SECOND SUNDAY OF ADVENT YEAR C

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

This weekend we celebrate the Second Sunday of Advent and there are now just two and a half weeks to the celebration of the great day itself, the birth of Christ, the baby in the manger. Advent is a time to exercise a little extra prayer, a thought for the poor and a little abstention just as we would do in Lent. It has been a year when many of us have had to tighten our belts. Yet many of us, not all, still have the ability to buy ourselves treats and presents – there will be no shortage of buying and selling during this coming season. Have we a little room for the poor in our Christmas budget? Have we room and time for prayer, a time for God?

Thank you to all who organised, helped with and attended the Winter Fayre. The weather was much kinder last Saturday than it has been this week! Around £3000 was raised and will be shared between the parish and parish school needs. Thank you to everyone for its success and a pleasant day.

Please note that because of there being so many events before Christmas I have had to pause Journey in Faith until January when we will rebegin the course and discussions. Please watch out for notifications in the New Year.

Advent is also a time of penance, an important time to reconcile with the Lord Jesus and the people of God. Our Reconciliation Service is on Tuesday December 17th at 7.15 p.m. It is a time to receive the healing love of Christ, who brings balm to all those inner wounds and hurts. There will be four priests available for confessions during the time of Adoration and Prayer, following on from introductory prayers. “The Lord is kind and full of compassion, slow to anger and rich in mercy! He wants our souls, hearts and minds to be healed.

A reminder for the Christmas Eve Mass 5 p.m. We invite the children to dress as a person of the nativity e.g. Mary, Joseph, Shepherd, Angel, Wise Man or even one of the Animal. If you do not have access to a costume, then if you contact the school, they can help provide one.

Enjoy the Advent Journey, bring yourself close to the Lord Jesus and the Celebration of his Birth!

God bless,

Father Anton s.c.j.