Dear Friends,
Today we begin the season of Advent. In the 1st reading the prophet Isaiah gives us a wonderful vision of hope. We will hear much more from him in the Advent season. His is a message of encouragement to the people of his time who were facing dark says of threat and fear. They also speak to us. St Paul and Jesus in today’s Gospel tells us to hold on to the faith we profess even when things seem hard: the time of darkness is passing, the light will soon be with us.
The Journey in Faith course continues next Sunday at 5 pm in the presbytery.
We are also taking names of children for First Holy Communion preparation classes. Please take a form, bring it back or send it to me. We also need to know the names of children for the Christmas party at North Walsham on 15th December at 4 pm. A list is in each of our churches.
Father James
Today is the First Sunday of Advent.
To help in our Advent preparation for the Birth of our Lord the “My Day by Day” booklet, guiding the reader through the daily readings, is available for £1.
Today, Sunday, at 4pm, the whole parish are warmly invited to join the Aylsham community for “Come, Lord Jesus” – words, music and prayer to mark the start of the beautiful season of Advent. All are welcome. For details please ask Father James.
Readers rotas (NW) are now available; please pick up your copy.
CAFOD World Gifts Catalogues are now available in each church. If you wish to find an alternative gift for your friends or family please select something from the catalogue that could have a profound effect on those in need.
On Tuesday 3rd December, Feast of St Francis Xavier, Mass will be offered for our twinned parish (St Francis Xavier) at the 9.30am Mass at the Sacred Heart.
Please send a Christmas card to Fr. Greg and the students/community at Svay Sisophon by 10th December. Address on labels are in the pocket on the Twinning board.
Church floral decorations for Christmas. Please help our flower arrangers to provide beautiful floral displays in our churches for the Christmas period by kindly donating a small contribution. There will be a basket in the porches of each of our churches. Thank you.
Support Cambodia’s Annual Appeal (for Rice Soup & Women’s Health Programmes) in Svay Sisophon closes this weekend. Appeal Information (fliers) is still available in all three churches, online at www.supportcambodia.org.uk>DONATE or from Bob Maidment on 01263 577784.
If anyone has any old coats, sleeping bags or blankets they can spare please let Rob Hardie know; he will take and distribute them to the rough sleepers in Norwich. Tel: 01603 897609
We pray for our sick parishioners: Joe Seely, Maria Wilby, Matt Butler, John Gowing, Teresa Farrow, Tom Ender, Derek Palman, Kevin Fitzmaurice and Mary Carr.
We remember all those whose anniversaries occur at this time including: Philip Madden, David Southwood, Geoffrey Gouch, Anna Taylor, George Pearson, John Wills and Priscilla Jarrad.
May they rest in peace.
Next Family Mass: Tuesday 24th December
(Christmas Eve at 6.00 pm.)
