First Sunday of Advent, 1st December 2024
ADVENT: As we commence our Advent journey, we are invited to enter a season of reflection, expectation, and preparation for the coming of Christ. The first candle of Advent, often called the Prophet’s Candle, represents hope—a hope deeply rooted in God’s promises and the words of the prophets from the Old Testament, fitting significantly with the coming year. Pope Francis has given 2025 as the Jubilee Year with the theme of Pilgrims of Hope. We will hold our Advent reflection as Pilgrims of Hope on Thursday, 5 December, at 7.30 pm in the Parish Room at Sacred Heart.
DIOCESAN SYNOD: Our next Parish Meeting will take place on Saturday, 7 December, at 2:00 pm in St. Anne’s Parish Room. Refreshments will be provided, and free parking will be available in the school car park.
We will discuss themes 3: Enabling Access and 4: Fostering Christ-like Care.
MASS TIMES THIS WEEK :
Monday, 2nd December : Eucharistic Service 12 noon
Tuesday, 3rd December : St Francis Xavier Eucharistic Service 12
Wednesday, 4th December : NO SERVICE
Thursday, 5th December : 12 noon
Friday, 6th December : St Nicholas (Expos. 11.30 a.m.) 12 noon
Saturday, 7th December : St Ambrose 11.00 a.m. & 6.15 p.m.
Sunday, 8th December : 10.30 (SH) & 12.30 p.m. St Anne’s
FEASTS OF THE WEEK :
St Francis Xavier (Tuesday) : Born in 1506 in the region of Pamplona, now part of Spain, he studied in Paris and became a follower of St. Ignatius Loyola. As a founder-member of the Society of Jesus, he tirelessly brought the Gospel to India, Borneo, Indonesia and Japan. He died of a fever while travelling to China in 1552.
St Nicholas (Friday) : A saint from the fourth century, he was appointed Bishop of Myra in what is now Turkey. He is forever associated with ‘Santa Claus’ as in several countries presents are distributed to children on his feast-day in remembrance of his charity and care as a bishop.
St Ambrose (Saturday) : He was a fourth-century lawyer who held civic offices in Italy before being a surprising choice as Bishop of Milan – given that at the time he was still a layman preparing for Christian baptism! Ambrose proved to be an outstanding bishop, not afraid to challenge the decisions and actions of the emperor and uncompromising in his opposition to the heresy of the time. Renowned for his charity ad eloquence, he was a great hymn-writer and preacher. He converted many, including St Augustine whom he personally baptized. His teachings have led to recognition of St Ambrose as a Doctor of the Church.
ANNIVERSARIES : Alan Rebello, Eileen Suart, James Joseph Weir, James Carroll, Bessie Heath, Eileen Lord, Martha Ann Skinner, Gerard Morrissey, Harriet Edwards, Catherine Hughes, Lynn Thomas Eddie Arkwright, Robert Demaine Hughes, Joseph Brennan, Francis Hegarty, Kenneth French, Edna Clemson, John Swarbrick. May they rest in peace. We pray also for the repose of the soul of Winifrede Davies, a long-standing parishioner of St Anne’s, whose funeral was held there on Wednesday and also for the repose of the soul of Father Jim’s uncle who has died at the age of 96 years.
COLLECTIONS : Offertory £345.40 (Sacred Heart £240.05; St Anne’s £105.35). Parish Pound (SH) £108.65. We also acknowledge with gratitude donations towards the cost of the new lectionaries amounting to £450.00.
PARISH LUNCH : The December lunch is the pre-Christmas festive buffet on Thursday, 12th (in ten days’ time). If you have not already given in your name(s) and would like to book, please sign the list on the notice-board or phone 580443 as soon as possible.
RHS Garden ‘GLOW’ : A beautiful spectacle greeted our party on a crisp, dry Wednesday evening. The shimmering lights and special effects in the gardens were a delight to behold and the animated patterns of twirling lights created by the magician in his sideshow were simply amazing. In short it was a super trip.
Pictures from the trip can be seen here
‘RAT-PACK’ TRIP : Coming up on Wednesday, 11th December, this visit to the Bridgewater Hall in Manchester has a departure time of 5.30 p.m. from Holy Souls’ Church and 5.45 from Sacred Heart.
FOODBANK : Now that Advent is here, the blue bags are back in the church. Please provide what you can afford to help our neighbours enjoy a happier Christmas season. In addition to the usual foodstuffs, perhaps chocolate or other sweet treats could be added to the collection. Many thanks for your generous support.
BINGO in the Parish Room on Thursday afternoon from 2.15.
CHILDREN’S CHRISTMAS PARTY will be held at St Anne’s on Sunday, 15th December. A warm invitation to attend goes to all children whose families are connected to either St Anne’s or Sacred Heart Church.
‘TWELFTH NIGHT’ PARTY : The list for bookings for our annual celebration evening in the Parish Room is now open and is on the notice-board. The date is Saturday, 4th January. An evening not to be missed! A welcoming glass of bubbles will be followed by a hot two-course meal and cabaret for which we are delighted to welcome back Anna, ‘The Golden-Age Songbird,’ who will get the party started in her infectious effervescent style. The cost for the evening is £18.00. Early reservations are advised and final numbers will be needed by the Sunday after Christmas, 29th December.
ANN’S BIRTHDAY PARTY : There was a full turn-out last Sunday afternoon for Ann’s birthday party in the Parish Room and everyone – not least Ann herself, of course – had a lovely time. We thank Ann for her kind invitations and wish her a very happy birthday on the day itself later this week. Thanks also to our ever-willing volunteers who kept things moving smoothly from the kitchen.
Ann has sent the following message : ‘To my family at Sacred Heart: I want to thank every one of you for giving me a remarkable party for my 60th birthday. I am so grateful to you all. Thank you, Ann.’
Memories of the day can be seen at https://sacredheartblackburn.org.uk/anns-60th-birthday-celebrations/
THE LEGION OF MARY will be holding their December event at Sacred Heart next Sunday, 8th December (marking Our Lady’s great feast of the Immaculate Conception). There will be Rosary and Mass from 3 p.m. followed by a buffet and carols sing-a-long in the Parish Room. All are most welcome to attend. There is a list for names on the notice-board.
CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION OF SONGS : The Trefoil Guild Singing Circle invite you to their Christmas compilation of songs and poems in the Parish Room on Tuesday, 17th December at 7.30 p.m. Refreshments will be served afterwards. No admission charge but donations to ‘Nightsafe’ will be gratefully received.
‘RIPPLE OF HOPE’ : The total banked last week was £60 and this week interest of £11.24 has been added to the bank account together with £480 from the Larmenier Christmas sale (including a further £3.10 from the ‘Little Church’ books sale). The savings account balance is now £4488.91. There are still plenty of Christmas cards, soft toys and jigsaws on the stall at Larmenier as the sale enters its last full week. Very many thanks to all our supporters.
