Many, many thanks to all who helped make our celebration of Colin Buckland’s musical contribution to our parish so special. The music group, led by Colin, set the tone, with a joyful liturgical endeavour. Clare on the organ provided the necessary grandeur, and the whole Mass was a blessed experience. Regan Otte, on behalf of the Parish Council, praised Colin’s tireless contribution to our English-speaking parish for over 30 years, and announced that there was a considerable presentation from the parish to enable Colin and Ann to enjoy further their years of retirement. The reception afterwards, held in the couvent, was a great celebration — so many people contributed food, energy, time and presence — the one refrain that was heard repeatedly was ‘Why don’t we do this more often?’. Watch this space! Thank you again to all who contributed to the Mass and to the celebration afterwards. And to Colin, ‘Ad multos Annos!’

Feast of the Presentation of the Lord

Readings: 

First Reading: Malachi 3:1-4 The prophet foretells the entry of the Messiah into the Temple; the Baby Jesus is shown as ‘the One who is to come’

Second Reading: Hebrews 2:14-18 Christ became human so that he could, from within, as it were, save human flesh from the power of the devil

Gospel: Luke 2:22-40 Jesus is presented in the Temple as required by the Law of Moses; Simeon prophesies concerning him, and Anna proclaimed him.

Mass music for 2 February, Feast of the Presentation of the Lord
Entry hymn:           747 The Light of Christ
Penitential rite:     Sprinkling with holy water (Asperges)
Gloria: Lourdes 527
Alleluia: Lourdes
Offertory : 603 Blest are you, Lord, God of all creation
Holy, Holy, Holy: responsorial, unaccompanied
Acclamation:  responsorial, unaccompanied
Our Father: said
Lamb of God: Lourdes
Communion Music:  Instrumental Cantilène religieuse (T. Dubois)
Communion Hymn: Christ be beside me 910
Final Hymn: Now let your servant go in peace 177 (tune 679)

I received the following email from a young man in Goa. Are you able to give him the advice he is looking for? If so, send me an email and I’ll put you in touch.

Thanks, Fr Ed.

“hello Fr.Ed,
I came across your email through European Parish of Luxembourg website. My name is Daryl Colaco, I am 29 years male from Goa, India. I am Catholic (RC), I belong to cortalim parish and my church is St.Philip and St .James.

I am about to get Portuguese citizenship as my province Goa in India was a former Portuguese colony. I hold a masters degree in accounts, have worked in India as well gulf and am writing to you as I have plans to relocate to EU with my new citizenship.
I have been in contact with a Luxembourg native through web search, whom I intend to rent out initially, but I would like to know from you how is the job market in Luxembourg? is it possible to get a job if you are fluent in English and have some basic knowledge of French.
Please let me know your thoughts.”

Archbishop Hollerich is leading a group of 100 young people to Northern Thailand in August/September this year to experience life with the Karen people of the region. The trip promises to be interesting and challenging. The dates proposed are from 19 August to 05 September. Details can be found in the brochure here. If you think you might wish to be included on this trip, please register your interest as soon as possible. A provisional list is being drawn up on Friday of this week (24 January).

This evening, Monday 21 January, we have our bible study to celebrate the week of Christian Unity. Details about the theme, agreed between the World Council of Churches and the Catholic Church can be found here:  The theme is ‘Has Christ been divided?’ Come along this evening, 34 rue des Capucins, to air your feelings on this…