Dear Friends,
Today we hear about John the Baptist, one of the great figures of Advent. He comes calling people to repentance but also announcing good news, that ‘the kingdom of God is close at hand’. He encourages his listeners to produce ‘the appropriate fruit’. It is because of faith that the lives of Christians are fruitful, not full of good works in order to earn entry into the kingdom.
Journey in Faith. The next meeting for those who wish to learn about the Catholic faith will be next Sunday, 11th December at 5 pm in the presbytery.
Father James
Next Sunday there will be a retiring collection for the Dependent Priests’ Fund (formerly the Sick and Retired Clergy Fund). Please give generously.
The Senior Citizens’ Group (NW) meets on Monday 5th December when they will have the usual morning activities. After lunch, North Walsham People’s Choir will be singing for the group.
This will be the group’s last meeting in the hall, for 2016, because they will be going out for their pre-Christmas lunch on the 12th. Meetings will resume with an AGM/Planning Meeting on 16th January 2017.
The next PPC meeting will be at 7.30 p.m. on Tuesday 6th December in the Parish Room in North Walsham. The new representatives on the PPC are Elaine Haughton for St Helen’s, Becky Walker for The Sacred Heart and Carol Shippey will represent St John of the Cross for a second three year term.
Next Thursday, 8th, is the Immaculate Conception of the BVM: there will be a Mass at 10.00 am at the Sacred Heart.
The pre-Christmas Service of Reconciliation with individual confessions will take place at North Walsham on Saturday, 17th December at 11.30 am.
A Service of Favourite Advent Hymns and Readings at Hoveton is on Wednesday 13th December at 7.00pm and at North Walsham there will be an Advent Service on Sunday 18th December at 3.00pm followed by a children’s party. Please add your child’s name to the list for the party.
At St Nicholas’ Church in North Walsham there is a concert of festive music, “On the Way to Bethlehem”, given by their choir of boys and men, with audience participation, on Saturday 10th December at 7.00pm. Mulled wine and mince pies to follow. £5 admission.
Anne Griffiths would like to thank everyone for their prayers and kindness during Colin’s illness and subsequent death.
We pray for those whose anniversaries occur this week: including Geoffrey Gooch, Anna Taylor, George Pearson, Timothy Barry, Margaret Hunt, John Wills, Priscilla Jarrad, Pearl Byrne and Joseph (Joe) Rose.
May they rest in peace.
Live Simply
Project: World Gifts. These are a fun and meaningful way to give virtual Christmas presents to friends and family. With each gift you receive a certificate to pass on to the recipient which explains how your donation and their gift will make a difference to some of the poorest communities around the world. How does it work? Choose a gift from the CAFOD catalogue. You can order online, by phone or using the form at the back of the catalogue. You will receive a gift card that you can personalize. Catalogues are now available at each of our three churches.
Suggestion of the week: Is that light really necessary?
