Parish News
Last updated: Saturday 9th December
Sunday, 10th December, is the Second Sunday of Advent.
Sunday readings are Year B. Weekday readings are Year 2.
There will be no weekday Masses at OLSE this week. This is due to the installation of solar panels on the Church roof. Mass at St.Cecilia's will be as usual.
Please scroll down for more announcements and events.
Mass intentions 10th -17th December
| Sunday | StC | 9.00 | John & Margaret Butt RIP [F] |
| OLSE | 11.00 | Lourdes Sisneros RIP | |
| Monday | OLSE | 10.00 | NO MASS |
| Tuesday | OLSE | 10.00 | NO MASS |
| Wednesday | StC | 10.15 | Intentions of Fr James Fyfe |
| Thursday | OLSE | 10.00 | NO MASS |
| Friday | OLSE | 10.00 | NO MASS |
| Sunday | StC | 9.00 | |
| OLSE | 11.00 |
The Christmas Parish Draw will take place on Sunday, 10th December.
There will be a Retiring Collection for the Christmas flowers at both Churches this Sunday.
Care Home Carols at Heacham: led by members of local churches
11th December. Friedham @ 11.00am; Millbridge @ 2.00pm.
18th December. Rebecca Court @ 10.00am; Somerville House @ 11.00am.
Just turn up on the day to add your voice.
Help for Ukraine: Christmas Cards on Sale at OLSE after Sunday Masses. You may also order/buy the cards direct on 07467 562520 or < churkova777@gmail.com >Funds raised will be used to buy necessary goods for Ukrainian children.You can also donate funds, as well as new toys, games and treats. Bandages, torniquets, paracetamol etc. are always needed.
Homes Matching Service: Caritas Social Action Network and St. John of God Hospitaller Services are matching Ukrainian people, displaced by the brutal war, with people in the Catholic community willing to host them in their homes for six months. If you have room in your home and in your heart to consider welcoming a stranger displaced by war, then SJOG would love to hear from you
Music Open Day: All are invited to attend this on a Saturday in January to be held at OLSE, with a view to expanding the number of singers available to lead the singing in the Parish and also to introduce a new setting of the ‘Gloria’ and a new complete Mass setting. Actual date still to be arranged
The Second Vatican Council teaches: (we resume this series)
The People of God – A new covenant: a new people (1)
9. The head of this people is Christ. He saved us through His death and resurrection and having won a name beyond all other names now reigns in glory. This people has the dignity and freedom of God’s sons and the Holy Spirit dwells in them.
The destiny of this people is God’s kingdom which God Himself began on earth. This kingdom must be extended till God perfects It at the end of time when Christ will come back and man, and the entire universe, will be created anew. That is why this people, no matter how small it may seem, is the absolutely certain source of hope, unity and salvation for mankind.
Christ made this people a fellowship of life, love and truth and He uses it for the salvation of men. This people is sent out to be the light of the world.
As Israel, journeying in the desert already had the title of God’s Church; so the new Israel, journeying through time, is also called Christ’s Church. He bought it with His blood, filled it with His Spirit and fitted it to be a human society.
God has called into the Church all those who look to Christ for salvation. He has set up the Church to be the visible, effective sign of unity. The Church is to spread to all lands. It is involved in history in all times and in every nation. As the Church proceeds through trials and difficulties, God helps it to be faithful until, through the Cross, it will reach the light of glory.[from ‘This is the Church’; Grail Publications]
CAFOD Israeli-Palestinian Crisis Appeal: Donate to CAFOD’s Israeli-Palestinian Crisis Appeal at https://cafod.org.uk/give/dona... or call 0303 303 3030 to support those affected and get funds to local trusted experts in Gaza and southern Israel who have been working alongside communities helping those most in need. Your donation will help support aid workers providing urgent humanitarian aid including food, water and emergency shelter to those in need. Your prayers are also requested for this very sad and difficult situation. The link also gives details of aid sent so far.
Fair Trade Stall: Caroline is continuing to recover following her operation, and so will not be with us with her stall until January 2024. However, she still has fairly traded goods in stock so if there is anything you need/would like you may contact her on 01553 673069
CAFOD: World Gifts: Pick up your copy of the catalogue: plenty available in the Porch.
Bible Alive: Free copies of the Advent issue are available in both Churches.
Important information regarding hospital visits: If you or a relative are in Queen Elizabeth Hospital and require a visit from the priest you should ask the ward staff to contact the Chaplaincy Office or Switchboard. A message left on the parish answerphone may not be dealt with immediately.
Parish Study/Discussion Group: Next Meeting, Tuesday 12th December, at 4.00pm. at the Convent.
Rosary: In the meeting room at St Cecilia's at 2pm. Next meeting, Monday 11th December
Mothers Prayers at OLSE: Meets alternate Mondays 2.30pm to 3.45/4.00pm. Next meeting, Monday 1st January. Everyone very welcome.
Masses at the Convent: Please check with the Convent on 01485 532837.
Parish Newsletter to your inbox: If you wish to be on the distribution list for the weekly newsletter, please send your email address to hunstantonparish@rcdea.org.uk Please note that the newsletter will be sent from the parish email, so please add the address to your contacts.
Welcome to new parishioners: If you have not already done so, we would ask you to complete a 'New Parishioner(s)' card, which are available in the Church porch Please ask if you cannot see any.
Teas/coffees at OLSE after Sunday Masses: To help keep this social gathering going we could use a few more volunteers to join the three ‘teams’ running this service at present. If you would like/feel able to help, please speak to whoever is behind the counter.
Parish list of those who are sick: Anyone who would like his/her name added to the list below is invited to email the Parish Office, or to complete and sign the slip on the back of the Parish Newsletter. Please note, it must be the person to be included on the list who sends the email or signs the form [Data Protection Legislation]. Forms may be returned to Elizabeth Howe at OLSE or Tricia Steel at StC.
Please pray for those who are sick, especially: Michael Brooks, Cathy Cambridge, Madeleine Coughlan, Fr Bill Dobson, Terry Finbow, Sarah King, Nicholas Koning, Anne Lindley, Fr Henry MacCarthy, Hanne MacMahon, Joan McTaggart, Linda O’Neil, Sharon Parkin, Helen Seaman and Nicky Sugden.
Please pray for the repose of the souls of those whose anniversaries occur about now including: Frances Dodd, Francis Scharfhold, Theresa Hardman, Margery Cullinan, Nora Tiley, Patricia Ransome, Deryk A. Maddox, Margaret Harvey, Philip Lavery, Walter Paramore, Herbert S. Whittaker, Arthur Dowson, Josephine Rumney, James M. O’Shea, Janet Davies, Anne Read, Joan Davison and Desmond Callaghan.
The Holy Father’s Prayer Intention for December:For persons with disabilities: We pray that people living with disabilities may be at the centre of attention in society, and that institutions may offer inclusive programs which value their active participation.