The Christmas Vigil Mass long ago overtook Midnight Mass as the most popular of the Christmas celebrations.This year was no exception, the church was full to overflowing with large numbers of families.
Fr Darren is here pictured with some of the children around the crib for the homily. Midnight Mass was a much gentler occasion where the homily focused upon the theme of darknes out of light. On Christmas Morning the celebration was full of lfe and joy and love.
Later in the day, the young men from the UK Cenacolo Community came to St Clare's for a festive lunch after which they spent an hour in church praying the rosary and spending time in Eucharistic adoration. St Stephen's (Boxing) Day dawned wet and damp but that did not stop about half of altar servers turning out for the Mass of the Guild of St Stephen, the Patron Saint of Servers. New members were enrolled and the extant ones renewed their promises.
Another celebration was also afoot, Frank and Dorothy Smith were celebrating their Diamond Wedding Anniversary. They came to Mass supported by their family and, after Holy Communion, received an anniversary blessing.
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