Dear Parishioners,
“For what greater thing is there than that God should become man?”
Another Christmas? Yes, but not the same as the previous ones. Each Christmas is unique and brings us that joy, peace and happiness of the infant Jesus being born in our hearts. Indeed, this is my first Christmas with you and how blessed I am to share my joy of the infant Jesus with you. In fact, I am privileged to see Jesus in each one of you.
Today in the town of North Walsham (Aylsham and Hoveton) Jesus Christ is born to each one of us. God is with us! God is here! And this truth which is the reason for our joy and hope, should pervade every moment of our existence, convinced that God’s immense love for each one of us is ever ready to do what is necessary to lead us to never-ending happiness and eternal life.
I thank you for your kindness, love, support and all your Christmas wishes, messages, cards and gifts.
Wishing each one of you a very Spirit-filled and Blessed Christmas.
Fr Peter
NB. The Collection taken at the Christmas Masses is the traditional Christmas gift to your priest. Any regular Sunday collection envelopes for Parish Funds should be held until the following weekend.
Important notice. To any parishioners who have Foundation Masses arranged annually in our parish, please would they contact the parish office (email or by phone) or inform Fr Peter of the details.
First Holy Communion. We will be starting our New First Holy Communion classes early in the New Year. Parents and children from the age of 7yrs, wishing to register, please complete registration forms at the back of the church and give to Fr Peter.
Diocesan Yearbook (£2.50) and Dec/Jan ‘Catholic East Anglia’ paper are both available in church porches.
A Thanksgiving and Farewell Mass for Bishop Alan Hopes will take place on Tuesday 24th January 2023 at 11.30am at the Cathedral of St John the Baptist. Parishioners wishing to attend are asked to sign, a.s.a.p., the lists now in our church porches. A light buffet lunch will be available after the Mass.
The Crib Collection (Sanctuary) this year will be for Friends of the Holy Land. They have underlined the continued plight of many families in and around Bethlehem who have had very little income for the last three years. Please give generously to this cause in the Crib Offerings and on the Feast of the Epiphany. Thank you.
Inviting all young people to a special Candlelight Mass – 7th January. There will be a special Mass for young people at the start of January, celebrated by Bishop Peter. Followed by hotdogs, fireworks and refreshments; 4pm – 6pm at The White House, 21 Upgate, Poringland, NR14 7SH. There will be a collection of gifts for the Welcome Rucksack Project which helps children who are refugees. Suitable gifts (please bring unwrapped) include small games, stickers, children’s shampoo and bodywash. Organised by the Diocesan Youth Service www.rcdea.org.uk/youth
There will be no meeting of the 4th Wednesday Club at St Helen’s in December; our next meeting will be on 25th January 2023.
The Diocese is seeking a Deputy Director of Schools Service. Please see Diocesan Website for more details: https://www.rcdea.org.uk/vacanciies/
We pray for our sick parishioners: Matt Butler, Frances Palman, Mary Bell, Monica Hawley, Mary Carr, Paul Watson, Cyril Shenton, Patricia Newton, Pat Durrant, Celia Cooper, Barbara Laws, Michael Haughton, Marie Barton.
We pray for those whose anniversaries occur this week: Nora Slater (24th), Frank Loads , John Hall, Patricia Coles, Kathleen Bates, Ruth Blishen, Thomas Proud, June Cole, George Mousley, William Pursey, Raymond Miller, Cecilia Booth-Skinner, John Egan and Hilary Bolger. May they rest in peace.
