned to our Parish office, we will then forward to central offices at Bishop’s House for processing at a later date. Please remember to state which parish this standing is for i.e. ‘For the benefit of Our Lady of Peace, Slough Parish’ section at the top of the form. Banks will require 7 working days from receipt of these forms to activate the request so please ensure the start date reflects this 7 day period to ensure the S.O. can take effect. - There is also a donation box in Our Lady of Peace for Mass intentions, offertory, donations, etc.
Thank you for any help you are able to give and God bless. Fr Joseph
News Links
- Diocese News
- Diocese Twitter page (includes the Bishop’s weekly engagements)
- The Vine (Journal of the Diocese of Northampton)
- Diocese of Northampton Flickr photo albums
- News from the Catholic Church in England & Wales
- Videos on Vimeo from the Catholic Church in England & Wales
- Catholic Church in England & Wales Flickr photo albums
- News from the Vatican (in English)
Masses & Intentions
December 19th – December 27th
Sunday Readings: Year B
Weekday Readings: Cycle I
Fourth Week of Advent
December 26th – January 3rd
Octave of Christmas
N.B. Changes and new events are in bold text.
Join Live streaming of Masses on
Facebook: ourladyofpeacecatholicchurchburnham or YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCegtpwudlmz48G-m3gPNy4Q
December 19th – December 27th
| Saturday, 19th December | FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT | O Root of Jesse Mass Readings (Year B) 🔷 10.00am Our Lady of Peace – Richard Quille RIP (Quille); Fr Anthony Bassey Intentions (Rosary Group) 6.00pm Our Lady of Peace – Clarry & Winifred Murphy & Julia Murphy RIP (P&C); |
| Sunday, 20th December | FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT | O Key Mass Readings (Year B) 9.30am Our Lady of Peace – Anne Maasch RIP (Anniversary) (Denise); Hadrian & Cedrica (25th Wedding Anniversary) (Family) 11.30am St Andrew’s – Philomena Ward RIP (Shiels); Mamu K Ratna RIP(K Ratna & Sepala); People of the Parish |
| Monday 21st December | O Rising Sun 9.30am Our Lady of Peace Gordon Campbell RIP (Foundation); Denis Sugrue RIP (Sugrue) 7.00pm-8.00pm Our Lady of Peace – open for private prayer + Monday prayer group |
| Tuesday 22nd December | O King 9.30am Our Lady of Peace – Ouseph Tharakan RIP (Family) |
| Thursday 24th December | THE NATIVITY OF OUR LORD, JESUS CHRIST Mass Readings | N.B. Booking is required for today’s Masses. To book telephone: 07869 932 246 or email: olopxmasservices[AT]gmail.com 5.00pm Our Lady of Peace *** – Isabella McGlynn RIP (Rosary Group); Helen Hutchinson RIP (Birthday Remb.)(Payne); Alma Hayden (Hayden) 5.00pm St Andrew’s ***– People of the Parish 9.30pm St Andrew’s – Fortino & Darro family RIP 11.30pm Our Lady of Peace – Mary Harris RIP & Francis Flynn RIP (Cafferty); Mary & John Lawlor RIP (Family) |
| Friday 25th December | THE NATIVITY OF OUR LORD, JESUS CHRIST Mass Readings | N.B. Booking is required for today’s Masses. To book telephone: 07869 932 246 or email: olopxmasservices[AT]gmail.com 9.30am Our Lady of Peace – Philomena Rosario RIP (4th Anniv.) (Rosario) 11.00am Our Lady of Peace – Bernie O’Donnell & Family Int. (Rosary Group) 11.30am St Andrew’s – Maureen Hanson RIP (Sugrue) |
| Saturday 26th December | ST STEPHEN, Deacon & Protomartyr 10.00am Our Lady of Peace | Fr Anthony Bassey Int. (Rosary Group) | N.B. This Mass is online only. 6.00pm Our Lady of Peace | Clarry & Winifred & Julia Murphy RIP (P&C) |
| Sunday 27th December | THE HOLY FAMILY Mass Readings (Year B) 9.30am Our Lady of Peace – Johanna O’Callaghan RIP (Evelyn), Callum Bryant Intentions (Bryant) 11.30am St Andrew’s – Angelo Nazareth RIP (K Ratna & Sepala), Lilian Young RIP (Vint); People of the Parish |
December 26th – January 3rd
| Saturday 26th December | ST STEPHEN, Deacon & Protomartyr 10.00am Our Lady of Peace | Fr Anthony Bassey Int. (Rosary Group) | N.B. This Mass is online only. 6.00pm Our Lady of Peace | Clarry & Winifred & Julia Murphy RIP (P&C) |
| Sunday 27th December | THE HOLY FAMILY Mass Readings (Year B) 9.30am Our Lady of Peace – Johanna O’Callaghan RIP (Evelyn), Callum Bryant Intentions (Bryant) 11.30am St Andrew’s – Angelo Nazareth RIP (K Ratna & Sepala), Lilian Young RIP (Vint); People of the Parish |
| Monday 28th December | THE HOLY INNOCENTS, Martyrs 9.30am Our Lady of Peace – Ray Shiels RIP (Shiels); Haire Family Int. |
| Tuesday 29th December | ST THOMAS BECKET, Martyr & Bishop 9.30am Our Lady of Peace – Maureen Cronin RIP (3rd Anniv.)(Sugrue) |
| Thursday 31st December 9.30am St Andrew’s – Dr Maria Swiezynska RIP & Joanna Int. (Heys); Preciosa Godinho RIP (1st Anniv.)(Borges) |
| Friday 1st January 2021 | MARY, MOTHER OF GOD 10.00am Our Lady of Peace – Derrick Eatwell RIP (Eatwell) |
| Saturday 2nd January | SECOND SUNDAY AFTER CHRISTMAS Mass Readings 🔷 10.00am Our Lady of Peace – Frank & Margery Christian RIP (Cafferty) 6.00pm Our Lady of Peace – P & C Intentions (Shiels) |
| Sunday 3rd January | SECOND SUNDAY AFTER CHRISTMAS Mass Readings 9.30am Our Lady of Peace – Jamie McFarlaine RIP (Rosary Group) 11.30am St Andrew’s People of the Parish |
January 2nd – January 10th
| Saturday 2nd January | SECOND SUNDAY AFTER CHRISTMAS Mass Readings 🔷 10.00am Our Lady of Peace – Frank & Margery Christian RIP (Cafferty) 6.00pm Our Lady of Peace – P & C Intentions (Shiels) |
| Sunday 3rd January | SECOND SUNDAY AFTER CHRISTMAS Mass Readings 9.30am Our Lady of Peace – Jamie McFarlaine RIP (Rosary Group) 11.30am St Andrew’s People of the Parish |
| Monday 4th January 9.30am Our Lady of Peace – Fr Lobo & Jim McErlean Intentions (Gatt) |
| Tuesday 5th January 9.30am Our Lady of Peace – Forgotten Souls in Purgatory (Rosary Group) |
| Wednesday 6th January | THE EPIPHANY OF THE LORD Mass Readings 9.30am Our Lady of Peace – People of the Parish |
| Thursday 7th January 9.30am St Andrew’s – Prof Leszek Holdanowicz RIP & Joanna Int.(Heys); Deacon George Brooker RIP (Brooker) |
| Friday 8th January 9.30am Our Lady of Peace – Daniel Cronin RIP (3rd Anniv.) (Sugrue) |
| Saturday 9th January | THE BAPTISM OF THE LORD Mass Readings 🔷 10.00am Our Lady of Peace – Kay & Vince Intentions (Shiels) 6.00pm Our Lady of Peace – Sr Mary Stella & Sr Mary Joseph Int. (P&C) |
| Sunday 10th January | THE BAPTISM OF THE LORD Mass Readings 9.30am Our Lady of Peace – Rosary Group Intentions 11.30am St Andrew’s – Michele Di Gangi RIP (Boundy); People of the Parish |
🔷 Public Mass intended for the elderly and those who need to take extra care, but who are permitted outside of the home.
Liturgy Office resources:
Season of Advent
Calendar notes for 2021 (PDF)
Our Lady of Peace Church – Lower Britwell Road, Burnham | SL2 2NL
St Andrew’s – Elmshott La/Washington Drive, Cippenham, Berks | SL1 5RE
Our Lady of Peace 