Dear Friends,
Today’s Gospel speaks of John the Baptist: his cry is uttered in the desert and his mission is to prepare the way for the Messiah. But John’s role fades away at the coming of the Word of God himself.
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: ‘The best way to win an argument is to begin by being right’. Jill Ruckelshaus.
The Senior Citizens’ Group meets Monday (7th) for their outing to the Christmas Tree Festival at Fakenham Church, followed by lunch at Fakenham Garden Centre. Coach seats are still available for this outing. 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.
Wednesday, 9th December: 7pm. Advent Carol Service at St Helen’s
Saturday, 19th December: 11.30 am. Penitential Service
Sunday, 20th December: 3pm Carol Service at the Sacred Heart Church
Christmas Masses
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
The next Journey in Faith class will be on Sunday, 13th December at 5 pm in the parish hall.
Our 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. Minutes of last meeting on parish website/boards.
There will be an Advent Carol Service at St Helen’s on Wednesday, 9th December at 7 pm. All are welcome.
Next weekend (12th/13th) is the last opportunity to contribute to the Support Cambodia Annual Appeal. Details on the parish website or from Bob Maidment on 01263 577784. The Trustees would like to convey sincere thanks to all in the parish who have contributed so generously to the Appeal so far. Your support is much appreciated.
The Bishop is holding a special Mass at the Cathedral to mark the beginning of the Year of Mercy, Saturday, 13th December at 11 am. He invites each parish to be represented. Who would like to attend?
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.
The Polish Night, Friday week ago, given to help our young people, Kerry and Lauren, also Sarah from Aylsham, go to Poland with the World Youth Day next year, raised £253. It was a fun night. A big thank you goes to our Polish community for their warm hospitality.
Patricia Newton (St Helen’s) now recovering in North Walsham Hospital wishes to thank you all for your good wishes and prayers.
We pray for George James Goodyear who died just over a week ago; we remember his family and friends at this time. We pray also for those whose anniversaries occur during this week including: Timothy Barry, Margaret Hunt, John Wills, Priscilla Jarrad, Pearl Byrne, Joseph (Joe) Rose, Jean Gawthorpe and Mary Fogarty.
May they rest in peace.
