“Joy is the serious business of Heaven.”
The third Sunday of Advent is called “Gaudete Sunday”. The common theme of the day’s Scripture readings is one of joy and encouragement. The readings urge us to make the preparations required of us as we await the rebirth of Jesus in our hearts and lives. Holy Scripture reminds us that the coming of Jesus, past, present and future, is the reason for our rejoicing.
The Prophet Isaiah, in the first reading, encourages the Jewish exiles returning from Babylon to rejoice because their God, Yahweh, is their strong Guide, Provider and Protector. St Paul, in the second reading, advises the Thessalonian Christians to “rejoice always” by leading blameless, holy and thankful lives guided by the Holy Spirit. Today’s Gospel tells us that John the Baptist wants all the Jews to rejoice because the long-expected Messiah, as the light of the world, will remove the darkness of sin from the world.
Father Peter
This Weekend there will be a Second Collection for the Dependent Priests’ Fund. Gift Aid envelopes available at the back of the church.
The Pope’s Intention for the Month of December: people with disabilities. We pray that people living with disabilities may be at the centre of attention in society, and that institutions may offer inclusive programs which value their active participation.
MASS TIMES OVER CHRISTMAS
Saturday 23rd December 5.30pm Hoveton
Sunday 24th Dec. (4th Sunday of Advent):
9.00am. Aylsham;
11.00am. North Walsham
Christmas Eve.
Sunday 6.00pm Christmas Family Mass at N. Walsham.
9.00pm Christmas “Mid-night Mass” Aylsham.
Christmas Day Masses: 9.00am Hoveton; 11.00am N. Walsham.
The Collection taken at the Christmas Masses is the traditional Christmas gift to our parish priest, Fr Peter.
Scam Emails. If anyone receives any email asking for money or gift cards using Fr. Peter’s name, please do not reply or make contact in any way.
Today (Sunday the 16th) at the Sacred Heart there is a Service of Carols & Readings. Do come and enjoy the Christmas readings and music. This will be followed by the refreshments.
North Norfolk SVP. Healing Mass Monday 18th December at 2pm at Our Lady of Refuge Church, Cromer. Refreshments afterwards. Confessions at 1pm. Please let Lorraine know (01263 712288 or 07775 812313) that you are coming.
The Website Calendar is in use once again for announcements on-line of any future parish activities.
Please remember: the parish hall is still a building site and, for health and safety reasons, is officially out of bounds.
Key Register. It is important that we have a record of all church keys. Please fill in a slip from the back of the church or inform Peter, Antonia or Fr. Peter. Thank you.
We pray for our sick parishioners: Matt Butler, Frances Palman, Mary Bell, Mary Carr, Paul Watson, Cyril Shenton, Patricia Newton, Celia Cooper, Marie Barton, Robert Buhagiar, Margaret Larkins, Daphne Necchi, Bert Pooler, Maria Halsey, Shirley Teague, Joan Macnamara, Richard Skelton and Teresa Fitzmaurice.
For Michael Haughton’s Funeral: Reception into St Helen’s at 3pm on Tuesday 19th. Requiem; Mass is at 10.30am on Wednesday 20th December, then Cromer Crematorium; followed by a reception at the Rising Sun at Coltishall.
We pray for those whose anniversaries occur at this week: Irene Brown, Brian Barby, Molly Harland, Bridget Bennett, Bertha (Teddy) Palmer, Alice Taylor, Richard Barrett, Doreen Clark, Juliette (Nan) Davies and Mary Dawes.
May they rest in peace.
