The hall was decorated beautifully, music for all, pass the parcel for grown ups as well as children was hilarious. The buffet was laden with so many goodies, we had enough to have another party after Sunday Mass! A BIG THANK YOU to all who helped in anyway to make this a great parish get-together. We must have one perhaps at Easter with our friends from St Georges who are always welcome.
Category: Saint George’s latest news
St Wilfrid’s
St Wilfrid’s Last Sunday in January 29th: In our hall after Mass we will have 2 tables full of prizes for a raffle, men, women and children are catered for, so do please come along and join in the fun. Also, tea/coffee/biscuits and cakes.
A box is in the church porch for your unwanted gifts etc. please. The money will go towards future activities in our hall which will benefit us all. If you would like to reserve tickets early they are £1 per strip from Joan on 07873390944. Thank you.
Parish Over 50’s Club
Next Afternoon Tea is Thurs 26th Jan at 2pm till 4pm. As “Burns Night” falls on the day before, we are going to make the theme “Scottish”, so party time again! This time you may wear anything Tartan if you wish, men don’t forget your sporran! Price is £5 each please. All welcome.
Parish Meeting
Parish Meeting: at St Wilfrid’s, 11.30am on the 8th January.
Thank You
This week we have many to thank for their time and effort throughout the past year at St George’s: It is the beginning of a new year and we are grateful to those over the past twelve months who have helped our parish grow. Let us pray this parish continues to build on the good work throughout 2023. We say a big ‘Thankyou’ to our Altar Server Alan and welcome our new server, Austin. Our Sacristans: Cathy, Angela and Martin. Eucharistic Ministers, Kelly, Sandra, Angela, Martin, Marie, Anne and Mary. Readers: Anne, Joanne, Liz, Alona, Cathy S, Shirley, Jean, Margaret, Bridie, Kelly, Angela, Gill, Judy and Martin. Children’s Liturgy and Sacramental Preparation: Sandra, Mary B, Mary, Merce, Cathy, Bernadette, Maria and Anne. Counters, Anne and those who assist. Welcomers: Philomena, Stella, Lou, Christian, Jane, Phyllis, Sandra, Mary and Anne. Flowers: Cathy, Mary B, Mary, Marie and Anne. Synod Core Group Reps: Martin, Anne and Sandra. Bidding Prayers: Dominic, Kelly, Lesley, Judy, Deacon John, Anne and Martin. Music during mass and singing: Shirley, our organists and singers. Rosary Group: Frances, Martin, Jean, Margaret, Bett, Mary and Letty. Fire Wardens: Shirley and Anne. Church maintenance: Shirley, Anne and Kelly. Cleaners: Shirley, Kelly, Sandra, Thomas, Mary and Anne. Tea’s and Coffee’s: Sandra, Maria, Jean, Jeannie, Letty, Marie, Mary B and Mary. Social Events: Sandra, Shirley, Kelly, Anne, Mary B, Merce and Mary. Foodbanks: Mary. Churches Together: Anne. Cards: Andrea. CAFOD: Kelly. Order of Knights of St Columba: Gerhard. Health and Safety: Dominic. Safeguarding: Kelly. Finance: Gerhard, Shirley, Kelly, Anne and Dominic. And of course, Fr Rory and Deacon John. A Big Thank You to everyone and anyone who has not been included with apologies if this is you.
Fr Rory Writes
“Stripped Bare”
While sitting in the church at St George’s to say my prayers, I could not help but admire this years Advent and Christmas decorations. They were really great. Sincere thanks to those who work so hard to get this done. This is also so true for St Wilfrid’s. Then suddenly the churches are stripped bare; and all their work is gone. As this is a reality in the life of the church, so it is in life. We are always in need of renewal, and be a fresh work in progress.
With the help of God we begin a new year in our life of faith. We join others who continue to develop and grow the work that has begun. This week we have received a very good report from St George’s and last week from St Wilfrid’s. The work that is done for the children’s liturgies, and the work in progress in response to the Synod provide a good framework. As in nature; the seasons of the year, Spring will follow winter, so for us Lent will follow the Christmas season. So please God, we will develop and grow.
For many the institution of the church receives most attention, with the death of Pope Benedict there is a focus upon the politics of power, and who will be the next one to replace Pope Francis. While this is understandable, it is often very far from the life of Christ, and the reality of the cross. The words of Christ to His disciples is to encourage them to take up their cross every day in order to follow him. In following him there are key moments; like on the night he was betrayed, he took bread, blessed and broke it and said, “do this in remembrance of me”.
Parish Over 50’s Club
Parish Over 50’s Club: Don’t forget Thurs 29th Dec at 2pm till 4pm, our “Pre New Year’s Party” wear something sparkly if possible, £5 please. Music, quiz, picture bingo, prizes and small sales table. We look forward to seeing you all and please feel at ease to bring a friend, a good opportunity to meet fellow parishioners and make friends. It going to be a great party!!
Rescue Bid for the Link Coffee Shop
Last Hour Rescue Bid for the Link Coffee Shop in Hailsham:
A last hour rescue bid is underway as Sussex Charity Computers for Charities launches a public appeal to safeguard the future for numerous adults with learning difficulties, living in the Hailsham area. Time is running out, support is urgently needed today to protect all concerned. To that end donations can be made via Just Giving
If you have never been to the lunches served Mon to Sat 11.45am-1.45pm, please try them out. Main course £6, pudding £2.25 very good value served by friendly helpful staff. Also, coffee served with warm cheese scones or homemade cake served Mon to Sat 9-11.45am, highly recommended.
Parish Christmas Party
For adults & children. Fri 30th Dec, 3-5pm in St Wilfrid’s Hall. Adults £5 each please, to help cover costs, children free.
Thank you
As a parish we have many to thank, today we focus on St Wilfrid’s:
Christmas is a time for “thanking” the people that have so willingly given their time and effort to make our parish community flourish as good as it is. Here are a few of those people we give a “Big Thank You” to. All our well behaved Altar Servers under the training of David, Teresa, Annette, Sophie & Angie who train our young children in the Liturgy and First Holy Communion. Gary for recording the Mass on-line and screen hymns etc. Alan for reading notices, all our competent readers, children and grown ups. Gerry for planned giving etc. Bob for keeping us in order and up-to-date with health & safety. John & Rowena; collection plate and counting Sunday collections. The people who prepare & serve tea/coffee after Sunday & Wednesday Masses, Annette & Joan for the over 50’s Club, Lulu for tidying up after functions in the hall. All those people could do with some help, please bear this in mind for your New Years Resolutions, contact the people involved. I know we have omitted to mention other kind people who help us run our parish community, they know who they are, so please accept our sincere THANKS to you all. Can you help us in anyway? Some of us are well into retirement age and cannot continue to give the service needed, please think hard and help us. You can contact Annette 07896825180 or Joan 07873390944. “God loves a Cheerful Giver”, and the reward is plentiful to those who give their time and effort to help our successful parish community.
Two V.I.P. People who need a special “Thank You” are of course Fr Rory; who is very humble, but a great priest to us all, faults and all Father we love you. Then of course Jackie our Secretary and general dogsbody! She keeps us all going with her pleasant nature and cool calm efficiency, where would we be without her help? She also sorts Father out on many occasion. Thank You Jackie. More thanks to follow ………