Dear Friends,
Today we begin the beautiful season of Advent. It is a time when we relive the Old Testament prophecies which speak of the people’s waiting and longing for the coming of the Messiah. Let us resist the secular world’s anticipation of Christmas and savour all that this season of anticipation can give us. This means no carols until the first Mass of Christmas; instead we discover the rich tradition of Advent hymns and songs. Each of our three churches has a special Advent service, beginning with Aylsham today at 4 pm, Hoveton on Tuesday, 13th at 7 pm and North Walsham on Sunday, 18th December.
Journey in Faith. The next meeting for those who wish to learn about the Catholic faith will be on Sunday, 11th December at 5 pm in the presbytery.
Father James
The Senior Citizens’ Group (NW) meets on Monday 28th November. Father James will lead an Advent Day of Reflection with two talks, Mass at midday and a shared lunch. All are welcome to attend.
The 9.30am Mass at Aylsham next Friday [2nd] will be simple ‘Cambodia-style’ followed by tea and cake. We pray for our twin parish of St. Francis Xavier, Svay Sisophon as they prepare to celebrate their patronal feast on December 3rd.
The Support Cambodia Annual Appeal is now closed. Thank you so much to all who contributed. Anyone still wishing to make a donation is asked to phone Bob Maidment on 01263 577784. The November issue of ‘Mango News’ is available after today’s Mass, by email or online at www.supportcambodia.org.uk.
The pre-Christmas Service of Reconciliation with individual confessions will take place at North Walsham on Saturday, 17th December at 11.30 am.
The “Walk with me” Advent 2016 booklets are available in church porches, costing only (£1), taking us through each day’s liturgy throughout the coming Advent, accompanying the readings with reflections and prayers. Do take one.
The next PPC meeting will be at 7.30 p.m. on Tuesday 6th December in the Parish Room in North Walsham. The new representatives on the PPC are Elaine Haughton for St Helen’s, Becky Walker for The Sacred Heart and Carol Shippey will represent St John of the Cross for a second three year term.
The ‘Instructions for My Funeral’ leaflets are now in church porches.
Please return to the church your Missio Red APF boxes.
We pray for Colin, Anne Griffiths’ husband, also those whose anniversaries occur this week: including Maureen Hardingham, Frieda Summerhill, Fr Edward Watkis, Linda Ward, Lucy Segovia, Philip Madden and David Southwood.
May they rest in peace.
Live Simply
27th November – Project – Reverse Advent Calendar
Suggestion of the Week – What can you remember about the recent suggestions for conserving water?
Please remember to bring your filled Advent Calendar boxes back to your churches by next weekend
If you have suggestions about any aspect of living simply please put them in the box in each of our churches.
