“Rejoice, that the immortal God is born, so that mortal man may live in eternity.”
The 4th Sunday of Advent Year C prepares us for the coming of Jesus.
Today’s readings suggest that we should not celebrate Christmas as just an occasion for nice feelings. Instead, commemorating Jesus’ birth should inspire us to carry out God’s word as Mary and Jesus did, in perfect, loving obedience to His will, with the cheerful kindness and unselfish generosity that will help make us true disciples.
It is a great joy for our parish to welcome teenager Vincenzo Vito
Coletta into the Catholic faith. He will receive the Sacraments of Initiation on Christmas Eve at the 9.00 pm Mass at St John of the Cross, Aylsham. Let us keep him in our prayers.
Happy Christmas.
“Do not be afraid; for behold, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For today in the city of David a saviour has been born for you who is Messiah and Lord.” (Luke 2: 10-11)
I would like to thank each and every one of you for your commitment to our parish this past year. The giving of your time, talent and treasure to the Lord continues to reflect God’s presence in our community. I would also like to extend my gratitude to all the volunteers who have worked so hard to make our Christmas celebrations truly wonderful and meaningful.
I wish you and your families a happy, Spirit-filled and holy Christmas season.
Fr. Peter.
For times of Christmas Masses please see MASS TIMES.
NB. The Collection taken at the Christmas Masses, starting on Christmas Eve, is the traditional Christmas gift to our parish priest, Fr Peter.
New Sunday Missals: just add your name to your church list.
A Traditional Carol Service of Christmas music and readings will be held at the Sacred Heart Church, North Walsham, this afternoon at 3pm. (Sunday 22nd). This will be followed by refreshments. Do come and join us.
Please note: There will not be a coffee morning at St Helen’s in January or February. The next one will be on Wed 5th March 2025.
Norwich Foodbank thank all at St Helen’s for their contributions through the reverse Advent calendar donations. 18 bags or boxes were greatly received for Christmas.
Unclaimed prizes from the Bazaar: awaiting collection at NW. Numbers and prizes are: Green 106 – Fragrance Diffuser; Green 108 – £5 Roy’s Voucher; Green 109 – Ladies Toiletries; Green 187 – Victoria Biscuits.
Pilgrimage to Rome to celebrate the Jubilee of Youth – limited places left. As part of the Jubilee 2025, the Diocese will be leading a pilgrimage to Rome, joining with hundreds of thousands of young people from all over the world. There are a limited number of places left with bookings accepted on a first come first served basis. If you will be aged 16 – 30 years next summer 2025, come and join us, but book now! See www.tcdea.org.uk/youth for more details.
We pray for our sick parishioners: Matt Butler, Frances Palman, Mary Bell, Celia Cooper, Marie Barton, Margaret Larkins, Daphne Necchi, Maria Halsey, Joan Macnamara, Richard Skelton, Teresa Fitzmaurice, Joan Gale, Bernadette Saunders, Doreen Rockey & daughter Sandra, Pam Thornton, Inge O’ Toole, Mary Long, Mary Cockburn, Malcolm Akers & Frances Mack; & others who are sick.
We pray for all those whose anniversaries occur this week: Bertha (Teddy) Palmer, Alice Taylor, Richard Barrett, Doreen Clark,Juliette (Nan) Davies, Mary Dawes, John Hall, Patricia Coles, Kathleen Bates, Ruth Blishen, Thomas Proud, June Cole, George Mousley and William Pursey.
May they rest in peace.
