“Advent increases our hope, a hope which does not disappoint. The Lord never lets us down.”
The readings for the 1st Sunday of Advent Year C, provide rich themes of hope, promise and the call to vigilance as we prepare for the coming of Christ. Advent is a time of waiting and anticipation, a time to prepare our hearts and minds for the arrival of the Saviour. Besides coming into our world through birth, Jesus comes into our lives through His Church and its members, through its Sacraments (especially the Holy Eucharist), the Word of God, the worshipping community, and finally, in His Second Coming.
Fr. Peter.
Today, Sunday, at St John of the Cross, to mark the start of Advent, at 4pm a Taize-style Prayer Service – music, words, silence, reflection and prayer. (Please offer lifts)
First Holy Induction Class is on Sunday 15th December at 9.30am in the Sacred Heart hall, North Walsham..
Confirmation Class is on Sunday 22nd December at 10.15am at John of the Cross, Aylsham.
Missio If anyone has a Missio box that needs emptying please return it asap to your church; donations need counting early December.
Next Lectio meeting is tomorrow Monday 2nd December at 7pm at St John of the Cross. Contact: mary.wallace79@gmail.com
St Helen’s Christmas Coffee Morning is on Wednesday 4th Dec. at 10.30am. Do bring your friends to pop in for a chat and some festive bakes. You are all most welcome.
A Forum Meeting will be held at St Helen’s after Mass on 7th Dec
MASSES AT CHRISTMAS:
Christmas Eve:
Sacred Heart at 6.00pm – Family Mass
St John of the Cross at 9.00pm – ‘Midnight Mass’
Christmas Day:
St Helen’s at 9.00am – Christmas Morning Mass
Sacred Heart at 11.00am – Christmas Morning Mass
New Sunday Missals – for those who have pre-ordered, are now ready to collect before or after Mass from the back of the church, £18 each. More copies can be ordered; pl add your name to the list.
PASTORAL QUESTIONNAIRE, about the future of the Diocese.
See here for Bishop Peter’s “Questions Relating to Future Pastoral Provision and Mission Strategy”.
A “Supporting Document for Consultation on Pastoral Provision in the Diocese of East Anglia”is available here.
PARISH BAZAAR – Saturday 7th December in the hall, 10am –2pm. Stall-holders are looking forward to seeing you all!.
St Helen’s Carols & Readings for Advent: Sunday 8th December at 3pm. Refreshments to follow. Please offer lifts.
Traditional Carol Service at the Sacred Heart, North Walsham, on Sunday 22nd December at 3pm. followed by refreshments.
Children’s Party is on Saturday 21st December, 2 – 5pm in the parish hall.
“Walk with Me” or “Day by Day” – daily Advent readings, both available for only £1 each.
Churches Together (NW) Christmas Day Lunch at NW Community Centre for people living on their own. If you would like to attend as a guest/volunteer, please contact Chris White on 01692 405386.
The Requiem Mass for Patricia Newton is on Wednesday 11th December at St Helen’s at 11.00am.
We pray for our sick parishioners: Matt Butler, Frances Palman, Mary Bell, Celia Cooper, Marie Barton, Margaret Larkins, Daphne Necchi, Maria Halsey, Joan Macnamara, Richard Skelton, Teresa Fitzmaurice, Joan Gale, Bernadette Saunders, Doreen Rockey & daughter Sandra, Pam Thornton, Inge O’ Toole, Mary Long, Mary Cockburn, Malcolm Akers & Frances Mack; & others who are sick.
We pray for those whose anniversaries occur this week: Colin McGilway, Gladys Lavender, Michael Haughton, Philip Madden, David Southwood, Geoffrey Gooch, Anna Taylor, George Pearson, John Wills, David McGee and Priscilla Jarrad.
May they rest in peace.
