27th November 2022
Message from Fr. Peter:
Well following Christ the King I don’t know about ‘Our God Reigns’ but certainly there was plenty of ‘raining’ going on – I got soaked twice on Monday, not so much from the rain, but from the water soaked roads, which made Venice look like it’s the dry season! Hey ho! As we begin the season of Advent, Christmas preparation is beginning (or continuing), with our spiritual course down at St. Peter’s, which was very thought provoking last week (and is on Tuesday this week), and the setting up of banners and books, and Advent Wreaths ready to count us down to Our Lord’s birth. This week also saw a discussion at SJ’s about future social events beyond Christmas … watch this space! Please make a note of the Christmas Timetable, and do invite family and friends to join us for our celebrations. Christmas Cards will be available next week. Which reminds me… only about another fifty more cards to write… usually accompanied by the seminal Christmas music CD ‘Dolly Parton’s Holly Dolly Christmas’. Well it always gets me feeling festive!
Catholic Voice for November:
The November edition is available here.
Christmas at St. Joseph’s Ansdell and St. Peter’s Lytham
Everyone is welcome to come and celebrate the Birthday of Christ our Saviour.
Christmas Eve Saturday Dec. 24th
6pm at St. Joseph’s Children Mass of Christmas
All children are welcome to come dressed up as a character from the Nativity: Mary, Joseph, an Angel, Donkey, etc. to make a ‘living’ crib.
Christmas Eve Saturday Dec. 24th
8pm at St. Peter’s Candlelit Mass at Christmas with Carols and Readings from 7.30pm.
Christmas Day Sunday Dec. 25th
Family Morning Mass of Christmas Christmas Day Sunday Dec 25th
9.15am at St. Joseph’s and 10.30am at St. Peter’s
The Sacrament of Reconciliation
In addition to the usual weekly times there will be an opportunity for reconciliation on Sat 17th Dec, with exposition of the Blessed Sacrament. St. Peter’s Sat 17th 11am-12noon. St. Joseph’s Sat 17th 4.30pm-5.30pm.
CAFOD
would like to thanks the Parish for generous donations adding up to by the Parish was £1,838, also the generous Donation given to the Pakistan Disaster Fund from St Joseph’s Care. Many blessings to you all.
Christmas Market;
On Saturday 3rd December 11am -1pm at St. Peter’s School Hall. Various stalls including Bottle Tombola, Toy Stall, Winter café and a Grand Raffle. Father Christmas will be awaiting your visit in his grotto. There will also be some local artisan traders with what promises to be some interesting stalls. All Welcome!
Christmas Lights:
The churches in Ansdell and Fairhaven are invited to join in the singing of some Christmas Carols at the Ansdell Light Switch On, on Friday 25th November at the Ansdell Institute. It begins from 4.15pm, the carols will be at some point between 4.30pm- 5pm, and then the Christmas tree switch on at 5pm. Richard Redcliffe
Advent Spiritual Preparation for Christmas:
A ‘Sycamore’ Course. Deacon-to-be David Pope will be leading a four week video/discussion session for Advent, finishing with prayer in Church, taking place on Monday evenings, starting on 21st of November, at 6pm, finishing by 7:15pm, in the Hall of St. Peter’s Church (access available from the front or back of the Church). All welcome to remind ourselves of the true meaning of the coming season of celebration. First Session: Monday 21st at 6pm at St. Peter’s
Christmas Breakfast:
On Sunday 11th December after 9.15am Mass we are holding a Big Breakfast in the church hall. Everyone is welcome. Tickets are £2 each payable on the day and places are limited so hurry and put your name down on the list at the back of the church. There will be a special visitor on the day for any children who attend, and they will receive a gift from him (if they are on the nice list of course!) If you have any questions please ask Si Cox on the number in this weeks bulletin.
Christmas for Those In Need:
Emma Cox is appealing for new (or as brand new) childrens’ toys and/or books. By giving a gift to the Christmas Present Appeal you can make a real difference in someones life this Christmas. With your support, we hope to reach lots of families and make Christmas magic for them and their children. You can help by donating your unwrapped childrens’ toys and gifts and the gifts will then be wrapped and distributed to those in need. Drop off points: St Joseph’s Church Hall or contact Emma Coxon the number in this weeks bulletin. Donation closing date: 27th November.
An Advent Journey:
A tradition of small figures of Mary, Joseph, and the donkey travelling from house to house during Advent is becoming popular in the UK. The tradition originated in Mexico where it is known as ‘Posada’ meaning Inn or lodging.The set of figures make their way from home to home around the Parish arriving at the Parish Church on Christmas Eve, and are a reminder of how important we are to each other. As a large Parish we cannot hope to know everyone well, and taking part is an opportunity to get to know others better as the figures pass from house to house with a special prayer, which will be provided. It would be wonderful if 28 households each had a room for the figures each night of Advent, beginning on the 27th November.There will be a list at the back of Church please add your name if you would like to take part. D.&0. Yates
Christmas Dinner:
It is hoped to lay on Christmas Dinner in St Joseph’s Hall again this year. If you would like to reserve a place(s) please enter details at the back of the Church on list on the notice board in the inner porch or telephone Edwina on on the number in this weeks bulletin.
As in previous years there is no charge, all costs being covered by SJ’s Care.
Please pass the word as, because of COVID, we have not been able to provide the service for two years. Similarly, if you are in a position to volunteer help on the Day please complete the Volunteer list – we shall need help on Christmas Eve and on Christmas Day itself.
Message from St. Bede’s School re the job of Exam Invigilating:
Saint Bede’s is looking to add to our bank of examination Invigilators.You will work as part of a team of invigilators who will ensure exams are carried out according to the JCQ regulations. For further information, please contact: Mrs K Beere (Examinations Officer) kbeere@stbedeslytham.lancs.sch.uk (01253) 737174
St Peter’s School – Job Vacancies:
St Peter’s School are looking to recruit, as soon as possible, for the following roles. After School Club Assistant – 15 hours per week; Cleaner – 15 hours per week; Site Supervisor – 22 hours per week. Full-time hours would be considered to do both roles, if required. If you would like further information or to discuss the roles further, please do not hesitate to contact the school – please telephone: 01253 734658 or email bursar@st-peters-pri.lancs.sch.uk
Offertory Collections:
It would help greatly therefore if you would consider moving over to making your offering by S tanding Order. Forms are available at the back of church if you think you might be able to help us in this way. Completed SO forms should be forwarded to your bank. Only Gift Aid applications should be returned via the offertory basket. Gift Aid is an arrangement that allows charities (including churches) to reclaim tax on a donation made by a UK taxpayer. This means every donation will be worth 25% more, at no extra cost to the giver. For example, with Gift Aid the charity can claim an extra 25p for every £1 donated, which makes a huge difference. If you would like to support the church with Gift Aid, you simply need to complete a Gift Aid Declaration. Forms are available at the back of church and should be returned via the collection baskets. A Gift Aid Declaration is the giver’s declaration that they wish for the church to reclaim tax on their gift.
Hospital:
Please remember to let us know if you or one of your family is being admitted hospital.
Coffee & Bacon Butties:
will be available in the church hall after the 9.15am Mass. Why not come and enjoy a chat.
St Joseph’s Care:
Do you know of anyone in our community who is in need or might need a little more support? Company or just someone to talk to? Someone who may, at times, need help with things? Please let us know and we can contact them. Or you can give them our St Joseph’s Care phone number so they can contact us Tel: 07840112265
St Joseph’s Facebook Page:
We now have over 300 people regularly following us on Facebook which is allowing us to reach out to those in the wider community and fulfil our parish commitment to evangelisation. In the last couple of months we have been able to help a number of people who have sought assistance through this medium.