Jesus: The Hope of the World
Today we will enter into the Season of Advent. ‘Advent’ comes from the Latin word meaning ‘coming’ or ‘arrival’. This is the time when we look forward to the birth of Jesus in that manger in Bethlehem. Let us use this time of Advent wisely, preparing for the mystery of the incarnation: Christmas.
The common theme of today’s readings is that vigilant service prepares us for the coming of Christ as our Saviour at Christmas and as our Judge and Lord at the end of the world. The reason the liturgical year ends and begins with the same theme is clear: if we have already embraced Jesus in his first coming, we will have no fear of his second coming. Advent is the season of special preparation for, and expectation of, the coming of Christ.
Today, Sunday, is the First Sunday of Advent: also Migrants’ Day.
Please take note that the parish hall is officially a BUILDING SITE. Strictly no admittance on health and safety grounds.
Key Register. We need a register of people who hold keys for the Church, hall or presbytery (house). Anybody with keys please let either Peter, Antonia or Fr Peter know a.s.a.p. or complete one of the slips now at the back of each church.
Important! If you have keys that you no longer need, please return them to either Fr Peter, Antonia or myself. Many thanks for your help. Peter Brander.
The Parish Pastoral Council will be meeting on Tuesday 5th December at the Presbytery – a change of venue. Any points you would like raised, please let your church representative know.
St Helen’s Christmas Coffee Morning will be on Wednesday 6th December at 10.30am. Come and join us for refreshments including home-made festive bakes for just £2. You will be made most welcome indeed. We would love to see you.
Salvation Army Christmas Presents Appeal– donations by 10th December, if possible please. Thank you.
“Four Gifts for Advent”. This afternoon (Sunday 3rd December) a candlelit service of words, music, reflection and prayer will take place at St John of the Cross, Aylsham at 4pm – a beautiful way to start the season of Advent. All are invited, within & beyond the parish. If you need a lift, please ask. This is followed by refreshments.
North Norfolk SVP, President and members, are inviting us, from the whole parish, to join parishioners of Our Lady of Refuge Church, Cromer, to a Healing Mass on Monday 18th December at 2pm. followed by an afternoon tea party in the church hall. Fr Trindade Monteiro will be hearing Confessions at around 1pm. Please let Lorraine know (01263 712288 or 07775 812313) that you are coming or if you wish to speak with Fr Trindade call him on 01263 822036.
St Helen’s annual service of Carols & Readings for Advent will be on Sunday 10th December at 3pm in the church followed by refreshments. We will be delighted to see you there and hope you can bring family and friends.
A Service of Carols & Readings at the Sacred Heart Church is on Sunday 17th December at 3pm. Refreshments to follow. Do come.
Churches Together are offering Christmas Lunch for anyone living on their own in the Parish of North Walsham – no charge. Pl contact Don Birch on 01692 404889 or donaldjbirch@gmail.com
We pray for our sick parishioners: Matt Butler, Frances Palman, Mary Bell, Mary Carr, Paul Watson, Cyril Shenton, Patricia Newton, Celia Cooper, Michael Haughton, Marie Barton, Robert Buhagiar, Margaret Larkins, Daphne Necchi, Bert Pooler, Maria Halsey, Shirley Teague, Joan Macnamara and Richard Skelton.
We pray for those whose anniversaries occur at this week: Philip Madden, David Southwood, Geoffrey Gooch, Anna Taylor, George Pearson, Wallace Harmer, John Wills, David McGee, Priscilla Jarrad, Pearl Byrne and Joseph (Joe) Rose.
May they rest in peace.
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