Category: Church Events

Please wear a warm winter coat to church as we have a heating problem and not sure when it will be fixed.
 

St George’s had a weekend of wonderful preparation for Christmas.   The South Downs Singers performed a sell out concert on Saturday. The church was beautifully decorated and the singing was a fabulous range of sacred and seasonal music. Reviews were highly complimentary with Deacon John requesting a reprise of “Christmas Sanctus” to be incorporated into his homily on Christmas morning. Shirley and Marylou are happy to oblige!  On Monday evening we were honoured to host a Civic Carol Service on behalf of Polegate Town Council.  The Lord Lieutenant, High Sherriff, County and District Council Chairs, plus five Mayors and other dignitaries were in attendance and a warm welcome was extended to all. There was a beautifully prepared service of readings and favourite carols, Two local charities, First Responders and Linking Lives benefitted to donations amounting to £400.  In the hall a splendid buffet prepared by Sandra and her team awaited; table beautifully  decorated, candles glowing adding to a cosy and friendly ambience. The evening is best summed up by an email sent to thank us from Mayor Dan Dunbar. “Sincere thanks for making my vision of the carol service a reality. Without St George’s this would not have been possible.  People were blown away with the refreshments, the Lord Lieutenant saying it was one of the best he has seen.” 

Saturday 7th Dec, 5pm.  When our nine first holy communion candidates made their first confession.  It was such an informative little service taken by Fr Rory assisted by Teresa and Annette, giving us plenty to think about and examine our consciences, with quiet music in the background.  What a shame more of our parishioners did not attend and support our children.
 

There will be a collection at St Wilfrid’s on Sunday 15th December for the   charity Warming Up The Homeless.  Parishioners have decided not to send each other Christmas Cards this year but instead will be donating to the charity’s  Golden Ticket appeal to give children in temporary accommodation some festive cheer.  For every £10 raised they will be able to take a child to a pantomime and provide them with some treats.
 

As I am sure many of you are aware, Catholic Priests do not receive a salary and rely on your generosity at Christmas and Easter as a thank you for all they do for us. It is also possible to claim gift aid on your donation if you are a UK taxpayer and that extra 25% will go directly to Father Rory. If you aren’t part of a planned giving scheme then please use the “one off” gift aid envelopes located in the porch. You can also contribute via the digital collection plate at St Wilfrid’s or via the QR code or donations  website link  (https://donate.mydona.com/st-wilfrids-church-hailsham )  using the “Christmas Collections” tab. 

 

Safeguarding for Children’s Liturgy and Altar Servers:  As the new year approaches it is time to renew consent forms.  These are an essential part of our safeguarding procedures.  I will be in the hall after Mass for the next two Sundays to facilitate this.  If forms are not completed, children will still be very welcome to join these groups but they must then be accompanied by a    responsible adult.  Maria Hills (Safeguarding Rep).
 

There will be an Epiphany Party at St Wilfrid’s at 3pm on 4th January followed by a vigil mass at 5pm.  Tickets are now available at the back of church. They are free but we ask you to only take one if are definitely able to attend as numbers are   limited in the hall.  Thank you.

Parishioners at St Wilfrid’s have decided not to send each other Christmas cards this year but instead will donate the money to a local charity, “Warming Up The Homeless”. There will be a collection of these donations on Sunday 15th December toward their Golden Ticket Christmas Appeal, which asks for           donations of £10 to take a child living in temporary accommodation to a pantomime and to give them some festive treats. With winter upon us they are also asking for items such as Tents, Metal Thermos Flasks, Men’s socks and underpants, Sleeping Bags, Roll Mats, Wet wipes, Roll on deodorant, Shower gel/shampoo/conditioner. We are also collecting good quality second hand toys and clothes for their charity shop.  If you are able to donate any of these items then please bring them to St Wilfrid’s next Sunday and we will pass them on to the charity.
 

A Big Thank You to everyone who contributed in    anyway to make this annual event so successful.  Our hall was buzzing with activities and people from both parishes making items for Christmas.  Then into our church for a  “Children’s Mime” to prepare us for the “coming of our Saviour” this Christmas.  Whilst we were there a team were working very hard to prepare a “banquet” for us jacket potato with all the trimmings and delicious puddings.  Pots were available to collect offerings  towards the charity “Warming Up the Homeless” a very good and worthwhile charity.
 

Tuesday 17th Dec in the Parish Hall at Our Lady of Ransom, Eastbourne:  An invitation to all parishioners to join us in a talk given recently by Fr Tony Milner on the New Lectionary, followed by sharing and discussions.  6.30-7.30pm (Refreshments from 6.15pm).  All will be most welcome as we start to forge new relationships within our new Parish.