Welcome to the Catholic Parish of Stamford

Saint Mary and Saint AugustineThe Presbytery, 13 Broad Street, Stamford, Lincolnshire PE9 1PG Telephone: (01780)

762010Email: staugustines13@btinternet.com Website:

www.staugustinescatholicchurchstamford.co.ukParish Priest: Father Simon Gillespie Mobile: 07760 372105 Email:

simon@nottinghamcatholic.comParish Deacon (with Oakham parish): Reverend Charles West-Sadler

Parish Primary School: Saint Augustine’s Catholic Voluntary Academy, Stamford (01780) 762094

Catholic Secondary School: Saint John Fisher Catholic High School, Peterborough (01733) 343646

Part of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Nottingham Diocesan Website: www.nottingham-diocese.org.uk

Nottingham Roman Catholic Diocesan Trustees Company Number: 7151646 Charity Number: 1134449

3rd – 4th December 2016 : Second Sunday of Advent

As we continue to journey through Advent, here are some thoughts from a second century writer about the prophecies of Isaiah and John the Baptist:

The voice of one crying in the wilderness: Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight the paths of our God. The prophecy makes clear that it is to be fulfilled, not in Jerusalem but in the wilderness: it is there that the glory of the Lord is to appear, and God’s salvation is to be made known to all mankind.

It was in the wilderness that God’s saving presence was proclaimed by John the Baptist, and there that God’s salvation was seen. The words of this prophecy were fulfilled when Christ and his glory were made manifest to all: after his baptism the heavens opened, and the Holy Spirit in the form of a dove rested on him, and the Father’s voice was heard, bearing witness to the Son: This is my beloved Son, listen to him.

The prophecy meant that God was to come to a deserted place, inaccessible from the beginning. None of the pagans had any knowledge of God, since his holy

servants and prophets were kept from approaching them. The voice commands that a way be prepared for the Word of God: the rough and trackless ground is to be made level, so that our God may find a highway when he comes. Prepare the way of the Lord: the way is the preaching of the Gospel, the new message of

consolation, ready to bring to all mankind the knowledge of God’s saving power.Climb on a high mountain, bearer of good news to Zion. Lift up your voice in

strength, bearer of good news to Jerusalem. These words harmonise very well with the meaning of what has gone before. They refer opportunely to the evangelists and proclaim the coming of God to men, after speaking of the voice crying in the wilderness. Mention of the evangelists suitably follows the prophecy on John the Baptist.

What does Zion mean if not the city previously called Jerusalem? This is the mountain referred to in that passage from Scripture: Here is mount Zion, where you dwelt. The Apostle says: You have come to mount Zion. Does not this refer to the company of the apostles, chosen from the former people of the circumcision?

This is the Zion, the Jerusalem, that received God’s salvation. It stands aloft on the mountain of God, that is, it is raised high on the only-begotten Word of God. It is commanded to climb the high mountain and announce the word of salvation. Who is the bearer of the good news but the company of the evangelists? What does it mean to bear the good news but to preach to all nations, but first of all to the cities of Judah, the coming of Christ on earth?

Parish Jesse Tree

You have probably noticed the bear tree close to the lectern in church. If you look very closely you’ll see that it has some names hanging from the lowest branches – this is the start of our parish Jesse Tree. Jesse was the father of the great King David of the Old Testament. He is often looked upon as the first person in the

genealogy of Jesus, although the lineage in Saint Mathew’s gospel goes back to Abraham, and in Saint Luke’s gospel goes back to Adam! In Church art a design developed showing the relationship of Jesus with Jesse and other biblical personages. This design showed a branched tree growing from a reclining figure of Jesse. The various branches had pictures of other Old and New Testament figures who were ancestors of Jesus. At the top of the tree were figures of Mary and Jesus. This design was used mostly in stained glass windows in some of the great medieval cathedrals of Europe, indeed the Cathedral of Chartres, which was dedicated in 1260, has a

particularly beautiful Jesse Tree window.In our parish, week by week, the children’s liturgy group are preparing the names of all the ancestors of Jesus whom we’ll hear listed during the Vigil Mass on Christmas Eve. If you have a moment or two come to look at the names, and see which saints – and sinners – you recognise!

Deanery Reconciliation Services – Confessions for Christmas!

Advent is always a good time to go to confession as we prepare ourselves spiritually for the coming of Christ at Christmas. Although the Year of Mercy has now come to an end mercy never ends, and we have plenty of opportunities to avail of that Divine Mercy.As well as regular confessions on Saturday mornings at 9am and Saturday evenings (after Mass) at 7pm, there will be deanery reconciliation services, with visiting priests, in the week leading up to Christmas:

Sunday 18th December – 4pm – Reconciliation Service in Oakham Monday 19th December – 7pm – Reconciliation Service in Bourne Tuesday 20th December – 7pm – Reconciliation Service in Melton (St John’s) Wednesday 21st December – 7pm – Reconciliation Service in Grantham Thursday 22nd December – 7pm – Reconciliation Service in Stamford

Confessions will also be available after each weekday Mass in the week before Christmas, or simply by coming to the presbytery when Father Simon is available.

Crib Offerings – Supporting the land of Jesus’ birth

During the last twelve months, the Friends of the Holy Land has increased its support for the Christian community in Gaza, reached out to those in Israel, particularly Nazareth, and instigated a programme to support desperate Iraqi Christian refugees in Amman. This year any offerings given at the Crib will be sent to the Friends, and 100% of the money raised will go to support the neediest families in and around Bethlehem. More information about their work can be found at www.friendsoftheholyland.org.uk

Special prayer intentions for Advent

During Advent we’re encouraged to pray especially for: Openness to the Word of God (especially on Bible Sunday, 4th December) Migrants and Refugees (especially on Migrants’ Day, 3rd December Expectant Mothers

Cafod Gifts for Christmas

Some of the Cafod World Gifts Catalogues are still available at the back of church; if you didn’t get on last week take one now, or see online at cafod.org.uk/worldgifts

Events for the coming Week (and beyond)

An on-line Advent Calendar for each day of this season of preparation! Watch the short (1 or 2 minute) videos for each day in Advent of scripture set to music and images. New videos are posted every day at 9am, also Ed who makes them is from our diocese so it always good to support initiatives so close by. You can watch them on YouTube : youtube.com/channel/UCooiV0n7x3u9Fi8u2DTk2Uw

An Open Morning at Saint Augustine’s Catholic Primary School on Monday 5th

December from 9.30am; come and meet our brilliant pupils, staff and PTA.

The next SVP Meeting will be held on Tuesday 6th December at 6pm in the presbytery – come along to find out about the SVP and their help in our parish.

The Parish Hall Committee meets in the hall on Wednesday 7th December at 5.45pm; any apologies to Brendan in advance please.

Friday’s Tea and Coffee Morning will include a tombola – all proceeds will go to the Sue Ryder Hospice at Thorpe Hall. They need £1.3M per year to offer such calm and peaceful care to those who need it so much – please come along with all your friends.

The Parish Pastoral Council meets in the presbytery on Friday 9th December at 7.30pm. Please note the change of date. Any apologies to Nic, please.

Leicester Theological Society’s monthly lecture: “Do angels push the planet, and does it matter to modern science?” on Friday 9th December at 7.30pm in St Clement’s Hall, LE1 6HW; details at: www.leicestertheologivcalsociety.org.uk

ADVENTure: Advent Retreat at The Briars from Friday 9th – Sunday 11th December, open to young people between Year 10 and Year 13, and is a great way to prepare for Christmas, to explore faith and to make new friends. Book early to avoid disappointment: £50; contact Teresa on 01773 852044 or bookings@ndcys.com.

Christmas Fair at Saint Augustine’s school, on Saturday 10th December, 1pm – 3pm. See the poster in the porch for more details : everyone in our parish is welcome!

If you’re able to help with refreshments at the School Christmas Fair please speak to Father Simon – volunteers are much needed for this stall!

The last Monday Meet Up is on Monday 12th December.Christmas Cannons at Nottingham Cathedral on Wednesday 14th December – this youth event is open to anyone of secondary school age, following the prayerful Cannons in our parish. Speak to Father Simon if you’re interested in attending.

Stamford Choral presents A Christmas Concert on Tuesday 20th December at 7.30pm in Oswald Elliott Hall, Stamford School. Tickets are £15, available from the Arts Centre or on the door.

Advent Prayer Labyrinth at Stamford Methodist Church on Wednesday 21st

December from 1pm – 3pm or 7.30pm – 9pm. Bring a friend or two, there will be prayer focusses for children too. More information from Rev Andy Fyall on 762282 or andy.fyall@methodist.org.uk

Modern Day Slavery

This weekend there is a short presentation at the end of each Mass about modern day slavery. Bishop Patrick is very aware that this occurs and has asked that we too are aware to its possibility in our communities. We should be alert to the signs of possible sexual exploitation, forced labour, domestic servitude or forced criminality:

Signs of physical and psychological abuse Look malnourished and unkempt Often wear the same clothes, having few personal possessions Appear withdrawn, avoiding eye contact, frightened Seem under control and influence Unable to move around freely Appear unfamiliar with the neighbourhood Living and working at the same address Picked up or dropped off, early or late.

If concerned contact the Helpline 0800 0121700 or the police on 101 and share your worries.

Please pray for those involved:We pray for the victims of human trafficking and all those in any kind of slaveryWe pray for those rescued from slavery that they may heal from years of abuse

We pray for retail managers that they may rid their supply chain of enforced labourWe pray for the men and women who care for those rescued from slavery

We pray that the church will rise up and lead the fight against modern slaveryWe pray we may understand our complicity in buying goods produced by this evil trade

We pray that together we can bring an end to modern slavery.Amen.

Thank You to our parish primary school

Thank You to Year 4 / 5 from Saint Augustine’s school, together with their class teacher Miss Auton, who led our 9am Mass las Sunday, and who brought all of the school Advent Wreaths to be blessed. Thanks, too, to those three families who brought wreaths. Let’s hope that next year we have a few more wreaths to bless!

Thank You too to Miss Moon’s class (Year 5/6) who helped with our Friday Morning Coffee and who swelled the numbers at Mass. It’s always great to see our parish primary school pupils and staff taking such an active part in the life of our parish!

Sacramental Preparation 2017

We are starting the First Holy Communion course at the end of January. There will be a meeting for both parents and children on Sunday 22nd January at 10.00am to introduce the course, and on the following Sunday (29th January) the children will have their Mass of Enrolment at the 9.00am Mass. This will be part of the Children’s Mass with children from Saint Augustine School. The children will celebrate their First Confession on Saturday 20th May and then their First Holy Communion on Saturday 1st July at 11am Mass.If you would like your child to make their First Holy Communion in 2017 please contact either Father Simon or Catherine Callow and we will send you an enrolment form; more details from Catherine: (01780) 762450 or ncallow@doctors.org.uk.

It is hoped to have details of the Confirmation Course for our young adults very soon – so watch this space!

Children’s Liturgy and Christmas Nativity

During the children’s liturgy on Sunday 4th, 11th and 18th December we will be rehearsing the nativity play that we will be performing immediately before the 6pm Vigil Mass on Christmas Eve. If you will be attending this Mass and would like your child/ren to be involved with the performance, please attend the 9am Mass on 4 th

December where roles will be distributed, and then 11th and 18th December for rehearsals. If you will not be attending Mass on Christmas Eve or don’t want to take part in the nativity, children are still welcome to come to the children’s liturgy as usual, and help to make name cards for the Jesse Tree. If you have any

questions, please e-mail Michelle: michellepacitti@hotmail.com. Many thanks!

For our Altar Servers

On Friday 23rd December we’ll have a training morning in preparation for the Christmas Masses. We’ll start with Mass at 10.00am, have some formation and preparation for Christmas, and then some lunch, to be all finished by 1.30pm. Please sign the sheet in the sacristy to let Father Simon know that you’re able to come along.

Saint Stephen is the patron saint of altar servers and we’ll celebrate his feast on Monday 26th December with Mass at 10.30am. At this Mass we’ll enrol some of our newest altar servers into the Guild of Saint Stephen, presenting them with the Guild Medal, whilst those who are already members will renew their commitment. Families are very welcome to come along to this special Mass too.

Support our Down’s Syndrome Group

Raise the Roof for the Peterborough Area Down’s Syndrome Group. A light-hearted and relaxed afternoon of carols and popular seasonal songs with youngsters of the Group and singing for fun – and you can join in! Come along on Sunday 4th December at 3.00pm to Duddington church, Church Lane, Duddington, PE9 3QG. Admission is free, and there is a retiring collection for the Group. www.singingforfun.co.uk

Choral Vespers and Choir Practice

Thank you to all who came to our rehearsal on Wednesday, and to Ruth for leading us; we will continue to rehearse each Wednesday evening at 8pm – 9pm in church.

We’ll celebrate Vespers each Sunday of Advent at 4pm – all are very welcome!

There’ll be an extra rehearsal, especially for Christmas Mass music, on Thursday 22nd December at 8.30pm, led by David Lowell-Brown. Do come and join!

A reflection from ‘Marriage Matters’

Today, Isaiah talks about trust and Matthew focuses on forgiveness. Advent is the opportunity to discover new ways to help our partner to trust us and to share themselves. Our prayer can be that we drop our defences, become more vulnerable and have the courage to open ourselves, able to really listen, to share

and to change.

Advent – Our time of Preparation! Maranatha – Come, Lord Jesus!

The Solemnity of the Immaculate ConceptionMary – Patroness of our Diocese of Nottingham

On Thursday we celebrate the Solemnity of Mary under her title, The Immaculate Conception. As a way of rejoicing in Mary’s care for us we’ll celebrate a festal Mass at 7pm in church, perhaps even with our new sound system in operation, and then have some hospitality afterwards. If you’re able do come and share in this beautiful feast, when we see Mary, from the moment of her conception, as heralding our own salvation through her life and her discipleship.

Today is Catholic Bible Sunday

On the second Sunday of Advent parishes in England and Wales are invited to celebrate Catholic Bible Sunday. This year’s theme is Welcome one another, therefore, just as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God (Roman 15: 7) As Christmas approaches we will all spend more and more time preparing the hospitality that is to be offered family and friends as they join us to celebrate the birth of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. That spirit of hospitality has its roots way back in the history of nomadic peoples and the Bible has conserved many texts that witness to this fact. It is on the mountain of the Lord that a great banquet is prepared for all peoples; and the glory of the Lord provides shade and refuge (cf. Isaiah 25:6, 4:6). At the Last Supper, Jesus chose a rite of hospitality, the washing of the feet as a sign of blessedness in its doing.Pope Francis asks that we be a Church that does not just welcome and receive by keeping the doors open, but one that finds new ways; that is able to step outside itself and go out to welcome the stranger. Powered by the living word within us, audacious and courageous we can go to the refugees and exiles, the homeless and hungry, the unemployed and those who have lost hope, those who have left our communities or are indifferent and invite them to find that peace and life that comes from knowing you are truly welcome. At the beginning of a new year in the life of the Church experience afresh for yourselves the welcome that Jesus gives through the Bible readings you hear in the Liturgy or read in the silence of your own homes; nourished by them invite another to share the life that Jesus gives abundantly and bestows on all who welcome him. Accept this invitation to use for yourself and your family passages from the Bible. May the Word of God bring you

many blessings!

Christmastime Liturgical Programme

Do please make these times known widely, so that as many people can join with us for our Christmas celebrations:

Saturday 24th December 6pm - Vigil Mass of Christmas with the children's Nativity 9.30pm - Vigil of Readings 10pm - Midnight Mass of Christmas

Sunday 25th December 9am - Dawn Mass of Christmas 10.30am - Day Mass of Christmas

(note the change of time)Monday 26th December

10.30am - Mass of Saint Stephen, Patron of Altar ServersTuesday 27th December – Friday 30th December

10am daily - Christmastime MassSaturday 31st December

6pm - Sunday Vigil Mass of Mary, Mother of GodSunday 1st January

9am & 11am - Sunday Mass of Mary, Mother of God 6pm – an additional Sunday Mass, Mary, Mother of God

Stamford Foodbank – Helping those in need

This Christmas Stamford foodbank will be issuing a hamper of festive treats to local families and individuals in crisis. The foodbank had a 105% increase in uptake last year and this looks like it is continuing so we need the support of you all to meet this need. Any donations of the following (received by Sunday 11 th December) are very welcome:

Christmas cake Christmas puddings tinned ham tinned salmon

cheesy snacks selection boxes Christmas biscuits

If getting food is difficult any donation for the foodbank are very welcome to help cover the costs of packaging and preparing the hampers. Regular donations of food are also required through the Christmas period. Thank you to all those who support our Foodbank, helping those most in need in our own local community.

Changes to Mass times – sound system work in church this week

Mass will be celebrated at 7.30am on Monday and Wednesday this week as work begins on the new PA system. This installation work began last weekend and should be completed by next Sunday. Thank you for your patience as this important work is undertaken – and we look forward to celebrating Mass with renewed aural clarity in time for Christmas.

Parish Census

It’s some years since a census of the parish was undertaken. During Advent, as we start a new Church year, we are undertaking a new census of all our parishioners so that we know what opportunities there are to be ever more involved in the life of our parish and of the wider Church.

Yellow forms are available at the back of church. Please take one, complete it, and return it to the box at the back of church, or through the presbytery letterbox as soon as you are able.

The data will be kept securely and used to allow our parish to grow and flourish, using all of our God-given gifts and talents.. Among other things it’s good to be able to send out the newsletter by email: if you’re not presently receiving it please let Father Simon know – simon@nottinghamcatholic.com

Diocesan Yearbook and Diocesan Newspaper

The Yearbook is now on sale, priced £3.20, and as well as the usual wealth of information it also contains an interesting article about the work that’s been undertaken to refurbish our church. Thanks to Chris King who wrote the article.

Also consider taking a copy of the Diocesan Newspaper – we regularly have many copies left each month: they look better in parishioners’ kitchens than in the presbytery rubbish bin!

Mass Intentions

There are Masses available over the Christmas period if anyone wishes to have one offered for a loved one, or in memory of someone who has died. Simply fill in one of the envelopes at the back of church and give it to Father Simon.

Saint Vincent de Paul Society

As you’ll know the re-establishment of the Saint Vincent de Paul Society is part of our parish legacy from the Jubilee of Mercy; a way that we can put into concrete effect one of the seven corporal works of mercy, that of visiting the sick. The Society allows parishioners to visit those in need in a safe and secure environment; usually parishioners visit in pairs, and then feedback at fortnightly meetings in the presbytery, to allow any difficulties to be resolved or information to be exchanged. Anyone who hasn’t yet been able to assist with the SVP, even by their prayers, is very much encouraged to do so. Please speak to Father Simon, Catherine Farndell or Jacquie Kent about this. Or simply come to the presbytery on Tuesday evening at 6pm.

Thursday Lunch Club

Sincere thanks to Eileen Dolby and all who helped to make Thursday’s lunch such a special event, in preparation for our celebration of Christmas!

This Week in our Parish Primary School

Other Faiths’ Week Year 4 / 5 had a fantastic time when a special speaker, Yaniv, came in to talk to us about the Jewish faith. He explained all about the special celebrations they have throughout the year, games children play and the food they eat during these periods. He also explained how the Jewish calendar works. We learnt that they use a combination of the sun and the moon to tell them when the new year begins, and every four years they have a year with 13 months. He finished off by showing us the alphabet in Hebrew, and children got the opportunity to see how their name is spelt in Hebrew.

The Reverse Advent Calendar is a really simple idea and a great way to help others who might need a little help at Christmas. This Advent children at Saint Augustine would like to support our elderly community. During the Advent period each class will be given a box to fill with items that can be donated to our local care homes. At the end of Advent we will wrap the boxes and children will present them and hopefully our choir will also sing some Christmas cheer.

Suggested items are: Chocolates Bed socks Miniature perfumes / aftershaves Hand creams Woolly hats, scarfs,

gloves Handkerchiefs Shower gels Puzzle books

Mission Statement this week:“I think before I made choices

that affect my health”

Clergy Appointments in our Diocese

Bishop Patrick has made the following appointments, with effect from Wednesday 11th January:

Father Andrew Cole - Parish Priest, Saint Mary on the Sea, Grimsby, Corpus Christi, Cleethorpes & Our Lady Star of the Sea, Immingham continuing as Diocesan Communications Officer; he will lead a team ministry with Deacons Stephen Durkin and Richard Jones and Sister Ann Helen Byrne CSJP, and the parish will be given a new name, after consultation with parishioners, in the New Year;

Father John Martin – Assistant Priest, Saint Barnabas’ Cathedral & Assistant Priest, Saint Augustine, Apostle of England, Woodborough Road;

Father Jonathan Rose - Bishop’s Private Secretary & Catholic Chaplain to the University of Nottingham

Father James Earley will become parochial administrator of the Parish of All Saints, Hassop with English Martyrs, Bakewell while Father Hugh Davoren CSSp has a sabbatical; he will then have a sabbatical himself before appointment as parish priest next summer.

Prayer for Priestly and Religious Vocations

As Bishop Patrick asked in last week’s Pastoral Letter, let us pray this prayer for vocations to the priesthood very often:

Almighty God, we pray, give us holy priests to strengthen us in our Christian calling, that we may be more closely conformed to Christ and share more effectively in his saving work. Through their ministry at the altar, and by their administration of the sacraments, may our lives be sanctified and become more closely associated with the redemptive sacrifice of Christ. As they preach the Gospel and teach the faith may we be inspired to dedicate ourselves to the work of evangelisation. As they serve our parishes may we be led into deeper communion of faith, hope and charity. O God, bless our diocese also with men and women who will serve the mission of the Church by taking religious vows, inspiring us with lives consecrated to you.

Mary Immaculate – pray for usSaint Hugh of Lincoln – pray for us

All the saints of our diocese – pray for us.

You Are Living Stones

Bishop Patrick is continuing to study the Plan and is making some decisions about restructuring parishes. We don’t know any timescales, and of course these matters are very much the Bishop’s decision. We pray for the grace to be open to whatever changes will affect us in our parish and deanery here. The Plan suggests that Stamford parish be linked to Bourne and Deeping parish, with one priest serving all three churches.If you have any questions please speak with Father Simon.

An opportunity to volunteer

The Board of Directors of the Diocese of Nottingham includes lay people among its membership and is currently looking for a Chartered Surveyor, or a person with equivalent professional qualifications, who may be interested in becoming a Director of the Diocese. There are four meetings of the Board as well as four meetings of its Buildings and Sites Committee each year, to which the person would be automatically appointed. Anyone who might be interested in invited to contact Edward Poyser with a brief resume or CV of their career to date. The position might well suit someone who is recently retired. financial.secretary@nrcdt.org.uk

Many Thanks for your Generosity

Envelopes £336.00 Loose plate £276.85Standing Order £274.00 Collection Total £886.85

A collection next weekend for the Poor and Needy parishes of our dioceseA collection the following weekend for Christmas Flowers

Thank You from Missio for £425.35 collected for the World Missions, and from all of the parish Red Box holders.

Thank You to those who have given money to the Wajir Mission recently; also to those who have supported the Stamford Foodbank and SHEP Furniture Project helping those who are most in need in our community and society..

Many thanks to all parishioners for your financial and material support of our parish!

Readings at Mass this Week

Monday Isaiah 35:1-10; Psalm 84(85):9-14; Luke 5:17-26Tuesday Isaiah 40:1-11; Psalm 95(96):1-3.10-13; Matthew 18:12-14Wednesday Isaiah 40:25-31; Psalm 102(103):1-4.8.10; Matthew 11:28-30Thursday Genesis 3:9-15.20; Psalm 97(98):1-4; Ephesians 1:3-6.11-12; Luke 1:26-38Friday Isaiah 48:17-19; Psalm 1:1-4.6; Matthew 11:16-19Saturday Ecclesiasticus 48:1-4.9-11; Psalm 79(80):2-3.15-16.18-19; Matthew 17:9.10-13

Prayers For . . .

Those who have died recently, especially Gladys Martin (mother of Father John Martin, in Grimsby); Shelly Doyle (daughter of Margaret, Father Saunders’ housekeeper) and Margaret Rattigan. May they rest in peace!

All our sick and housebound parishioners and friends: Father Joe O’Hanlon, Father James O’Hanlon, Joan Lawlor, Eric Melbourne, Peter Jacobs, Terry Carroll, Father Eamonn O’Hara, Canon Peter Coyle, Peter Herrick, Father John Cairns, Deacon Bernard Croft, Mark Grab, Rosa Maria Santos, Kenneth Court, Veronica Hosking, Beth Coleman, Joan Middleton, Pat Dancer, Augusta Deane, Irene Mulligan, Eileen Cox, Connie Edgar, Father John Abbott, Gladys Brown, Nora Hunt, Vivien Faulconbridge, Monica Holt, Valerie Pellier, Frank Caldwell, Kitty English, Fiona Ruddle, David Cooke, Maeve Swann, Helen Allen, Jean Maker, Anna Orme, Lucy Court, Debbie Reed, Ken Woods, Lilian Popple, Lorraine Watt, Ciaran McCarthy, Anne Woods, Father David Bingham, Gill Clark, Daphne Wise, Deacon Bob Dawson and Father Peter Harvey.

Liturgy

This Week Next Week

Sunday Second Sunday of Advent Third Sunday of AdventPsalter Week 2 Week 3Mass Page 85 Page 88Penitential Rite Rite C, page 8 Rite C, page 8First Reading Isaiah 11:1-10 Isaiah 35:1-6.10Psalm Psalm 71 Psalm 145Second Reading Romans 15:4-9 James 5:7-10Gospel Matthew 3:1-12 Matthew 11:2-11Preface Advent 1, p65 Advent 1, p65Eucharistic Prayer Two, page 24 Three, page 28 Memorial Acclamation B (When we eat) B (When we eat)

Masses and Services this Week

Saturday 3rd December Second Sunday of Advent (Bible Sunday)6.00pm Vigil Mass Marsha O’Neill7.00pm Confessions

Sunday 4th December Second Sunday of Advent (Bible Sunday)9.00am Mass Archie & Agnes Dick RIP

Tea and coffee in the hall11.00am Mass Pro Populo (People of the parish)

Tea and coffee in the hall4.00pm Sung Vespers

Monday 5th December Advent Feria7.30am Mass Adrian Waldron

Tuesday 6th December Memorial of Saint Nicholas, bishop9.00am Mass in School Holy Souls

Wednesday 7th December Memorial of Saint Ambrose, bishop & doctor7.30am Mass Holy Souls

Thursday 8th December Solemnity of the Immaculate ConceptionPatroness of our Diocese of Nottingham

7.00pm Festal Mass Holy SoulsRefreshments in the parish hall afterwards

Friday 9th December Advent Feria10.00am Mass Shelly Doyle RIP

Saturday 10th December Memorial of the Martyrs of Lincolnshire9.00am Confessions

Third Sunday of Advent (Gaudete)Collection for the poor and needy parishes in our diocese

6.00pm Vigil Mass Gerry Hoines RIP7.00pm Confessions

Sunday 11th December Third Sunday of Advent (Gaudete)9.00am Mass Pro Populo (people of the parish)

Tea and coffee in the hall11.00am Mass Holy Souls

Tea and coffee in the hall4.00pm Sung Vespers