“Hope is patience with the lamp lit.”
The 2nd Sunday of Advent Year A points us to something new. Isaiah speaks of a branch growing from Jesse’s stump. It is a sign of hope. God is doing something fresh. The old ways are ending. A peaceful king will come. Justice and harmony will grow again. Even nature will change.
In the Gospel John the Baptist appears. He tells the people to repent. Turn around. Get ready. Someone greater is coming. He will bring the Holy Spirit and fire. John reminds us that real faith shows in our actions. We must bear good fruit.
Our Bishop has announced some transfers that will take place this coming year in Mid-February. I have been asked to move to Huntington and Fr Alan Hodgson will be your new Parish Priest.
Fr. Peter
Today, Sunday, a Forum will be held at the Sacred Heart (NW), immediately following the Mass. PLEASE STAY! It will not take up much time. It is a welcome opportunity to raise different points of interest, ideas or concerns you may have that can be discussed and considered. Any particular points you have already can be mentioned to Peter McKenna beforehand. Your opinions are important.
The PPC Meeting (Parish Pastoral Council) takes place in the Presbytery, North Walsham on Tuesday 9th December, 7.15 for 7.30pm start. Parishioners with any matters they would like to raise should approach one of their church representatives – names will be on their church notice board.
Advent Retreat Day is next Saturday 13th December and is taking place in the hall from 9.30am to 4.00pm. Fr Alvan Ibeh SMMM will be the speaker. Light refreshments will be available in the morning. Please bring a packed lunch.
Message from the SVP. Thank you all so much for your most generous gifts given in response to the SVP Second Collection Appeal on 22ne/23rd November. We collected £942.69!! If you have decided to be a benefactor or to volunteer to join our conference group you can contact Steve on 07808901028 or Maria on 07746007508.
A SERVICE OF ADVENT CAROLS will be held at St Helen’s, Hoveton, on Sunday 14th December at 3pm.
LATE-ADVENT SERVICE OF TRADITIONAL LESSONS & CAROLS. 7pm. Thursday 18th December at St John of the Cross Aylsham. This is an ecumenical service led by Fr Peter and the Rev. Canon Julie Boyd, Vicar of St Michael’s Parish Church, Aylsham. Everyone of all faiths and none is warmly invited to join the SJX Catholic community for this short service of familiar words and music followed by refreshments. Do come!
A TRADITIONAL CAROL SERVICE OF CAROLS & READINGS to be held at the Sacred Heart Church, Sunday 21st December, 3pm.
We pray for our sick parishioners: Matt Butler, Frances Palman, Mary Bell, Celia Cooper, Margaret Larkins, Maria Halsey, Joan Macnamara, Richard Skelton, Teresa Fitzmaurice, Joan Gale, Bernadette Saunders, Doreen Rockey & daughter Sandra, Pam Thornton, Mary Long, Malcolm Akers, Frances Mack, Tony & Amy Heywood & Peter, Cathie Dickson, Carolyn Rayner & Antonia.
We pray for those whose anniversaries occur this week: Priscilla Jarrad, Pearl Byrne, Joseph (Joe) Rose, Jean Gawthorpe and Mary Fogarty. May they rest in peace.
