From the Parish Priest

Christmas is a very special time of year, but of course it can also be a very sad time.

It's special because we recall that first Christmas when a baby was born in Bethlehem, and the world was changed forever. How important it is that we make the birth of Jesus Christ a priority in our Christmas celebrations.

It can be sad however for those separated from their families or their loved ones. This can be through the break-up of a family or because some family members live a long way away. It can also be through death, and for those who are approaching their first Christmas without a loved one, it can be a very lonely and desperate time.

To acknowledge the pain of bereavement and to provide a focus for people's thoughts at Christmas, St. George's Church is once again hosting a Memorial Tree. Names of the departed can be written on stars and hung on the tree. Stars will be in Church and the tree will be available from December 1st. With thanks to our local Funeral Directors letters and stars will also be sent out to those who have suffered a bereavement in the last year.

If you write a name on a star, you will be pleased to know that the names will be read aloud and the departed prayed for at a special Memorial Service at St. George's Church on Wednesday December 20th at 7.00pm. This will be a simple service, lasting about an hour, but as it will include times of silence, it is not really suitable for very young children. You may wish to tell other people about this service.

On behalf of the Church, I wish you a very happy Christmas.

Fr Mike Sheffield.