Tag Archives: Christmas

Starbucks Red Cup.

There seems to be a lot of ink being spilled over the controversy that is the ‘red cup’ of Starbucks and whether it is for or against Christmas. While not getting much attention in the UK, it’s a hot topic in the US!

red cup 2

For those who don’t know, Starbucks have a new Christmas cup and it’s plain red. That’s it, no holly, no snowflakes and certainly no baby Jesus. But is it making an anti-christian statement by being so plain, or is it trying to do something Christmasy by being red (and not white)?
Perhaps it’s time, as Advent approaches, that as Christians we stopped criticising the colour of cups and what they may or may not stand for, and stood up for ourselves and what we stand for. We stand for our wonderful Christmas message that God became man – for us. What a great gift. Do we know what we are for and do we proclaim that message?

Christmas Remembrance Tree Project

Well done to the Over 50s Club who’ve raised £500 from the Christmas Remembrance Tree.

Thanks Poster

From the money raised £300 has helped the parish, £100 has helped the Paul Sartori Foundation and the SVP and Youth to Lourdes have benefited by £50 each. Thank you to all who helped and took part.

Happy New Year!

2015

Happy New Year to you and all your families! With every good wish and blessing for 2015!

Fr Owen, Fr Liam and Deacon Tony would like to say thank you for all the many messages of good wishes, cards, boxes of chocolates, bottles of wine and financial gifts you have given us over this Christmas season. You have been very kind and most generous to us all, and we keep you very much in our prayers. Thank you.

Gaudete Sunday – Rejoice!

Pink advent candle

Today is Gaudete Sunday. Here’s a twist on the ancient hymn of today with, the translation given below! Enjoy!

Latin English
Gaudete, gaudete! Christus est natus
Ex Maria virgine, gaudete!		 Rejoice, rejoice! Christ is born
(Out) Of the Virgin Mary – rejoice!
Tempus adest gratiæ
Hoc quod optabamus,
Carmina lætitiæ
Devote reddamus.		 The time of grace has come—
what we have wished for,
songs of joy
Let us give back faithfully.
Deus homo factus est
Natura mirante,
Mundus renovatus est
A Christo regnante.		 God has become man,
(With) nature marveling,
The world has been renewed
By Christ (who is) reigning.
Ezechielis porta
Clausa pertransitur,
Unde lux est orta
Salus invenitur.		 The closed gate of Ezekiel
Is passed through,
Whence the light is raised,
Salvation is found.
Ergo nostra contio
Psallat iam in lustro;
Benedicat Domino:
Salus Regi nostro.		 Therefore let our gathering
Now sing in brightness
Let it give praise to the Lord:
Greeting to our King.