Newsletter_Jan25

Believe it or not, we still have a bit of the Christmas story yet to celebrate: the Presentation of the infant Christ in the Temple by Mary and Joseph. This is celebrated on February 2 nd and because on that day we bless the candles which are to be used in the church during the coming year, this feast is known as Candlemas. We continue our tradition of having a special evening Mass in the House Chapel for a very special intention.

Not all mothers have been able to present their new-born child to the Lord in the way that Mary and Joseph could. Not all babies survive their time in the womb or the experience of birth or the early days or weeks of their earthly life. As we continue to hold Mary's story before us, we want to offer a way for all those who have been affected in any way by the loss of an unborn child to come together in prayer and to receive the grace, consolation and strength which comes through the Eucharist.

The loss of a child during pregnancy or in early life, through whatever cause, leaves many emotions. We hope that this special �Liturgy of the Unborn� can bring peace to some of those who may be living with painful memories occasioned by this loss. If this is of interest to you, please see the back page for details of this special Mass.

It is our faith as Christians that Christ came to bring �good news from God�. Alas, our theology has not always helped people to find or experience this and one of the areas of ambiguity has been the question of original sin and its effects on the unbaptised child. When I was a priest on supply as hospital chaplain I was called out occasionally to perform emergency baptisms for newly-delivered babies who were in danger of death and it was clear that the parents believed their child would not go to Heaven if this was not done.

Whatever the Church may appear to have taught regarding the separation from God's grace of all human life at conception - and this varies with the theological schools � it is certainly not the mind of the Church to exclude unbaptised infants from the fulness of God's presence in Heaven. Our funeral liturgies for children show this and the Vatican Council asserts that God offers �to every human being in a way known only to God the opportunity to be associated with the saving effects of the Paschal mystery.� Pope John Paul II in his encyclical Evangelium Vitae affirmed that �there is nothing more innocent than the unborn child�, and Pope Benedict XVI has removed any doubt about this by recently declaring that the idea of a limbo for infants is not Catholic doctrine. These little ones are received into the fulness of God's eternal love and this truly is �good news from God�

The guest speaker at the Churches Together in Westminster Annual General Meeting will be Stephen Bates, former Guardian religious affairs correspondent and author of God's Own Country (2007 ) . He will be speaking on the role of religion in US politics, its historic background and the recent influence of fundamentalism and evangelicalism on American domestic and foreign policy. There will be an opportunity for questions. Chairman: Fr William. This Monday January 26 th at Westminster Central Hall (facing Westminster Abbey). The AGM is at 6.30pm . The talk will begin at about 7pm. Anyone can come for the talk � no ticket needed . Tube: St James's or Westminster .

FR WILLIAM & Fr HUGH

A heartfelt Thank You from Fr William for all the cards and gifts on the occasion of his 60 th birthday! We will be saying Farewell to Fr Hugh Duffy on Sunday February 1 st in the Hall after the 9.30am Mass. There is a book of good wishes to sign at the church door after all the Masses today. Fr Hugh leaves for a brief holiday before moving to Wimbledon .

LEPROSY APPEAL

The St Francis Leprosy Guild is a Catholic charity (based in St Charles Square ) which operates throughout the world to help those affected by this disease. Please be generous at the doors as you leave after Mass today.

SPECIAL MASS

Fr William will offer a Mass in the House Chapel at 114 Mount Street on Monday February 2 nd at 7pm for those who have been affected by the loss of a child in pregnancy or in neo-natal care. This includes miscarriages, still-births and terminations. These losses are not always properly acknowledged and we hope that this occasion will help to bring healing, consolation and peace. Please ask Fr William for information or contact this address: massfortheunborn@jesuit.org.uk (See this week's newsletter essay.)

FARM STREET FILMS

Babette's Feast (Danish, 1987). This Thursday 7pm (introduction 6.45) By popular demand - a heart-warming allegory of food and life. Free to all!

CHURCH REGISTRATION

2009 Registration forms are available at the doors. If you are a regular worshipper at Farm Street , you are entitled to be on the church register. This is for administrative purposes only � you will not be put on a mailing list! We will however be contacting parishioners in the coming months in order to bring our old records up to date. Sign on!

MOUNT STREET JESUIT CENTER

114 Mount Street

To book or make enquiries please e-mail lynne@mountstreet.info or ring 0207 495 1673.

LITURGY COURSE

Six Thursday evenings, January 29th till March 12th , 7 to 8:30pm .

This course, presented by Frances Novillo (member of the Westminster Diocesan Music Committee), is designed to inform our understanding of the liturgy, its historic development, the celebration of the Mass and our role within it. There will be a strong practical element aimed at acquiring skills to prepare and participate in special liturgies, with scope for participants to reflect on their own ideas and experience. Liturgy is both an inheritance and a living reality. Perhaps this is a good time to explore its richness. Pick up a leaflet for more information.

LENTEN RETREAT AND TALKS

This Lent we are offering two ways which could enrich your life of prayer and your relationship with God:

A RETREAT IN DAILY LIFE

Participants will be assigned their own prayer guide, whom they will meet once a week throughout Lent. The retreat begins on Saturday 28th February at 7pm in the Hall with a gathering of all those taking part. You will meet your guide and arrange the time and place to meet. The retreat will end with a gathering of everyone on Saturday 4th April at 7pm . For more information pick up a registration form and if you decide you would like to participate, complete and return the tear off slip by Sunday 15th February. Places are limited, so apply early!

LENTEN TALKS: GUIDANCE IN PRAYER

This begins on Sunday 1st March and runs for five Sundays, 5-6pm . Fr. James Campbell SJ will be speaking on the ways that prayer has been experienced in Christian tradition and leading an exploration into the varieties of praying, for example the use of the Scripture (lectio divina), the use of the imagination, prayerful reflection on life, forms of meditation. All are invited.

Please use the Gift Aid envelopes at the church exits if you are a UK taxpayer for all your donations. If you are not sure of the code you have been allocated, please complete name and address or contact the parish office. Thank you