Dear Friends,
Today we begin the beautiful season of Advent. Advent is about the Coming of Our Lord, both looking back at his earthly ministry and also to his advent at the end of time.
Last Sunday I read a letter from Bishop Alan inviting us to join the diocesan campaign ‘Alive in Faith’. I have printed a letter which gives more details about the campaign. Copies are available in the porch of each of our three churches.
During Advent we will be taking part in Posada, an old Mexican tradition when young people dressed as Mary and Joseph travelled from house to house telling people about the arrival of Jesus. The modern version uses figures of Mary and Joseph which go from home to home in our parish staying for just one night. If you would like to take part please add your name to the list, take the statue to your home on the day you have chosen and invite members of your family, friends and neighbours to pray together. Cards with suitable prayers are available with the statue.
Father James
Quote: Kind words can be short and easy to speak, but their echoes are truly endless. (Mother Teresa)
The Senior Citizens’ Group meets Monday (30th) for Computer Workshop & chair exercises. All parishioners and friends are welcome to join the group for a Candlelit Advent Celebration – the Lucinarium in the Parish Hall at 1.30pm.
Coach seats are still available for the outing to the Christmas Tree Festival at Fakenham Church, followed by lunch at Fakenham Garden Centre. Parishioners and friends are welcome. Please contact Teresa on 01692 405007 or 07901 830327 for more details or to book a seat, asap.
The Christmas Timetable.
Christmas Eve: 6 pm Children’s Mass at the Sacred Heart Church
9 pm ‘Midnight’ Mass at St John of the Cross, Alysham
Christmas Day: 9 am Mass at St Helen’s, Hoveton
11 am Mass at the Sacred Heart Church
This Sunday afternoon – “Come, Lord Jesus”: Sung Evening Prayer to mark the start of the Advent season will take place at St John of the Cross, Aylsham at 4pm. The Aylsham community invites the whole parish to join them for this beautiful candlelit service, now in its 11th year. Please ask for (offer) lifts so all who wish may attend.
Following the PPC meeting that took place on Tuesday 24th November, the new PPC representatives are Frances Green representing the Sacred Heart community and Robert Hardie representing St John of the Cross community. No new member has been appointed as yet for St Helen’s community. The minutes of the previous meeting are now on the parish website and notice-boards.
Support Cambodia’s Annual Appeal runs until 13th December. Details are on the Cambodia notice boards in our three churches or on the parish website under “Our Parish Twinning”.
The Parish Carol Service will be held in the Sacred Heart Church at 3.00pm on Sunday December 20th. Incorporated into the service will be a Nativity tableau by the children of the Children’s Liturgy. Their Christmas party follows at 4.00pm in the parish hall. Numbers are limited, regrettably to those children whose names were on the list. After the service light refreshments will be served in the church.
Kerry and Lauren are most grateful to parishioners who bought cakes from their stall last Sunday, helping them raise funds to participate in World Youth Day in Poland next year. The sale of cakes raised £50.
The Requiem Mass for Ellie Joy is at 1.00pm tomorrow, Monday 30th November in the Sacred Heart Church. Please note: there is no 9.30am Mass on this day (Monday).
We pray for those whose anniversaries occur at this time including: Frieda Summerhill, Fr Edward Watkis, Linda Ward, Lucy Segovia, Colin McGilway, Philip Madden, David Southwood, William Frost, Geoffrey Gooch, Anna Taylor and George Pearson.
May they rest in peace.
