Welcome to
The Catholic Church of Our Lady St. John’s Wood
Built in 1836, Our Lady of St John’s Wood is one of the first Catholic Churches to be built in London following the 1829 Catholic Emancipation.
The End is Nigh…
Advent is a season in the Church that invites us to prepare for the coming of Jesus Christ. It begins on the Sunday closest to November 30 and lasts for four weeks, leading up to Christmas Eve. The word “Advent” comes from the Latin adventus, meaning “coming” or “arrival,” and it centres on the expectation of Christ’s first coming at Christmas and His promised Second Coming at the end of time.
This season is a time of waiting, reflection, and preparation, where we turn our hearts and minds toward Christ. Advent reminds us that our lives should be in a constant state of readiness, not only for the birth of Jesus but also for His final return. It is a time for us to awaken spiritually, to renew our faith, and to make space for Christ to enter more deeply into our lives. During Advent, we prepare by engaging in prayer, penance, and acts of charity, clearing away distractions that may prevent us from fully welcoming Him. which may be helped by our parish timetable for the season here.
One of the most significant symbols of Advent is the Advent wreath, with its four candles, each representing a theme of the season: hope, peace, joy, and love. Each Sunday, we light one more candle, progressively drawing closer to the light of Christ. The fifth candle, the Christ candle, is lit on Christmas Eve, signifying the arrival of our Saviour. This ritual serves to help us mark the passage of time and focus our hearts on the true meaning of Christmas.
As we prepare for Christ’s birth, let us recall the words of St. Augustine of Hippo: “The Church has been given to us as a mirror, in which we behold the face of God, and by which we prepare ourselves for the coming of Christ.” Advent is an opportunity for us to renew our commitment to holiness, to examine our lives, and to deepen our relationship with God as we await His coming in both the manger and in glory. Canon Kevin
The Seven Sacraments
For more information on the Sacraments of Initiation click on the one that concerns you or our child: Baptism, First Holy Communion or Confirmation. They are normally received in that order but if you are a young adult or older or have missed one for some reason please click on RCIA.
The Sacraments of Healing are Confession (or Reconciliation or Penance) and the Anointing of the Sick. Children are prepared for the former for the first time as part of the First Holy Communion programme.
The Sacraments of Vocation are Marriage and Holy Orders. We can do everything to help you prepare for the former but as for the latter, we can only offer to help you discern whether God is calling you to be a priest or a religious and encourage you to respond with generosity and find the fulfilment we have found in this form of service to Christ and His Church.
Music at Our Lady
The choir was founded by Claude Crozet in 1971 and some of the original members still sing with us. Claude’s project was considered quite pioneering during a period of cultural “reform” within the Church and his work has been continued by other conductors within the choir and beyond.
If you would like to join us, please introduce yourself at the end of mass or send a message.
Sunday Readings
Mass Book page 134
Ezekiel 18:25-28
Psalm 24:4-9
Philippians: 2:1-11
Matthew 21:28-32
Daily Service Times
Masses
Sunday: 6:00pm (Saturday Vigil), 9:00am, 10:30am (Sung), 12:00 noon (Sung), 6:00pm
Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday: 10:00am
Thursday: 7:00pm
Friday: 10:00am
Saturday: 10:00am, 6:00pm (Vigil Mass of Sunday)
Confessions
Saturday: 10:30am – 11:00am, 5:15pm – 5:45pm
Support us
There are many ways in which you can support the upkeep of this beautiful building, and its pastoral mission to the parish and local community.
You can make a one-off donation, set up a standing order. Your generosity will ensure that Our Lady St. John’s Wood is here for future generations to enjoy.
Church of Our Lady St. John’s Wood
54 Lodge Road
London
NW8 8LA
Telephone: 020 7286 3214
Email: stjohnswood@rcdow.org.uk
Website: parish.rcdow.org.uk/stjohnswood/
Parish Clergy: Canon Kevin Jordan | Fr Alex Balzanella Parish Sister: Sr Brigid Collins, RSM
Parish Administrator: Kathleen Reddington | Safeguarding Officer Frances Uchea
Director of Music: Martin Toyer