Parish of St Paul's RC Church

As the nights lengthen and the first frost settles upon the hills of Northumberland, December once again draws us into the great drama of salvation. This is the month when the Church bids us watch and wait, when the ancient cry of the prophet still rings across the river Aln: “O that you would tear open the heavens and come down!” (Isaiah 64:1). Out little parishes of St Paul's, sat proudly in the spectacular county of Northumberland, we prepare together for the coming of the Light who scatters all darkness.

December belongs, above all, to Advent. We begin the new liturgical year on Sunday 30 November with the First Sunday of Advent, lighting the first purple candle on our wreaths and hearing once more the urgent call of John the Baptist: “Prepare the way of the Lord!” In a diocese whose history is steeped in the witness of saints who themselves waited in hope (St Cuthbert on Lindisfarne, the Venerable Bede at Jarrow, St Mary of Hexham), Advent feels especially at home among us.

On 8 December we keep the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception, Patronal Feast of our own nation and, by happy coincidence this year, transferred to Monday 8th because the 7th is the Second Sunday of Advent. How fitting that we honour Our Lady, conceived without sin, as the dawn breaks upon the world’s redemption. Many of our parishes will gather for Holy Day Masses; let us make a special effort to be present, bringing our families and inviting those who have drifted from the practice of the faith.

21 December, the winter solstice, brings us to the threshold of Christmas. The great “O Antiphons” begin on 17 December. On the evening of 24 December our church will fill with candlelight and carols as we keep the Vigil and Midnight Masses of Christmas, welcoming the Infant King born for us in Bethlehem.

This year, Boxing Day (26 December) falls on a Friday, and the Feast of St Stephen, First Martyr, takes precedence. A gentle reminder that the wood of the manger is never far from the wood of the Cross, and that the charity we show to the poor on St Stephen’s Day is the authentic continuation of Christmas joy.

In the bleak mid-winter of Northumberland, may the promise of Christmas burn brightly in every heart. May Our Lady of Perpetual Help, principal patron of our diocese, and St Cuthbert, our heavenly protector, lead us safely to the crib where the Word is made flesh and dwells among us.

From everyone at St Paul’s we wish you every blessing for a holy Advent and a joyful Christmas.

Peace be with you - God Bless