Dear Friends,
The prophecy from Isaiah in today’s 1st reading is one of great encouragement and promise – it calls for rejoicing (hence Gaudete Sunday) and it assures the people of deliverance. It is also marked by clear signs – ‘the eyes of the blind shall be opened…the lame shall leap like the deer; and these are the results of the healing ministry of Jesus – for those who look, for those who are patient and for those who have faith.
Today we begin the last full week before Christmas. On Saturday there will be a Service of Reconciliation at North Walsham at 11.30 am. Three priests will be joining me and we will be available for individual confessions. A good way to prepare for Christmas. The last of our three Advent services will take place on Sunday afternoon at 3.00 pm. The children’s Christmas party will begin at 4.00 pm.
Father James
This weekend there is a retiring collection for the Dependent Priests’ Fund.
As mentioned above in Father’s letter, this afternoon at the Sacred Heart there will be an Advent Carol Service at 3.00pm: mulled wine and mince pies will be served after the service.
In the hall at 4.00pm there will be the Children’s Party – (regrettably, only for the children who have signed up)
CAFOD World Gifts Catalogues are now available in each church. If you would like to find an alternative gift for your friends or family please select something from the catalogue that could have a profound effect for the good on those in need.
In the parish hall today at North Walsham after the 11.am Mass there is an ‘End of Season’ Sale. Everything will be priced at £1 or less: all the proceeds will go to Support Cambodia.
A reminder of Mass times over Christmas:
24th December 6.00 pm Christmas Family Mass at N Walsham
9.00 pm Midnight Mass at Aylsham
25th December 9.00 am Dawn Mass at Hoveton
11.00am Christmas Mass of the Day – N Walsham
Reverse Advent Calendar – Thank you to everyone for filling your boxes and bags again this year. We were able to take over 82 boxes and bags to the Cromer and District Food Bank and the Norwich Food Bank. Please remember to continue to bring food items throughout the year for the Food Banks.
The final total for the Support Cambodia Appeal was an amazing £2,048. Members of the Sacred Heart Parosh contributed a wonderfully generous 75% of that total and the charity’s Trustees would like to express their gratitude to every single one of you who donated. Thank you very, very much.
Concert – Mozart Mass. Many thanks to all who supported the concert on 30th November. Through your generosity £400 was raised; proceeds to be shared between the church and Norfolk Camerata.
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: Mary (Lily) Smith, Teresa (Tess) Semple, Irene Brown, Brian Barby, Molly Harland and Bridget Bennett.
May they rest in peace.
Next Family Mass: Tuesday 24th December
(Christmas Eve at 6.00 pm.)
