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SJV policy for parents requesting that their child/ren (under 7 years old) be baptised: Baptism Request Forms can only be obtained by speaking to Fr. Alex or Deacon Andy after Sunday Mass. Please return the form to the parish office or the clergy, and then Louise (parish secretary) or Fr. Alex or Deacon Andy will be in touch with you regarding a date for the baptism and a preparation meeting. (updated: January 2026)   Image: Storm Goretti sweeps in Thursday evening at SJV (8th January) This weeks powerful storm called Goretti, reminds me of the innocence of Saint Maria Goretti whose life is reflected by the purity and beauty of the snow, as the psalmist says: "O purify me, then I shall be clean; O wash me, I shall be whiter than snow" (Psalm 50 (51)). "And you, showers and dew, O bless the Lord.
And you, frosts and cold, O bless the Lord. And you, frost and snow, O bless the Lord. To him be highest glory and praise for ever" (Daniel 3:57-88)  Image: Despite icy conditions the Wise Men arrived just before 7am.
On the Solemnity of the Lord's Epiphany the Wise Men were added to the crib scene in Church, the day when the universal church honours the infant king being revealed to the world through the visit of the Magi or Wise Men. As we end this Jubilee Year, may there example be a reminder of the importance of hoping in and adoring Jesus Christ who was born to save us and died to redeem us. Collect of the Epiphany O God, who on this day revealed your Only Begotten Son to the nations by the guidance of a star, grant in your mercy, that we, who know you already by faith, may be brought to behold the beauty of your sublime glory. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever. It is a celebration of the central mysteries of our faith, a day when the faithful are required to attend Mass.
What are the holy days of obligation in England and Wales this year? - Every Sunday - Nativity of the Lord, - Epiphany of the Lord (6th January), - Ascension of the Lord (Thursday after 6th Sunday of Easter), - SS Peter and Paul (29th June), - Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary (15th August) - and All Saints (1st November). If a Holy day falls on a Saturday or Monday they are transferred to a Sunday. This is why Epiphany this year is not on a Sunday. Be aware that some dates and obligations in the UK differ slightly from the USA and European calendars.  Image: Caspar, Melchior and Balthazar greeting parishioners on the way to Sunday mass. Holy Day Masses at 7.00am and 9.00am with the parish primary school. For evening Masses please see Deanery website: https://coventry-catholicdeanery.org.uk/new/ On the Solemnity of the Epiphany, prior to the gospel being proclaimed the minister announces the date of Easter and other moveble feasts. This is the 2026 announcement: Know, dear brethren (brothers and sisters), that,
as we have rejoiced at the Nativity of our Lord Jesus Christ, so by leave of God’s mercy we announce to you also the joy of his Resurrection, who is our Saviour. On the eighteenth day of February will fall Ash Wednesday, and the beginning of the fast of the most sacred Lenten season. On the fifth day of April you will celebrate with joy Easter Day, the Paschal feast of our Lord Jesus Christ. On the fourteenth day of May will be the Ascension of our Lord Jesus Christ. On the twenty-fourth day of the same month, the feast of Pentecost. On the seventh day of June, the feast of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ. On the twenty-ninth day of November, the First Sunday of the Advent of our Lord Jesus Christ, to whom is honour and glory for ever and ever. Amen. 
Welcome to Mass for 2nd Sunday after Christmas.
This Tuesday is the Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord and is a Holy Day of Obligation. Please be careful when coming to Mass over the next few days as it is icy on the roads around, especially at the junction of Mount Nod Way/ Bishopton Close. and inside the Church grounds,  We pray for the children and families of our parish:
That in this new year they may grow in faith, hope, and love; that homes may be places of peace, patience, and forgiveness; and that God’s guiding presence may strengthen parents, protect children, and unite families in His grace. Mary Mother of Jesus and Mother of the Church, pray for us. Saturday, 24th January 2026
Parish Hall Starting at 2.30pm and ending with the Vigil Mass. Letters are available to our teams of Stewards, Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion, Readers at Mass, Catechists, Pastoral Care Group Members and other parish volunteers. All parishioners are most welcome. Please make every effort to attend this important parish volunteer training session. Timetable for the day is: 2.30pm Gather for tea and coffee 2.45pm Welcome by Fr. Alex – and the importance of reflection and formation in the Church. 2.50pm Practical guidance for liturgy volunteers – in particular EMHC, Stewards, Lectors 3.30pm Input session by Deacon Martin Casey - “Appreciation and acceptance of voluntary roles within lay ministry as a vocation in the life of the modern church” 4.15pm Tea and cake 4.45pm Questions and Observations 5.00pm Closing Reflection by Fr. Alex 5.15pm Adoration and Evening Prayer 6.00pm Vigil Mass of Sunday (with Commissioning of Readers) |
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