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by Deacon Michael Kennedy
CHRISTMAS AT SACRED HEART
Our Parish celebrations of Christmas were marked with wonderful dignified and joyful celebrations of the Mass, beginning with the Vigil Mass on Christmas Eve at 6pm celebrated by Fr Gregory, Chaplain at St John Bosco School. He was joined at the Mass by Fr David O’Malley from the Community and Deacon Michael. At the Mass the image of the Baby Jesus was carried in procession to the Altar and reminded there until the end of Mass.
At 10pm Parishioners and visitors came together for Carols in the Church followed at 10.30pm by the Mass of Christmas Night celebrated by Fr Peter, assisted by Deacon Michael, who read the Gospel and Preached, Deacon Ste who assisted Fr Peter at the Altar and by Fr Hugh Preston, the Rector of the Salesian Community, Fr Francis Preston Fr Martin Poulson, and Fr Anthony the assistant priest. Once again, the image of the Infant Jesus was brought in procession to the Altar and placed in the Manager where it remained for the duration of the Mass. At the end of Mass the Image of the Infant Jesus was carried in procession to the Crib where it was placed between the images of Mary and Joseph. The Crib was then blessed and people were then encouraged to Come to the Manager and See the New Born King.
On Christmas morning there were similar celebrations at both the 9.30am at Mass celebrated by Father Hugh Preston the Rector of the Salesian Community and assisted by Deacon Ste Lloyd who read the Gospel and preached, Deacon Michael who assisted at the Altar. His brother, Father Francis Preston and Fr David O’Malley from the Salesian Community. The 11.30am Mass was celebrated by Fr Anthony the assistant priest who also preached.
Again at each Mass the infant Jesus was carried in procession to the Altar and then brought in Solemn procession to the Crib at the end of the Mass.
At the 11.30am all the Children present were invited to come to the Crib for the blessing and then spend time in prayer and adoration.
Our Church bells rang out to call people to prayer on this Christmas Night and Day.
Together we came to Kneel, to Worship and Adore, Christ, the New Born King. God Made man. He who brings Peace, Joy and Love into our world.
As a community we came together to celebrate Christmas in Prayer and in Song and to greet each other with words. Happy Christmas.
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