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Advent and Christmas 2019
In Advent, as we prayerfully await the coming of Christ Jesus in great humility at Christmas and His return in glory at the end of time, the church is decked in a royal and sombre purple and Gloria in Excelsis is not sung (except on the Feast of the Immaculate Conception).
Our Sunday sermons explore τὰ ἔσχατα — the Four Last Things of Death, Judgement, Heaven and Hell.
On Wednesdays in Advent, the 7pm Low Mass is celebrated by candlelight and followed by a group exploration of these themes together with silent prayer.
Sunday 8th December: Advent II
8am Low Mass
10.30am High Mass (Preacher: Canon Anna Matthews of S. Bene't's on Judgement)
6pm Advent Carol Service & Benediction followed by Refreshments
Monday 9th December: Feast of the Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary (transferred)
12.30pm Low Mass
7pm High Mass (Preacher: Fr Sebastian Holmes of Tewkesbury Abbey) followed by refreshments
Wednesday 11th December: Advent Group II
7pm Candlelit Low Mass, followed by silent prayer and discussion
Sunday 15th December: Advent III (Gaudete)
8am Low Mass; 10.30am High Mass (Sermon theme: Heaven)
6pm Evensong & Benediction
Wednesday 18th December (O Adonaï): Advent Group III
7pm Candlelit Low Mass, followed by silent prayer and discussion
Thursday 19th December: O Radix Jesse
7.30pm Carols & Cava at the Vicarage: tickets £10 on sale from Sunday 8th December in aid of Children's Society
Sunday 22nd December: Advent IV (O Rex Gentium)
8am Low Mass; 10.30am High Mass (Sermon theme: Hell)
6pm Nine Lessons & Carols followed by Mulled Wine & Mince Pies
Tuesday 24th December: Christmas Eve
7.45am Low Mass; 5pm Candlelit Crib Service
11.30pm Midnight Mass of the Nativity
Wednesday 25th December: Christmas Day
8am Low Mass of the Dawn; 10.30am High Mass of the Day
6pm Evening Prayer (said) & Benediction
Thursday 26th December: Feast of Saint Stephen, Protomartyr
Friday 27th December: Feast of Saint John, Apostle & Evangelist
Saturday 28th December: Feast of the Holy Innocents
10am Low Mass on each day — this will be the sole celebration
Sunday 29th December: Christmas I
8am Low Mass; 10.30am High Mass
6pm Evensong & Benediction
Monday 30th & Tuesday 31st December: In the Octave of Christmas
10am Low Mass on each day — the sole celebration
