“And at the end of eight days, when he was circumcised, he was called Jesus, the name given by the angel before he was conceived in the womb.” Spending the last moments of 2019 with Our Lord, giving him thanks for all his gifts, and asking his blessings on 2020. There was a chance to gain a plenary indulgence by reciting the Te Deum yesterday. Don’t worry if you missed it — there’s another opportunity today if you recite the Veni Creator Spiritus. Happy New Year!
#oxfordoratory
The Fathers have sung first Vespers, first Mass of Christmas has begun, the church is bathed in candlelight, and the Bambino is placed in the Manger. A Happy and Holy Christmas to you all. #oxfordoratory
Ever wondered what the priest’s side of the confessional looks like? There will be a priest hearing confessions almost all day on Christmas Eve 11:00–17:30. Confessions are heard every day of the year, 20 minutes before every Mass, and on Saturday 10:30–11:00 and 17:00–18:30. Don’t be put off if it’s been a while since your last confession — there are free printed guides available in church, and the priest will be more than happy to help you through it. #oxfordoratory
There’s a certain stillness about a crib waiting for its infant Lord. The Oratory crib waits in expectation for our own midnight Mass tomorrow, as do we. Why not join us? The Vigil Mass is at 6:30pm and then Carols and readings from 11:15 pm followed by Mass at midnight. #oxfordoratory #oratory #christmas #oxford
“The Virgin will conceive and bear a Son, and they will call him Emmanuel”. On the Fourth Sunday of Advent we know that the Lord is coming very soon! Don’t forget to pick up a newsletter or Christmas card from church for Mass and Confession times over the coming days. #oxfordoratory #oratory
22 DOMINICA IV ADVENTUS Solemn Mass 11:00
Missa In simplicitate Langlais
Veni Domine Mendelssohn
Gustate et videte Asola
25 IN NATIVITATE DOMINI
Carols before midnight Mass (23:15)
Sussex Carol Trad. arr. Willcocks
The Nativity Carol Rutter
Personent hodie German (1360) arr. Holst
Sing Lullaby Trad. arr Willcocks
Midnight Mass
Missa Sancti Nicolai Haydn
Hodie Christus natus est Marenzio
O magnum mysterium Victoria
Toccata on ‘Vom Himmel hoch’ Edmundson
Solemn mass during the day (11:00)
Missa O magnum mysterium Victoria
Personent hodie German (1360) arr. Holst
O magnum mysterium Victoria
Toccata (Symphonie V) Widor
St Thérèse is back, now in full technicolour! This is the shrine’s original image, which had been hidden away for a few years because it had started to look a bit tired. Fully restored, St Thérèse is once again ready for action! #oxfordoratory
It was lovely to welcome so many people to our Carol Service last evening with readings, choral music and the congregational carols we all love. The service ended with Solemn Benediction. #oxfordoratory
Booklets ready for the Christmas Carol service tonight at 8pm. Bring your friends and family — it’s totally free, and our talented choir have all our favourite carols lined up for us. #oxfordoratory
