Since its foundation in the 16th century, the Oratory has been involved in the writing and publication of books. The Fathers in Oxford have continued something of this tradition, in formats ranging from childrens’ books to CDs.

A list of published works is now available from the Publications section of the website. Most of the books are available to buy online, and links are provided where possible. Thanks to print-on-demand publishing, we have also been able to re-publish some works of Oratorian interest that have long been out of print, in addition to our own newly-written works.

There was a full house this morning for the first session of the Catholicism series, presented by Fr Robert Barron. Today’s episode was on “Amazed and Afraid: The Revelation of God Made Man”. The course continues for ten weeks, each Saturday at 11am, with tea and coffee served beforehand. Next week’s theme is: “Happy are We: the Teachings of Jesus”.

On Sunday evening a masked Ball was held in the Parish Centre for young people, and the sixty tickets were sold out.

Dancing instruction was given, and the dancers managed to make their steps correspond somewhat to their elegant dress.

£1645.72 was raised for the Oratory’s fundraising Campaign, for which thanks go to all who took part, and especially to the organisers, Sian Stevens and Tessa Caldecott.

We hope that this will not be the last such event: it is a good demonstration of the new possibilities opened up by the refurbishment of the parish centre.

This afternoon we had our annual Epiphany Procession and Benediction in the Crib.

We began with the blessing of chalk, and writing the inscription 20+C+M+B+14 above the door: Caspar, Melchior and Balthasar, or “Christ bless this House” – “Christus Mansionem Benedicat”. Chalk is available at the back of the house for you to write this above your own doors.

Then we went in procession, following the star to Bethlehem.

The Blessed Sacrament was then placed in the crib for us to adore.

The Kings brought their gifts to the baby Jesus:

The Oxford Oratory
is looking for a

Lay Sacristan

to assist the Father Sacristan at weekends
as well as on major feast days and during busy seasons of the year.

In the first instance please contact Fr Dominic Jacob at
dominic.jacob@oxfordoratory.org.uk

or in writing at:
The Oratory
25 Woodstock Road
Oxford
OX2 6HA

Congratulations to Alex Jacobs, Giles Wordsworth and Grace Bale, who last night competed in the Oxford round of the Rotary “Youth Speaks” competition. They gave a confident and amusing performance on the subject of “The truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth”, and emerged as the victors. They go on to compete against other teams from across the county on 6th February.

The Kings have found an unusual way to make the last stage of their journey to Bethlehem!

The Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord is transferred to Sunday 5th January, with Masses at the usual times. There will be Solemn Vespers of the Epiphany at 5.30pm.

On Monday 6th January there will be a Mass in the Extraordinary Form of the Epiphany at 12.15pm.

On Saturday 11th January at 4pm we have our traditional Epiphany Procession and Benediction in the Crib. This will be followed by a tea party in the parish centre – contributions of food are welcome.

Fr Robert, as Ecumenical Officer for the Bishops of England & Wales, yesterday attended a meeting at the Egyptian Coptic Centre at Stevenage, together with the Most Reverend Kevin Macdonald, Archbishop Emeritus of Southwark. The event was to highlight the plight of the historic Christian communities of the Middle East, many of which date back to the very beginning of the Church.

His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales honoured the occasion with his presence, and afterwards spoke about the persecution of Christians in this area of the world.

“For 20 years I have tried to build bridges between Islam and Christianity to dispel ignorance and misunderstanding,” said His Royal Highness.

“The point though, surely, is that we have now reached a crisis where bridges are rapidly being deliberately destroyed by those with a vested interest in doing so.

“This is achieved through intimidation, false accusation and organised persecution including to the Christian communities in the Middle East at the present time.”

The Coptic Church traces its origins back to the 1st Century when it was founded by the apostle St Mark.

CHRISTMAS EVE
18:30 Vigil Mass with Carols
The Church reopens at 23:00
23:15pm Carols and Readings
Midnight Mass at Midnight

 

CHRISTMAS DAY
08:00 Latin Mass (1962 Missal)
09:30 Parish Mass, with Children’s Liturgy
11:00 Solemn Mass
17:30 Solemn Benediction
There will be no Evening Mass

 

On the Thursday and Friday after Christmas Day, there will only be one Mass at 10:00.

 

FEAST OF THE HOLY FAMILY (Sunday, 29th December)
Ordinary Sunday schedule today, with the exception of there being no Vespers

 

NEW YEAR’S EVE
Masses will be at the ordinary weekday times, but there will be an extra Mass at 23:00, followed by Benediction for the New Year.

 

CONFESSIONS
Confessions will be heard, as usual, before every Mass in our church everyday.
On Christmas Eve, Confessions will be heard continuously 10:00-18:30