Dear Friends,
The four weeks of Advent, so full of hope and expectation, have now come to an end as we light the fifth candle on the Advent wreath. Today we celebrate the coming into the world of time the eternal Word of God made flesh. To those who accept him ‘he gave power to become children of God’. This is the very heart of the mystery that we celebrate at Christmas. We add our voices to the song of the angels – ‘Glory to God in the highest’ and we also join in the thanksgiving of the shepherds.
Father James
Christmas Mass Times
Christmas Eve
6 pm Children’s Mass at Sacred Heart Church, North Walsham.
9 pm Midnight Mass at St John of the Cross Church, White Hart Street, Aylsham.
Christmas Day
9 am Sung Christmas Mass at St Helen’s Church, Horning Road West, Hoveton.
11 am Sung Christmas Mass at the Sacred Heart Church, North Walsham. (Carols from 10.30 am)
Boxing Day Mass will be at 10.00 am at the Sacred Heart.
The Collection taken at these Christmas Masses is the traditional Christmas gift to your priest. Any regular Sunday collection envelopes for Parish Funds should be held until the following weekend (Sat 31st/Sun 1st). Visitors may like to use the gift aid envelopes for the collection, available at the back of the church.
Epiphany Candlelight Mass at Poringland on Sunday 8th January at 5pm – for all young people and their families across the diocese, followed by hot dogs, with bonfire and fireworks. Also a collection of presents for children who are refugees; (please bring wrapped presents indicating whether suitable for boy or girl or either plus approximate age). Held at The White House, 21 Upgate, Poringland, Norwich: organised by the Diocesan Youth Service.
Journey in Faith. The next meeting for those who wish to learn about the Catholic faith will be on Sunday, 8th January at 5 pm in the presbytery.
Introducing ‘Ignite Lite’. Whereas the Ignite Team is full-time, Ignite Lite is an exciting opportunity for people aged 16-30 to be involved in evangelisation in youth ministry as part-time volunteers as and when they are available. There is a training weekend, 20th – 22nd January. For more information, please email:
igniteteam@east-angliadiocese.org.uk or www.rcdea.org.uk/youth
We pray for those whose anniversaries occur this week: including Frank Loads, Francesco Carlucca, Agnes Webster, John Hall, Patricia Coles, Thomas Proud, June Cole, George Mousley, Raymond Miller, Cecilia Booth-Skinner and John Egan.
May they rest in peace.
The new Diocesan Yearbook is available in the porch. £3.00
Parish Diaries, which are free, are also available.
We celebrate the feast as a Live Simply parish. We try to keep our lifestyles simple, free from excess and especially at this time of year avoiding unnecessary waste. But above all we enter into this time of joy and gladness.
Fr James and Deacon Ron would like to wish parishioners and visitors the Peace and Joy of Christmas and every Blessing for the New Year.
