Confirmation Preparation classes commence on Wednesday 16 January for all those enrolled. Classes take place at 7.30pm in 34 rue des Capucins (at the top of the rue des Capucins, where it joins rue des Bains… ring the bottom bell). Please pray for all our candidates who are preparing for this important sacrament, and for the catechists and parents who are assisting.

7pm Mass in St Alphonse, 2 February, is being offered for Dorothy and James Harcaric.

11am Mass at SS Peter & Paul, Hollerich 3 February is being offered for the repose of the soul of Ann Ryan, the mother of Alan Ryan of our community. Please pray for her, and for the family.

We also remember this week Jennifer Woo who is sick and Mary Eivers, whose anniversary occurs around this time. We give thanks to God for the lives of those we have loved and lost, and commend them to his mercy.

It is a wonderfully rich part of our Catholic tradition that we keep in mind before the Lord those who have gone before us: those who were part of our life, those who handed the faith on to us, those who showed us kindness, those who did so much good during their life: indeed, all the faithful departed. The Communion of Saints means that we are one community, united in the Risen Lord.

May the souls of all the faithful departed rest in peace. Amen

Christmas and New Year

Our Christmas celebrations began at the Konvikt Centre with the annual Christingle service, led by Rev. Chris Lyon, assisted by Fr Ed. The Masses of Christmas held in Hollerich were well attended as usual, in spite of so many people being out of Luxembourg. The church looked very seasonal and the liturgies were beautiful, festive and prayerful.

Ss Peter & Paul, Hollerich, Christmas 2012

For the first time in recent years, we celebrated the Feast of Mary, Mother of God on New Year’s Day, and over 100 people came along. The festive mood was slightly diminished when we discovered the church at Hollerich had been broken into, and Mass was delayed as the police made their investigations. Happily nothing had been stolen (although a bottle of altar wine had been drained!) but there was glass from one of the stained-glass windows and from another window by the side door. Once Mass was underway, however, full cheer returned. Mass was followed by tea, coffee — and a glass of Cremant for those who wished.

All Mass times are now back to normal.

A Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all!

Fr Ed

CONGRATULATIONS TO:

Clara Helen Gaudet, daughter of Liisa Raasakka Gaudet & Francois Gaudet, baptised on 24 November. Clara Helen was presented to the parish at Mass on Sunday 18 November. Photos of the Baptism to follow.

Patrick Joseph Mulrennan, son of Valérie and James Mulrennan, baptised on Saturday 1 December in Hollerich (keep scrolling down!)

And to Poppy Ann Peig McMahon, daughter of Maxine and Brian McMahon, baptised during the 11am Mass in Hollerich on Sunday, 2 December: