A very warm welcome to all
Luke 1: 46-55 (Magnificat) “My soul magnifies the Lord.”
Fourth Sunday in Advent
Readings: 2 Samuel 7: 1-11,16; Romans 16: 25-27
Gospel: Luke 1: 26-38
In our Gospel today
The readings for this Sunday speak of the original Ark of the Covenant and of the Annunciation of the Angel Gabriel to Mary, the new Ark of the Covenant. In the first reading, David wants to build a home for the Ark of the Covenant, and instead God promises to establish the house of David forever. The second reading praises God, giving Glory to God, who strengthens us through the Gospel of Jesus Christ, revealing long-hidden mysteries, now shared with all nations to foster obedience of faith. In the gospel, Gabriel the Archangel appears to the Blessed Virgin Mary and brings her the news that she has been chosen to be the mother of our Lord Jesus Christ, Mary is troubled, but Gabriel explains the Holy Spirit’s role, affirms God’s power and Mary humbly says yes (her ‘fiat’).
Diocesan Advent Course
The Diocesan Advent Course will run from Advent Sunday (3rd December 2023) to the Baptism of the Lord (7th January 2024). The course, written by different members of the Diocese is called “In the beginning was the Word…” with reflections each day on scripture. It will be posted in the ‘other news’ section of the Diocesan website, with some discussion questions posted on Saturday of each week to reflect back on that week’s previous posts.
Christmas Worship
Here’s a reminder of our Christmas Services at St Mary’s Pro-Cathedral:
o Christmas Eve Sung Eucharist: Sunday 24th December at 10am
o Christmas Eve Midnight Service: Sunday 24th December at 11:30pm
o Christmas Day Sung Eucharist: Monday 25th December at 10am
Calendar 2024
The St Mary’s Pro-Cathedral Calendar for 2024 is available in church. Single copies can be purchased at the price of £10. If you’d like to purchase more than one, we will offer a 10% discount on the total payable.
Christmas Selection Boxes given to Barnardo’s
Sixty-five Christmas Selection Boxes were delivered to Barnardo’s in time for their Christmas delivery service across the city. Many thanks to all that contributed, the selection boxes will be very much appreciated.
Annual General Meeting
St Mary’s Pro-Cathedral Annual General Meeting will take place after the 10am Service on Sunday 4th February. Bishop Dorsey McConnell will be with us for the service and the AGM. Reports for the AGM should be available to send to the Diocesan Office about one week before the AGM.
New Vestry Members Required
The Vestry are in need of a few new Ordinary Members as some existing members complete their period of service and also because we’ve been running a little low on members for some time now. If you would like to know what’s involved or are keen to be nominated, please speak to one of our wardens or to Roger or Jenny. Nomination forms for the Vestry will be available in January.
Services/Events Commencing Sunday the 24th December 2023
Sunday 24th December 10am Advent 4 Eucharist: Bishop Dorsey McConnell and Revd Canon Dr Jenny Holden
Sunday 24th December 11:30pm Midnight Mass: Bishop Dorsey McConnell and Revd Canon Dr Jenny Holden
Monday 25th December 10am Christmas Day Eucharist: Bishop Dorsey McConnell
Wednesday 27th December 10am Holy Communion (John, Apostle and Evangelist): Revd Roger Dyer
Sunday 31st December 8am Said Holy Communion (1970 Liturgy): Revd Canon Dr Jenny Holden
Sunday 31st December 10am Sung Eucharist (1982 Liturgy): Revd Canon Dr Jenny Holden
Sunday 24th Dec Midnight Service readings: Isaiah 9: 2-7, Psalm 98, Titus 2: 11-14
Gospel: Luke 2: 1-20
Monday 25th Dec Christmas Day readings: Isaiah 52: 7-10, Psalm 98, Hebrews 1: 1-4
Gospel: John 1: 1-14
Sunday 31st Dec readings: Isaiah 61:10-62:3; Psalm 148; Galatians 3: 23-25, 5:4-7
Gospel: Luke 2: 22-40
“With the divinest word, the Virgin
Made pregnant, down the road
Comes walking, if you’ll grant her
A room in your abode.”
(John of the Cross, St. John of the Cross: Poems)
For any pastoral matters please contact our Assistant Priest Revd. Roger Dyer on 07719 458571
or revrogdyer@btinternet.com