Christmas Traditions - 29/11/2020

It would be interesting to hear of traditions for the festive season in other countries. In Germany, Advent wreaths are very important. Most homes will have one with a new candle lit each Sunday of Advent. The first Advent Wreath is credited to Johann Hinrich Wichern, a German pastor, who founded an orphanage in Hamburg in 1833. During the weeks leading up to Christmas, the children would ask him daily if Christmas had arrived. To make the wait easier, Wichern came up with his magical Christmas countdown. He created his first Advent wreath out of an old cartwheel and small candles. If you follow Christmas Traditions from another country, please share them with us—contact details at the top of the page.

Christmas songs with a twist! - 29/11/2020

The PM said this week “Tis the season to be Jolly Careful” which changes the words of that popular song to:

'Deck the Halls with boughs of holly, fa la la la la la la la la’
‘Tis to season to be jolly careful la la la la la la la’
‘Don we now our PPE apparel fa la la la la la la la la’
‘Troll the ancient Yuletide carol fa la la la la la la la la’

Coronavirus Christmas Concerts - 29/11/2020

Our little people are very well versed with the rules in place to help to keep the Coronavirus away. One local primary school is going ahead with the Nativity Play which will be filmed so that parents and grandparents can see their darlings perform. Some changes as a result of the virus could be:

• The Inn Keeper: ‘Sorry, we are closed due to the virus.’
• The Angel to the Shepherds: ‘Remember Hands, Face, Space and leave the gifts outside the stable.’
• Joseph will have to remain outside the stable until the moment just before Baby Jesus arrives.
• The Three Kings will not be allowed to travel out of Tier 3 just yet.

Screened Masses - 29/11/2020

It was great to hear some feedback about our screened masses this week and the church at Clayton. Those who are unable to attend mass are grateful for the opportunity to join Father Anton virtually and some who have been able to attend (prior to Lockdown 2) have commented on how safe they feel in the church. This can only be achieved with the great effort of our team of volunteers. Our Flower Ladies are already planning the arrangements for the altar for our Christmas masses with the Advent Wreath already in place for Sunday. It is disappointing to be in Tier 3 when the lockdown ends but the big positive for us is that we are allowed to attend mass, albeit with the same restrictions as pre-lockdown.

LinkLine - 29/11/2020

The pandemic has given us a taste of what it is like to be stuck at home with little to stimulate us. It is good to know that our charity supporting the elderly and lonely has continued to work throughout this period with Sue and her volunteers soldiering on from home in some cases. It is good to have ‘a friend on the phone’.

Library changes - 29/11/2020

You may notice some changes the next time that you visit the library. Some of the books have been moved around as follows:

• Travel books are now in the Fantasy Section.
• Books on Politics can be found in the Sci-Fi Section
• Epidemiology in the Self-Help Section.

Good Luck!

Shielding - 29/11/2020

Some Shielders have been stuck at home for many weeks now. Some are lucky enough to get out for a walk or into their garden, but many may have been quite lonely and cut off. If you have been shielding, let us know how it has been for you?

A big thank you - 21/11/2020

"To all our stewards, musicians and film directors who are helping us to attend Mass either virtually or in person (when permitted). Also, to those who prepare the church and serve on the altar.Thank you for all you are doing. Most importantly, thank you to Father Anton."

Food Bank - 21/11/2020

"We are grateful to the Parish Representatives who help us to ensure that our donations of food get to the Food Bank. We have had several drop off days which have, in addition to donating food, enabled us to have a quick chat with a fellow parishioner - socially distanced of course!"

Inspirational Christian Art - 21/11/2020

"Here is a website where you can find uplifting images linked to Christian text and teaching. https://www.christian.art/ You can subscribe to receive free daily Gospel readings too."

Dogs - 21/11/2020

"I have to be honest, I don’t like dogs much. However, during lockdown I have been helping out by walking someone else’s (small) dog each afternoon. This has given me the incentive to take a daily walk, get some fresh air and exercise and on our way, have a quick ‘hello’ with other walkers. I have also noticed that during this lockdown, people are a little bit more aware of the social distancing so that gives me more hope that WE CAN BEAT THIS VIRUS! The dog isn't complaining either."

Return of "News From The Pews" - 21/11/2020

To help each other through the next few weeks leading up to Christmas, it has been decided to resurrect 'News from the Pews' which a few might remember.

Please send in your tips, advice, positive messages, to share with one another in an effort to help us to keep our faith, keep in touch and be charitable during the difficult times we are all living through.

It might be a useful website, a kind act you have experienced, a poem or a prayer. If you have anything to share, you are welcome to either write via the church office or email to sg.olstwerburgh.clayton@rcaob.org.uk Please include your contact details if you are writing.

Anything shared will appear on parish-news-from-the-pews.html