Epiphany of the Lord Year C

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“Pilgrims of Hope” – Jubilee Year 2025 Happy Feast of the Epiphany! Today, we celebrate the manifestation of Christ to the nations, as symbolised by the visit of the Magi. These wise men, who followed the star, remind us of our own journey of faith — one filled with hope, perseverance, and the desire to encounter the Lord. This year holds special significance as we embark on the Jubilee Year 2025, a time of renewal and grace. The theme, “Pilgrims of Hope,” calls us to reflect on the journey we share with our brothers and sisters across the global Church, one in which we seek Christ, not merely as individuals, but as a community united in faith. Like the Magi, we are invited to keep our eyes fixed on the light of Christ in this year, especially amidst the challenges and uncertainties of our modern world. Our lives as Christian pilgrims are not aimless wandering, but purposeful journeys towards deeper union with God. In this Jubilee Year, we might ask ourselves: How can we become bearers of hope to others? How can our faith be a beacon, guiding others to the love of Christ? We are also reminded that our journey of hope requires openness to change, humility, and a heart ready to give unconditionally to others. The Magi’s gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh signify our call to offer our time, talents, and prayers, in service to God and neighbour. As we step into this Jubilee Year, I know we will strive together as a Parish community, to bring hope to those around us, through acts of charity, prayer, and by offering a listening ear. Like the Magi, let us journey together in faith and wonder, knowing that Christ walks with us.   Wishing you a blessed Epiphany and a joyful start to the Jubilee Year 2025!   In Christ, Deacon Paul Thank you The parish team would like to thank you for your generosity of gifts and offerings this Christmas. We take this opportunity to wish you a Happy New Year and to welcome back those who have been away.  Please pray for those who are sick: Marion Swiny, Nicanor Abalos, Canice Carson, Laetitia Smith, James Langan, Theresa Chee and Kimberley Collins.   Please pray for those who are recently deceased:  Anthea Jane Houghton and Fr David Barnes.   Please pray for those whose anniversaries occur at this time:  Charles Brooks, Imelda Miers, Norah Knight, Purita Geronimo, John & Anne Murray, Nicholas Brenninkmeijer, Catherine McLaughlin, Pope Benedict XVI. The Blessing of Chalk At all the Masses today on the Feast of the Epiphany, the traditional blessing of chalk will take place. After the chalk is blessed, parishioners are invited to take a piece of chalk home to mark their doorways with the symbols 20+C+M+B+25, representing the year and the initials of the Magi: Caspar, Melchior,  and Balthasar. These letters also stand for the Latin phrase Christus Mansionem Benedicat –   “May Christ bless this house.”     This visible sign is a prayer of supplication, asking for God’s protection and blessing over the home and all who dwell in it throughout the year. Once at home, families can perform a simple blessing by inscribing the symbols on the lintel of the main door while offering prayers for peace, health, and protection. (We do have a simple prayer available for use at home to invoke God’s blessing whenever the chalk inscription is made). The Proclamation of the Date of Easter and the Moveable Feasts The Epiphany Proclamation of Moveable Feasts is an ancient liturgical tradition in the Catholic Church where the dates of the key moveable feasts of the liturgical year, such as Ash Wednesday, Easter, Ascension, and Pentecost, are formally announced during the Mass for the Feast of the Epiphany.    This Proclamation will be made by the Deacon or Priest after the Gospel reading. 'Know, dear brethren, that, as we have rejoiced at the Nativity of our Lord Jesus Christ, so by leave of God’s mercy, we announce to you also the joy of his Resurrection, who is our Saviour. On the 5th day of March will fall Ash Wednesday, and the beginning of the fast of the most sacred Lenten season. On the 20th day of April you will celebrate with joy Easter Day, the Paschal feast of our Lord Jesus Christ. On the 29th day of May will be the Ascension of our Lord Jesus Christ. On the 8th day of June, the feast of Pentecost. On the 22nd day of June, the feast of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ. On the 30th day of November, the First Sunday of the Advent of our Lord Jesus Christ, to whom is honour and glory for ever and ever. Amen. Annual Mass of Our Lady of Lourdes On Saturday 8th February at 2.30pm the Cardinal will celebrate the annual Mass of Our Lady of Lourdes in the Cathedral which will include anointing of the sick. Vocations: 'Come and See' If you know any men who may be interested in exploring a vocation to the Priesthood or Permanent Diaconate, then please invite them to one of the Vocations Team’s 'Come & See' Vocations Mornings on: · Saturday 25th January, 10am-2pm at Vaughan House, 46 Francis Street, SW1P 1QN · Saturday 8th February, 10am-2pm at SS Peter & Paul parish hall, 38 Camborne Ave, Northfields, W13 9QZ Refreshments and a light lunch will be provided. To register attendance at one of the days please contact Canon Roger Taylor, the Vocations Promoter, at [email protected] or Deacon Tito Pereira, Assistant Director of the Permanent Diaconate, at or phone 07977 599110. Santo Niño Feast Day - Sunday 19th January 2025 For those wishing to donate or contribute food or other items please contact Carmen on 07440 345468 or email: [email protected] Religious of the Assumption  are inviting single women (18-30s) open to discerning a call to consecrated life to take part in a discernment weekend in Rome to celebrate the Jubilee Year 2025 . This will take place from Friday 31st January to Sunday 2nd February. For more information or to register, contact us at [email protected] Pauline Books and Media The bookshop will be open from 9.30am to 12.30pm on Friday and Sundays.  The shop will reopen on Friday on Jan 18th.The contact number is 07561 456074. Young Married Couples Group Are you a young married couple seeking to build friendships and desiring to connect with other young married couples? Well, a young married couples group is present in our parish. The purpose of the group is to offer support and foster friendship and connection among the many young married couples present in our parish. The ideal age range of the group is under 40. The group meets every month to socialize and foster communion and support. Among the different activities offered are meals together, trips out, games nights and social exercises. If you’re interested in attending, please email Steve and Annie Caprio at [email protected]. You can also join our Whatsapp group using the QR code below: Young Adult Group This is a group for people in their 20s and 30s and aims to build a community in the parish. More events will be coming soon. If there are any questions, please send us an email at: [email protected] or join our WhatsApp group using the QR code:  Welcome to all our Parishioners If you are new to the parish, please come and say hello and complete the parishioner registration form which can be found on our website:  https://www.ourladyofvictories.net/support.html Here you can also find further information on all our parish activities. Weekly Mass Schedule Monday to Friday - 10.00 am Saturday - 6.00 pm Sunday - 9.00 am, 10.30 am, 12.00 pm and 6.00 pm.    All our Masses are live-streamed from our website.    Eucharistic Adoration and Confession On Wednesdays, after the 10am Mass, there is Eucharistic Adoration. This is an opportunity to spend some time in prayer before the exposed Blessed Sacrament. A priest will be available for the Sacrament of Reconciliation from 10.30 to 11.15am. Adoration concludes at Noon with the prayer of the Angelus. Confession also available every Saturday from 5 to 5.45 pm. Parish Team: Fr Nigel Woollen (Parish Priest) Fr Francis Thomas (Assistant Priest) Rev. Paul Hewitt (Permanent Deacon)  Sr Maureen McNamara rsm (Sacramental Programmes) Mrs Rachel Mulira (Parish Secretary) Our Lady of Victories 16 Abingdon Road London W8 6AF 020 7937 4778  [email protected] Support our Parish Financially here