We wish you all a very happy, joyful, peaceful and safe Christmas. (Especially with all this fog!) I extend these wishes not only from myself but from the Parish Team and all the Claretians.

The services over Christmas were very well attended. A number you who were present commented on how beautiful they were. Thanks go to all those who contributed their time and energy into making this year’s services such a joyful celebration of the birth of our Lord.

So much work goes on, behind the scenes, not only at Christmas but throughout the year. Thank you!

In the Christmas Newsletter we commented that the Christmas Collection is for the support of the priests who have pastoral care of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, the Claretian Missionaries. We thank all those who gave so generously! (This is the main source of our income and goes towards the education of students, the care of the sick and elderly and our missionary work for the church.)

Finally, we, the Claretian Missionaries, wish to thank those of you who gave cards and gifts. We are privileged to be in Hayes and to serve and minister with you. We thank God for each of you and for your support throughout the year.

Prayers and best wishes for 2007!

Fr Martin Stone cmf (Parish Priest)