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
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.
A Message From Fr. Jose – 14th December
Fr. Jose – Parish Priest
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
Crib Offerings
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.
Christmas Offering Envelopes Available On The Newsletter Table
The offertory collection taken during the Midnight & Christmas Day Masses is traditionally your personal gift to your Fr. Jose. A priest’s income is normally whatever he receives from the parish (mainly Mass offerings). This collection at Christmas forms an important part of Fr. Jose’s income for the year and enables him to meet personal expenses. If you can gift aid your offering, the parish can benefit from the tax refund. To do so write your name and address on the envelope provided, or use one of the Gift Aid envelopes available in the church foyer. Offerings made by cheque must be made payable to “St. Simon Stock Catholic Church”. You can also make your Christmas offering using the contactless machine in the church foyer. If you are away at Christmas, you can hand in your offering before you go or on your return.
St. Simon Stock Catholic Church 
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