New lamps for old . . . .

No, not a cry from the lamp-seller in the well-known pantomime, Aladdin but the result of the completion of our new lighting project here at St Ann's!

For quite some time we have been hoping to replace our old, expensive to run church lighting with a new and improved scheme which would not only enhance the look of our church and be appropriate to the Masses and other liturgies celebrated here but which would also be energy efficient.

I'm pleased to be able to say that this objective has now been met and, thanks to the efficient and professional services of CES Lighting, our new lighting scheme is now up and running.

Greetings from Ireland on the Solemnity of the Epiphany . . .

My little break at home is coming to an end and I thought that I would drop by and let you know that I offered Mass for all in our parish today.

Here in Ireland, the Bishops have decided not to move the Solemnity of the Epiphany to the Sunday which means that the Mass I offered for your intentions was the Mass of the Solemnity.

I'm sure Fr McCarthy has been looking after you all very well in my absence and I look forward to being back with you all again very soon.

O God, who on this day

revealed your Only Begotten Son

to the nations

by the guidance of a star,

grant in your mercy

that we, who know you already

by faith,

may be brought to behold

the beauty of your sublime glory.

Through our Lord Jesus Christ,

your Son,

who lives and reigns with you

in the unity of the Holy Spirit,

one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

(Collect from the Solemnity of the Epiphany)