Confirmation Preparation starts this week for young people in Year 8 and above who would like to be confirmed this May, or just want to explore more about their faith.

We start with Alpha Youth, a series which explores life, faith and meaning. Each episode looks at a different question around faith and is designed to create conversation. It’s for anyone who has questions.

Sessions are weekly and include food, fun, a short film and discussion in small groups. Choose from either Tuesdays or Wednesdays, 6:30pm–8:30pm.

Come and see – There’s no pressure and no commitment for the first few weeks so come along to one of the first few sessions see what it’s all about. Watch the first episode at Alpha.org/youth

Session 1: Life: Is This It?

Tue 25th Jan @ Delancey -or- Wed 26th Jan @ St Joseph’s

Contact Tom – Tel: 07781 129310 / E-mail: youth@catholic.org.gg

SACRAMENT OF FIRST HOLY COMMUNION

The First Holy Communion date has been moved back a week so it will now be on Saturday 25th June this year.

FIRST RECONCILIATION SERVICE

Friday 10th June in St. Joseph’s Church

SACRAMENT OF FIRST HOLY COMMUNION CLASSES

Classes will recommence this Sunday 23 January.

It would be great if children could do a lateral flow test before each session and masks can be worn, but are not mandatory. We look forward to seeing you.

The Sacramental Preparation Team

We are seeking to appoint an enthusiastic member of staff who enjoys working with young people of primary age to supervise and assist during the lunchtime break both inside the school and in the outside area of the school premises. The lunchtime supervisor will ensure the security and safety of pupils and work within a team of experienced staff. The hours would be 12:00-13:15 every day during term time.

Please go to the link below to view a full job description for this role. CHttpHandler.ashx (gov.gg)

Contact: Mary Robertshaw, Headteacher – Tel: 722412 /  Email: office@notredame.sch.gg

The Holy Spirit Prayer Group meet on Monday 24th January in St Joseph’s Parish Room.

Tea/coffee from 7:00pm and the prayer group starts at 7:30pm

Employment Opportunity with Guernsey Caring for Ex-Offenders GCFEO is a Christian charity aimed at supporting ex-offenders. We are looking to employ a part-time (18hr pw) Activities Keyworker, supervised by the Activities Manager, as we look to expand the workshops we offer, which currently include craft, art, gardening, woodwork, sewing and up-cycling. Hours will be set over 3 days per week with some flexibility necessary in order to cover for holidays. This role requires someone with a genuine interest and commitment to working with individuals with a range of social/ personal difficulties. Experience of working with vulnerable adults would be advantageous. For more information and a job description please contact Mary Herve by 31st January. Closing date for applications 11th February – Tel: 07781 124052 / Email: gcfeo@suremail.gg.

Consumerism is one of the problems of our society. We are constantly plagued with adverts and offers to buy, buy, buy when most of us have enough and so much of what we get is discarded after a short period. We need to resist, look at what we have and ask ourselves “Do I really need this ?”

TAIZE Week of Prayer for Christian Unity

Monday 24th January at 7:00pm at St Paul’s Methodist Church

Do please try and go along. Bringing people closer to Jesus Christ.

You can make a difference … 29th & 30th January 2022. There will be a retiring collection that weekend. Our mission is to beat leprosy – so that all cases are easily diagnosed and treated and leave no disability or discrimination. We are working towards a day when leprosy no longer destroys lives; with your support we can achieve this sooner.

Please help us beat leprosy – even the smallest contribution can help treat and rehabilitate people trapped by this disease. Please donate today at donate.lepra.org.uk

Go to the following link to watch “Lepra – Fighting Disease, Poverty and Prejudice” WLD22 – YouTube

Following the easing of restrictions, a pilgrimage is planned to Medjugorje the Shrine of Our Lady Queen of Peace in Bosnia Herzegovina where pilgrims from all over the world will meet for a time of prayer and fellowship. From 23rd-30th September departing from Gatwick half board £630 single room supplement if required. Early booking discount of £30 applies until 31st January 2022.

Full support from Marian Pilgrimages. www.marian-uk.com

Please contact Heather Hauschild for a booking form and further details –

Tel: 07810310316 / Email: hauschild287@btinternet.com

International Holocaust Remembrance Day is an international memorial day on Thursday 27th January that commemorates the victims of the Holocaust, the genocide of European Jews by Nazi Germany between 1941 and 1945.

This year Pope Francis asks us to think about ‘Education, work and dialogue between generations: tools for building lasting peace’. Pax Christi needs our support to keep going. If you’d like to make a donation, small or large, here is the link: tinyurl.com/yxfcw67x. Or send a cheque payable to ‘Pax Christi’ to Pax Christi, St Joseph’s, Watford Way, London NW4 4TY. Tel: 0208 203 4884

We are seeking to appoint an enthusiastic member of staff who enjoys working with young people of primary age to supervise and assist during the lunchtime break both inside the school and in the outside area of the school premises. The lunchtime supervisor will ensure the security and safety of pupils and work within a team of experienced staff. The hours would be 12:00-13:15 every day during term time.

Please go to the link below to view a full job description for this role. CHttpHandler.ashx (gov.gg)

Contact: Mary Robertshaw (Headteacher) – Tel: 722412 / E-mail: office@notredame.sch.gg

Reminder to Delancey Sunday Readers that you have a responsibility to swap with someone if you are unable to fulfil your reading commitment for any reason. In the event of an emergency (e.g. sickness) preventing you from attending at short notice, please contact Marisa Robilliard – text message will suffice (07781 111932) preferably before 8:45am.

The Holy Spirit Prayer Group meet on Monday 17th January in St. Joseph’s Parish Room.

Tea/coffee from 7:00pm and the prayer group starts at 7:30pm

Mother Prayer Group meet on Friday 21st January with tea/coffee at 10:30am (prayers start at 11:00am). Do take this opportunity to come and pray for your children and grandchildren. No commitment to come every month. Venue Christine’s house.

Tel: 259995 / E-mail: christineguernsey2014@gmail.com

www.mothersprayers.org

Thank you for your loyal and generous support we managed to raise the sum of £3,136.50 which is down compared to previous years. But this is hardly surprising due to the pandemic and lockdowns. Can you please fill your boxes and bring them in for counting and let us see if we cannot make up the shortfall. The calendars have just arrived this excellent production is full of useful information. As well as the Holy Fathers prayer intention for each month it also gives the numerous Saints Days throughout the year and an account of the life of Pauline Jaricot who founded the Association for the Propagation of the Faith which makes her one of Missions founders. A shining example for us all. Pauline also instigated the “Living Rosary”. So please pray as well. Thank you, Richard.

From Bishop Philip

At the end of our Plenary Assembly, the Bishops of England and Wales issued a statement entitled “Honouring Sunday.” The bishops do not possess the authority to suspend the Sunday obligation. However, since March 2020 the bishops have sought to give guidance to the faithful on the changing conditions in which it is possible to fulfil this obligation. Conditions have clearly moved on since the state of national lockdown last year. Yet, the bishops recognise the uncertainties of the Winter ahead of us and write “At this time, we recognise that for some people there may be certain factors which hinder attendance at Sunday Mass. The pandemic is clearly not over. The risk of infection is still present. For some, there is legitimate fear in gathering together. As your bishops, we recognise that these prevailing circumstances suggest that not everyone is yet in a position to fulfil the absolute duty to attend freely Sunday Mass.” However, the bishops ask every Catholic to honestly review their situation motivated by real love which must be our personal response to Christ’s total self-offering in the Holy Eucharist.

We now encourage all Catholics to look again at the patterns which they have formed in recent months with regard to going to Mass on Sundays. This would include consideration and reflection about what we might do on Sundays, such as sports or shopping, or other leisure and social activities. This review, and the decisions which arise from it, fall to every Catholic and we trust this will be done with honesty, motivated by a real love for the Lord whom we encounter in the Mass. To read the full statement go to www.cbcew.org.uk/bishops-statement-honouring-sunday

From Canon Christopher 

We are following in our three Churches the guidelines regarding COVID. As we move to living with covid we should try to make every effort to come back to Mass. Our Churches are one of the safest environments to be in. Remember LFT, Mask and Hand Hygiene before Mass. (If unwell stay at home)

Canon Christopher, Fr Gaston and Fr Inna thank you all for the cards and gifts received and for your Christmas offerings.

Special thanks to ALL who helped prepare the Churches for Christmas including the cleaners, musicians, choirs, welcomers, flower arrangers etc.,

‘Do not be afraid about the future – instead, give everything over to God in prayer:– Don’t worry about anything, but in all your prayers ask God for what you need, always asking him with a thankful heart. Philippians 4:6, (GNT)’

Congratulations to the following altar servers who were presented with their medals on Monday 27th December 2021:

SILVER MEDAL for 10 years service

Nadine Chapman, Veronica Chapman and Katka Devon.

BRONZE MEDAL for 1 year service

Pixie Price

The following altar servers will be presented with their Bronze Medals at a later date: Faye Austin, Alfred Brock, Alfie Cooper and Tiffany Fitzgerald.

Any young people who have made their First Holy Communion may apply to be an altar server. Please see one of the Priests in the first instance.

UCM first meeting of the year on Tuesday 11th January at 2:30pm in St. Joseph’s Parish Room. Come and join the ladies have for a chat and knit & natter plus raffle.

As restrictions continue the First Holy Communion preparation classes have been put on hold until further notice. Please note that the First Holy Communion date June 18th 2022 may have to be revised. Please ‘watch this space’ for updates.

Confirmation preparation starts in January for young people in Year 8 and above who would like to be confirmed (in Summer 2022), or just want to explore more about their faith.

Contact Tom – Tel: 07781 129310 / E-mail: youth@catholic.org.gg

The Holy Spirit Prayer Group meet on Monday 10th January in St. Joseph’s Parish Room.

Tea/coffee from 7:00pm and the prayer group starts at 7:30pm

The new 2022 cleaning rota is now available online and in the book by the sacristy door. Many thanks to the loyal band of cleaners. New members would be very much appreciated. Please get in touch with Claire Strother on 01481 264585.

The parish is seeking the services of a parishioner for St Joseph’s Church also for Notre Dame Church who will be willing to provide voluntary assistance with the cleaning of sacred vessels (chalices, patens, ciboria) and brass items (e.g. thurible, candle holders), on a weekly basis.

If you are interested and willing to serve your Church community in this way, please would you contact the Parish Office –

Tel: 720196 / E:mail: office@catholic.org.gg

Thank you all so much for your generosity and your prayers.

Donations were made as follows:-

CAFOD Emergency Afghan Crisis Appeal – £300

CAFOD Advent Climate Change Appeal – £200

Wayaya (which lost out on Fund raising due to Covid cancellations) – £200

Many people in great need will benefit from your generosity. Thank you.

~oOo~

Tony & Marian Falla wish to thank Linda, and all who bought goodies at the jam sale for the wonderful amount raised for Wayaya in support of Children in Zambia.

Results of the December draw –

1st – 45 – £100

2nd – 14 – £50

3rd – 16 – £25

Canon Christopher, Father Gaston, Father Inna, Canon Hetherington and Deacon Mark join together in thanking you for your continued support in 2021 and wishing you a peaceful and joyful Christmas.

The Parish Office will be closed 23rd, 24th & 31st December 2021.

All urgent calls will be answered so please leave a message.

HAVE A WONDERFUL HAPPY HOLY CHRISTMAS!

Canon Christopher invites all servers in the Parish to the Mass on Monday 27th December at 10:00am at St Joseph’s. This Mass is especially offered for Altar Servers and medals are presented to those due to receive them. Notre Dame and Delancey servers are asked to bring along their albs from their respective churches.

Would anyone be available to help with welcoming, ushering, offertory collection or help with flow of cars on 24th December for the 5:00pm vigil mass. If you are planning on attending this mass or could volunteer to help in any way your community would really appreciate it please contact Marie Banton on 07781 422558.

Confirmation preparation starts in January for young people in Year 8 and above who would like to be confirmed (in Summer 2022), or just want to explore more about their faith.

Contact Tom: Tel: 07781 129310 / E-mail: youth@catholic.org.gg

CAFOD is combining efforts with the DEC (Disasters Emergency Committee) to launch the Afghanistan Crisis Appeal. In Afghanistan, 8 million people are on the brink of famine because of drought, collapsing economy, food shortages, conflict, and COVID. CAFOD is supporting sister Caritas agencies to reach communities most in need with food, clean water and fuel. During Advent, when we open ourselves to the needs of others, let’s do all that we can to save lives. You can donate on the CAFOD website: cafod.org.uk/AfghanistanAppeal or a cheque to the Parish Office and please pray for the people of Afghanistan.

Christmas Mass Collections are for the personal use of our priests and form a substantial part of their income. Please remember our priests and if you can give your usual offering for them this will be most gratefully appreciated.

You may do so in one of four ways:-

• Christmas Offering Envelopes: available at the back of the three Churches. Please take one home and return at the Christmas Masses.
• By cheque to the Parish office at Ampthill House, Cordier Hill, St Peter Port, GY1 1JH. Cheque payee is ‘PRCDTR Guernsey‘ and most importantly do please ensure you mark on the reverse of the cheque ‘CHRISTMAS OFFERING’
• Online by debit or credit card at catholic.org.gg/donate
• Online banking (the Parish Bank details are below) – please ensure that, for this particular payment only, it is referenced ‘CHRISTMAS’, ‘XMAS’ or ‘PRIESTS’:

Parish Bank account details:

Name: PRCDTR Guernsey

Sorting Code: 309304

Account number: 00879070

~oOo~

Retiring Collection: 

The retiring collection this weekend is for flowers to decorate our churches for Christmas.

Crib Offerings: 

The Offerings at the Cribs are for Christian Communities in the Holy Land via the Knights of the Holy Sepulchre.

Thank you to all who bought jams last weekend; £39.50 was raised bringing the total for WAYAYA so far to £227.50. Linda.

In the home the Christmas tree may be blessed by a parent or another family member, in connection with the evening meal on the Vigil of Christmas or at another suitable time on Christmas Day.

catholicculture.orgicultureiliturgicalyeariprayersiview.cfm?id=731

The College is seeking to appoint new helpers for 2022 at its ‘early bird’ breakfast club for Primary aged children. The club runs weekdays from 7:30am – 9:00am in the newly refurbished Rosaire Hall.

For further info please contact Mark Allison: allisonm@blanchelande.sch.gg

Every lunchtime the rosary is recited in the Blanchelande College oratory and attracts good numbers of pupils and staff. Children who come for five days receive the gift of a wooden Aid to the Church in Need rosary and the school would welcome donations of these rosaries. For this product, please google ‘ACN UK Holy Land Rosary’, or send a cheque to the school and we will order them. Thank you for enabling more children to come to know the Rosary. For more information, please call the school (237200).

Although numbers were slightly diminished this year the lunch last Sunday was thoroughly enjoyed by all who attended! The wonderful sum of £190.50 was raised from the raffle which will be for the Knights of the Holy Sepulchre via Canon Hetherington. Many thanks indeed to all who donated raffle prizes and to Les Rocquettes Hotel for their superb hospitality. Most importantly we thank Eileen Baird for organising the event.

Would you consider committing to a ‘Laudato Si New Year’s Resolution’ that helps care for creation?

10 examples are suggested –

Exercise More: Lose Weight: Volunteer More: Learn a new skill or hobby: Become who God wants you to be: Read more: Be intentional about connecting with others: Spend more time with family and friends: Make time to appreciate what you have: Spend more time in creation.

To read about all of the above please follow this link:-

https://laudatosimovement.org/2021/01/05/10-new-years-resolutions-for-2021-that-help-care-for-creation-en-news/

Bishop Philip writes…

At the end of our Plenary Assembly, the Bishops of England and Wales issued a statement entitled “Honouring Sunday.” The bishops do not possess the authority to suspend the Sunday obligation. However, since March 2020 the bishops have sought to give guidance to the faithful on the changing conditions in which it is possible to fulfil this obligation. Conditions have clearly moved on since the state of national lockdown last year. Yet, the bishops recognise the uncertainties of the Winter ahead of us and write “At this time, we recognise that for some people there may be certain factors which hinder attendance at Sunday Mass. The pandemic is clearly not over. The risk of infection is still present. For some, there is legitimate fear in gathering together. As your bishops, we recognise that these prevailing circumstances suggest that not everyone is yet in a position to fulfil the absolute duty to attend freely Sunday Mass.” However, the bishops ask every Catholic to honestly review their situation motivated by real love which must be our personal response to Christ’s total self-offering in the Holy Eucharist.

We now encourage all Catholics to look again at the patterns which they have formed in recent months with regard to going to Mass on Sundays. This would include consideration and reflection about what we might do on Sundays, such as sports or shopping, or other leisure and social activities. This review, and the decisions which arise from it, fall to every Catholic and we trust this will be done with honesty, motivated by a real love for the Lord whom we encounter in the Mass.

To read the full statement go to themailchi.mp/ portsmouthdiocese/sunday–mass–obligation

Please note that the next Laudato Si’ meeting will be on January 19^th at 7:00pm and anyone is welcome to attend. There will be no meeting in December.

Download this poster for lots of ideas on how to have a sustainable Christmas.

• Reception of Holy Communion while wearing a mask
• Please space yourselves out while walking in procession to receive Communion.
• Make an Act of Reverence before receiving Holy Communion (Genuflect or bow).
• While wearing your mask, reply to the words, “The body of Christ”.
• Lower your Mask, and with outstretched arms make a throne with your hands to receive Our Lord.
• Step to one side to reverently receive Our Blessed Lord and then replace your mask.
• We shouldn’t be walking about the Church consuming Our Lord “On the go.”
• OR if receiving in the mouth, please make it as easy as possible for the priest to place the Body of Christ on your tongue. (The Priest may re-sanitise his hands)
• Please don’t feel pressurised by the person behind you to hurry up. This is a most intimate moment for each of us.
• We return to our places to make our Act of Thanksgiving.