FR DAVID WRITES
Today, on the Fourth Sunday of Advent, our attention turns to Mary, the Mother of Jesus, and St Joseph. The Angel Gabriel brings a message to Joseph in his dream to become the husband of Mary, the guardian of the baby Jesus and the protector of the Holy Family. Let us thank God for the love that ties us together this Christmas, and remember in our prayers those who are lost or struggling. Please take one of the cards with the Christmas Mass times, or see the note opposite. Please remember that if you are coming to ‘Midnight’ Mass it begins with carols at 10.30pm and Mass at 11pm.
We send our Christmas best wishes to you all—from Fr David, Fr Andrew, Fr Johnson, our Deacons Ian and David, and everyone in the Parish Office. God bless you all.
EUCHARISTIC MINISTERS
We will need some help to distribute Holy Communion at all the Christmas Masses. Eucharistic Ministers are kindly asked to sign up on the sheet in the church porch.
CHRISTMAS COLLECTION
If you will be away for Christmas, you might like to leave your Christmas offering before you go. There are envelopes in the church porch for this purpose. Thank you for your generosity.
ALTAR SERVERS
Boxing Day is the Feast of St Stephen, the patron saint of altar servers and patron of the servers’ guild. Our Mass will be celebrated here at 12 noon. Everyone is invited—especially our servers and their families who work so generously throughout the year, assisting the priests and deacons, and serving at the Lord’s altar.
NEW YEAR’S DAY
New Year’s Day, 1st January, is the Solemnity of Mary, the Holy Mother of God and the Feast of the Lord’s Circumcision—the day when Jesus received his name. It is a lovely day to come to church. There will be Mass here at 12 noon, followed by light refreshments in the hall.
BRIDIE DUFFY RIP
The Requiem Mass will be on Thursday 2nd January at 10 am. May she rest in peace.
FOUR SEASONS WINTER DRAW
The Draw will be today (Sunday) at 11 am in the Hall.
TINS FOR THE HOMELESS IN ADVENT
This year we will be collecting tins of food for the homeless. The box will be at the back of the Church. Please don’t bring other items—only tinned foods.
JANUARY SALE 2020
Preparations are well in hand for our Big January Sale, which will take place on 18th/19th January in the Parish Hall. As always gifts, raffle prizes etc. will be most welcome. More news in the New Year—Janet Butterworth.
CRIB OFFERING
This Christmas our Crib Offering will be given to the Catholic Children’s Society to support their work with disadvantaged children and their families. Please remember them this Christmas.
PARISH OFFICE HOLIDAYS
Please note that the Office will be open on Monday 23rd, from 10.30 am—1 pm, and then closed until Monday 6th January.