Today we celebrate the wonderful Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord. This feast is traditionally celebrated on 6th January, but it is now transferred to the 2nd Sunday after Christmas in England and Wales.

This is one of our most important feasts and recalls the revelation of Jesus to the world. We think of the visit of the Three Wise Men to the infant Jesus, but also keep in mind the Baptism of Our Lord and the miracle at the wedding feast of Cana, which are other events connected with this feast.

We celebrate the Baptism of the Lord next Sunday which brings to an end our Christmas Celebrations.

I hope everyone has had a good Christmas and I thank you again for the generous Christmas Offering and the other cards and gifts I received.

As we begin a new calendar year, I thank all those who have participated in and contributed to life in our two parishes during 2009.

I hope that 2010 will be a year of great blessings for our two parishes and for everyone.

Bishop Declan will be visiting us on Thursday 24th June to administer the Sacrament of Confirmation.

The preparation programme for both parishes will begin on Sunday 31st January at 6:30pm in Saint Augustine’s Hall, and all those in Year 8 and above are welcome to join the programme. There are application forms available in both churches. These need to be filled in and returned as soon as possible.

The full details of the programme have not yet been finalised, although the second candidates session will probably be on Sunday 7th February from 6:30pm until 8:00pm, with the enrolment ceremony taking place during the morning Masses on that day.