Fr. Aaron Writes 11th December 2022
Gaudete Sunday – Don’t forget this weekend to bring to Holy Mass your crib figures and Nativity sets, as these will be
blessed at the end of all Masses. There will also be the distribution of blessed straw on your way out of church, for placing
in your home Nativity scenes.
Simbang Gabi – Our Filipino community will be animating the 6pm Vigil Mass on Saturday 17th December as part of their
novena celebrations in anticipation of Christmas.
Deanery Meeting – The clergy of the Crawley Deanery will gather this week on Tuesday at West Grinstead. Holy Mass
will be at 9:30am that day.
Advent Confessions – These will be celebrated on Tuesday 20th December at 7pm. We will welcome a number of visiting
priests to assist us make our reconciliation.
Christmas Masses – Available this weekend is a small poster of Christmas Mass times and other services. Do pass these
on, especially to those you know who may have not have been at Mass for a while, encouraging them to come with you!
Preparing Adults for Reception into the Church and/or Baptism – We are looking to restart a programme of formation
in the New Year for those who wish to join the Catholic Church. I really need parishioners who have an interest in the area
of formation and catechesis to join a new team. If you feel that this may be something you’d like to be involved with, then
email me, please.
International Carols – There will be an international carol service this Advent, which will involve all the different
nationalities that worship at St John’s. If you would like to be involved, for example singing in your own language or
helping with refreshments, then please email the Parish Office your name. This event will take place on Monday 19th
December in the early evening.
School Governorship - Both our parish schools are in need of more FoundationGovernors. I would kindly ask parishioners
to reflect prayerfully on whether they could take on this important role. If you feel you could help, then please contact me
in the first instance.
With every prayer and good wish,
Fr Aaron
