Dear family members and friends: In today’s Gospel we reflect on the message of the angel to Joseph regarding the birth of Jesus. As Joseph knew Mary was bearing a child in her womb before their marriage, he was confused and decided to send her away quietly. But on the message of the angel about the birth of Jesus made him change his mind and accept Mary. On this last Sunday of Advent, let us reflect on the birth of Jesus in our lives through the Holy Spirit. In today’s prayer over the offerings, we pray: May the Holy Spirit, O Lord, sanctify these gifts … just as he filled with his power the womb of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Let us pray that we also be filled with the Holy Spirit to receive Jesus into our lives. Amen
We are celebrating the Nativity of Jesus this week. Wish you all the blessings of a very Happy Christmas. May Child Jesus be born in our hearts and life.
In his annual Christmas message, Archbishop John Wilson said: “The beautiful truth of Christmas is that because of God in Christ we are never lost. God chose to be near us, to stay close to us always, to draw us to himself, always. In his endless mercy, the Lord Jesus chose to love us, so we could know and believe that “God is love” (1 John 4:16). In turn, all the Lord Jesus asks of us is to not be afraid and to say yes to him, to draw close to him, to love him”. You can watch and read the full message at rcaos.org.uk/christmasmessage2025.
Children’s Society’s Southwark Crisis Fund helps families in our Archdiocese who are facing a crisis in their lives. To gift aid your offering please use one of the envelopes on the table.
Dear family members and friends: Today is Gaudete Sunday, a call to rejoice as Christmas approaches. The readings of today are full of hopeful joy in anticipation of Christ’s arrival. Today’s Gospel announces the arrival of the Messiah describing what Jesus is doing as answer to the question of the disciples of John the Baptist whether they should wait for another one. It clearly states that the reign of God is at near. Jesus continues to speak about John the Baptist’s role to prepare the way for the One who is to come. He raises John the Baptist as the greatest among those born of women, but the least born into the Reign of God is greater than him. Let us be joyful that we are born in the reign of God and let us be witnesses to that. Amen
The Crib will remain on display throughout the Christmas season and up to the feast of the Presentation of the Lord (Candlemas). We will be donating our crib offering to The Catholic Children’s Society’s Southwark Crisis Fund which helps families in our Archdiocese who are facing a crisis in their lives. To gift aid your offering please use one of the envelopes on the table.
St. Simon Stock Catholic Church 
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