We are entering the Advent season. Advent means coming. The 1st Sunday of Advent Year A is a time of waiting and hope. We look forward to Jesus coming again, and we remember His birth in Bethlehem. Advent reminds us to be ready, not just for Christmas, but for the day when Christ will return. It is a season to pray, watch, and live in the light of the Lord.
This first week of Advent calls us to turn to God with open hearts. We are invited to walk in His light and live with hope. Each day is a chance to love God and others as we wait for His coming. Advent is a gift to help us slow down, pray and prepare for Jesus with joy.
Fr. Peter
This Sunday starts the 1st Week of Advent, year A.
Advent Retreat Day. The parish is organising an Advent Retreat Day on Saturday 13th December in the parish hall from 9.30am to 4.00pm. Fr Alvan Ibeh SMMM will be the speaker.
A PPC Meeting (Parish Pastoral Council) will be taking place at 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.
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.
At the Sacred Heart, (NW), we are going to have regular Forums. These short but valid meetings are held in church immediately following the Sunday Mass and are a welcome opportunity for different points of interest, ideas or concern to be discussed and considered. If you have any points to be discussed please see Peter McKenna. First Forum will be Sunday 7th December. Your opinions are important.
Lectio Divina meets at St John of the Cross, tomorrow 1st December at 7pm. Contact: mary.wallace79@gmail.com
Christmas Coffee Morning at St Helen’s is on Wednesday 3rd December at 10.30 am following the Mass. Come, to enjoy their warm hospitality.
House Mass at Mary Edmond’s home: Leo House, Old Yarmouth Road, Stalham Green, NR12 9PU at 3pm on Tuesday 9th December.
Pastoral Work, Volunteers Needed. The chaplaincy at HMP Bure are looking for volunteer/s to assist in the pastoral care of Catholic prisoners but also to assist in the pastoral care of inmates of other faiths and none. If anyone would be interested in finding out more about this role, which would involve a few hours one Saturday or Monday a month, please contact the Chaplaincy at HMP Bure on 01603-326180. Alternatively, please contact via email: Simeon.akindele@justice.gov.uk or Gerard.mildinhall@justice.gov.uk.
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: Fr. Edward Watkis, Linda Ward, Lucy Segovia, Gladys Lavender, Michael Haughton, Philip Madden, David Southwood, Geoffrey Gooch, Anna Taylor, George Pearson, Wallace Harmer, Timothy Barry, John Wills and David McGee.
May they rest in peace.
