Entrance Hymn: All people that on earth do dwell

Week of Prayer for Christian Unity 2026 – One Body One Spirit

The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity is a response to Christ’s prayer “that they all may be one” (John 17:21). It is an eight-day period of prayer in which all Christians are invited to participate. This year’s theme reminds us that the call to unity is a call to work for peace for all people everywhere.

The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity (WPCU) takes place each year from 18 to 25 January. This ecumenical celebration provides an opportunity to focus our prayers on Christian unity and to know that we are joining with international siblings in Christ. WPCU is also a great chance to speak about and experience Christian unity personally.

This year WPCU takes Ephesians 4 v 1-13 as its central text which includes the words “There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to the one hope of your calling.” (Ephesians 4:4).

           Much progress has been made in the last 100 years to bring all Christians together. One good example is the fact that the Baptism celebrated by all Christian denominations is mutually recognized. This means that if a Methodist wants to become a Catholic (or vice versa) the Baptism they received in their ‘mother’ church is accepted by the ‘adoptive’ church.

Catholic Schools Week runs from 18 – 24  January with the theme,

Normal Lives, Called to Holiness!

The 2026 theme invites pupils, teachers, families, and parishes to explore the call to holiness as something both universal and accessible. Holiness is not for a few, but for all; for every student, teacher, parent, and grandparent living each day in friendship with Jesus. We give thanks for the great work of our Catholic schools and pray for all involved.

Altar Servers We welcome two new altar servers this weekend. They are brothers, Ryan and David. Altar server application forms are available from the sacristy.

New Boiler We expect the new boiler to be installed during the week. Hopefully that will mark the end of a cold spell in the church.

FYI It was a gas burner which was replaced in 2023. This will be attached to the new boiler.

Recent Deaths: The deaths have occurred of Jim Groarke, Summerhill South; Maureen Ho, late of High St; Mary Hallahan, South Douglas Rd. May they rest in peace. We offer our sympathy and prayers to their families.

With heart and hands and voices,

Who wondrous things has done,

In whom his world rejoices;

Who from our mothers’ arms

Has blessed us on our way

With countless gifts of love,

And still is ours today

Through all our life be near us,

With ever joyful hearts

And blessed peace to cheer us,

To keep us in his grace,

And guide us when perplexed,

And free us from all ills

Of this world and the next.