Week of 27th December 2003 - 4th January 2004

Christmas

Many thanks to all who prepared for and attended the ceremonies. It was wonderful to see so many here at Mass on a Christmas Day. Also , thank you for your generous offerings, cards and gifts sent to the presbytery.

It is said that Jesuit priests in England wrote the song during the times when Catholics were persecuted. At that time, written material on the faith was out of the question and so children were taught through memory aids.

A partridge in a pear tree : Jesus Christ
Two Turtle Doves : Old and New Testament
Three French Hens : Faith, Hope and Charity
Four Calling Birds : the Four Gospels
Five Gold Rings : First five books of the Old Testament (The Torah)
Six Geese a laying : Six days of Creation
Seven Swans a swimming : Seven Sacraments
Eight maids amilking : Eight Beatitudes
Nine Ladies Dancing : Nine Fruits of the Holy Spirit
Ten Drummers Drumming : Ten Commandments
Eleven Pipers Piping : Eleven Faithful Apostles
Twelve Lords a leaping : Twelve points of Doctrine in the Apostle's Creed.

There is more than one version of this strange song but this may help to put Christ back in the centre of Christmas.

• No Novena to Our Lady of Perpetual Succour this week - prayers will be said at the Wednesday Mass.
• The Sanctuary Lamp will burn this week for priests
• United Service for the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity Tuesday 20 January 2004 in the Anglican Cathedral. Preacher : Rt Rev James Jones Bishop of Liverpool.
• The Lowry Salford Quays Exhibition of Christmas Cribs from Krakow, Poland: now until 29 February 2004.
• Choir Practice - Tuesday at 7pm
• Confessions - Saturday 11:15am - 12 noon or after 7pm Mass at request.

Please pray for Ted McAuliffe who has recently died and for his family and friends who mourn.

For further information or comments please contact info@ourladysbryn.org.uk