The First Week of Advent 2019
Sunday saw the DTIM organize a beautiful family Mass with the lighting of the First Advent Candle, the distribution of the Sheep who will make their trip to Bethlehem representing the children in first communion class and the dressing of the Jesse tree; the family tree of Jesus.
The generosity of the parish was highlighted again as 67Â big bags of food were donated for the Crosscare collection. A lot of this food is going to be distributed locally.
A wonderful group of parishioners has gathered every morning to participate in the Prayer of the Church. The silence, the music the readings and prayers contribute powerfully to make this advent a true spiritual journey towards Bethlehem.
On Monday and Tuesday teams of maintenance and decoration started to prepare the Church for Christmas. The lighting was upgraded, wreaths were put in place (after having been beautified) and new artwork was placed for the stations of Christmas.
Tuesday also saw the meeting of the liturgy team to prepare the Christmas Masses. Readings, hymns and introductions were elaborated. The Christmas schedule was made available in the Church Porches.
Ministers of the Word young and old gathered on Wednesday night to chat about the Jitters, the Titters and the Critters of proclaiming the Word of God. Tricks of the trade were shared over a cup of tea.
THE FUN BEGINS: THE CAROL SERVICE WARMS UP
- Beautiful hampers appeared as lines were sold for the raffle.
- An orchestra in the Church? Yes indeed you may have spotted the musicians preparing for the Carol Service
- you may also have spotted pots of jam sneaking into the Parish Centre and Brussels sprouts , under the cover of darkness, gathering to prepare for the most original draw of all time (yes you might win a Brussel Sprout).
- Wine was also seen in the vicinity it seemed to be mulling over next Sunday’s Carol Service where it will have to mingle with mince pies and cakes to beat the band (not the orchestra … they won’t be beaten)
I would like to draw your attention to an important letter from Archbishop Martin about the future of First Communion and Confirmation. This will have a huge impact on our parish.
