Click on the link below for a PDF version or view the uploaded document below.

https://holycrosscarshalton.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Newsletter-2026-01st-Feb26final.pdf

FOURTH SUNDAY – O.T YEAR A

46 North Street, Carshalton, Surrey, SM5 2JD

Parochial Administrator. Fr. Vincent Okon

Resident Priest Fr. Philip Pak

Priest Fr. Luke Verhees

Deacon Sandy Misquitta

Tel: 020 8647 0022

Email: carshalton@rcaos.org.uk

Go to mcnmedia.tv or follow the link on the Home page for live streaming 

Streaming is available all the time.

======================================================

FOURTH SUNDAY – O.T YEAR A

Sat 31st Jan Saint John Bosco	18:30	People Of The Parish
Sun. 01st Feb. Racial Justice Day	08:00
	09:30	Maria Bay Thi Nguyen
	11:00	Talisha Ricketts & Iceneth Spence – RIP
	18:30	Camille Shern – RIP
Mon. 02nd Feb. THE PRESENTATION OF THE LORD, Feast	08:00
	10:00
Tue. 03rd Feb. St Laurence of Canterbury, St Blaise, Martyr, blessing of throats	08:00
	10:00	Bridget McDonagh Wellbeing & Intention
Wed. 04th Feb. Saint Henry Morse, Priest & Martyr	08:00	Agatha Sheriff – BD Intention
	10:00	Isaac & Sanjay T. Intentions
	17:00	Adoration
Thu. 05th Feb. Saint ‡ Agatha, Martyr	08:00	Carole T. Intention
	10:00	Thomas Traynor – RIP
Fri. 06th Feb. Sts Paul Miki & Companions, Martyrs	08:00
	12:00	Mary Madigan – RIP
SAT. 07th Feb. The Blessed Virgin Mary	08:00
	09:00	Adoration
	10:00
	18:30	Brittany Manurung – Birthday Intention
SUN. 08th Feb. Day for Victims of Trafficking	08:00	20th Wedding Anniversary Kent Family Thanksgiving
	09:30
	11:00	George Buckley – RIP
	18:30	E. Mc Donald & Family

Confessions:  Saturday – 10.30 am to 11:15 am; 6pm to 6.25pm 
Adoration Of The Blessed Sacrament:  Every day: 7am-8am
Wed.:5pm-7.30pm & Sat. 9am

This Weekend Second Collection – Racial Justice

This collection supports the work of the Catholic Church to promote racial justice in our schools, parishes and in wider society.

Racial Justice Sunday St George’s Cathedral 1^st Feb. 2026, at 10am.

Racial Justice Sunday is a time for the Church to pray, reflect and take action against racism, while celebrating the diversity of our Archdiocese. Everyone is invited to take part, and those who wish may wear national or cultural dress as a sign of unity and pride. If you would like, please gather outside the cathedral at 9.45am to join the procession of national flags. After Mass, all are welcome to gather in Amigo Hall for refreshments — a chance to meet one another, share experiences and continue the conversation about faith and inclusion.

Funeral Mass– Rajan Raman- Thursday 5^th Feb at 12.30pm

Requiem Mass – Cherryl Yiu – Saturday 14^th February at 10am

Please pray for the families

Holy Cross Parish Pastoral Council

Highlights from the last meeting held in November are displayed on the notice board in the porch. Comments and suggestions are welcome from you on parish organisation and activities. What would you like the Church to do? Email: carshalton@rcaos.org.uk

BIBLE STUDY

Next Session will be on Monday 9^th Feb. at 7.30pm, Parish hall.  All welcome. For more information contact Cherryl carshaltonplf@rcaos.org.uk

Children’s Liturgy Group – Sunday 9.30 am Mass

The Children’s Liturgy Group finishes for the half-term on 8^th February and resumes on 1^st March. Please contact Esme through the Parish Office if you can contribute or volunteer, carshalton@rcaos.org.uk .Thank you for your support!

RCIC (Rite of Christian Initiation for Children)

Started last weekend. If you have a child age 7 to 17 who has not been baptised, or who missed receiving their FHC at the usual age, we invite them to join the programme. This is a beautiful journey to grow in faith. To register, contact Natacha, Catechetical Baptism Lead: 07922884692 Carshaltonbaptism@rcaos.org.uk

We Dare to Hope: session 4 , Mon. 2^nd Feb. 7:30pm- Hall

These faith-sharing sessions on Christian hope are written by the Dominican Sisters in the New Forest and produced by the Agency for Evangelisation and Catechesis.  Everyone welcome. The sessions explore the following themes through Scripture, prayer, art and reflections:

4. Hope is a human desire (2nd Feb);

5. Hope is placed in God (9th Feb)

Holy Cross Baby and Toddler Group – 9am-10.15am

Mon: 26 Jan, 9 Feb / 2 Mar, 16 Mar.

Parish families, please join us for crafting, playing, singing and chatting over a cup of tea /coffee and biscuits. We look forward to welcoming you! We urgently need more volunteers to run this important group.

First Saturday Devotions – Holy Cross- 7^th February

Rosary and keeping Our Lady company. Adoration and Benediction from 8:45am

A Date With Mary: Sat 14 Feb. St Elphege’s Catholic Church, Wallington

St Elphege’s Parish will host A Day With Mary. Please support them.

“Lent ecumenical discussion groups”

If you would like to join our ecumenical Lenten discussion groups, commencing week of 23 February, please contact Adrian Clifton on adrian.clifton@gmail.com. Both in-person and Zoom groups will be available.

Ambassadors for Christ: A Catholic apologetics resource.

The Archdiocese of Southwark has launched an exciting apologetics project to provide evidence-based answers to questions such as “Is Jesus God?” or “does prayer work?”. Ambassadors for Christ is designed to equip you with a deeper understanding of your faith, so you can confidently answer questions and be a joyful witness for the Lord Jesus and his Church. Every Monday, a new video will be posted on YouTube, along with a worksheet to enable parishes, schools, youth groups and families to use them as part of their faith formation. To watch the videos and take part in this exciting project, please visit: rcaos.org.uk/ambassadorsforchrist.

Friday Tea & Lunch After 12 noon Mass

We will start again with Homemade soup & Dessert on Friday 13^th February. Donations will go to St Raphael Hospice and Sister Gabriel School (Fr Desis in Uganda). Thank you for your continuous support.

Archdiocesan Pilgrimages for Young Adults (aged 18 to 35)

•Lourdes: Young adults are invited to join Archbishop John on pilgrimage to Lourdes, from 7 to 13 June 2026. The cost is £789, which includes flights and full-board accommodation on a shared basis. To book, please visit: www.tinyurl.com/lourdes26

•Korea: Young adults are also invited to register interest for the World Youth Day pilgrimage to Korea in August 2027 at www.tinyurl.com/wyd2027

•For information about youth activities for all ages across the Archdiocese please visit our website at www.tinyurl.com/scys1

Join your local Brownie group! Ages 7-10 (years 3- 6)- Wednesdays 6-7.30pm

4^th Sutton Brownies meet at Our Lady of the Rosary (St Barnabas Rd, Sutton SM1 4NL). Are you ready for fun, friendship, and fantastic adventures? Join Brownies and dive into exciting days out, creative crafts, and fun activities. Make new friends, learn new skills, earn badges and create unforgettable memories. Termly subs only £35.

Contact Mrs Wright for more information wrightmpa@btinternet.com

 Medjugorje Apostolate Annual Retreat 13^th to 15^th March at the Kairos Centre

Roehampton, led by Fr Svetozar Kraljević OFM. For more information and to book please contact Paul Spencer at pilgrimsofmary@hotmail.com

St Elphege Church, Wallington PILGRIMAGE TO LOURDES 2026

Thursday 7^th May – Monday 11^th May 2026

This pilgrimage offers parishioners an opportunity for prayer, reflection, and fellowship in one of the most sacred Marian shrines in the world.

Travel & Accommodation Details:

•           Direct flight from Stansted to Lourdes •Transfers to the hotel in Lourdes

•           4 nights Full Board accommodation – Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner included

•           Transfer from the hotel to Lourdes Airport for the return flight

Cost: £799.00 / person (sharing). Single room supplement: £39.00 per day

Please note: Coach transfer from St Elphege’s Church to Stansted Airport is not included. Further details, booking information, and payment arrangements will be provided shortly. For expressions of interest, please contact Elaine Paice at wallingtonpilo@rcaos.org.uk or the Parish Office : wallington@rcaos.org.uk

Holy Father’s Prayer Intention February: For children with incurable diseases.

Let us pray that children suffering from incurable diseases and their families receive the necessary medical care and support, never losing strength and hope.

May they rest in peace: Remember those who died recently, Cheryl Yiu, Maureen Arnold, Lena Edwardes, Louis Mann, Stanley Bewick, Bridgid Murphy, Maria Leggett, Margaret Morton, Doreen Mary Charlish, Pat Flannery, Mama Anie Dona, Harvey Watson, Margaret Collier, Francesca Morreale, Pope Francis, Fr Wenna Henry Tiku, Mary Coghlan, …   Remember to pray for those who are sick, the isolated, and their carers, especially those within our own Parish Community: Catherine Main – Ian, Pat Walmsley, Sidney Brown, Norah Sheridan, Kathleen Brown, Mary Pierse, Edna Thornton, Mary Dolan, Doris D’Souza, Clara Pinto…

Click on the link below for a PDF version or view the uploaded document below.

https://holycrosscarshalton.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Newsletter-2026-25Jan-26final.pdf

THIRD SUNDAY – O.T YEAR A

46 North Street, Carshalton, Surrey, SM5 2JD

Parochial Administrator. Fr. Vincent Okon

Resident Priest Fr. Philip Pak

Priest Fr. Luke Verhees

Deacon Sandy Misquitta

Tel: 020 8647 0022

Email: carshalton@rcaos.org.uk

Go to mcnmedia.tv or follow the link on the Home page for live streaming 

Streaming is available all the time.

======================================================

THIRD SUNDAY – O.T YEAR A

Sat 24th Jan Saint Francis de Sales	18:30	People Of The Parish
Sun. 25th Jan. THE WORD OF GOD	08:00	Tom (Senior) Traynor – RIP Graciela Barba RIP
	09:30	Jean Arnott – RIP
	11:00	James & Mary McDermott – RIP
	18:30	Pierre Numa, Roger & Phillip Guiho – RIP
Mon. 26th Jan. Saints Timothy &Titus, Bishops	08:00
	10:00	Maria Bay Thi Nguyen
Tue. 27th Jan. Saint Angela Merici	08:00
	10:00	27th Wedding Anniv. Lala & Perry Garcia
Wed. 28TH Jan. Saint Thomas Aquinas	08:00
	10:00	Lucy Hazel Intention
	17:00	Adoration, Mass at 7.30pm
Thu. 29th Jan.	08:00
	10:00	Fr Paul – RIP
Fri. 30th Jan.	08:00
	12:00	Josephine Garcia – RIP
SAT. 31st Jan. Saint John Bosco,	08:00
	09:00	Adoration
	10:00
	18:30
SUN. 01st Feb. Racial Justice Day	08:00
	09:30	Maria Bay Thi Nguyen
	11:00	Talisha Ricketts – RIP
	18:30	Camille Shern – RIP

Confessions:  Saturday – 10.30 am to 11:15 am; 6pm to 6.25pm 
Adoration Of The Blessed Sacrament:  Every day: 7am-8am
Wed.:5pm-7.30pm & Sat. 9am

Week of Prayer for Christian Unity

You are warmly invited to attend the Unity Service on Sunday 25^th Jan at 6.30 p.m. hosted by St Margaret’s of Scotland Church, Carshalton Beeches.

This Weekend Second Collection for Maintenance Of St George’s Cathedral: St George’s is entirely reliant upon the generosity of its parishioners, volunteers and the Archdiocese to keep its doors open.  Your support can enable the Cathedral to remain open daily to those seeking a place of peace, prayer and worship. Thank you! Donate Online: www.rcaos.org.uk/Cathedral

Next Weekend Second Collection – Racial Justice

This collection supports the work of the Catholic Church to promote racial justice in our schools, parishes and in wider society.

Fr. Paul Sanders’ 5^th Anniversary: Sat. 31^th January at 10am

Mass here at Holy Cross. Refreshments in the Hall after the service. All welcome.

Young Adult Mass (18-30y): Last Sunday Of The Month

Thanks for attending. If you would like to help with the preparations, the readings, hymns, or more, please email the parish office: carshalton@rcaos.org.uk. All welcome. 

BIBLE STUDY

Next Session will be on Monday 9^th Feb. at 7.30pm, Parish hall.  All welcome. For more information contact Cherryl carshaltonplf@rcaos.org.uk

Children’s Liturgy Group – Sunday 9.30 am Mass

The Children’s Liturgy Group resumed on 18^th January 2026. Thank you for your support! Please contact Esme through the Parish Office if you can contribute or volunteer, carshalton@rcaos.org.uk .Thank you for your support!

RCIC (Rite of Christian Initiation for Children)

Started last weekend. If you have a child age 7 to 17 who has not been baptised, or who missed receiving their FHC at the usual age, we invite them to join the programme. This is a beautiful journey to grow in faith. To register, contact Natacha, Catechetical Baptism Lead: 07922884692 Carshaltonbaptism@rcaos.org.uk

We Dare to Hope: session 3 Mon. 26^th Jan, 7:30pm- Hall

These faith-sharing sessions on Christian hope are written by the Dominican Sisters in the New Forest and produced by the Agency for Evangelisation and Catechesis.  Everyone welcome. The sessions explore the following themes through Scripture, prayer, art and reflections:

3. Hope is a human act (26th Jan);

4. Hope is a human desire (2nd Feb);

5. Hope is placed in God (9th Feb)

Holy Cross Baby and Toddler Group – 9am-10.15am

Mon: 26 Jan, 9 Feb / 2 Mar, 16 Mar.

Parish families, please join us for crafting, playing, singing and chatting over a cup of tea /coffee and biscuits. We look forward to welcoming you! We urgently need more volunteers to run this important group.

Why Evangelise (Share the Good News of Jesus Christ)?

Fr Sean O’Connor will introduce the Sycamore programme and explore how it can be used to evangelise in your parish life.  Sycamore is an informal course about the Christian faith and its relevance for life today.  Join other deanery members in conversation and community.  11am – 1pm Saturday 31^st January 2026, St Matthias Church Hall, 201 Cheam Common Road, Worcester Park, KT4 8SX.  Parking is available; buses 213 and 151 stop outside the church.

A Date With Mary: Sat 14 Feb. St Elphege’s Catholic Church, Wallington

St Elphege’s Parish will host A Day With Mary. Please support them.

Ambassadors for Christ: A Catholic apologetics resource.

The Archdiocese of Southwark has launched an exciting apologetics project to provide evidence-based answers to questions such as “Is Jesus God?” or “does prayer work?”. Ambassadors for Christ is designed to equip you with a deeper understanding of your faith, so you can confidently answer questions and be a joyful witness for the Lord Jesus and his Church. Every Monday, a new video will be posted on YouTube, along with a worksheet to enable parishes, schools, youth groups and families to use them as part of their faith formation. To watch the videos and take part in this exciting project, please visit: rcaos.org.uk/ambassadorsforchrist.

Archdiocesan Pilgrimages for Young Adults (aged 18 to 35)

•Lourdes: Young adults are invited to join Archbishop John on pilgrimage to Lourdes, from 7 to 13 June 2026. The cost is £789, which includes flights and full-board accommodation on a shared basis. To book, please visit: www.tinyurl.com/lourdes26

•Korea: Young adults are also invited to register interest for the World Youth Day pilgrimage to Korea in August 2027 at www.tinyurl.com/wyd2027

•For information about youth activities for all ages across the Archdiocese please visit our website at www.tinyurl.com/scys1

Holy Cross Film Club showing: Notorious

Parish Centre 7.45 pm, Friday 30 January (Refreshments from 7.30pm). A classic American spy thriller, starring Ingrid Bergman and Cary Grant, directed by Alfred Hitchcock.

Running time:1 hr, 42 mins, plus interval

For further information email: HolyCrossFilmClub@outlook.com

Join your local Brownie group! Ages 7-10 (years 3- 6)- Wednesdays 6-7.30pm

4^th Sutton Brownies meet at Our Lady of the Rosary (St Barnabas Rd, Sutton SM1 4NL). Are you ready for fun, friendship, and fantastic adventures? Join Brownies and dive into exciting days out, creative crafts, and fun activities. Make new friends, learn new skills, earn badges and create unforgettable memories. Termly subs only £35.

Contact Mrs Wright for more information wrightmpa@btinternet.com

 Sutton – Winter Shelter Volunteers needed urgently

We provide a warm space and hot meals in our venues: Good Shepherd; North Cheam Baptist; River Church and the Salvation Army we DO need volunteers. Interested to put your faith into action? We have training in Jan. Contact shelter@suttoncommunityworks.org for more information about how you can show Jesus’s love to the homeless this winter.

Pilgrimage to Lourdes Southwark Diocese 9 to 14 February 2026.

Join our pilgrimage to Lourdes travelling overnight by luxury coach from

Leaving Slough and Ealing Broadway on 9 Feb 2026 and departing Lourdes on 13 February for a visit to the Shrine of the Miraculous Medal in Rue de Bac, Paris on 14 February morning and arriving in London later on 14 February 2026

Travel, full board and program cost £590. Call millie on 07957594646 for more info.

Racial Justice Sunday St George’s Cathedral Sunday 1 Feb. 2026, at 10am.

It is a time for the Church to pray, reflect and take action against racism, while celebrating the diversity of our Archdiocese. Everyone is invited to take part, and those who wish may wear national or cultural dress as a sign of unity and pride. If you would like, please gather outside the cathedral at 9.45am to join the procession of national flags. After Mass, all are welcome to gather in Amigo Hall for refreshments — a chance to meet one another, share experiences and continue the conversation about faith and inclusion.

Holy Father’s Prayer Intention January: ‘For prayer with the Word of GOD. Let us pray that praying with the Word of God be nourishment for our lives and a source of hope in our communities, helping us to build a more fraternal and missionary Church.

May they rest in peace: Remember those who died recently, Cheryl Yiu, Maureen Arnold, Lena Edwardes, Louis Mann, Stanley Bewick, Bridgid Murphy, Maria Leggett, Margaret Morton, Doreen Mary Charlish, Pat Flannery, Mama Anie Dona, Harvey Watson, Margaret Collier, Francesca Morreale, Pope Francis, Fr Wenna Henry Tiku, Mary Coghlan, …   Remember to pray for those who are sick, the isolated, and their carers, especially those within our own Parish Community: Catherine Main – Ian, Pat Walmsley, Sidney Brown, Norah Sheridan, Kathleen Brown, Mary Pierse, Edna Thornton, Mary Dolan, Doris D’Souza, Clara Pinto…

Click on the link below for a PDF version or view the uploaded document below.

https://holycrosscarshalton.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Newsletter-2026-18Jan-26final.pdf

SECOND SUNDAY – PEACE DAY (A)

46 North Street, Carshalton, Surrey, SM5 2JD

Parochial Administrator. Fr. Vincent Okon

Resident Priest Fr. Philip Pak

Priest Fr. Luke Verhees

Deacon Sandy Misquitta

Tel: 020 8647 0022

Email: carshalton@rcaos.org.uk

Go to mcnmedia.tv or follow the link on the Home page for live streaming 

Streaming is available all the time.

======================================================

SECOND SUNDAY – PEACE DAY (A)

Sat 17th Jan Saint Anthony	18:30	Novena Intentions For St Peregrine Intercession
Sun. 18th Jan. Peace Sunday	08:00	People Of The Parish
	09:30	Erica O. Birthday, Blessings & Intentions
	11:00
	18:30	Peace on Earth
Mon. 19th Jan. Saint Wulstan,	08:00
	10:00	M. Easton Special Intention
Tue. 20th Jan. Saint Fabian, Pope and Martyr	08:00
	10:00	Michael Dolan – RIP
Wed. 21st Jan. Saint ‡ Agnes, Virgin & Martyr	08:00
	10:00	Annie Connolly – RIP
	17:00	Adoration, Mass at 7.30pm
Thu. 22nd Jan. St Vincent, Deacon & Martyr	08:00
	10:00	Philip – Caroline – Michael- Good Health
Fri. 23rd Jan.	08:00
	12:00	Stanley Bewick – RIP
SAT. 24th Jan. Saint Francis de Sales	08:00
	09:00	Adoration
	10:00	Catherine – Doran – Almeida – RIP
	18:30
SUN. 25th Jan. THE WORD OF GOD	08:00	Tom (Senior) Traynor  RIP Graciela Barba RIP
	09:30	Jean Arnott – RIP
	11:00	Bernadette Tierney – RIP
	18:30	Pierre Numa, Roger & Phillip Guiho – RIP

Confessions:  Saturday – 10.30 am to 11:15 am; 6pm to 6.25pm 
Adoration Of The Blessed Sacrament:  Every day: 7am-8am
Wed.:5pm-7.30pm & Sat. 9am

CHURCH UNITY OCTAVE: From 18^th until 25^th January

the Church observes eight days’ prayer for Christian Unity.

Week of Prayer for Christian Unity

You are warmly invited to attend the Unity Service on Sunday 25^th January at 6.30 p.m. hosted by St Margaret’s of Scotland Church, Carshalton Beeches. “One Body, One Spirit”

This weekend Second Collection and Envelopes For Peace Sunday

“The work of Pax Christi is based on the gospel and inspired by faith. Envelopes are available at the back of Church for your donations to Pax Christi.

Next Weekend Second Collection for Maintenance Of St George’s Cathedral: St George’s is entirely reliant upon the generosity of its parishioners, volunteers and the Archdiocese to keep its doors open.  It does not receive Vatican or government funding, nor has an endowment to rely on.  Your support can enable the Cathedral to remain open daily to those seeking a place of peace, prayer and worship. Thank you! Donate Online: www.rcaos.org.uk/Cathedral

Fr. Paul Sanders’ 5^th Anniversary: Sat. 31^th January at 10am

Mass at 10am here at Holy Cross. Refreshments in the Parish Hall after the service. All welcome.

Holy Cross Parish Pastoral Council

Highlights from the last meeting held in November are displayed on the notice board in the porch. Comments and suggestions are welcome from you on parish organisation and activities. What would you like the Church to do? Email: carshalton@rcaos.org.uk

Young Adult Mass (18-30y): Sunday 25^th Jan. at 6.30pm

Happy New Year!  Please join us again after 6.30pm. If you would like to help with the preparations, the readings, hymns, or more, please email the parish office: carshalton@rcaos.org.uk. All welcome. 

BIBLE STUDY

Next Session will be on Monday 9^th Feb. at 7.30pm, Parish hall.  All welcome. For more information contact Cherryl carshaltonplf@rcaos.org.uk

Children’s Liturgy Group – Sunday 9.30 am Mass

The Children’s Liturgy Group will resume on 18^th January 2026. Thank you for your support! Please contact Esme through the Parish Office if you can contribute or volunteer, carshalton@rcaos.org.uk . Thank you for your support!

RCIC (Rite of Christian Initiation for Children)

Started last weekend. If you have a child age 7 to 17 who has not been baptised, or who missed receiving their FHC at the usual age, we invite them to join the programme. This is a beautiful journey to grow in faith. To register, contact Natacha, Catechetical Baptism Lead: 07922884692 Carshaltonbaptism@rcaos.org.uk

Bringing Christ alive for children – next weekend, 24-25 January

The Scripture And Liturgy Teaching approach utilises beautiful hands-on resources which trigger deep reflection, bringing Christ alive for children!  Come into the Hall after Mass next weekend (Saturday vigil and all Masses on Sunday) to see the exhibition and find out how you might use this approach – at home, in your parish or at school.  Catechists, parents, grandparents, Godparents, teachers – everyone welcome.www.saltapproachuk.org

We Dare to Hope: session 2 Mon. 19^th Jan, 7:30pm in the Upper Room

These faith-sharing sessions on Christian hope are written by the Dominican Sisters in the New Forest and produced by the Agency for Evangelisation and Catechesis.  Everyone welcome. The sessions explore the following themes through Scripture, prayer, art and reflections:

2. Hope is a human decision (19th Jan);

3. Hope is a human act (26th Jan);

4. Hope is a human desire (2nd Feb);

5. Hope is placed in God (9th Feb)

Holy Cross Baby and Toddler Group – 9am-10.15am

Mon: 26 Jan, 9 Feb / 2 Mar, 16 Mar.

Parish families, please join us for crafting, playing, singing and chatting over a cup of tea /coffee and biscuits. We look forward to welcoming you! We urgently need more volunteers to run this important group.

Why Evangelise (Share the Good News of Jesus Christ)?

Fr Sean O’Connor will introduce the Sycamore programme and explore how it can be used to evangelise in your parish life.  Sycamore is an informal course about the Christian faith and its relevance for life today.  Join other deanery members in conversation and community.  11am – 1pm Saturday 31^st January 2026, St Matthias Church Hall, 201 Cheam Common Road, Worcester Park, KT4 8SX.  Parking is available; buses 213 and 151 stop outside the church.

11.00 – 11.15 Welcome and coffee

11.15 – 11.25 Introduction to Sycamore programme

12.50 – 1.00 Rounding up comments and close

Ambassadors for Christ: A Catholic apologetics resource.

The Archdiocese of Southwark has launched an exciting apologetics project to provide evidence-based answers to questions such as “Is Jesus God?” or “does prayer work?”. Ambassadors for Christ is designed to equip you with a deeper understanding of your faith, so you can confidently answer questions and be a joyful witness for the Lord Jesus and his Church. Every Monday, a new video will be posted on YouTube, along with a worksheet to enable parishes, schools, youth groups and families to use them as part of their faith formation. To watch the videos and take part in this exciting project, please visit: rcaos.org.uk/ambassadorsforchrist.

Archdiocesan Pilgrimages for Young Adults (aged 18 to 35)

•Lourdes: Young adults are invited to join Archbishop John on pilgrimage to Lourdes, from 7 to 13 June 2026. The cost is £789, which includes flights and full-board accommodation on a shared basis. To book, please visit: www.tinyurl.com/lourdes26

•Korea: Young adults are also invited to register interest for the World Youth Day pilgrimage to Korea in August 2027 at www.tinyurl.com/wyd2027

•For information about youth activities for all ages across the Archdiocese please visit our website at www.tinyurl.com/scys1

Join your local Brownie group! Ages 7-10 (years 3- 6)- Wednesdays 6-7.30pm

4^th Sutton Brownies meet at Our Lady of the Rosary (St Barnabas Rd, Sutton SM1 4NL). Are you ready for fun, friendship, and fantastic adventures? Join Brownies and dive into exciting days out, creative crafts, and fun activities. Make new friends, learn new skills, earn badges and create unforgettable memories.

Termly subs only £35.

Contact Mrs Wright for more information wrightmpa@btinternet.com

 Sutton – Winter Shelter Volunteers needed urgently

Our plans for this years’ Winter Shelter for Homeless People are progressing with a start date of 19^th January, 2026. Clearly to provide a warm space and hot meals in our venues : Good Shepherd; North Cheam Baptist; River Church and the Salvation Army we DO need volunteers. Interested to put your faith into action? We have training in Jan. Contact shelter@suttoncommunityworks.org for more information about how you can show Jesus’s love to the homeless this winter.

Holy Father’s Prayer Intention January: ‘For prayer with the Word of GOD. Let us pray that praying with the Word of God be nourishment for our lives and a source of hope in our communities, helping us to build a more fraternal and missionary Church.

May they rest in peace: Remember those who died recently, Cheryl Yiu, Maureen Arnold, Lena Edwardes, Louis Mann, Stanley Bewick, Bridgid Murphy, Maria Leggett, Margaret Morton, Doreen Mary Charlish, Pat Flannery, Mama Anie Dona, Harvey Watson, Margaret Collier, Francesca Morreale, Pope Francis, Fr Wenna Henry Tiku, Mary Coghlan, …   Remember to pray for those who are sick, the isolated, and their carers, especially those within our own Parish Community: Catherine Main – Ian, Pat Walmsley, Sidney Brown, Norah Sheridan, Kathleen Brown, Mary Pierse, Edna Thornton, Mary Dolan, Doris D’Souza, Clara Pinto…

Click on the link below for a PDF version or view the uploaded document below.

https://holycrosscarshalton.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Newsletter-2026-11Jan-26-final.pdf

THE BAPTISM OF THE LORD (A)

46 North Street, Carshalton, Surrey, SM5 2JD

Parochial Administrator. Fr. Vincent Okon

Resident Priest Fr. Philip Pak

Priest Fr. Luke Verhees

Deacon Sandy Misquitta

Tel: 020 8647 0022

Email: carshalton@rcaos.org.uk

Go to mcnmedia.tv or follow the link on the Home page for live streaming 

Streaming is available all the time.

======================================================

THE BAPTISM OF THE LORD (A)

Sat 10th Jan	18:30	Fitzroy Henry & Ken Martindale – RIP Annie Bonnans – RIP Cheryl Yiu – RIP
Sun. 11th Jan. THE BAPTISM OF THE LORD Feast	08:00	People Of The Parish
	09:30	Tang Choon Foong – RIP
	11:00
	18:30	Fr Vincent
Mon. 12th Jan. Saint Aelred Of Rievaulx	08:00
	10:00
Tue. 13th Jan. Saint Hilary	08:00
	10:00	Michael Dolan – RIP
Wed. 14th Jan.	08:00
	10:00	Kathleen Connel & Tony Gallagher – RIP
	17:00	Adoration
Thu. 15th Jan.	08:00
	10:00
Fri. 16th Jan.	08:00
	12:00	Mary Dolan – Better Health
SAT. 17th Jan. Saint Anthony	08:00
	09:00	Adoration
	10:00
	18:30	Intentions For St Peregrin
SUN. 18th Jan. Peace Day	08:00
	09:30
	11:00	Bernadette Tierney – RIP
	18:30

Confessions:  Saturday – 10.30 am to 11:15 am; 6pm to 6.25pm 
Adoration Of The Blessed Sacrament:  Every day: 7am-8am
Wed.:5pm-7.30pm & Sat. 9am

Fr Vincent:

Fr Vincent is having his annual vacation from 12^th January to 13^th February. Kindly keep him in your prayers.

Second Collection and Envelopes For Peace Sunday: 18th January

Next Sunday, is Peace Sunday. “The work of Pax Christi is based on the gospel and inspired by faith. Our Vision is of a world where people can live in peace, without fear of violence in all its forms. Rooted in Catholic Christianity, we work with all who share our values to abolish war and create communities of peace and justice.” Envelopes are available at the back of Church for your donations to Pax Christi.

YOUTH GROUP (Age: 11-17)– on Sunday 11^th Jan.

 12pm -2pm:

FAITH, FOOD and FUN

Pizzas, salad, biscuits will be provided for lunch. Followed by games and quizzes. This session includes: table tennis, pool, magnetic darts, craft table etc.

Next sessions 22^nd Feb and 15^th March

More info: Coordinator: Cherryl Howlett: carshaltonplf@rcaos.org.uk

BIBLE STUDY

Next Session will be on  Monday 9th February, 7.30 in Parish Hall.  All welcome. For more information contact Cherryl carshaltonplf@rcaos.org.uk

Children’s Liturgy Group – Sunday 9.30 am Mass

The Children’s Liturgy Group will resume on 18^th January 2026. Thank you for your support ! Please contact Esme through the Parish Office if you can contribute or volunteer, carshalton@rcaos.org.uk .Thank you for your support!

RCIC (Rite of Christian Initiation for Children)

Is starting this weekend. If you have a child age 7 to 17 who has not been baptised, or who missed receiving their First Holy Communion at the usual age, we invite them to join the programme. This is a beautiful journey to grow in faith. To register, please contact our Catechetical Baptism Lead: Natacha 079 2288 4692 Carshaltonbaptism@rcaos.org.uk

We Dare to Hope

Starts Monday 12th January, 7:30pm in the Upper Room

We Dare to Hope features five faith-sharing sessions on the theme of Christian Hope. Written by the Dominican Sisters in the New Forest and produced by the Agency for Evangelisation and Catechesis, the sessions explore the following themes through Scripture, prayer, art and reflections:

1. Christian Hope is received from God (12^th Jan);
2. Hope is a human decision (19^th Jan); 
3. Hope is a human act (26^th Jan); 
4. Hope is a human desire (2^nd Feb); 
5. Hope is placed in God (9^th Feb)

Come along to start 2026 in thanksgiving for the gift of hope!

Young Adult Mass (18-30y): Sunday 25^th Jan. at 6.30pm

Happy New Year!  Please join us again after 6.30pm. If you would like to help with the preparations, the readings, hymns, or more, please email the parish office: carshalton@rcaos.org.uk. All welcome. 

Holy Cross Baby and Toddler Group – 9am-10.15am

Mon: 12^th Jan / 26 Jan,

9 Feb / 2 Mar, 16 Mar.

Parish families, please join us for crafting, playing, singing and chatting over a cup of tea /coffee and biscuits. We look forward to welcoming you! We urgently need more volunteers to run this important group.

Friday Tea & Lunch After 12 noon Mass

There will be no lunch during January only Tea & Coffee after Mass. We will start again with Homemade soup & Dessert on Friday 13^th February. Donations will go to St Raphael and Sister Gabriel School (Fr Desis in Uganda). Thank you for your continuous support.

Why Evangelise (Share the Good News of Jesus Christ)?

Fr Sean O’Connor will introduce the Sycamore programme and explore how it can be used to evangelise in your parish life.  Sycamore is an informal course about the Christian faith and its relevance for life today.  Join other deanery members in conversation and community.  11am – 1pm Saturday 31^st January 2026, St Matthias Church Hall, 201 Cheam Common Road, Worcester Park, KT4 8SX.  Parking is available; buses 213 and 151 stop outside the church.

11.00 – 11.15 Welcome and coffee

11.15 – 11.25 Introduction to Sycamore programme

11.25 – 12.25 The Search for Happiness (film) and Discussion in groups

12.25 – 12.35 Feedback to the whole group

12.35 – 12.50 Consider what attendees will take away from the session and how they will bring it to their parish life

12.50 – 1.00 Rounding up comments and close

Ambassadors for Christ: A Catholic apologetics resource.

The Archdiocese of Southwark has launched an exciting apologetics project to provide evidence-based answers to questions such as “Is Jesus God?” or “does prayer work?”. Ambassadors for Christ is designed to equip you with a deeper understanding of your faith, so you can confidently answer questions and be a joyful witness for the Lord Jesus and his Church. Every Monday, a new video will be posted on YouTube, along with a worksheet to enable parishes, schools, youth groups and families to use them as part of their faith formation. To watch the videos and take part in this exciting project, please visit: rcaos.org.uk/ambassadorsforchrist.

Archdiocesan Pilgrimages for Young Adults (aged 18 to 35)

•Lourdes: Young adults are invited to join Archbishop John on pilgrimage to Lourdes, from 7 to 13 June 2026. The cost is £789, which includes flights and full-board accommodation on a shared basis. To book, please visit: www.tinyurl.com/lourdes26

•Korea: Young adults are also invited to register interest for the World Youth Day pilgrimage to Korea in August 2027 at www.tinyurl.com/wyd2027

•For information about youth activities for all ages across the Archdiocese please visit our website at www.tinyurl.com/scys1

 Sutton – Winter Shelter Volunteers needed

Our plans for this years’ Winter Shelter for Homeless People are progressing with a start date of 19^th January, 2026. Clearly to provide a warm space and hot meals in our venues generously provided by Church of the Good Shepherd; North Cheam Baptist; River Church and the Salvation Army we DO need volunteers.

Interested to put your faith into action? We have training in January

Contact shelter@suttoncommunityworks.org for more information about how you can show Jesus’s love to the homeless this winter.

Holy Father’s Prayer Intention January: ‘For prayer with the Word of GOD. Let us pray that praying with the Word of God be nourishment for our lives and a source of hope in our communities, helping us to build a more fraternal and missionary Church.

May they rest in peace: Remember those who died recently, Cheryl Yiu, Maureen Arnold, Lena Edwardes, Louis Mann, Stanley Bewick, Bridgid Murphy, Maria Leggett, Margaret Morton, Doreen Mary Charlish, Pat Flannery, Mama Anie Dona, Harvey Watson, Margaret Collier, Francesca Morreale, Pope Francis, Fr Wenna Henry Tiku, Mary Coghlan, …   Remember to pray for those who are sick, the isolated, and their carers, especially those within our own Parish Community: Catherine Main – Ian, Pat Walmsley, Sidney Brown, Norah Sheridan, Kathleen Brown, Mary Pierse, Edna Thornton, Mary Dolan, Doris D’Souza, Clara Pinto…

Click on the link below for a PDF version or view the uploaded document below.

https://holycrosscarshalton.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/4th-Jan-2026-SECOND-SUNDAY-AFTER-THE-NATIVITY-final.pdf

SECOND SUNDAY AFTER THE NATIVITY

46 North Street, Carshalton, Surrey, SM5 2JD

Parochial Administrator. Fr. Vincent Okon

Resident Priest Fr. Philip Pak

Priest Fr. Luke Verhees

Deacon Sandy Misquitta

Tel: 020 8647 0022

Email: carshalton@rcaos.org.uk

Go to mcnmedia.tv or follow the link on the Home page for live streaming 

Streaming is available all the time.

======================================================SECOND SUNDAY AFTER THE NATIVITY

Sat 03rd Jan The Most Holy Name Of Jesus	18:30	Little Souls
Sun. 04th Jan.	08:00	Deceased Members Of The Ball Family
	09:30	Deceased Members Of The Brennan Family
	11:00	William O – wellbeing
	18:30	People Of The Parish
Mon. 05th Jan.	08:00
	10:00
Tue. 06th Jan. THE EPIPHANY OF THE LORD	08:00
	10:00
	19:30
Wed. 07th Jan. St Raymond of Penyafort	08:00
	10:00
	17:00	Adoration
Thu. 08th Jan.	08:00
	10:00
Fri. 09th Jan.	08:00
	12:00	Joanie Halley – RIP
SAT. 10th Jan.	08:00
	09:00	Adoration
	10:00	Ross DeSouza – RIP
	18:30
SUN. 11th Jan. THE BAPTISM OF THE LORD Feast	08:00
	09:30
	11:00
	18:30	FR Vincent

Confessions:  Saturday – 10.30 am to 11:15 am; 6pm to 6.25pm 
Adoration Of The Blessed Sacrament:  Every day: 7am-8am
Wed.:5pm-7.30pm & Sat. 9am

THE EPIPHANY OF THE LORD : Tuesday 6^th January , Solemnity

Masses: 8:00am, 10:00am, 7:30pm

Fr Vincent:

Fr Vincent is having his annual vacation from 12^th January to 13^th February. Kindly keep him in your prayers.

School Forms

Please note that we will not be able to sign school forms after Friday 9^th January until Mid-February. If you need a Certificate of Catholic Practice, please bring the form and the child’s Baptism Certificate in the Parish Office during our opening hours. Thank you.

THANKS FROM THE CLERGY For Your Kind CHRISTMAS Cards & Gifts

Our clergy received many Christmas gifts & cards and wish to appreciate all our parishioners for their kindness. Please accept this as their personal ‘THANK YOU’. Fr Vincent, Fr. Philip, Fr. Luke and Deacon Sandy.

YOUTH GROUP (Age: 11-17)– on Sunday 11^th Jan. – 12pm -2pm:

FAITH, FOOD and FUN

Pizzas, salad, biscuits will be provided for lunch. Followed by games and quizzes. This session includes: table tennis, pool, magnetic darts, craft table etc.

Next sessions 22^nd Feb and 15^th March

More info: Coordinator: Cherryl Howlett: carshaltonplf@rcaos.org.uk

 BIBLE STUDY ….

 Monday 9^th Feb. at 7.30pm, Parish hall.

 Contact: carshaltonplf@rcaos.org.uk

Journey in Faith 2025 – 2026 (Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults)

sessions resume on Thursday 8^th January 2026 for the current  group.

For more information, please get in touch with Kathy: edmsutton@rcaos.org.uk

Children’s Liturgy Group – Sunday 9.30 am Mass

The Children’s Liturgy Group is taking a Christmas break and will resume in January 2026. Thank you for your support, and Merry Christmas! Please contact Esme through the Parish Office if you can contribute or volunteer, carshalton@rcaos.org.uk .Thank you for your support!

We Dare to Hope

Starts Monday 12th January, 7:30pm in the Upper Room

We Dare to Hope features five faith-sharing sessions on the theme of Christian Hope. Written by the Dominican Sisters in the New Forest and produced by the Agency for Evangelisation and Catechesis, the sessions explore the following themes through Scripture, prayer, art and reflections:

1. Christian Hope is received from God (12^th Jan);
2. Hope is a human decision (19^th Jan); 
3. Hope is a human act (26^th Jan); 
4. Hope is a human desire (2^nd Feb); 
5. Hope is placed in God (9^th Feb)

Come along to start 2026 in thanksgiving for the gift of hope!

Friday Tea & Lunch After 12 noon Mass

There will be no lunch during January only Tea & Coffee after Mass. We will start again with Homemade soup & Dessert on Friday 13^th February. Donations will go to St Raphael and Sister Gabriel School (Fr Desis in Uganda). Thank you for your continuous support.

December Missio collection.

Sending early Christmas greeting to our Missio donors who have been so generous throughout 2025. As a thank you, please find your copy of 2026 Mission Today

Calendar in the box at the back of the Church. You will see how your contributions bring care and support to so many around the world. May God bless you abundantly with hope and joy. – Alex Faircloth

CRIB Collections 2025

We encourage you this year again to make Crib offerings for the Catholic Children’s Society, local homeless organisations, or charities, or the Friends of the Holy Land which supports our brothers and sisters who are suffering in the land of Our Lord. Further details about the appeal of the Friends of the Holy Land can be found at www.friendsoftheholyland.org.uk

 Sutton – Winter Shelter Volunteers needed

Our plans for this years’ Winter Shelter for Homeless People are progressing with a start date of 19^th January, 2026. Clearly to provide a warm space and hot meals in our venues generously provided by Church of the Good Shepherd; North Cheam Baptist; River Church and the Salvation Army we DO need volunteers.

Interested to put your faith into action? We have training in January

Contact shelter@suttoncommunityworks.org for more information about how you can show Jesus’s love to the homeless this winter.

Holy Cross Christmas Toy Appeal: Thank You

A big Thank you to all the parishioners that have kindly donated gifts for children of prisoners. There are so greatly appreciated and make a difference to children’s lives.

Peace Sunday

Prayer to Mary

Mother, help our faith!

Open our ears to hear God’s word and to recognize his voice and call.

Awaken in us a desire to follow in his footsteps, to go forth from our own land and to receive his promise.

Help us to be touched by his love, that we may touch him in faith.

Help us to entrust ourselves fully to him and to believe in his love, especially at times of trial, beneath the shadow of the cross, when our faith is called to mature.

Sow in our faith the joy of the Risen One.

Remind us that those who believe are never alone.

Teach us to see all things with the eyes of Jesus, that he may be light for our path. And may this light of faith always increase in us, until the dawn of that undying day which is Christ himself, your Son, our Lord!        – Pope Francis

Holy Father’s Prayer Intention January: ‘For prayer with the Word of GOD. Let us pray that praying with the Word of God be nourishment for our lives and a source of hope in our communities, helping us to build a more fraternal and missionary Church.

May they rest in peace: Remember those who died recently, Lena Edwardes, Louis Mann, Stanley Bewick, Bridgid Murphy, Maria Leggett, Margaret Morton, Doreen Mary Charlish, Pat Flannery, Mama Anie Dona, Harvey Watson, Margaret Collier, Francesca Morreale, Pope Francis, Fr Wenna Henry Tiku, Mary Coghlan, Louis Mann, …   Remember to pray for those who are sick, the isolated, and their carers, especially those within our own Parish Community: Catherine Main – Ian, Pat Walmsley, Sidney Brown, Norah Sheridan, Kathleen Brown, Mary Pierse, Edna Thornton, Mary Dolan, Doris D’Souza, Clara Pinto…

Click on the link below for a PDF version or view the uploaded document below.

https://holycrosscarshalton.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Newsletter-2025-28Dec25final.pdf

THE HOLY FAMILY of JESUS, MARY and JOSEPH

46 North Street, Carshalton, Surrey, SM5 2JD

Parochial Administrator. Fr. Vincent Okon

Resident Priest Fr. Philip Pak

Priest Fr. Luke Verhees

Deacon Sandy Misquitta

Tel: 020 8647 0022

Email: carshalton@rcaos.org.uk

Go to mcnmedia.tv or follow the link on the Home page for live streaming 

Streaming is available all the time.

======================================================

THE HOLY FAMILY of JESUS, MARY and JOSEPH

Sat 27th Dec. Saint ‡ John, Apostle and Evangelist, Feast	18:30	Thanksgiving – Families Kone-Thon
Sun. 28th Dec. The HOLY FAMILY of JESUS, MARY and JOSEPH Feast	08:00	People Of The Parish
	09:30	Susan Marchant – RIP
	11:00	David Hennessey – Thanksg. For 60th BD
	18:30	Pamela uk Tong – Health Intentions
Mon. 29th Dec. Saint Thomas of Canterbury, Bishop and Martyr, Feast	08:00
	10:00	For All The Volunteers of Our  Parish
Tue. 30th Dec.	08:00
	10:00	Gabrielle Guiho – BD Intentions
Wed. 31st Dec.	08:00
	10:00	Rosalyn Parry – RIP
	23:00	Family Guiho – Intentions
Thu. 01st Jan. Mary, The Holy Mother Of GOD	08:00	Julia  & Tom Ward – RIP
	10:00	Safe Journey for A. O Family
	19:30	Marie Norbury – 60th Birthday Intention
Fri. 02nd Jan. Ss Basil The Great & Gregory Nazianzen	08:00
	12:00	Safe Journey For A. O Family
SAT. 03rd Jan. The Most Holy Name Of Jesus	08:00
	09:00	Adoration
	10:00	Joao Desouza – RIP
	18:30	Little Souls
SUN. 04th Jan.	08:00
	09:30
	11:00
	18:30

Confessions:  Saturday – 10.30 am to 11:15 am; 6pm to 6.25pm 
Adoration Of The Blessed Sacrament:  Every day: 7am-8am
Wed.:5pm-7.30pm & Sat. 9am

Happy New Year

We welcome all our visitors who have come for Mass. We are a Happy Family at Holy Cross. Share a smile and make an introduction.  Happy New Year!

Christmas offering Envelopes Are Available In The Porch.

This is a simple way to show our appreciation for our priests. Thank you for your generosity. God bless you.

School Forms

Please note that we will not be able to sign school forms after Friday 9^th January until Mid-February. If you need a Certificate of Catholic Practice, please bring the form and the child’s Baptism in the Parish Office during our opening hours. Thank you.

THANK YOU:

We, the Priests, Fr Vincent, Fr. Philip, Fr. Luke and Dc Sandy, are grateful to God for bringing us safely to the end of the year 2025 and we would like to wish you, our beloved parishioners, a very joyous Christmas Celebration and a prosperous new year 2026.

Every Christmas reminds us that God is with us as the name name “Emmanuel” communicates. We pray that the Peace and Joy which Christ brings continuously radiate in your lives, in your family and among your loved ones.

Permit us to express our profound gratitude to you all for being part of Holy Cross Parish Family and for your marvellous contributions and efforts in making this parish a lively and welcoming one. We really thank you for your participation and involvement in the life of the Parish.

We would like to acknowledge and appreciate the continuous support and contributions made by the different groups in the parish. A very special thanks to our team of indefatigable volunteers who are always available to render help. Many Thanks to all the Catechists of the different Sacramental Programmes, the Bible Study Group, the Marriage Counselling and Preparation, the Children’s Liturgy Team, the Sacristans, the MC and Altar Servers, the Lectors and Readers, the Youth and Young Adults Coordinators, the Extra-ordinary Ministers of the Eucharist, your services have been fantastic.

Our Choirs have been so stellar: Folk Choir ,11 am Mass Choir and the dedicated Choirs that sing at the 6.30 pm Saturday & Sunday. You have all made our Liturgy very lively and help us to pray better.

To our Stewards and welcoming Team, the Safeguarding Representatives, those who help with the Flower arrangements, the Cleaners in the Church, the Hall and the Presbytery, the Toddler Group, and those who help with the provision of Tea, Coffee and Refreshments, your services have been invaluable to our Parish Community and we are very grateful for these.

Deepest Thanks also, to the Parish Pastoral, the Parish Finance Committee, our administrative Secretary, for your availability and commitment in managing our resources so that Parish can operate smoothly and special thanks to Siobhãn & Peter for their essential care and tireless effort.

We pray the good Lord to bless and reward each and everyone of you as we hope for more good things and successes to come in the new year.

Once more, Merry Christmas and a blessed New Year.

Holy Cross First Saturday Devotion Of The Year: Saturday 3^rd January 26

Please Join us Saturday from 8.45am

Bishop-Elect Gerard Bradley

Canon Gerard Bradley has been appointed as an Auxiliary Bishop of Southwark. Congratulations to Bishop-Elect Gerard! He has been (and continues to be) a great support in our work, as we all seek to grow in missionary zeal and competence, sure of the Lord’s love and mercy. Please join us in praying for him and his new ministry.

Journey in Faith 2025 – 2026 (Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults)

sessions resume on Thursday 8^th January 2026.

For more information, please get in touch with Kathy: edmsutton@rcaos.org.uk

Children’s Liturgy Group – Sunday 9.30 am Mass

The Children’s Liturgy Group is taking a Christmas break and will resume in January 2026. Thank you for your support, and Merry Christmas! Please contact Esme through the Parish Office if you can contribute or volunteer, carshalton@rcaos.org.uk .Thank you for your support!

YOUTH GROUP (Age: 11-17)– on Sunday 11^th Jan. – 12pm -2pm:

FAITH, FOOD and FUN

Pizzas, salad, biscuits will be provided for lunch. Followed by games and quizzes this session includes: “Find the Treasure,” table tennis etc.

Next session: January 11th

More info: Coordinator: Cherryl Howlett: carshaltonplf@rcaos.org.uk

Friday Tea & Lunch After 12 noon Mass

There will be no lunch during January only Tea & Coffee after Mass. We will start again with Homemade soup & Dessert on Friday 13^th February. Donations will go to St Raphael and Sister Gabriel School (Fr Desis in Uganda). Thank you for your continuous support.

December Missio collection.

Sending early Christmas greeting to our Missio donors who have been so generous throughout 2025. As a thank you, please find your copy of 2026 Mission Today

Calendar in the box at the back of the Church. You will see how your contributions bring care and support to so many around the world. May God bless you abundantly with hope and joy. – Alex Faircloth

CRIB Collections 2025

We encourage you this year again to make Crib offerings for the Catholic Children’s Society, local homeless organisations, or charities, or the Friends of the Holy Land which supports our brothers and sisters who are suffering the land of Our Lord. Further details about the appeal of the Friends of the Holy Land can be found at www.friendsoftheholyland.org.uk

 Sutton – Winter Shelter Volunteers needed

Our plans for this years Winter Shelter for Homeless People are progressing with a start date of 19^th January, 2026. Clearly to provide a warm space and hot meals in our venues generously provided by Church of the Good Shepherd; North Cheam Baptist; River Church and the Salvation Army we DO need volunteers.

Interested to put your faith into action? We have training in January

Contact shelter@suttoncommunityworks.org for more information about how you can show Jesus’s love to the homeless this winter.

Holy Cross Christmas Toy Appeal: Thank You

A big Thank you to all the parishioners that have kindly donated gifts for children of prisoners. There are so greatly appreciated and make a difference to children’s lives.

Holy Father’s Prayer Intention December: ‘For the Christians in areas of conflict.’

Let us pray that Christians living in areas of war or conflict, especially in the Middle East, might be seeds of peace, reconciliation, and hope,”   

May they rest in peace: Remember those who died recently, Lena Edwardes, Louis Mann, Stanley Bewick, Bridgid Murphy, Maria Leggett, Margaret Morton, Doreen Mary Charlish, Pat Flannery, Mama Anie Dona, Harvey Watson, Margaret Collier, Francesca Morreale, Pope Francis, Fr Wenna Henry Tiku, Mary Coghlan, …   Remember to pray for those who are sick, the isolated, and their carers, especially those within our own Parish Community: Catherine Main – Ian,Louis Mann, Pat Walmsley, Sidney Brown, Norah Sheridan, Kathleen Brown, Mary Pierse, Edna Thornton, Mary Dolan, Doris D’Souza, Clara Pinto…

Click on the link below for a PDF version or view the uploaded document below.

https://holycrosscarshalton.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Newsletter-2025-21Dec25-final-1.pdf

FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT (A)

46 North Street, Carshalton, Surrey, SM5 2JD

Parochial Administrator. Fr. Vincent Okon

Resident Priest Fr. Philip Pak

Priest Fr. Luke Verhees

Deacon Sandy Misquitta

Tel: 020 8647 0022

Email: carshalton@rcaos.org.uk

Go to mcnmedia.tv or follow the link on the Home page for live streaming 

Streaming is available all the time.

======================================================

FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT (A)

Sat 20th Dec.	18:30	Christopher K. Intentions
Sun. 21ST Dec. Day of prayer for Expectant Mothers.	08:00	Caroline Traynor – RIP
	09:30	God’s mercy on Isaac’s Soul
	11:00	People Of The Parish
	18:30	Joao D’Silva – RIP
Mon. 22nd Dec.	08:00
	10:00	All the Priests of Our Parish
Tue. 23rd Dec.	08:00
	10:00	Patricia Johnson – RIP
Wed. 24th Dec.	08:00
	16:00	Robert Wei – RIP, Richard Spence – RIP,
	20:00	RIP: Maria O’Shea, Tom & Theresa Flynn, Jean Arnott, Iuliano, Hogan, Flynn, & Cornally Deceased families
	12:00	Mary Traynor – BD Intention Martin & Annie McDonagh
Thu. 25th Dec.	08:00
	09:30	Thomas Anderson
	11:00	Bernard & Rose McDonagh – RIP  Patrick Flannery & Brian Flannery – RIP
Fri. 26th Dec.	08:00
	12:00	Altar Servers Of The Parish – Intentions
SAT. 27th Dec.	08:00
	09:00	Adoration
	10:00	Joseph Connolly – RIP
	18:30
SUN. 28th Dec.	08:00
	09:30
	11:00	David Hennessey – Thanksgiving For 60th BD
	18:30	Gabrielle Guiho – Intentions

Confessions:  Saturday – 10.30 am to 11:15 am; 6pm to 6.25pm 
Adoration Of The Blessed Sacrament:  Every day: 7am-8am
Wed.:5pm-7.30pm & Sat. 9am

No Gloria during Advent

CHRISTMAS CLERGY ENVELOPES ARE NOW AVAILABLE.

This is a simple way to show our appreciation for our priests. Priests here receive no salary whatsoever for their work and depend on the generosity of parishioners for their personal income. Envelopes are in the porch. Thank you for your generosity. God bless you.Nativity – Rehearsals on Monday and Tuesday

If you enjoy acting and would like to join the cast of this year’s Nativity play (6-16 Years old), please contact the parish Office: carshalton@rcaos.org.uk. Thank you.

THANK YOU:

We, the Priests, Fr Vincent, Fr. Philip, Fr. Luke and Dc Sandy, are grateful to God for bringing us safely to the end of the year 2025 and we would like to wish you, our beloved parishioners, a very joyous Christmas Celebration and a prosperous new year 2026.

Every Christmas reminds us that God is with us as the name name “Emmanuel” communicates. We pray that the Peace and Joy which Christ brings continuously radiate in your lives, in your family and among your loved ones.

Permit us to express our profound gratitude to you all for being part of Holy Cross Parish Family and for your marvellous contributions and efforts in making this parish a lively and welcoming one. We really thank you for your participation and involvement in the life of the Parish.

We would like to acknowledge and appreciate the continuous support and contributions made by the different groups in the parish. A very special thanks to our team of indefatigable volunteers who are always available to render help. Many Thanks to all the Catechists of the different Sacramental Programmes, the Bible Study Group, the Marriage Counselling and Preparation, the Children’s Liturgy Team, the Sacristans, the MC and Altar Servers, the Lectors and Readers, the Youth and Young Adults Coordinators, the Extra-ordinary Ministers of the Eucharist, your services have been fantastic.

Our Choirs have been so stellar: Folk Choir ,11 am Mass Choir and the dedicated Choirs that sing at the 6.30 pm Saturday & Sunday. You have all made our Liturgy very lively and help us to pray better.

To our Stewards and welcoming Team, the Safeguarding Representatives, those who help with the Flower arrangements, the Cleaners in the Church, the Hall and the Presbytery, the Toddler Group, and those who help with the provision of Tea, Coffee and Refreshments, your services have been invaluable to our Parish Community and we are very grateful for these.

Deepest Thanks also, to the Parish Pastoral, the Parish Finance Committee, our administrative Secretary, for your availability and commitment in managing our resources so that Parish can operate smoothly and special thanks to Siobhãn & Peter for their essential care and tireless effort.

We pray the good Lord to bless and reward each and everyone of you as we hope for more good things and successes to come in the new year.

Once more, Merry Christmas and a blessed New Year.

BIBLE STUDY

Monday 9th February 2026 For more information contact Cherryl carshaltonplf@rcaos.org.uk

RCIC (Rite of Christian Initiation for Children) Registration Now Open!

A Special Invitation to Your Child’s faith Journey. If you have a child age 7 to 17 who has not been baptised, or who missed receiving their First Holy Communion at the usual age, we invite them to join our RCIC programme. This is a beautiful journey to grow in faith. To register, please contact our Catechetical Baptism Lead: Natacha 079 2288 4692 Carshaltonbaptism@rcaos.org.uk

Children’s Liturgy Group

The Children’s Liturgy Group is taking a Christmas break and will resume in January 2026. Thank you for your support, and Merry Christmas! Please contact Esme through the Parish Office if you can contribute or volunteer, carshalton@rcaos.org.uk .Thank you for your support!

December Missio collection.

Sending early Christmas greeting to our Missio donors who have been so generous throughout 2025. As a thank you, please find your copy of 2026 Mission Today

Calendar in the box at the back of the Church. You will see how your contributions bring care and support to so many around the world. May God bless you abundantly with hope and joy. – Alex Faircloth

**Simbang Gabi Novena Masses!**

We warmly invite you to participate in a special Novena of Masses from Dec.16 to Dec. 24, held every evening at 7:30 PM at St. Teresa’s, Morden. ‘Simbang Gabi’ is a cherished nine-day devotional series of Masses in preparation for Christmas. Join our Filipino community in these joyful celebrations! The Mass will be conducted in English, followed by a delightful sharing of Filipino foods/drinks in the parish hall. Everyone is welcome!

CRIB Collections 2025

We encourage you this year again to make Crib offerings for the Catholic Children’s Society, local homeless organisations, or charities, or the Friends of the Holy Land which supports our brothers and sisters who are suffering the land of Our Lord. Further details about the appeal of the Friends of the Holy Land can be found at www.friendsoftheholyland.org.uk

Repository

There are Advent Calendars, Christmas Cards, Cribs, and Christmas Books, and lots more. Don’t forget we stock cards for all occasions. If you can’t see what you want you can contact Sally 07742 301576 and she will try and help you.

Pilgrimage to Lourdes 2026:  Southwark Diocese – 9 to 14 February 2026.

Join our pilgrimage to Lourdes travelling overnight by luxury coach.

It is always a beautiful and deeply spiritual experience soaking in the Spirit of Jesus as we travel to honour Our Blessed Mother.

Leaving Slough and Ealing Broadway on 9 Feb 26 and departing Lourdes on 13 Feb. for a visit to the Shrine of the Miraculous Medal in Rue de Bac, Paris on 14 Feb. morning and arriving in London later on 14 Feb. 2026

Full board, exciting festival devotional program, experience the Blessed Sacrament Procession of the Sick, the Candlelight Marian Rosary Procession and the International Mass on the Feast Day followed by Stations, Confessions and Adoration with Hour of Mercy. Travel, full board and program cost £590.

Call millie on 07957594646 for more info.

Holy Father’s Prayer Intention December: ‘For the Christians in areas of conflict.’

Let us pray that Christians living in areas of war or conflict, especially in the Middle East, might be seeds of peace, reconciliation, and hope,”   

May they rest in peace: Remember those who died recently, Louis Mann, Stanley Bewick, Bridgid Murphy, Maria Leggett, Margaret Morton, Doreen Mary Charlish, Pat Flannery, Mama Anie Dona, Harvey Watson, Margaret Collier, Francesca Morreale, Pope Francis, Fr Wenna Henry Tiku, Mary Coghlan, …   Remember to pray for those who are sick, the isolated, and their carers, especially those within our own Parish Community: Catherine Main – Ian,Louis Mann, Pat Walmsley, Sidney Brown, Norah Sheridan, Kathleen Brown, Mary Pierse, Edna Thornton, Mary Dolan, Doris D’Souza, Clara Pinto…

Click on the link below for a PDF version or view the uploaded document below.

https://holycrosscarshalton.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Newsletter-2025-14Dec25-final.pdf

THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT (A)

46 North Street, Carshalton, Surrey, SM5 2JD

Parochial Administrator. Fr. Vincent Okon

Resident Priest Fr. Philip Pak

Priest Fr. Luke Verhees

Deacon Sandy Misquitta

Tel: 020 8647 0022

Email: carshalton@rcaos.org.uk

Go to mcnmedia.tv or follow the link on the Home page for live streaming 

Streaming is available all the time.

======================================================

THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT (A)

Sat 13th NOV.   St ‡ Lucy, Virgin and Martyr	18:30	Christmas Blessings for O’Dea & O’Sullivan Families
Sun. 14th NOV. Gaudete Sunday	08:00	People Of The Parish
	09:30	Jane Pawy – Wain – CHRISTMAS INTENTION
	11:00	Joseph Fernandes – RIP
	18:30	Gail & David Swann – RIP Fr Augustine Chigodora – RIP
Mon. 15th Dec.	08:00
	10:00	Mickel Clancy – RIP MARY COGHLAN – RIP
Tue. 16th Dec.	08:00
	10:00	Brendon Harris – Good Health
Wed. 17th Dec.	08:00
	10:00	Anna Maria Caruana – RIP Francis Heywood – RIP
	17:00	Adoration
Thu. 18th Dec.	08:00
	10:00	Fr Luke – BD Intention Samuel Theriault – Intention
Fri. 19th Dec.	08:00
	12:00	Joe Barton – RIP Stanley Bewick – RIP
SAT. 20th Dec.	08:00
	09:00	Adoration
	10:00	Annie, Brian, Joseph & Family
	18:30	Christopher K. Intentions
SUN. 21st Dec. Day of prayer for Expectant Mothers.	08:00	Caroline Traynor – RIP
	09:30	God’s mercy on Isaac’s Soul
	11:00
	18:30	Joao D’Silva – RIP

Confessions:  Saturday – 10.30 am to 11:15 am; 6pm to 6.25pm 
Adoration Of The Blessed Sacrament:  Every day: 7am-8am
Wed.:5pm-7.30pm & Sat. 9am

No Gloria during Advent

CHRISTMAS CLERGY ENVELOPES ARE NOW AVAILABLE.

This is a simple way to show our appreciation for our priests. Priests here receive no salary whatsoever for their work and depend on the generosity of parishioners for their personal income. Envelopes are in the porch. Thank you for your generosity. God bless you.

Funeral Louis Mann – RIP – 18 December 2025 at 12 noon.

Our deepest Condolences to Anne, Nick Mann, and to their family and friends..

Cards For Christmas and New Year’s Services

Please take one Service Card giving information regarding Christmas and New Year Masses. It is available on the table in the Porch. Thank you

Nativity – Rehearsals Monday 15^th December at 4.45pm If you enjoy acting and would like to join the cast of this year’s Nativity play ( 6-16 Years old), please contact the parish Office: carshalton@rcaos.org.uk

Thank you.

A round of applause and a massive Thank you to:

Maria YsabelGarcia & Joseph McDonagh for the design and the cutting of the figures and putting together the crib outside. We thank also everyone who donated and helped with the decorations to make our church very special for the festive season.

BIBLE STUDY – Monday 15^th December at

A meal embedded in Scripture in preparation for Christmas.

Please join us for a meal together and listen to Scripture, eat and pray. Bring food and drinks of your choice to share, Parish hall.  All welcome. For more information contact Cherryl carshaltonplf@rcaos.org.uk

RCIC (Rite of Christian Initiation for Children) Registration Now Open!

A Special Invitation to Your Child’s faith Journey. If you have a child age 7 to 17 who has not been baptised, or who missed receiving their First Holy Communion at the usual age, we invite them to join our RCIC programme. This is a beautiful journey to grow in faith. To register, please contact our Catechetical Baptism Lead: Natacha 079 2288 4692 Carshaltonbaptism@rcaos.org.uk

Children’s Liturgy Group – Christmas Party- Sunday 9.30 am Mass

Join us for our Christmas Party after the 9.30am Mass on Sun 14 December 2025!  This will be the final session before the Christmas holidays and we will resume in January 2026.  Thank you for your support, and Merry Christmas! Please contact Esme through the Parish Office if you can contribute or volunteer, carshalton@rcaos.org.uk .Thank you for your support!

Young Adults’ Mass – 14 December at 6.30pm

Please join other young adults for Mass, followed by refreshments, Christmas Karaoke and activities. If you would like to read, sing or participate in the organisation, please email the Parish Office. Thank you.

YOUTH GROUP

Thank you for attending the session.

Age group: 11-17. Co-ordinator: Cherryl Howlett (Parish Lead for formation). carshaltonplf@rcaos.org.uk

Advent Service 7:30pm Friday 19^th December

A service of praise, readings and prayers as we prepare our hearts to welcome our Lord Jesus this Christmas, festive refreshments in the hall. Confessions from 7pm.

December Missio collection.

Sending early Christmas greeting to our Missio donors who have been so generous throughout 2025. As a thank you, please find your copy of 2026 Mission Today Calendar in the box at the back of the Church. You will see how your contributions bring care and support to so many around the world. May God bless you abundantly with hope and joy. – Alex Faircloth

PACT – High Down Prison – Toys Appeal – Deadline Sunday 14^Th Dec.

Over the last couple of years, you have kindly donated Christmas gifts for prisoners to give to their children when they visit them in prison around Christmas time.

We are starting to prepare for the festive season. Your gifts were very much appreciated.  We are hoping that you will be able to donate again this year. Please label them with age appropriateness. With your help, we can make the festive period a little brighter for families. Thank you.

Called to Bear Fruit consultation response published.

Thank you to the thousands of people who took part in the Called to Bear Fruit consultation. We are grateful to you all for sharing so openly your hopes for the life of the Church in our Archdiocese. The consultation response, which includes 15 actions points for renewal, is available at rcaos.org.uk/calledtobearfruit and also in the porch

**Simbang Gabi Novena Masses!**

We warmly invite you to participate in a special Novena of Masses from Dec.16 to Dec. 24, held every evening at 7:30 PM at St. Teresa’s, Morden. ‘Simbang Gabi’ is a cherished nine-day devotional series of Masses in preparation for Christmas. Join our Filipino community in these joyful celebrations! The Mass will be conducted in English, followed by a delightful sharing of Filipino foods/drinks in the parish hall. Everyone is welcome!

CRIB Collections 2025

We encourage you this year again to make Crib offerings for the Catholic Children’s Society, local homeless organisations, or charities, or the Friends of the Holy Land which supports our brothers and sisters who are suffering the land of Our Lord. Further details about the appeal of the Friends of the Holy Land can be found at www.friendsoftheholyland.org.uk

Repository

There are Advent Calendars, Christmas Cards, Cribs, and Christmas Books, and lots more. Don’t forget we stock cards for all occasions. If you can’t see what you want you can contact Sally 07742 301576 and she will try and help you.

Advent Season

We are in the Holy season of Advent. We are encouraged to use this time as a prayerful preparation for the birth of Christ in our hearts. This Season is an opportunity to make Christmas a worthy celebration of the Lord’s birth, as we welcome him anew into our hearts.

Holy Father’s Prayer Intention December: ‘For the Christians in areas of conflict.’

Let us pray that Christians living in areas of war or conflict, especially in the Middle East, might be seeds of peace, reconciliation, and hope,”   

May they rest in peace: Remember those who died recently, Louis Mann, Bridgid Murphy, Maria Leggett, Margaret Morton, Doreen Mary Charlish, Pat Flannery, Mama Anie Dona, Harvey Watson, Margaret Collier, Francesca Morreale, Pope Francis, Fr Wenna Henry Tiku, Mary Coghlan, …   Remember to pray for those who are sick, the isolated, and their carers, especially those within our own Parish Community: Catherine Main – Ian,Louis Mann, Pat Walmsley, Sidney Brown, Norah Sheridan, Kathleen Brown, Mary Pierse, Edna Thornton, Mary Dolan, Doris D’Souza, Clara Pinto…

Click on the link below for a PDF version or view the uploaded document below.

https://holycrosscarshalton.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Newsletter-2025-07Dec-final.pdf

SECOND SUNDAY OF ADVENT (A)

46 North Street, Carshalton, Surrey, SM5 2JD

Parochial Administrator. Fr. Vincent Okon

Resident Priest Fr. Philip Pak

Priest Fr. Luke Verhees

Deacon Sandy Misquitta

Tel: 020 8647 0022

Email: carshalton@rcaos.org.uk

Go to mcnmedia.tv or follow the link on the Home page for live streaming 

Streaming is available all the time.

======================================================

SECOND SUNDAY OF ADVENT (A)

Sat 06th Dec.  Saint Nicholas	18:30	Conrad Harris – Good Health Intention
Sun. 07th Dec.	08:00	People Of The Parish
	09:30	Daniel Delrieux – RIP
	11:00	Franciszek Josef Tanas – RIP Rita Mae Waugh – RIP
	18:30	Mary Pursell – Intentions Jean Marie Colin – Good Health Intention
Mon. 08th Dec. THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY	08:00
	10:00	Perry Garcia & Family- Intentions
	18:00	Fr Luke’s Intention
Tue. 09th Dec. St Juan Diego Cuauhtlatoatzin  St John Roberts	08:00
	10:00	Denise O’Driscoll – RIP Nicholas Clancy – RIP
Wed. 10th Dec. Our Lady of Loreto	08:00
	10:00	Chris Mc Carthy – RIP Pat Flannery – RIP
	17:00	Adoration
Thu. 11th Dec. Saint Damasus I, Pope,	08:00
	10:00	Fr Wenna Henry Tiku – RIP
Fri. 12th Dec. St John Almond, Priest Martyr	08:00
	12:00	Michael Hickey – RIP Edward, Angela & Lorna Lobo – RIP
SAT. 13th Dec. Saint ‡ Lucy, Virgin and Martyr,	08:00	D. M Of Friel & Campbell Families
	09:00	Adoration
	10:00	Fr Henry – RIP
	18:30	Christmas Blessings for O’Dea & O’Sullivan Families
SUN. 14th Dec. Gaudete Sunday	08:00	People Of The Parish
	09:30	Jane Pawy – Wain – Christmas  Intention
	11:00	Joseph Fernandes – RIP
	18:30

Confessions:  Saturday – 10.30 am to 11:15 am; 6pm to 6.25pm 
Adoration Of The Blessed Sacrament:  Every day: 7am-8am
Wed.:5pm-7.30pm & Sat. 9am

No Gloria during Advent

Fr Luke’s 71^st Anniversary Of Ordination & 97^th Birthday

 8^th Dec. Happy Birthday Fr Luke .Please join Fr Luke for Mass at 6pm followed by a light refreshment in the hall, please something to share.

Monday 8^th December: IMMACULATE CONCEPTION OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY – Solemnity- Holyday of Obligation. Mass at 8am, 10am & 6pm

Memorial Mass

– Fr Wenna Henry Tiku – RIP: Sat.13^th Dec 10am. Please join us and the family for Mass and refreshments.

Funeral – Louis Mann on 18^th December at 12 noon

Our deepest Condolences to Anne, Nick Mann, and to their family and friends.

Cards For Christmas and New Year’s Services

Please take one Service Card giving information regarding Christmas and New Year Masses. It is available on the table in the Porch. Thank you.

Nativity – Rehearsals Monday 08^th December at

If you enjoy acting and would like to join the cast of this year’s Nativity play ( 6-16 Years old), please contact the parish Office: carshalton@rcaos.org.uk

Also if you have a doll and costumes in a very good condition

 (angels, shepherds, kings, Mary, Joseph, stars… ) you would like to give away, please bring it to the Office. Thank you.

A round of applause and a massive Thank you to:

Maria Ysabel Garcia & Joseph McDonagh for the design and the cutting of the figures and putting together the crib outside. We thank also everyone who donated and helped with the decorations to make our church very special for the festive season.

Journey in Faith – Rite of Welcome

At the 9:30 Mass this Sunday, we will celebrate the Rite of Welcome for our Journey in Faith group.  This is the first formal step on their way to being received into the Catholic Church next Easter.  Please pray for Ben, Dan, Jill, John, Jonathan, Megan, Mehdi and Morksha.

BIBLE STUDY – Monday 15^th December at

A meal embedded in Scripture in preparation for Christmas.

Please join us for a meal together and listen to Scripture, eat and pray. Bring food and drinks of your choice to share, Parish hall.  All welcome. For more information contact Cherryl carshaltonplf@rcaos.org.uk

RCIC (Rite of Christian Initiation for Children) Registration Now Open!

A Special Invitation to Your Child’s faith Journey. If you have a child age 7 to 17 who has not been baptised, or who missed receiving their First Holy Communion at the usual age, we invite them to join our RCIC programme. This is a beautiful journey to grow in faith. To register, please contact our Catechetical Baptism Lead: Natacha 079 2288 4692 Carshaltonbaptism@rcaos.org.uk

Children’s Liturgy Group – Sunday 9.30 am Mass

We raised £231.45 for our Fall Bake Sale – Thank you for your support and generosity!  It will go towards our parish parties and half-termly crafts to enrich our children’s faith journeys.  A copy of the accounts (from March 25 to date) is available on the Parish Hall Notice Board.
Mark the date for our Christmas Party after the 9.30am Mass on Sun 14 December 2025. Please contact Esme through the Parish Office if you can contribute or volunteer, carshalton@rcaos.org.uk .Thank you for your support!

Young Adults’ Mass – 14 December at

Please join other young adults for Mass, followed by refreshments, and activities.  If you would like to read, sing or participate in the organisation, please email the Parish Office. Thank you.

YOUTH GROUP:

Sun. 7^th December 12pm -2pm:

FAITH, FOOD & FUN Christmas Party  

Age group: 11-17. Co-ordinator: Cherryl Howlett (Parish Lead for formation). carshaltonplf@rcaos.org.uk

Christmas Carols Sunday 14^th December at 4.00pm

will take place as usual on the 3^rd Sunday of Advent. Please join us for carols and readings in the Church and afterwards in the Parish Centre for mulled wine and mince pies.’

Advent Service 7:30pm Friday 19^th December

A service of praise, readings and prayers as we prepare our hearts to welcome our Lord Jesus this Christmas, festive refreshments in the hall. Confessions from 7pm.

PACT – High Down Prison – Toys Appeal – Deadline Sunday 14^Th Dec.

Over the last couple of years, you have kindly donated Christmas gifts for prisoners to give to their children when they visit them in prison around Christmas time.

We are starting to prepare for the festive season. Your gifts were very much appreciated.  We are hoping that you will be able to donate again this year. Please label them with age appropriateness. With your help, we can make the festive period a little brighter for families. Thank you.

Called to Bear Fruit consultation response published.

Thank you to the thousands of people who took part in the Called to Bear Fruit consultation. We are grateful to you all for sharing so openly your hopes for the life of the Church in our Archdiocese. The consultation response, which includes 15 actions points for renewal, is available at rcaos.org.uk/calledtobearfruit and also in the porch

**Simbang Gabi Novena Masses!**

We warmly invite you to participate in a special Novena of Masses from Dec.16 to Dec. 24, held every evening at 7:30 PM at St. Teresa’s, Morden. ‘Simbang Gabi’ is a cherished nine-day devotional series of Masses in preparation for Christmas. Join our Filipino community in these joyful celebrations! The Mass will be conducted in English, followed by a delightful sharing of Filipino foods/drinks in the parish hall. Everyone is welcome!

Christmas Food Bank (St Elphege’s Church) Sunday, 14 December 2025

Our Christmas Food Bank will be open to anyone in need in the Wardroom from 11:30 am to 12:30 pm. Toys and clothing will also be available.

Please invite someone who may need support to stop by. All are warmly welcome.

Advent Season

We are in the Holy season of Advent. We are encouraged to use this time as a prayerful preparation for the birth of Christ in our hearts. This Season is an opportunity to make Christmas a worthy celebration of the Lord’s birth, as we welcome him anew into our hearts.

Holy Father’s Prayer Intention December: ‘For the Christians in areas of conflict.’

Let us pray that Christians living in areas of war or conflict, especially in the Middle East, might be seeds of peace, reconciliation, and hope,”   

May they rest in peace: Remember those who died recently, Louis Mann, Bridgid Murphy, Maria Leggett, Margaret Morton, Doreen Mary Charlish, Pat Flannery, Mama Anie Dona, Harvey Watson, Margaret Collier, Francesca Morreale, Pope Francis, Fr Wenna Henry Tiku, Mary Coghlan, …   Remember to pray for those who are sick, the isolated, and their carers, especially those within our own Parish Community: Catherine Main – Ian,Louis Mann, Pat Walmsley, Sidney Brown, Norah Sheridan, Kathleen Brown, Mary Pierse, Edna Thornton, Mary Dolan, Doris D’Souza, Clara Pinto…

Click on the link below for a PDF version or view the uploaded document below.

https://holycrosscarshalton.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/NEWSLETTER-NOV-30th-FIRST-SUNDAY-OF-ADVENT-.1.pdf

FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT (A)

46 North Street, Carshalton, Surrey, SM5 2JD

Parochial Administrator. Fr. Vincent Okon

Resident Priest Fr. Philip Pak

Priest Fr. Luke Verhees

Deacon Sandy Misquitta

Tel: 020 8647 0022

Email: carshalton@rcaos.org.uk

Go to mcnmedia.tv or follow the link on the Home page for live streaming 

Streaming is available all the time.

======================================================

FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT (A)

Sat. 29th NOV. Saints Cuthbert Mayne and Companions, Martyrs,	18:30	For the Little Souls
Sun. 30th NOV.	08:00	People Of The Parish
	09:30	Ken Brain – RIP D. Members Of  Spence Family & Friends D. MEMBERS OF  Joyce, Marchant Families & F.
	11:00	Leo Fernandes – RIP D M Of  Hayden & Dodwell Family & Friends
	18:30	All Holy Souls
Mon. 01st Dec. Ss Edmund Campion, Ralph Sherwin, Alexander Briant, Priests & Martyrs	08:00
	10:00	Ricky Bermudez – RIP D M Of  Newman’s, Rodrigues, Meyers Family & Friends.
Tue. 02nd Dec.	08:00
	10:00	Constancio Fernandes – RIP
Wed. 03rd Dec. Saint Francis Xavier, Priest, Day of prayer for Migrants	08:00
	10:00	Louis Mann – RIP
	17:00	Adoration
Thu. 04th Dec. Saint John Damascene,	08:00
	10:00	Jovita Pereira – Thanksgiving & Intention
Fri. 05th Dec. Saint John Almond, Priest and Martyr	08:00
	12:00	Pat Flannery – RIP Stanley Bewick – RIP
SAT. 06th Dec. Saint Nicholas	08:00	Carroll’s Family & Gd Children Intention
	09:00
	10:00	Andy Campbell – Intentions
	18:30
SUN. 07th Dec.	08:00	People Of The Parish
	09:30	Daniel Delrieux – RIP
	11:00	Franciszek Josef Tanas – RIP
	18:30	Mary Pursell – Intentions

Confessions:  Saturday – 10.30 am to 11:15 am; 6pm to 6.25pm 
Adoration Of The Blessed Sacrament:  Every day: 7am-8am
Wed.:5pm-7.30pm & Sat. 9am.

No Gloria during Advent

Funerals

Calogero Provenzano on 01^st December at 12 noon.

Marie Carmen Leggett – RIP on 02^nd December at 12 noon

Condolences to their families and friends.

Memorial Mass – Fr Wenna Henry Tiku – RIP: Sat.13^th December 10am

Please join us for Mass and refreshments.

Fr Luke’s 71^st Anniversary Of Ordination and 97^th Birthday– 8^th Dec.

Please join Fr Luke for Mass at 6pm followed by a light refreshment in the hall.

A Day With Mary

offered our parish, an amazing opportunity to slow down and step into a deeper atmosphere of Joyful prayer. Throughout the day, we gathered as one community to honour Our Lady and draw closer to her Son, through the Eucharist adoration, Rosary, and rich moments of teaching and reflections on the presentation of Our Blessed Mother.

The uplifting atmosphere was filled with reverence, shared devotion, and a renewed sense of hope. Many participants left feeling spiritually refreshed, strengthened in faith, and grateful for a day spent in the gentle care of Our Loving Mother Mary and her Son Our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

Nativity – Rehearsals Friday 05^th December at

If you enjoy acting and would like to join the cast of this year’s Nativity play ( 6-16 Years old), please contact the parish Office: carshalton@rcaos.org.uk

Also if you have a doll and costumes in a very good condition

 ( angels, shepherds, kings, Mary, Joseph, stars… ) you would like to give away, please bring it to the Office. Thank you.

RCIC (Rite of Christian Initiation for Children) Registration Now Open!

A Special Invitation to Your Child’s faith Journey. If you have a child age 7 to 17 who has not been baptised, or who missed receiving their First Holy Communion at the usual age, we invite them to join our RCIC programme. This is a beautiful journey to grow in faith. To register, please contact our Catechetical Baptism Lead: Natacha 079 2288 4692 Carshaltonbaptism@rcaos.org.uk

BIBLE STUDY – Monday 15^th December at

A meal embedded in Scripture in preparation for Christmas.

Please join us for a meal together and listen to Scripture, eat and pray. Bring food and drinks of your choice to share, Parish hall.  All welcome. For more information contact Cherryl carshaltonplf@rcaos.org.uk

Children’s Liturgy Group – Sunday 9.30 am Mass

We raised £231.45 for our Fall Bake Sale – a massive thank you for your support and generosity!  The funds will go towards our parish parties and half-termly crafts to enrich our children’s faith journeys.

Mark the date for our Christmas Party after the 9.30am Mass on Sun 14 December 2025.  Please contact Esme through the Parish Office if you can contribute or volunteer, carshalton@rcaos.org.uk .Thank you for your support!

Young Adults’ Mass – 30 November at 6.30pm

Please join other young adults for Mass, followed by refreshments, and activities.  If you would like to read, sing or participate in the organisation, please email the Parish Office. Thank you.

YOUTH GROUP: Sun. 7^th December 12pm -2pm:

FAITH, FOOD & FUN Christmas Party  

Age group: 11-17

Co-ordinator: Cherryl Howlett (Parish Lead for formation).

carshaltonplf@rcaos.org.uk

‘Our annual Advent Carol Service Sunday 14th December at 4.00pm

will take place as usual on the Third Sunday of Advent. Please join us for carols and readings in the Church and afterwards in the Parish Centre for mulled wine and mince pies.’

Advent Service 7:30pm Friday 19^th December

A service of praise, readings and prayers as we prepare our hearts to welcome our Lord Jesus this Christmas, festive refreshments in the hall. Confessions from 7pm .

Holy Cross Baby and Toddler Group – 9am-10.15am Mon: 1^st Dec.

Holy Cross playgroup is still on. Parish families, please join us for crafting, playing, singing and chatting over a cup of tea /coffee and biscuits. We look forward to welcoming you!

We still need more volunteers to lead, support the playgroup. Please contact the Office at carshalton@rcaos.org.uk asap if you are able to volunteer. Thank you.

CHRISTMAS APPEAL FOR HOLY CROSS

Do you have some outdoor Christmas figurines (ideally large size), decorations, lights to donate to the church? If yes please bring it to the Sacristy or Parish Office. Thank you for your generosity.

PACT – High Down Prison – Toys Appeal

Over the last couple of years, you have kindly donated Christmas gifts for prisoners to give to their children when they visit them in prison around Christmas time.

We are starting to prepare for the festive season. Your gifts were very much appreciated.  We are hoping that you will be able to donate again this year. Please label them with age appropriateness. With your help, we can make the festive period a little brighter for families. Thank you.

Called to Bear Fruit consultation response published.

Thank you to the thousands of people who took part in the Called to Bear Fruit consultation. We are grateful to you all for sharing so openly your hopes for the life of the Church in our Archdiocese. The consultation response, which includes 15 actions points for renewal, is available at rcaos.org.uk/calledtobearfruit

Holy Cross Film Club showing : Elf

A Christmas comedy classic about a man raised as an Elf in the North Pole, who travels to New York City. With Will Ferrell and James Caan.

Parish Centre, 7.45 pm, Friday 5 December

Mulled wine & mince pies served from 7.30pm, Admission Free, No booking required. Running time: 1 hr,37mins, plus interval

For further information email: HolyCrossFilmClub@outlook.com 

MARGARET ANN’S ANGELS

Margaret Ann’s Angels is an Ofsted Outstanding provider, proudly supporting local families. Friendly Breakfast Club runs every weekday from 07:00 – perfect for those early starts!  •Margaret Ann – 07986 743 107 / •Gary – 07986 305 595

Holy Father’s Prayer Intention November: ‘For the prevention of suicide.

Let us pray that those who are struggling with suicidal thoughts might find the support, care, and love they need in their community, and be open to the beauty of life.

May they rest in peace: Remember those who died recently, Louis Mann, Bridgid Murphy, Maria Leggett, Margaret Morton, Doreen Mary Charlish, Pat Flannery, Mama Anie Dona, Harvey Watson, Margaret Collier, Francesca Morreale, Pope Francis, Fr Wenna Henry Tiku, Mary Coghlan, …   Remember to pray for those who are sick, the isolated, and their carers, especially those within our own Parish Community: Catherine Main – Ian,Louis Mann, Pat Walmsley, Sidney Brown, Norah Sheridan, Kathleen Brown, Mary Pierse, Edna Thornton, Mary Dolan, Doris D’Souza, Clara Pinto…