Dear Friends,
Today is traditionally called Gaudete Sunday – Rejoice! The readings and the psalm are full of positive rejoicing and reasons to rejoice. This is a reminder that we are fast approaching the climax of Advent: the celebration of the Incarnation. John the Baptist announces the Good News – the coming of the Lord. But he also challenges his listeners for a response to this good news. To the question: ’what must we do’ he gives detailed teaching about how life should be lived and what kind of conduct is conducive to welcoming the Messiah.
The diocesan year books are now available as is the latest edition of the diocesan Newspaper.
Father James
This weekend there is a retiring collection for the Dependent Priests Fund. Please give your support to the priests who have worked in our parishes over the years and are now retired.
The Carol Service at the Sacred Heart Church takes place this afternoon, at 3 pm. There will be some festive refreshments following the service.
The Children’s Christmas Party will be held in the parish hall from 4.00 – 6.00pm. This is for children whose names were entered on the lists, so please sign up today!
Christmas Timetable:
Christmas Eve: 6 pm. Family Mass at North Walsham
9 pm. Midnight Mass at Aylsham
Christmas Day: 9 am. Mass at Hoveton
11 am Mass at North Walsham
The Bible Group will resume their meetings in the New Year.
There will be NO Coffee Drop-in at St Helen’s in January. The next one will be on Wednesday 6th February.
A Christmas Celebration at St John’s Cathedral. An evening of Christmas Carols and music from the Cathedral choir & Brass ensemble is on Wednesday 19th December at 7.30pm . Tickets £10, under 16s free – this includes a glass of mulled wine. Tickets are available from the Cathedral shop and website www.sjbcathedral.org.uk
CAFOD – “World Gifts 2018” catalogue is now available enabling us to give in a way that will help people break free from poverty. Please pick up one of these booklets for, maybe, some Christmas Gift ideas.
Flowers in our church at Christmas. At North Walsham we would be very grateful for any donations you might care to make towards the cost of flower decorations. Someone will be taking a collection next Sunday. Thank you.
We pray for all our sick parishioners, including Deacon Ron O’Toole, Mary Johnson, Joe Seely, Tony Seaborne and Maria Wilby.
We pray for all those whose anniversaries occur at this time including: Mary (Lily) Smith, Teresa (Tess) Semple, Irene Brown, Brian Barby, Molly Harland, Bridget Bennett, Bertha (Teddy) Palmer, Alice Taylor, Richard Barrett and Doreen Clark.
May they rest in peace.
