REC News
Advent
This is the first week of Advent.
The Advent wreath originated in Europe. It was a symbol of life in a part of the world that is in the grip of a frozen winter. The evergreen reminded people that signs of life were still to be found. The circular shape of the wreath was a symbol of God’s never-ending love.
The lighting of the candles on the wreath as midwinter and the shortest period of daylight approached, was a reminder of God’s light in the darkness.
There are five candles in the Advent Wreath – three purple, one pink and one white.
This week we light the first purple candle which is known as the Prophet’s Candle.
The Prophets were those special people who spoke God’s words to everyone during the hundreds of years before Jesus was born.
In week 2 we light the second purple candle. The second candle is known as the Bethlehem Candle.
The second candle brings more light because Christmas is drawing nearer.
It reminds us of the time when Jesus came among us as a baby in a little town called Bethlehem.
In week 3 we light the pink candle. This third candle is known as the Shepherds Candle.
It reminds us of how the shepherds responded – they listened and followed, they saw Jesus and they believed. It reminds us of the power and importance of faith and trust.
In week 4 we light the final purple candle. This fourth candle is known as the Angels’ Candle.
With the lighting of the fourth candle we know that the light of Christ is almost at its peak and most full. Darkness is almost banished away.
We reflect on the role of messengers in the form of Angels to both Mary, her cousin Elizabeth and to the shepherds as they watched their sheep at night.
The final candle is lit on Christmas Day. It is white and represents the birth of Jesus. The waiting is over and Jesus is among us.
St Vincent De Paul Appeal
Our final fundraiser for St Vincent De Paul will be on Friday 11th of December. All children can wear Christmas clothes to school with a gold coin donation. All children will need to wear their sports shoes and school hat. If you are feeling generous and would like to donate extra money that would also be appreciated.
Masses times for Wallsend/ Shortland Parish over the Festive Season
CHRISTMAS EVE MASSES ST PATRICK'S WALLSEND
5.30PM SHELTER AREA ST PATRICK'S SCHOOL (please bring a chair)
10.00PM ST PATRICK'S CHURCH
CHRISTMAS EVE MASS SHORTLAND
6.00PM OUR LADY OF VICTORIES CHURCH
CHRISTMAS DAY MASSES both Churches
9.00 AM ST PATRICK'S CHURCH WALLSEND
9.00AM OUR LADY OF VICTORIES CHURCH SHORTLAND
NEW YEAR'S EVE MASS & ADORATION
10.00PM ST PATRICK'S CHURCH WALLSEND
NEW YEAR'S DAY MASS
9.00AM ST PATRICK'S CHURCH WALLSEND
9.00AM OUR LADY OF VICTORIES CHURCH SHORTLAND
I would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year and to thank you all for your wonderful support this year in fundraising for all our different organisations.
