Dear Friends,
Today’s Gospel focuses on John the Baptist. His greatness lies in the fact that he knows his place! He didn’t claim to be anyone other than the forerunner of Jesus. His role was to point beyond himself to the one as yet ‘unknown to you’. We too have a similar role: to point to our Saviour by our words and our actions.
Father James
Today there is a retiring collection for the Dependent Priest’s Fund. Please give generously.
Also today there is a Carol Service at the Sacred Heart in North Walsham at 3.00pm
The Children’s Parish Christmas Party will be held in the hall at 4.00pm following the Carol Service at North Walsham. The list of children attending is now complete.
The first meeting for Confirmation Candidates and (for this meeting) parents is today, Sunday 17th December at 5pm in the church, at North Walsham, following the Carol Service.
Application forms for First Communion children are available in our church porches.
Monday 18th December the Senior Citizens Group (NW) have their meeting and will host Fr James’ Advent Day of Reflection. Please details on next page. .
We have been informed that regretfully there will be No Free Diaries (2018) that are usually supplied to us owing to numerous problems the company has been experiencing.
On Monday 18th December Father James will be leading an Advent Day of Reflection in the parish hall, to which the whole parish is invited. Mass will be celebrated at 12noon followed by a shared lunch.
CAFOD ‘World Gifts’ catalogues are available. Please read and see how your gift can make a difference to those in need.
The ‘Reverse Advent Calendar’. Thank you to everyone who filled a box for the Cromer & District & Norwich Food banks again this year. We have delivered 70 boxes so far to the Food Banks with a few more to come. The volunteers were very grateful for our support.
CAFOD has written to let us know that for the Harvest Fast Day we raised £1,154.77 for which they are most grateful.
Epiphany Candlelight Mass – Saturday 6th January at 5pm For all young people and their families from across the diocese: followed by hot dogs, a bonfire & fireworks – a collection of presents for refugee children (pl indicate on wrapped presents whether for boy or girl or either and approximate age). Held at The White House, 21 Upgate, Poringland, Norwich organised by the Diocesan Youth Serv.
We pray for Rosalie Bates and John Booth who died recently and our sick parishioners, including Barbara Appleton, Margaret Wynes and Linda Dawson.
We pray for those whose anniversaries occur this week including: Irene Brown, Brian Barby, Molly Harland, Bridget Bennett, Bertha (Teddy) Palmer, Alice Taylor, Richard Barrett, Doreen Clark and Juliette (Nan) Davies.
May they rest in peace.
Living Simply
This month’s project: Living in Solidarity with the Poor & Persecuted
This week’s suggestion: Check your store cupboards and only buy what you need.
