“Joy is not the absence of suffering. It is the presence of God.”
The 3rd Sunday of Advent Year C is also known as Gaudete Sunday, a day of rejoicing. The readings encourage us to find joy and hope in the coming of the Lord. This Third Sunday in Advent is full of comfort and joy. The liturgy bids us to be happy, not to worry, for the Lord is near. And if we want the peace and joy of God in our hearts, that peace and joy will be ours, if we ask God for it. St Paul says, “There is no need to worry; but if there is anything you need, pray for it, asking God for it with prayer and thanksgiving.”
Fr. Peter.
This Weekend there will be a Second Collection for the Dependent Priests’ Fund at all Masses.
First Communion Induction Class is today Sunday 15th December at 9.30am in the Sacred Heart hall, North Walsham..
Confirmation Class is on Sunday 22nd December at 10.15am at John of the Cross, Aylsham.
Pilgrimage to Rome to celebrate the Jubilee of Youth – limited places left. As part of the Jubilee 2025, the Diocese will be leading a pilgrimage to Rome, joining with hundreds of thousands of young people from all over the world. There are a limited number of places left with bookings accepted on a first come first served basis. If you will be aged 16 – 30 years next summer 2025, come and join us, but book now! See www.tcdea.org.uk/youth for more details.
MASSES AT CHRISTMAS:
Christmas Eve:
Sacred Heart at 6.00pm – Family Mass
St John of the Cross at 9.00pm – ‘Midnight Mass’
Christmas Day:
St Helen’s at 9.00am – Christmas Morning Mass
Sacred Heart at 11.00am – Christmas Morning Mass
NB. The Collection taken at the Christmas Masses is the traditional Christmas gift to our parish priest, Fr Peter.
A Service of Reconciliation will be held at the Sacred Heart Church on Saturday 21st December at 12noon.
New Sunday Missals – to order, please add your name to the list in the narthex.
“Creation & our response to God’s extravagant love”. Final Advent talk at St George’s RC Church, Sprowston – 7pm on Monday 16th December. Refreshments will be available from 6.30pm.
The Choir of St John of the Cross invite you to anticipate Christmas with traditional readings & late-Advent carols followed by refreshments on Thurs 19th at 7pm. Open to everyone – please do join us! Ask for lifts if needed.
Traditional Carol Service at the Sacred Heart, North Walsham, on Sunday 22nd December at 3pm. followed by refreshments.
Children’s Party: Saturday 21st Dec. 2-5pm in the parish hall.
Churches Together Community Carols in Roys café, Hoveton, will take place at 5pm on Tuesday 17th December.
Address for Christmas cards to our twinned parish in Cambodia. The community love to receive them and display them around the crib:
Fr Gregorius Priyadi, Church of St Francis Xavier, Road 4,#53, Krom 12, Phum Sophy, Khum Kompong Svay, Sisophoan City, Banteay Meanchey Province, CAMBODIA.
We pray for our sick parishioners: Matt Butler, Frances Palman, Mary Bell, Celia Cooper, Marie Barton, Margaret Larkins, Daphne Necchi, Maria Halsey, Joan Macnamara, Richard Skelton, Teresa Fitzmaurice, Joan Gale, Bernadette Saunders, Doreen Rockey & daughter Sandra, Pam Thornton, Inge O’ Toole, Mary Long, Mary Cockburn, Malcolm Akers & Frances Mack; & others who are sick.
We pray for all those whose anniversaries occur this week: Mary (Lily) Smith, Teresa (Tess) Semple, Irene Brown, Brian Barby Molly Harland and Bridget Bennett. May they rest in peace.
