Newsletter - 17 November
St Mary’s - A new room in the church
Jesus said “There were many rooms in my Father’s house” (Jn14:2). The same can be said of our parish church. Over the last few weeks, the room known as “the library” has undergone some renovations. The room will now become a multipurpose room to serve several needs in the parish. With these changes, a new name is in order. The room will now be known as “St Mary’s.”
St Mary’s will be used for confessions – it is ideal for safeguarding requirements because of the large window. It will also be used for meetings of various parish groups. Any group wishing to use the space should reserve the room in advance through the Parish Office.
The room will also hold a small library where you can come to browse or read. In future it will be possible to borrow books but please give us a little time to make a list of the books and to work out a procedure for borrowing. Note also that priority will be given to confessions and to groups that have reserved the room.
The books in the library are limited to those which serve the spiritual and pastoral concerns of our parish community. Many of the materials previously in the library are now readily available online, e.g. church documents (see www.vatican.va) and reference sources (dictionaries, encyclopedias, biblical commentaries, etc.)
The new library includes two broad sections:
1. Books of general interest to any parish, e.g. the Bible, Church, catechetics, sacraments, prayer, spiritual life, lives of the saints, biography, etc.
2. Books focused on our own parish of Christ the King:
· parish history, and books written by parishioners and monks who served the parish.
· books on the spiritualities of the two communities that have served the parish: Benedictines – monastic spirituality, Chemin Neuf - Ignatian spirituality, and both communities - charismatic spirituality.
· books related to activities and ministries in the parish: e.g. Alpha, Our Common Home, pilgrimage. Other areas may be added in future.
· a few books for small children can be found in the cupboard in the entrance hall by the front doors. Parents are welcome to use a book during Mass if it helps to calm your child.
May St Mary, the Mother of our Lord, watch over and inspire the many gatherings and encounters which will take place in this room which now bears her name.
Deacon Ted Wood, ccn
Focus of the Week
CHRISTMAS OPENING DAY
INVITATIONS to the Open Day are available in the entrance hall. Please take one if you would like to come or know of anyone who would be alone on Christmas day.
Please complete a form and return to the Parish Office as soon as possible.
CHRISTMAS PROGRAMME
Please collect a Christmas and New Year programme from the entrance hall.