This Sunday, the last in the Church’s year, is the feast of Christ the King, a feast instituted by Pius XI exactly a century ago in 1925, via the Encyclical Quas Primas (https://www.vatican.va/content/pius-xi/en/encyclicals/documents/hf_p-xi_enc_11121925_quas-primas.html).  It was no coincidence that the Fascist era had just begun in Italy.  The meaning of the feast is that Christ rules the universe, above all worldly powers.  His Kingdom of justice, truth and peace is the real homeland of Christians, even if we also owe allegiance to the civil authorities wherever we happen to live.

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This Sunday’s feast also marks the end of the Spanish Place Appeal Year.  Our thanks and sincere appreciation go to all who helped us to meet our target.  That’s the good news.  The cost of refurbishing the organ has remained as anticipated, but unfortunately the cost of replacing the boilers has proved to be higher than we were expecting.  As all of the parish’s money technically belongs to the Diocese of Westminster, the system in place requires us to obtain permission from the central administration whenever we spend more than £10,000.  While we were seeking permission to spend money on the boilers, the Government dramatically reduced the amount available to us through the Listed Places of Worship Grants Scheme.  At the same time, materials and labour increased in cost, so that as soon as the permission was received, we felt obliged to start the work, even though the cold months were fast approaching.  Had we not done so, the costs would probably have increased further.  So be prepared for a cold week or two before the work is completed next month!

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As I mentioned last week, one way we are seeking to minimize the cost to the parish of this increase is by a reallocation of the funds collected for the parish through the Growing in Faith Initiative some years ago.  Many thanks to the donors who have already indicated their consent to this reallocation.  We are assured that our fuel bills will be significantly reduced once the new boilers come into operation.  That should also help.  In the meantime, as the Appeal Year draws to a close, we are making one final plea to parishioners who have yet to contribute to consider doing so, and to those who have already contributed to consider whether they may be in a position to offer any more.  Many thanks in anticipation to all “end-of-year donors”.   Earlier we were told to expect a cost of £320,000, but it now seems likely to be nearer £450,000!

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We do have further projects in view, when circumstances permit:  the area below the church is in need of attention, a lift is needed in the 5-storey Rectory if we are to attract retired priests in the future and the garden could be made into a more welcoming space.  The Parish Finance Committee often reminds us of the need to maintain adequate reserves as well, in case an unexpected outlay is needed.  

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This afternoon’s concert at the Wigmore Hall (see below) is intended to boost the funds raised by the Appeal - and indeed one of our longer-term goals is to set aside funds so as to guarantee the future of the excellent musical establishment that we enjoy so much here at Spanish Place.

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I mentioned earlier in the year that the church is seeking to engage cleaners.  It has been pointed out to us that we may be able to attract volunteers to clean the church itself, while other parts of the premises would be more appropriately assigned to paid cleaners.  If any of our regular worshippers would like to volunteer to serve on a rota of church cleaners, they are invited to contact the parish office before the middle of December.

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At any time of year, but particularly during the colder months, hospital admissions tend to increase.  Do remember, if you or a family member should find yourselves in hospital, that if you would like to see a priest or to receive sacraments, you need to ask the nursing staff specifically to arrange this.  It no longer happens as a matter of course when Catholics are admitted to hospital.

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Much regret has been expressed by parishioners over the imminent departure of Father John Njorteah.  It is hoped to arrange a farewell for him, perhaps after the 10.30 am Mass on Sunday 18 January.  Confirmation and further details will follow nearer the time.  It is good that he will still be with us when the Young Adults group reaches its first anniversary - watch this space for further news!

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Meanwhile, next Saturday, Bishop Nicholas Hudson will be installed as Bishop of Plymouth.  Our prayers and good wishes go with him as he begins his new ministry in the south-west, just in time for the start of Advent, the beginning of a new church year.

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During Advent, there will be online Bible Study sessions on Wednesday evenings, for which registration is invited at comeandsee.org/advent25.

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Many parishioners will remember Katrina Carlsson, who used to beg at the George Street entrance to the church.  She recently died, and the evening Mass this coming Thursday is to be offered for the repose of her soul.  Many of our worshippers were very kind to her and may wish to attend.  It is worth reiterating that our parish does a great deal for the homeless:  twice a week, the Companions of the Order of Malta feed them in the area below the church and twice a week our own SVP brings food to the homeless in Lincoln’s Inn Fields.

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Finally, it is heartening to see the numbers who have registered for formation in the Catholic faith this year, with a view to being baptised or received into the Church or confirmed.  The Easter Vigil on Saturday 4 April 2026 is when this is likely to happen, but in the meantime we should all keep these “seekers” in our prayers.