THE FEAST OF THE HOLY FAMY OF JESUS, MARY AND JOSEPH- 29th December 2024
A Pastoral Letter from Father Victor Bullock
Dear Beloved Parishioners of Saint Martin’s Church,
Thank you to those that were concerned over my health on Christmas Day. It took a couple of days to pass but I am now fully recovered.
As the joyous season of Christmas continues to envelop us, I extend my warmest wishes to each of you and your families. May this sacred time be filled with peace, love, and the light of Christ. Today, as we gather to celebrate the Feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, we are reminded of the beautiful gift of family and the vital role it plays in our lives and faith.
In the bustling days leading up to Christmas, we perhaps found ourselves swept away by the hustle and bustle of holiday preparations. Yet, it is essential for us to take a moment to reflect on the true essence of this season. The Holy Family exemplifies the love, unity, and support that we are called to embody within our own families. The very gospel texts remind us that they too faced challenges and uncertainties, yet their unwavering faith and commitment to one another shone forth as a beacon of hope and remains so for us today.
The Holy Family teaches us that family life is a sacred vocation, a domestic church where love is nurtured, virtues are cultivated, and faith is shared. In our families, we learn the fundamental values of compassion, forgiveness, and service—values that are at the heart of our Catholic and Christian faith. As we continue to celebrate this Christmas-tide, let us remember that our homes should be places of hospitality and kindness, where Christ’s love is made visible.
And as we gather around our tables in this beautiful season, let us take time to engage in meaningful conversations with our loved ones. Share stories of faith, recount cherished memories, and express gratitude for one another. These moments strengthen our bonds and help us grow in understanding and love. The Holy Family reminds us that family life is not always perfect, but with God at its heart, we can overcome any challenges we face.
Furthermore, I would encourage each of you to take inspiration from the Holy Family’s example of prayer and devotion. Make time for family prayer, not just on special occasions, but throughout the year. Gather to read scripture, participate in Mass, or simply share in quiet moments of reflection together. Above all, attending Sunday Mass as a family is crucial; it not only strengthens our faith but also unites us in worship, reminds us that we are part of a larger community of believers and ultimately brings us into an awesome and sacred encounter with the very real presence of our Lord and God. These practices cannot fail to deepen your family’s faith and create a strong spiritual foundation for generations to come.
As we exchange gifts this holiday season, let us also remember that the greatest gift we can give to one another is our love and presence. In a world that often prioritises materialism, let us focus on building relationships that reflect the love of Christ that we meet in the Incarnation and in Holy Communion. Reach out to those who may feel alone this Christmas-tide, whether they be family, friends, or neighbours - extending the warmth of our parish community to all.
In closing, I wish you and your families a blessed and joyous Christmas and New Year. May the love of the Holy Family inspire and strengthen you in your journey of faith. Let us strive to create homes filled with love, joy, and a commitment to live out our holy faith together.
With all my heart, I send my blessings to you this Christmas season.
In Christ’s love,
Father Victor
SERVICES FOR THIS WEEK
THIS SUNDAY - THE FEAST OF THE HOLY FAMILY - THE PARISH MASS TAKES PLACE AT 10.00 am.
AFTER MASS TODAY REFRESHMENTS ARE SERVED THEN THERE IS AN OPPORTUNITY FOR A SHORT SESSION OF BIBLE STUDY.
31st December
TUESDAY
No Mass today.
1st January 2025
WEDNESDAY
Mass of the Solemnity of Mary, the Mother of God. We pray that we may be faithful to the New Years Resolutions we have made. - Please contact the Parish Priest for the time of this Mass.
2nd January
THURSDAY
Mass at 10.00 am.
3rd January
FRIDAY
Lauds (Morning Prayer) at 9.00 am.
B.C.P. / English Missal Mass at 10.00 am.
4th January
SATURDAY
Lauds (Morning Prayer) at 9.00 am.
Mass at 10.00 am.
5th January
NEXT SUNDAY - THE SOLEMNITY OF THE EPIPHANY OF OUR LORD
Lauds (Morning Prayer) at 9.15 am.
Parish High Mass at 10.00 am.
TEA AND COFFEE IS AVAILABLE AFTER MASS ON SUNDAYS - DO JOIN US FOR FELLOWSHIP.
PARISH NEWS
OUR HALF HOUR BIBLE STUDY GROUP ON SUNDAY This is a regular meeting that takes place as normal after Sunday Mass and Coffee every week - Father Tunji leads us to reflect more closely on the Holy Scriptures, which are one of God’s most precious gifts to us. Bibles texts will be supplied.
YOUTH GROUP
The next meeting will take place soon. Contact the Parish Priest for more details.
CONFESSIONS - As well as Saturday mornings, the Sacrament of Confession can be celebrated 20 minutes before any of the Weekday Masses and immediately afterwards. Please speak to Father Victor, Father Ian or Father Tunji.
REPOSITORY - CHURCH GIFT SHOP
This is open before and after Mass on Sundays and weekdays selling a wide range of items from religious cards, rosaries, books, crucifixes and icons to mugs, fridge magnets, church diaries, pens and note books.
Items can be seen in the glass case by the font at the back of church and in the glass case in the Vestry Hall. Please take a look.
OUR SUNDAY SCHOOL takes place each and every Sunday during school term time. If you have children between the ages of 5 - 12 they will be most welcome from 10 am in the Vestry Hall. Hope to see you there.
FATHER VICTOR IS ALSO BROTHER CUTHBERT OF THE BENEDICTINE COMMUNITY OF THE HOUSE OF INITIA NOVA - WHAT’S THIS ABOUT?
We are a Christian and monastic community officially recognized by the American Episcopal Church (our Sister Church in the United States). This means we are an officially recognised community of the worldwide Anglican Communion.
And may be its for you. What are you looking for? Does life seem like one distraction after an other – and yet the end is never insight? Does one’s history keep you from becoming more?
Do you yearn to live a more intentional, Christian life?
If any of these ring true, you may be the perfect inquirer into Religious Life.
If you are someone who desires a Contemplative life, God – You – Community; centered in prayer, dating back 1,500 plus years yet speaking to contemporary life: this Benedictine House may be what you are looking for!!
Members are found in the United States, England, Scotland, Cuba, Australia.
For more information: houseofinitianova@org
Motherhouse is in Ponce, Puerto Rico.
Abbot Michael-John Austin – Superior – tel:2816304842
So, if you are interested in knowing more, please speak to Father Victor / Brother Cuthbert.
IF YOU HAVE ANY PRAYERS or Mass intentions you would like me to offer at Mass or if would like someone added to our parish prayer list of the Sick or Departed.
My contact details are as follows:
Telephone: 07714190663
Email: Vicarstmartin@outlook.com
I am also available in person during Surgery Hour on Saturday’s in Church between 10.30am - 11.30am.
THE SACRAMENT OF CONFESSION AND RECONCILIATION is also available at this time.
Please continue to remember the following in your prayers:
For ourselves, that in celebrating the Holy Nativity and reflecting on God’s great love for us, manifested in His Incarnation (taking flesh amongst us) we may deepen our relationship with Christ in our journeying through this life.
For our Church community, that we may continue to grow into the likeness of Our Lord through worship, prayer and service.
For our young church members who have recently made their First Holy Communion and for our newly Confirmed.
To offer thanks for the glorious Resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ, for our salvation and the gift and pledge of new and abundant life.
For our Parish that we may emulate him in our faithfulness to the Gospel and its proclamation and to the care of our brothers and sisters in their need.
For our Bishop Paul and all the Parishes that look to him in the See of Oswestry.
For our Sunday School and for the children attending.
That the gifts of the Holy Spirit may be ours so that we may grow our Parish and serve the people of Fenny and Bletchley more effectively.
For the successful implementation of our ‘Growing Healthy Churches’ initiative.
For a deepening of our faith and a greater commitment to Christ.
For the strength to remain firm in our Christian faith and to give witness to it through our own example.
For the people of Israel and Palestine and for an ending of the conflict there.
For an end of war in the Ukraine and in Somalia and the re-establishment of Peace.
That we may continue to remember, the needs of those so less fortunate than ourselves.
For those at school, college or University, that they may be kept safe and well.
For those who work, particularly those who have families or other dependents.
For our new Government, that in this time of rising costs we may see increased integrity within the world of politics.
For peace to reign within our homes and between one another.
For the elderly, housebound and those living in residential and nursing homes.
For our Ambulance Service and for our other Emergency Service Staff and for Milton Keynes Hospital and all who work there.
For Father Victor, Father Ian, Father Tunji and for all parish clergy as they seek to continue to make present in our midst the Sacrifice of the Holy Mass, the other Sacraments of Christ and offer continuing Pastoral care.
For our now fully recognised Monastic Community of the House of Initia Nova of the Order of Saint Benedict and for its Motherhouse in Ponce, Puerto Rico.
For it’s Abbot, Michael-John Austin, for all of the community and for those new to its life.
For the Sick:
For Carmen Paolucci, Father Lewis Sly, Luciano Moirano, Margaret Namisi, Cecile Raven, Yvonne and Denis Simpson, Gary Ashby, Heather Burke, June Reid, Nicola Monaghan, Rosalio Eluna and Jean Holden.
For the Departed:
For all the recently departed, among them Vernon Hanke, and for Robert Mutton, Amy Vaughan, Doris Collins, Irene Stevens, Peter Walsh, Arthur Meadows, George Russell, John Lowe, George Wilford and all whose anniversaries fall at this time.
Rest eternal grant unto them, O Lord.
And let Light Perpetual shine upon them.
May the blessing of the Christ Child be upon you all.
Father Victor (Brother Cuthbert)
