Epiphany Blessing of Chalk this Sunday!

"For the glorious feast of the Epiphany of the Lord, it is an old and holy tradition to mark the doors of homes with blessed chalk. The letters have two meanings. They are the initials of the traditional names of the Three Magi: Caspar, Melchior, and Balthasar. They also abbreviate the Latin words Christus mansionem benedicat: 'May Christ bless the house.' The letters recall the day on which the inscription is made, as well as the purpose of blessing.

The crosses represent the protection of the Precious Blood of Christ, Whose Sacred Name we invoke, and also the holiness of the Three Magi sanctified by their adoration of the Infant Christ.

The inscription is made above the front door, so that all who enter and depart this year may enjoy God’s blessing. The month of January still bears the name of the Roman god Janus, the doorkeeper of heaven and protector of the beginning and end of things. This blessing 'christens' the ancient Roman observance of the first month. The inscription is made of chalk, a product of clay, which recalls the human nature taken by the Adorable and Eternal Word of God in the womb of the Virgin Mary, by the power of the Holy Spirit."

May each of our homes be known to all who visit as places of peace and welcome, where Christ may be found!

Christmastide Schedule

The Nativity of the Lord

a holy day of obligation

Christmas Eve, Monday, 24 December

3.30 PM Children’s Pageant

4.00 PM Holy Mass with Children’s Choir, Roman Missal

6.00 PM Holy Mass with Choir, Roman Missal

11.00 PM Holy Mass with Choir, Divine Worship

Christmas Day, Tuesday, 25 December

11.00 AM Holy Mass, Roman Missal

Solemnity of Mary, the Holy Mother of God

a holy day of obligation

Monday, 31 December

6.00 PM Holy Mass, Divine Worship

Tuesday, 1 January

11.00 AM Holy Mass, Roman Missal

Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord

Sunday, 6 January

9.00 AM Holy Mass, Roman Missal

11.00 AM Holy Mass, Divine Worship, followed by a reception with King Cake

Evensong cancelled