Christmas

Mass for the Second Sunday after the Nativity

John Howes Christmas, Social events ,

Here is Mass for the Second Sunday after the Nativity from Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Bilton, Rugby.

Entrance Antiphon: When a profound silence covered all things and night was in the middle of its course, your all powerful Word, O Lord, bounded from heaven’s royal throne.                                                                                               

First Reading:  A reading from the book of Ecclesiasticus. The wisdom of God has pitched her tent among the chosen people.                                                                                                                                                                                 

Response: Psalm 147. The Word was made flesh and lived among us.                                                                                                                                                            

Second Reading:  A reading from the letter of St Paul to the Ephesians. He determined that we should become his adopted sons and daughters through Jesus.                                                                                

Gospel Acclamation: Alleluia, alleluia! Glory be to you, O Christ, proclaimed to the pagans. Glory be to you, O Christ, believed in by the world. Alleluia!                                                                                                      

 Gospel:  A reading from the holy Gospel according to John. The Word was made flesh, and lived among us. 

PARISHES’ MASS TIMES AND INTENTIONS, LS = Live Stream

Saturday 1st   5 pm    SH    Breda Moran RIP   LS

Sunday 2nd   9.30 am SH    For the Blessings of the New Year

Sunday 2nd   11.00 am EM People of the Parishes LS

Monday 3rd    10am SH    Fr Graham’s Intentions   LS                        

Tuesday 4th      10am SH   Private Intention

Wednesday 5th   7pm SH   Epiphany Vigil Mass 

Thursday 6th       Feast of the Epiphany:  EM 11am Ints of English Martyrs School 

Friday 7th           7pm SH     For the Sick and Housebound 

Saturday 8th        Baptism of the Lord ;   5pm SH    Pauline Inglis RIP  LS 

Sunday 9th           9.30 am SH          People of the Parishes 

Sunday 9th           11 am EM            Alicija Golovacka RIP   LS 

CHRISTMAS COLLECTION FOR THE CLERGY; Fr Gerry would like thank you for your kindness and generosity.

SACRED HEART SHARED LUNCH. This will take place next Sunday 9th after the morning Mass. There will be coffee and refreshments. Please bring some finger food to share. All are invited and most welcome.

LIVESTREAM; We will be livestreaming the 5pm Saturday Mass at Sacred Heart  and 11 am Sunday Mass at English Martyrs until further notice and the weekday Masses as indicated. 

THE NICENE CREED

I believe in one Lord Jesus Christ, the Only Begotten Son of God, born of the Father before all ages. God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made, consubstantial with the Father; through him all things were made. For us men and for our salvation he came down from heaven, and by the Holy Spirit was incarnate of the Virgin Mary, and became man. For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate, he suffered death and was buried, and rose again on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures. He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead and his kingdom will have no end. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son, who with the Father and the Son is adored and glorified, who has spoken through the prophets. I believe in one, holy, catholic and apostolic Church. I confess one Baptism for the forgiveness of sins and I look forward to the resurrection of the dead and the life of the world to come. Amen

THE GLORIA

Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to people of good will. We praise you, we bless you, we adore you, we glorify you, we give you thanks for your great glory, Lord God, heavenly King, O God, almighty Father. Lord Jesus Christ, Only Begotten Son, Lord God, Lamb of God, Son of the Father, you take away the sins of the world, have mercy on us; you take away the sins of the world, receive our prayer; you are seated at the right hand of the Father, have mercy on us. For you alone are the Holy One, you alone are the Lord, you alone are the Most High, Jesus Christ, with the Holy Spirit in the glory of God the Father. Amen.

May we wish you a very Happy New Year and may the peace and joy of the Lord be always with you.

Mass for the Fourth Sunday of Advent, Year C

John Howes Christmas, Service times , ,

Here is Mass for the Fourth Sunday of Advent from Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Bilton, Rugby.

Entrance Antiphon: Drop down dew from above, you heavens, and let the  clouds rain down the Just One; let the earth be opened and bring forth a  Saviour.  

First Reading: A reading from the prophet Micah. Out of you will be born the one who is to rule over Israel.  

Response: Psalm Isaiah 79. God of hosts, bring us back; let your face shine on us and we shall be saved.  Second Reading: A reading from the letter of St Paul to the Hebrews. Here I am! I am coming to obey your will.  

Gospel Acclamation: Alleluia, alleluia! I am the handmaid of the Lord:  let what you have said be done to me Alleluia!  

Gospel: A reading from the holy Gospel according to Luke Why should I be honoured with a visit from the mother of my Lord?

PARISHES’ MASS TIMES AND INTENTIONS, LS = Live Stream

Saturday 18th 5pm SH Michael O’Donnell RIP (T.Dark) LS  

Sunday 19th 9.30am SH Expectant Mothers and Fathers 

Sunday 19th 11 am EM People of the Parishes LS 

Monday 20th 10am SH Beatrice Tindon RIP LS 

Tuesday 21st 10am SH Griffin and Osman Family Deceased 

Wednesday 22nd 7pm SH Ted and Trudie White RIP LS 

Thursday 23rd 11am EM Sick and Housbound 

Friday 24th Christmas Eve 5pm EM People of the Parish , 8pm SH John Burke RIP

Saturday 25th Christmas Day 9.30am SH Clare Harford , 11am EM Special Intention LS 

Sunday 26th Holy Family 9.30am SH, People of the Parishes , 11am at EM All Families LS

CHRISTMAS MASSES 2021 

Christmas Eve 24th December: English Martyrs 5pm, Sacred Heart 8pm

Christmas Day 25th December: Sacred Heart 9.30am, English Martyrs 11am 

Sunday 26th December: Holy Family Feast: Sacred Heart 9.30 am,  English Martyrs 11 am. 

Midnight Mass from St Chad’s will be televised live on BBC One at 11.45pm. Christmas Masses- Traditional Collection for the Parish Clergy. 

Confessions for Christmas: Sunday after Mass at EM .Or before or after weekday Masses. Or arrange time with Fr Gerry.  

LATEST GUIDELINES FROM THE BISHOPS CONFERENCE RE COVID GUIDANCE  

With respect to the current situation with the omicron variant it is important to ensure the following  points are followed in our churches: 

• That people displaying any symptoms of covid-19 should stay at home and not travel to  church or participate in person. 

• That hand sanitiser is available to those attending the Church. 

• That you must wear a face covering (both nose and mouth) during the act of worship.  Please keep mask on for singing. 

• That there is good ventilation and air throughput in the building; in this case, because of  climatic conditions, it would be important to remind people to wrap up well in church! 

• That a positive message encouraging people to get vaccinated and have the booster jab  when able is delivered whenever possible. 

• That people who are engaged in a form of pastoral ministry which involves ministry to the  housebound, sick and vulnerable, should take regular lateral flow tests to ensure they are safe to do  so. These are free from the NHS. 

PEACE  

‘Blessed is she who believed the promise made her by the Lord would be fulfilled’ Luke 1:45 

Faithful God, you always keep your promises. Strengthen our trust, as we long for your kingdom of  justice and peace. Make us people of hope, sharing with the world the love and joy we have found in  you. Amen. (Cafod Advent Calendar). 

ENGLISH MARTYRS CHURCH CRIB. We have been able to purchase some fine new crib figures for  use in Church. There will be a Second Collection for this today at EM and we hope you will give  generously. We are happy to receive cheques made out to English Martyrs Parish. Thanks.  

CHRISTMAS GIFTS – DON’T KNOW WHAT TO GET. Why not try CAFOD WORLD GIFTS.  Catalogue available or search on line. 

Mass for the Third Sunday of Advent

John Howes Christmas, Service times , ,

Here is Mass for the Third Sunday of Advent from Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Bilton, Rugby.

Entrance Antiphon: Rejoice in the Lord always; again I say, rejoice. Indeed the  Lord is near.  

First Reading: A reading from the prophet Zephaniah. The Lord will dance with shouts of joy for you as on a day of festival. 

Response: Psalm Isaiah 12; 2-6. Sing and shout for joy for great in your midst is the Holy One of Israel. 

Second Reading: A reading from the letter of St Paul to the Philippians. The Lord is very near.  

Gospel Acclamation: Alleluia, alleluia! The spirit of the Lord has been given to  me. He has sent me to bring good news to the poor. Alleluia!  

Gospel: A reading from the holy Gospel according to Luke. What must we do? 

PARISHES’ MASS TIMES AND INTENTIONS, LS = Live Stream

Saturday 11th 5pm at SH People of the Parishes LS  

Sunday 12th 9.30am at SH Archbishop Bernard (40th Ordination Anniversary)

Sunday 12th 11 am at EM Eunice Boden, Janis Prizavaitis RIP LS

Monday 13th , Tuesday 14th No Mass on these days this week.  

Wednesday 15th 7pm at SH Joyce Tyson RIP LS  

Thursday 16th 11am at EM Rosaleen Curley Intentions 

Friday 17th 7pm at SH June Minott RIP LS 

Saturday 18th 5pm at SH Michael O’Donnell RIP (T Dark) LS

Sunday 19th 9.30am at SH People of the Parishes 

Sunday 19th 11 am at EM Holy Souls LS 

Confessions: Saturday 4pm-4.30pm at SH, Sunday after Mass at EM.Or after weekday Masses. Or arrange time with Fr Gerry.

CHRISTMAS MASSES 2021 

Christmas Eve 24th December: English Martyrs 5pm, Sacred Heart 8pm

Christmas Day 25th December: Sacred Heart 9.30am, English Martyrs 11am

Sunday 26th December: Holy Family Feast: Sacred Heart 9.30am, English Martyrs 11 am.

Midnight Mass from St Chad’s will be televised live on BBC. 

SYNODALITY – WALKING TOGETHER. Thank you to all who attended the two recent  preparation meetings. We will be continuing this process in the new year when we will be  looking at various aspects of our experience of the Church and the challenges of today. More details to follow.  

LATEST GUIDELINES FROM THE BISHOPS CONFERENCE RE COVID GUIDANCE  

With respect to the current situation with the omicron variant it is important to ensure the following  points are followed in our churches: 

• That people displaying any symptoms of covid-19 should stay at home and not travel to  church or participate in person. 

• That hand sanitiser is available to those attending the Church. 

• That you must wear a face covering (both nose and mouth) during the act of worship. 

• That there is good ventilation and air throughput in the building; in this case, because of  climatic conditions, it would be important to remind people to wrap up well in church! 

• That a positive message encouraging people to get vaccinated and have the booster jab  when able is delivered whenever possible. 

• That people who are engaged in a form of pastoral ministry which involves ministry to the  housebound, sick and vulnerable, should take regular lateral flow tests to ensure they are safe to do  so. These are free from the NHS. 

JOY  

‘If anyone has two tunics they must share with the one who has none and the one with something to  eat must do the same’ Luke 3;11 

Gracious God, we thank you for your gifts. Teach us to trust you more than possessions or wealth.  Give us generous hearts. Inspire us to share what we have and work for justice, so that people may  flourish and live in dignity. Amen. (Cafod Advent Calendar). 

ENGLISH MARTYRS CHURCH CRIB. We are delighted that we have been able to purchase some fine new crib figures for use in Church. Through some generous donations we have already collected about half of the cost. There remains about £400 to find. There will be a Second Collection for this today at EM and we hope you will give generously. This will help us avoid increasing the parish debt which remains substantial at £86,000.  

CHRISTMAS GIFTS –DON’T KNOW WHAT TO GET. Why not try CAFOD WORLD GIFTS.  Catalogue available or search on line. 

Mass for the Second Sunday of Advent

John Howes Christmas, Service times , ,

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKPMFB5IyOmrF4kAP-zhi4A

Here is Mass for the Second Sunday of Advent from Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Bilton, Rugby.

Entrance Antiphon: O people of Sion, behold, the Lord will come to save the  nations, and the Lord will make the glory of his voice heard in the joy of your  heart.  

First Reading: A reading from the prophet Baruch. God means to show your splendour to every nation.  

Response: Psalm 125 What marvels the Lord worked for us! Indeed we were glad.  

Second Reading: A reading from the letter of St Paul to the Philippians. Be pure and blameless for the day of Christ.  

Gospel Acclamation: Alleluia, alleluia! Prepare away for the Lord, make his  paths straight, and all mankind shall see the salvation of God. Alleluia!  

Gospel: A reading from the holy Gospel according to Luke. All mankind shall see the salvation of God. 

PARISHES’ MASS TIMES AND INTENTIONS LS= Live Stream as indicated

Saturday 4th 5pm at SH Rosie Richardson RIP LS 

Sunday 5th 9.30am at SH People of the Parishes  

Sunday 5th 11am at EM John McStay RIP LS 

Monday 6th 10am at SH Winnie Guy RIP LS  

Tuesday 7th 10am at SH Sick and Housebound of the Parishes LS  

Wednesday 8th 7pm at SH Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception LS 

Thursday 9th 11am at EM Private Intention 

Friday 10th 7pm at SH Private Intention LS 

Saturday 11th 5pm at SH People of the Parishes LS  

Sunday 12th 9.30am at SH Archbishop Bernard (40th Ordination Anniversary)

Sunday 12th 11 am at EM Eunice Boden, Janis Prizavaitis RIP LS

SYNODALITY –WALKING TOGETHER. On Thursday 9nd December at 7pm for  half an hour there will be Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament at Sacred Heart Church  followed by an Introduction and initial meeting in the Parish Hall at 7.30pm. This will be for  an hour. PLEASE join us for this important event . This is intended for parishioners of English  Martyrs and Sacred Heart. All are very welcome. Thank you to all who attended the meeting  on Thursday afternoon. It would be good to hear from the full age range of our parish  communities. I would encourage the younger members to attend if they can. We need to  hear, listen and share a range of experiences. 

 CHRISTMAS MASSES 2021 

Christmas Eve 24th December: English Martyrs 5pm, Sacred Heart 8pm

Christmas Day 25th December: Sacred Heart 9.30am, English Martyrs 11am

Sunday 26th December : Holy Family Feast : Sacred Heart 9.30am, English Martyrs 11 am. 

Sacred Heart ; The Childrens’ Liturgy has started up again at Sunday Mass. There are the usual two groups for the children. All are welcome. Tea and Coffee in the Hall after Sunday Mass at Sacred Heart. All welcome. 

SECOND COLLECTION this weekend for the Poor Parishes of the Diocese  

CHRISTMAS GIFTS – Why not CAFOD WORLD GIFTS? Catalogues available and  online. Thoughtful Gifts from you for those who are in great need of the basics of life in  different parts of the world. Please take a copy or look on Cafod website. 

Live More Simply this Advent and Christmas 

All are welcome to join the next online meeting of the Diocesan Climate Group on Tuesday  14 December at 7pm via Zoom. 

Inspired by COP26 even more parishes and schools across the Archdiocese have signed up to  CAFOD’s livesimply award, as we look to reduce our carbon footprints. 

In this webinar we will ask what decarbonisation actually means and how parishes can  support a carbon reduction. 

Please register here: http://www.birminghamdiocese.org.uk/Event/living-more-simply-this-advent and-christmas 

LOVE – from the CAFOD Advent Calendar  

‘John went into all the country around the Jordan, preaching a baptism of repentance for the  forgiveness of sins’ 

Merciful God, you sent John the Baptist to preach repentance. Forgive us for the times when we  have done wrong, when we have hurt other people and damaged our earth. Lead us to make a  change, to live differently, preparing a way and making paths straight. Amen. 

Mass for the 4th Sunday of Advent

John Howes Christmas, Service times , ,
Mass from Sacred Heart Church, Bilton.

Here is Mass for the 4th Sunday of Advent from Sacred Heart Church, Bilton.

Public Worship for December 2020

Masses during next week

Monday, 10am Private Mass at Sacred Heart recorded for YouTube available by noon. 

Tuesday, 9am Funeral Mass at English Martyrs for Imelda (Alice) Smyth

Wednesday, 7pm Public Mass at Sacred Heart in the main Chapel. 

Thursday – Christmas Eve

5pm, Mass at English Martyrs 

8pm, Mass at Sacred Heart

Friday – Christmas Day

9.30am, Mass at Sacred Heart

11am, Mass at English Martyrs

Both Christmas Eve Masses are now fully booked.

Christmas Day Masses – there are a few places available at both Churches. You must book.

Saturday- Boxing Day 5pm Mass for Sunday at Sacred Heart

Sunday – Feast of the Holy Family Mass at Sacred Heart 9.30am

English Martyrs 11am. 

We will be streaming live Christmas Masses from English Martyrs at YouTube – English Martyrs Church Rugby and the Christmas Eve Mass at Sacred Heart will be recorded and available on YouTube – Sacred Heart Bilton on Christmas Morning. 

IMPORTANT – Please do not attend any public gathering if you have any Covid symptoms.

Observe Precautions: 

Sanitise hands before and after, 

Track and Trace,

Masks must be worn and observe Social Distancing, 

No social contact with others before and after Mass.

No singing allowed

We look forward to welcoming you to the Christmas Masses at English Martyrs and Sacred Heart and hope you will do your best to make things safe for everyone. 

We remember all those who are unable to join us for public worship at this time and share the Mass on YouTube and other media. 

We thank all those who have been helping with the stewarding at our public services.

We pray for those whose health has been affected by the Covid pandemic and remember those who have died. We pray for those who are working in our health and caring services at this challenging time.  

May the Lord whose coming we celebrate at this Christmas time keep us united in faith and love. 

Mass for the 3rd Sunday of Advent

John Howes Christmas, Service times , ,
Mass for the 3rd Sunday of Advent from Sacred Heart Church, Bilton, Rugby.

What does ‘the Lord is at hand mean’?  In what sense must we understand this ‘closeness’ of God.  The Church, illumined by the Holy Spirit, already understood at that time of the apostles and as time went on increasingly better that God’s closeness is not a question of space and time but rather of love: love brings people together! This coming Christmas will remind us of this fundamental truth of our faith and in front of the manger we shall be able to savour Christian joy contemplating in the newborn Jesus the Face of God who made himself close to us out of love. Pope Benedict XVI.

Entrance Antiphon: Rejoice in the Lord always; again I say, rejoice. Indeed, the Lord is near.  

First Reading; Isaiah 61: 1-2,10-11. I exult for joy in the Lord.  

Psalm Response: Luke 1. My soul rejoices in my God.   

Second Reading: A reading from the letter of St Paul to the Thessalonians. May you all be kept safe, spirit, soul and body, for the coming of the Lord. 

Gospel Acclamation: Alleluia, alleluia! The Spirit of the Lord has been given to me. He has sent me to bring good news to the poor. Alleluia!

Gospel: John 1;6-8,19-28. There stands among you – unknown to you – the one who is coming after me.  

Public Worship for December 2020

Weekend Masses: Sacred Heart Saturday 5pm and Sunday 9. English Martyrs Sunday 11 am. The Sacred Heart Saturday 5pm Mass is recorded and available later in evening on YouTube. Search for Sacred Heart Bilton. 

Weekday Mass every day is recorded and available on YouTube Sacred Heart Bilton. 

Sacred Heart Mass on Wednesday 7pm  

English Martyrs Mass on Thursday 11 am followed by Exposition until noon. 

Church open for Private Prayer – Sacred Heart Tuesday 2.30-3.30pm.

English Martyrs: Mass on Thursday 11am then Exposition until noon. 

Please do not attend any public gathering if you have any Covid symptoms.

Observe Precautions: 

Sanitise hands before and after, 

Track and Trace,

Masks must be worn and observe Social Distancing, 

No social contact with others before and after Mass. 

Christmas Services at Sacred Heart and English Martyrs

Christmas Eve Masses – English Martyrs 5pm, Sacred Heart 8pm.

Christmas Day Masses – Sacred Heart, English Martyrs 11am.

Capacity at both Churches per service is 60 people. This must be strictly observed.

We have already filled half of the places for each of the Christmas Masses so please book soon to avoid disappointment. 

Those attending weekend Masses will be able to sign up to book a place at a Christmas Mass after Mass this weekend 12/13th. You may book by phone or email after this date and will go on a waiting list if necessary, first come first served. By phone or email please indicate time and place of the Mass you want to come to and the number of people and give your contact details. 

The Christmas Eve 8pm Mass at Sacred Heart will be recorded and made available on YouTube Scared Heart Bilton for Christmas Day. We are hoping to live stream a Christmas Mass from English Martyrs.  More details later. 

 Contacts: 01788 813263 sacredheart.bilton@rcaob.org.uk. Please indicate which Mass at which Church.

May the Lord be with you and bless you as the Feast of Christmas comes ever closer.  

Mass for the 2nd Sunday of Advent

John Howes Christmas, Service times , ,

Here is the Mass for the Second Sunday of Advent from Sacred Heart Church, Bilton. Rugby.

We are pleased to announce that Sacred Heart and English Martyrs are now open again for Public Worship and Private Prayer.

Weekend Masses: Sacred Heart – Saturday 5pm and Sunday 9.30am, English Martyrs – Sunday 11 am.

Weekday Mass: Sacred Heart – Mass on Wednesday 7pm. English Martyrs – Mass on Thursday 11am followed by Exposition until noon. 

Church open for Private Prayer: Sacred Heart Tuesday  2.30-3.30 pm

English Martyrs: Mass on Thursday 11am then Exposition until noon. 

Please do not attend if you have any Covid symptoms.

Observe Precautions : 

Sanitise hands before and after, 

Track and Trace,

Masks must be worn and observe Social Distancing, 

No social contact with others before and after Mass.

Christmas at Sacred Heart Church

John Howes Christmas , ,
The crib at Sacred Heart

These are the arrangements for Christmas services at Sacred Heart Church, Bilton and English Martyrs Church, Hillmorton.

Christmas Eve Masses – English Martyrs 5pm, Sacred Heart 8pm.

Christmas Day Masses – Sacred Heart 9.30am, English Martyrs 11am.

Capacity at both Churches per service is 60 people. This must be strictly observed. Those attending weekend Masses will be able to sign up to book a place at a Christmas Mass after Mass this weekend, 12/13th and on weekend 19/20th December to ensure a place. Others may book by phone or email after this date and will go on a waiting list, first come first served.

The Christmas Eve 8pm Mass at Sacred Heart will be recorded and made available on YouTube for Christmas Day. We are hoping to live stream a Christmas Mass from English Martyrs.  More details later. 

Contacts: 01788 813263 sacredheart.bilton@rcaob.org.uk. Please indicate which Mass at which Church. 

Parish diary this week

John Howes Christmas, Service times

This is the parish diary this week:
Monday December 16th
Mass at 7pm
Exposition until 8pm in the Blessed Sacrament Chapel
Tuesday December 17th 
No Mass.
Wednesday December 18th
Mass at 7pm.
Thursday December 19th
Mass at 9.30am
Friday December 20th
Mass at 9.30am.
Saturday December 21st
Confessions at 4.45pm
Mass for the 4th Sunday in Advent, Year A at 5pm.
Sunday December 22nd
Mass for the 4th Sunday in Advent, Year A at 9.30am.

Forthcoming events
Thursday 16th January 2020
Confirmation registration session for parents and children at 6pm in the hall.
Sunday May 3rd 2020
Confirmation, 9.30am at Sacred Heart Church.
Sunday, 14th June 2020
First Communion at 9.30am Mass.