This months's Parish Priest's News

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My dear friends,

As we begin a new Church Year on December 1st the final preparations are being made for the opening, by Pope Francis, of the Jubilee ‘Year of Hope’. The Holy Father has introduced the year in these words:-

"We must fan the flame of hope that has been given us, and help everyone to gain new strength and certainty by looking to the future with an open spirit, a trusting heart and far-sighted vision”

an ideal new year resolution for us all.

A year of Jubilee has its roots in the Book of Leviticus where it is to be celebrated every fifty years when slaves and prisoners were freed and debts cancelled: while they are now more commonly celebrated every twenty-five years, many of us remember the extra ordinary ‘Year of Mercy’ begun in 2015. At the centre of any such year the emphasis is on the mercy of God and as such this is a good reminder to us all of the Sacrament of Reconciliation as we prepare for Christmass.

Writing that word, the Fund Raising Committee has been working very hard for our Winter Wonderland and, when this issue is published, there remains a week to sell the Advent Calendar Raffle Tickets!

Finally, I draw your attention to four invitations to join the School preparations for the festival to be held in Church; Christingle on December 3rd at 2.30 pm, Nativities at 9.15am on the 10th and 11th and the Carol Service at 2.30 pm on the 19th.

Fr. Andrew and Judy, Fr. Nick, Fr Robert and Paula join me in taking this opportunity to wish you all a very Happy Christmass.

With my love and payers

Fr. Trevor