A Season of Expectation …
 

 Dear Friends

Mary Greaves leads us into the First Sunday of Advent:

This Sunday is the first Sunday of Advent and over the coming weeks I’d like to look at Advent in more detail. This week I’d like to consider it as a season of expectation.

Advent, derived from the Latin word ‘adventus’, means “coming.” For Christians, this season marks the four weeks leading up to Christmas, a time of preparation and reflection on the birth of Jesus Christ. Traditionally, it is a time to anticipate not only the celebration of Jesus’ first coming as a baby in Bethlehem but also His second coming as the promised Messiah. Advent is steeped in Christian practices, we light the Advent wreath weekly, read Scripture, pray and sing carols that reflect hope, peace, joy, and love. These practices offer us an opportunity to pause and consider the spiritual significance of God entering the world in human form.

The themes of hope and waiting are universal. In a world often filled with busyness and uncertainty, the Advent season invites people of all beliefs to embrace the value of stillness and anticipation. For all of us, then, Advent can be a time to focus on personal growth and to reflect on the universal themes of kindness and generosity often emphasised during this season.

Advent ia a time when we are encouraged  to consider how we can bring light to others’ lives. Acts of service, charity, and mindfulness can transcend boundaries. In a divided world, Advent becomes a reminder of shared humanity and the hope that unites us all.

So, let’s embrace the Advent themes of expectation and renewal which speak to the human heart’s longing for meaning and connection.

So let the Advent countdown to joy begin. Mary Greaves 

Welcome to our Christmas Fayre tomorrow starting at 12.30pm. Please find the Diary of Services over the Christmas period and the Newsletter for this week

God Bless  

Fr Herbert, Fr Reginald and Fr Bryan

Advent

Sunday 1st December is the First Sunday of Advent and we will have the introduction of the new Lectionaries as the book of readings from the Bible at Holy Mass. Thank you to the members of our Parish who so generously contributed towards the cost of the new Lectionaries.  Our Bishop has written a pastoral letter introducing the new Readings and thanking our readers at Mass. The New Rota for Readers and Eucharistic Ministers if available at the back of Church. 

Christmas Fayre

Sunday 1st December is the Parish Christmas Fayre. Please donate Bottles and other items requested for the Fayre. Please contact Susan Riley if you would like to help in the Fayre. 

Carols for Peace Sunday 15th December at 1.30pm 

Come and join us with your family 

The Thirty Third Sunday in Ordinary Time

Reframing the season…
 

 Dear Friends

Mary Greaves writes:

As the year draws to a close, the pace of life tends to accelerate. While the hustle and bustle can be exhilarating, it can also leave us feeling depleted, overwhelmed, and disconnected from ourselves. Amid this busyness, one essential aspect of our lives often gets sidelined: our spiritual wellbeing. Spiritual wellbeing is about more than attending a service or meditating on occasion, it’s about nurturing the part of ourselves that seeks connection, meaning, and inner peace. Ignoring this vital dimension can lead to feelings of emptiness or burnout, particularly when we are stretched thin by external commitments.

During busy times, our spiritual practices can become an anchor, helping us stay grounded amidst the chaos. By taking the time to centre ourselves, we are better equipped to handle challenges, extend kindness to others, and approach our obligations with a sense of joy rather than duty.

This season offers a unique opportunity to reconnect with the deeper meaning of life. For many, it’s a time of reflection, celebration, and renewal. By approaching this busy period with mindfulness and intention, we can transform it from a source of stress into a season of growth.

Finally, spiritual wellbeing is not a luxury but a necessity, especially when life feels most demanding. By making it a priority, you not only enhance your own health and happiness but also bring a calm, grounded presence to those around you. As the weeks ahead fill with plans and activities, remember to take a moment to breathe, reflect, and simply be. In doing so, you’ll not only survive the season but thrive within it. Mary Greaves