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 

Remembering …

 Dear Friends

Remembrance Sunday stands as a powerful moment in the year—a day for quiet reflection, deep gratitude, and renewed hope. As we pause to honour those who gave their lives in service, we recognise the profound sacrifices made by countless men and women who placed duty and courage above their own lives. From the World Wars to present-day conflicts, their commitment reminds us of the resilience and unity that binds us in times of adversity. Their selflessness paved the way for the freedoms we enjoy, and it is only right that we hold space in our hearts and communities to remember their bravery.

So, today, we gather together not only to look back but to look forward with renewed commitment to building a world where peace, understanding, and compassion thrive. As we stand together we are also unified by a shared vision: a future in which conflict is resolved with empathy and cooperation, where differences are celebrated rather than divided, and where every person’s life is valued and cherished.

Let us take inspiration from those we remember today, carrying their legacy forward with love, respect, and a determination to create a better world. In gratitude, we renew our dedication to these ideals, honouring their memory not only in words, but in action, building a future worthy of their sacrifice. Mary Greaves 

Please remember Sr Margareta from the Shrine in Scotland. She has had a stroke and is in hospital   We have Coffee Morning this Thursday 14th November. Next Sunday, 17th November at 2.00pm  is the third of our Parish Synod Meetings. Registration forms for Confirmation classes are available at the back of Church.

God Bless   

Fr Herbert, Fr Reginald and Fr Bryan