Catholic Voice
latest copy can be found here

Email Address:
The Diocese is changing all email addresses. The one email for our two parishes is now sjsp.lsa@lrcd.org.uk Please do whatever you have to do to use this email from now on. Cheers.

Message from Deacon Michael:
I suppose that most of us have routines of one sort or another; I have a Monday morning routine, Mass and Exposition after which I go for a coffee with a parishioner friend. Last week, following coffee, my friend was going to the Reception/ Year 6 Class Mass at St Peter’s School because one of his grandsons is in Reception Class and parents and grandparents are invited to come along to these class Masses; he asked me if I would like to join him and I was pleased to do so. If I had to sum up my experience that morning in one word, it would be ‘impressed’. The demeanour and attentiveness of the children was commendable, as was the way that they read the prayers and scripture readings. But the thing that impressed me the most was the way in which each Year 6 child who was reading, brought a Reception child up with them, holding them by the hand in such a caring way. They stood together as the older child read, both of them bowing before and after the reading. This was such a great way of involving the Reception children and of introducing them to taking part in the Mass, at the same time as giving the Year 6 children a role of responsibility in caring for the younger ones. Head teacher, Mrs Gili-Ross, tells me that the Year 6 children are ‘the Gardeners’ and the Reception children are ‘Seedlings’ and that they have a very special friendship; the Year 6 children are so excited to take on this important role. It struck me that as we prepare for Christmas we should perhaps be paying less attention to the gifts and the parties, and be thinking more about taking a lesson from the Year 6 children in being excited about caring for others. Christmas isn’t just about giving presents to relatives who don’t really need them, but of giving of ourselves and our resources to those most in need. Thank you, children, for your example of caring for each other. Lord, grant that I may serve others with a good, kind and generous heart, especially during this Advent and Christmas season. Amen.

Monday 9th is the Feast of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary:
(transferred from Sunday 8th). O Most Holy Virgin, immaculate in body and spirit, look kindly on me as I implore your powerful intercession. O most Holy Mother, receive my prayers as I present them to God. O Mary, Mother of Jesus and our Mother, you intercede for us with your Son. O Mary conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee.

Advent Vespers Every Monday of Advent:
This Monday 9th for the Feast of the Immaculatate Conception, at St. Joseph’s at 7pm.

SJSP 2025 Calendars:
SJSP 2025 Calendars are now available, a bargain at just £5. The perfect Christmas gift!

Children’s Storybook Nativity:
This Sunday at 3pm All our SJSP children’s liturgy children are welcome to a special nativity reading in SJ’s at 3pm followed by some cakes in Fr. Peter’s House next door, with a special visitor!

Confirmation 2025:
Bishop Paul will be coming to confer the Sacrament of Confirmation on Monday 10th February next year. The Sacrament is open to our young people in Year 6 and above. If you would like to receive the sacrament, please see Father Peter for an application form.

St Bede’s High School Advent Service:
This Wednesday at 6:30pm at St. Peter’s All welcome to help prepare spiritually for Christmas.

Toys for the Children:
I am excited to announce our annual Toy Appeal! This year, we are asking for your generous donations of new toys to support families in need. Please leave your new toys in the back of the church (or into the Presbytery. FrP) by Sunday, December 15th. I will take care of wrapping the toys before they are passed on to those who will benefit from your kindness. If you have any questions feel free to reach out to me. Thank you for your generosity and support in making this holiday season brighter for those in need! Emma Cox

SJ’s Annual Christmas Breakfast:
Sunday 22nd December after SJ 9am mass. Adults £5, children £3. Sign up sheet at the back of mass. Be quick, places are sure to fill up fast!!

Ansdell Community Carol Service:
Outside Ansdell Institute this coming Friday 13th December at 5:30pm. All welcome.

Christmas Mass Times:
Tuesday 24th:
St. Joseph’s 6pm Children’s Mass of Christmas. All children (and any adults) are asked to come dressed as a character from the Christmas Story: Mary, Joseph, an Angel, a Shepherd, a King, or an Ox, Donkey, or sheep, to create a ‘living crib’.
St. Peter’s 8pm CandleLit Mass of Christmas with Carols and readings from 7:30pm
Wednesday 25th:
St. Joseph’s 9:15am
St. Peter’s 10:30am Christmas Morning Mass.

Save the Date in Your Diary for these Upcoming SJSP Social Events:

• Friday 6th December 7pm in SP’s Hall: Christmas Bingo with Mince Pies!
• Sunday 8th December 3pm in SJ’s Church: Children’s Storybook Nativity with cakes in Fr.Ps house!
• Saturday 18th January 7pm in SJ’s Hall: SJSP Late Late Christmas Party with food and entertainment!