Category: Saint George’s latest news

The weeks of Advent were meant to help us prepare for Christmas. Through the prayers, preparations, and plans that we made, we had the opportunity to think about what it all means. The lighting of the four Advent candles served to remind us of the happiness, joy, hope and peace that we should feel at the coming of Jesus.

Jesus, you bring us hope, and open our eyes to see signs of your presence in our world. You bring us faith, and open our ears to hear your word. You are always with us, and open our hearts to show compassion to those who suffer. May we be full of faith as we prepare our hearts and minds. With Jesus in our midst, may our communities be happy, and even in trials, may we experience a foretaste of the lasting joy you have prepared for us. Help us to cope with troubles and pain without losing our inner peace. Help us to strengthen the weary, to give hope to the discouraged, to care for the poor and weak, and with the gentleness of Jesus to lift up those who are weighed down by the troubles of life. May we find each day worth living through the presence of Jesus with us.

WISHING YOU A HAPPY AND HOLY CHRISTMAS.

Thank you to everyone who helps organise and supports the wellbeing of our parish. All our love and blessings at this joyful season of Christmas.

Christmas Holiday Shack:  are looking for volunteers to assist with the Christmas Holiday Shack on Saturday 21st December from 11 till 2 at Christchurch, Ropemaker Way, Hailsham.  This will be a buffet meal being provided to attendees, assistance required in setting up and clearing away.

Fully escorted Pilgrimage to Knock Shrine, Ireland, celebrating the feast of St Patrick,16^th March 2020.  £599.00 per person sharing.  Price includes flight with 10kg hand luggage, all transfers, 4 nights’ in Knock House Hotel with breakfast and dinner.  All entertainment and excursions included.  Lunches on days out.  Wheelchair accessible rooms.  Single room supplement £100.  Contact Patricia on 01268 762 278 or 07740 175557 or email [email protected].  Knock Pilgrimages is a member of the Travel Trust Association and is fully protected by ATOL T7613.

Knights of St Columba Poinsettia Sale:  If you have not yet ordered your poinsettia, plants will be for sale after Mass (in the hall if the weather is bad).  Every sale will help the Knights to carry on their charitable work.  We count on you to assist us to carry on this valuable work.

Crib Offering 2019:  This Christmas our Crib Offering will be donated to the Catholic Children’s Society’s A&B Crisis Fund.  This fund provides emergency grants for children and families in our Diocese who are facing a crisis in their lives.  Every single penny donated to the Crib will be given out via these grants.

JOY:  Dear Jesus, help us focus on you during this busy season. May we stay aware of the joy you bring into our lives. We want to find you in the everyday moments and come with hearts of gratitude to your manger on Christmas. Amen.

Fr Rory Writes:

It is Gaudete Sunday.  Rejoice in the Lord always, and again I say Rejoice.  When our focus settles upon Our Lord Jesus then it is possible, but very difficult to keep this focus upon Jesus.  The difficulties and tragedies of life that take place affect our confidence and our trust.

It is very important to place our trust in God first and foremost, and then to discern God’s goodness in spite of the circumstances of life. Since last year when I was writing this, it certainly has been a challenge to me; and remains one.  Among the challenges has been not having any drivers licence and all this entails.  I could say it has helped in my carbon footprint, and helped me to use my time more constructively.  Also, to have a grateful heart for all those who have offered to help me.  So please God, it will be productive.

I am grateful for this trip to Ireland, and when I return I am hopeful of starting the process that will restore my license.  Please keep me and our parish in your prayers during this Holy time with Christmas approaching so quickly.

Christmas Party:  Once again we are near that wonderful time of year in which we express our thanks and appreciation to all our parishioners in both communities, who have worked so hard over the last year.  We would like everyone to come and join us for our Christmas Party on Sunday 22nd December, after Mass at St Wilfrid’s Church Hall.  Please bring a plate of food to share.  Look forward to seeing you there.

The Knights of St Columba will  meet on Wednesday 11th December at 3pm at  St Wilfrid’s Church, Hailsham (in the small hall).   All Catholic men are welcome to come.