Dear Friends,
This Sunday is traditionally called Gaudete Sunday from the Latin ‘rejoice’. The readings are full of joy and hope as the coming of the Messiah draws near.
Monday is the feast of St John of the Cross. We join with the community at Aylsham as they celebrate their patron saint. St John was one of the great mystics and spiritual writers of his time: he knew St Teresa and left us some of the most sublime writings on prayer and the ascent to God.
Father James
Quote: ’God has to work in the soul in secret and in darkness because if we fully knew what was happening, and what Mystery, transformation, God and grace will eventually ask of us, we would either try to take charge or stop the whole process’. (St John of the Cross)
Today there is a retiring collection for the Dependent Priest’s Fund.
The Senior Citizens’ Group have their Christmas Lunch at the Lighthouse on Monday. This will be their final meeting until 4th January in the New Year when they will have a Planning Meeting.
The Christmas Timetable.
Saturday, 19th December: 11.30 am. Penitential Service
Sunday, 20th December: 3pm Carol Service at the Sacred Heart Church followed by a party for the children.
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 this Sunday, 13th December at 5 pm in the parish hall. All are welcome.
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.
This weekend 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.
Letters of thanks, from the organizers of the Cromer Foodbank, together with a list of products currently needed and importantly giving the items with which they are overstocked are displayed on the notice board in the church.
New Year Epiphany Candlelight Mass – January 3rd at 5pm. For all young people and their families across the diocese; followed by hot dogs, a bonfire and fireworks. There will be a collection of presents for children who are refugees (please bring wrapped presents and indicate whether suitable for a boy or girl or either, and approximate age). It will be held at The White House, 21 Upgate, Poringland, Norwich. Organised by the Diocesan Youth Service.
Christmas Flowers. Next Sunday at North Walsham you can make a donation to help with funds for the floral arrangements in the church over Christmas.
Diocesan Year Book & Liturgical Calendar are now available in church porches. £4.00.
We pray for those whose anniversaries occur during this week including: Effie Krzyszton, Angela Holmes, Mildred Parker, Ivan Fisher, Mary (Lily) Smith, Teresa (Tess) Semple, Irene Brown, Brian Barby and Molly Harland.
May they rest in peace.
