There will be morning Mass on Christmas Eve at 9.00 a.m. The Mass of the Nativity will be at Midnight and will be preceded by carols from 11.30 p.m. On Christmas Morning Mass will be at the usual time of 10.00 a.m. On St. Stephen’s Day (Boxing Day) there will be a Communion Service at 10.00 a.m.

Thank You ever so much for all the lovely cards and gifts I’ve received during the week and also for all the words of encouragement as we’ve prepared for the great feast.

The Reconciliation Service on Tuesday was a great success, judging from the comments I received afterwards. The church was filled with a lovely atmosphere of peace. Thanks to Gwen for making sure there were refreshments afterwards even if not a lot stayed on due to the lateness of the hour… my fault! The following evening we had a Deanery Service of Reconciliation at Holy Name and it was good to see that Holy Cross was again well represented (maybe they were people who couldn’t go a day without sinning?). And the music was augmented by singers and instrumentalists from here also. Thanks for giving your support.

Almost fifty people sat down in the Priory Room on Wednesday for a full Christmas Dinner prepared by one of our teams of volunteers, all eight of them dressed in red for the festive occasion complete with ‘funny hats’. It was good to see Gwendoline helping as she has just broken up from university. And there was a man also – Peter, running hither and thither! Thank you ever so much for all your hard work!

We are asked to remember in our prayers Kathleen Jack, the sister of one of our parishioners, Margaret Brown, who died during the week. She lived on Cranbrook Ave.

Data Protection Act – Hospitals – Patients: When parishioners are admitted to hospital, they should make sure that they tell the hospital staff taking their details that they are Catholics and express their wish that this information be passed on to the Roman Catholic Chaplain. Those responsible for children or for those who are unconscious when admitted, should do likewise. Hull Royal – Fr. Michael Sellers from St. Charles’ (329100). Princess Royal – Fr. Michael Dunn from St. Francis (702322) and Castle Hill – myself on 847763.

This will take place on Monday morning from 10 – 12. There will be carols and a mime and other ‘goodies’ as we put up the tree! Do come along.

Teresa and Les Ulyatt.
Next week: Anne Tordoff and Sheila Levett.
And January 5th.: Tricia Leach and Eithne Codd.

“Seen recently in Mothercare; a baby’s outfit with ‘My First Christmas’ emblazoned on the front whilst on the size label it says ‘from 18 months to 2 years’.”

Kirsty O’Reilly celebrates her birthday on Christmas Day and Catherine Leach will be Thirteen on December 27th. Congratulations to the both of you.

“Don’t slam the door, you may want to return!”

Friday January 24th – Agnes, a nurse parishioner from Pakistan, will show us how to make a real Pakistani Curry! Bring lots of drinks that evening!

Friday February 7th – And the children will show us how to make the perfect pancakes as we anticipate Lent.

Friday February 21st – Cake making demonstrations (and eating I hope?).

There are lots more evenings in the pipeline. Have you anything to offer? At the end of the series we hope to produce a Holy Cross Recipe Book filled with some of the wonderful ideas we have seen and tasted over the past few months.

“When a blind man carries a lame man, both go forward.”

“It is one of the most beautiful compensations of life that no man can sincerely try to help another without helping himself.”

“One of the most difficult things to give away is kindness, for it is usually returned.”

Parish Prayer Circle Intention for this coming Friday: “We pray for greater love and communication in families and ask St. John, who’s feast it is, to join us in our prayers.”

From September until November you gave £183.50 using the envelopes in the porch. I’ve just sent it off to them. Again, many, many thanks for your generosity. (Not to mention all the food stuffs you bring also.)

Jesus Christ – by Lord Hailsham of St. Marylebone

“What exactly was Jesus like to meet? If one had been a fellow guest when he asked himself to dinner with Zacchaeus, or when he was eating with the Pharisee, what sort of man would one in fact have seen or spoken to? What was his conversation like? Having asked this question, I looked at the Gospel again, and quite suddenly a new portrait seemed to stare at me out of the pages. I had never previously thought of a laughing, joking Jesus, physically strong and active, fond of good company and a glass of wine, telling funny stories, using, as every good teacher does, paradox and exaggeration as among the most effective aids to instruction, applying nicknames to his friends and holding his companions spellbound with his talk. The first thing we must learn about him is that we should have been absolutely entranced by his company. Jesus was irresistibly attractive as a man. The man they crucified was intensively fond of life, and intensely vital and vivacious… the twentieth century needs to recapture the vision of this glorious and happy man whose mere presence filled his companions with delight. When I am asked about the utility of Christianity I must point to the consolations of living your life in the companionship of this person who commands your love and adoration precisely because having been through it all and sympathising with it all, he cheers you up and will not have you sad. Your shame at your own misdoings and shortcomings, your sense of awe and fear of the divine majesty, your broken heart in the presence of sickness and bereavement, melt in the presence of this person into sheer wonder and delight which the happiness of his presence excites… the magical personality of the most lovable young man that was born of woman and walked the earth.”

It’s normally the first and third Wednesdays of the month, but since the first Wednesday of January is New Year’s Day we’d better give it a miss! So the next one will be on Wednesday January 15th. (You’ll not go hungry as you’ll still probably be eating ‘turkey something or other’!

On Saturday, December 28th and January 4th Fr. Ross Thompson from St. Anthony’s will be saying the 6.30 p.m. Mass. On Sunday, December 29th and January 5th Fr. Jim Hughes will be saying the 10.00 a.m. Mass. Both have been here before and enjoy the ‘Holy Cross Experience’! I know you’ll make them welcome.

There will be Communion Services at 10.00 a.m. this Friday and Saturday which is the Feast of the Holy Innocents. Next Sunday is the Feast of the Holy Family.

The bricks are going well, nearly two thousands pounds worth so far! When we all get our finances sorted out after Christmas then we’ll have a ‘big push’! We should know if we’ve been given planning permission early in the New Year and if our application for a grant has been successful in February. Meanwhile we’ve sent all sorts of forms etc. off to the Diocese for their approval. If I’d have known all that was to be done…………? Jim keeps on changing the plans as the money comes in (and we are in the position to do a bit more). Peter is looking forward to spending the next few months in the swimming pool! And John is pulling his hair out looking for other funding opportunities! I hope all three of you have a peaceful Christmas and New Year because afterwards……! I’m going home laden with ‘Brick Application Forms’ [available from our downloads page]. Do the same yourselves! Do you know of anyone who has family connections with Holy Cross and who might like to be involved in the project?
The proceeds from the Parish Memorial Book are also going towards the new building. It’s brought in over one thousand pounds already. We are still looking for the names of people who have had connections with Holy Cross but who may not have any relatives here. If you’ve already filled in a form and now think of other names, these ones are ‘on the house’! Michelle Percival is collecting used stamps and craft materials to be made into items for sale to raise money. Have you any bright ideas?

“Before you criticise someone, you should walk a mile in their shoes. That way, when you criticise them, you’re a mile away and you have their shoes.”
“Give a man a fish and he will eat for a day. Teach him how to fish and he will sit in a boat and drink beer all day.”
“If you lend someone £20 and never see that person again, it was probably worth it.”
“There are two theories to arguing with women. Neither one works.”
“Experience is something you don’t get until just after you need it.”
“Never miss a good chance to shut up!”

The big day had arrived. From the four corners of the earth Angels made their way to the Grand Assembly Room in Heaven. There were more of them than the stars in the sky and every single one hoped to take part in the celebrations. They stood rubbing wings with their neighbours and waiting. Cherub came at last and only just in time before the Hall door closed. He stood at the back and gazed in wonder about him. It was the first real Host he had ever seen! “Attention all Angels,” said a loud voice. “Now you all know why you’re here,” the voice continued, “to welcome the Baby Jesus into the world.” It was Gabriel. He made all the announcements. “I’ll read out your names and the jobs you’ve been given.” As each name was called an Angel walked forward and received an envelope containing his instructions and his name was crossed off the list. Cherub soon got bored with this. He was tired and the room was stuffy and it would take hours to call out everyone’s name. The voice droned on and on and then he fell asleep. The Great Eternal Clock struck 12 – Midnight. Cherub sat up to find himself alone in the empty hall. Trotting forward he found a large scroll on the desk. Fearing the worst he read: “Gone to announce the Good News to Shepherds. Didn’t want to wake you up. Come to the third field due west of Bethlehem by the river.” Signed, Gabriel. Cherub looked up at the noticeboard to read the list of events. When he got as far as Proclaiming to the Shepherds – 11.30 he cried aloud in dismay. He was too late. Gabriel and the angels had already been and gone. Outside in the night sky a few stars twinkled and the bright light of angels shone over the earth. Above the town of Bethlehem a single star, brighter than the rest, hung like a jewel in the sky. The eyes of Cherub gazed sadly at the scene. Slowly a tear trickled from his eye. A second one fell. Then he really began to cry. Now, no angel has ever cried before. As each tear fell it changed. It left the warm light of heaven and froze as it touched the earth. Each tear sparkled white and powdery in the air and landed on the fields and on the streets, covering the earth with a pure white cloak. “It is a miracle,” said a shepherd, “a sign from heaven.” Even Gabriel and the other angels looked up in wonder. “I must find out where this has fallen from,” he said and returned quickly to heaven. He found little Cherub still crying and comforted him. “I was alone,” said Cherub, “and I thought I had missed everything.” Gabriel smiled down. “No,” he said “you have missed nothing. The Infant Jesus is still asleep and when he wakes up he will look out upon a new world you have given him. Come.” He took Cherub’s hand and together they joined the Host of Angels. As Cherub looked down, he saw groups of children playing in white fields. “You see,” said Gabriel, “your tears have brought joy!”

When God walked into Heaven and found that everyone was there, he wasn’t pleased at all. He owed it to his justice, did he not, to carry out his threats. So everyone was summoned to his throne and the angel asked to read the Ten Commandments. The first commandment was announced. Said God: “All who have broken this commandment will now betake themselves to Hell.” And so it was done. The same was done with each of the commandments. By the time the angel came to read the seventh, no-one was left in heaven except a recluse – smug and self complacent. God looked up and thought, “Only one person left in heaven? That makes it very lonesome.” So he shouted out, “Come back everyone!” When the recluse heard that everyone was forgiven, he yelled in rage, “This is unjust. Why didn’t you tell me this before?”

When the song of the angels is stilled.
When the star in the sky is gone.
When the kings and princes are home.
When the shepherds are back with their flocks.
The work of Christmas begins:

To find the lost.
To heal the broken.
To feed the hungry.
To rebuild the nations.
To bring peace among people.
To make music in the heart.

Denis and Betty Gilson.
Next week: Teresa and Les Ulyatt.

Christmas Eve – 9.00 a.m.
Midnight Mass at…….. yes! Midnight preceded by Carols.
Christmas Morning – 10.00 a.m.

We remember fondly our oldest parishioner, Frank Gallagher, aged 96, who died on Monday in Hallgarth Residential Home. Dermot Brennan had brought him Holy Communion on Sunday and Frank was visited on a regular basis by various parishioners including his oldest friend in the parish Alf Nolan. His wife Teresa died a few years ago and for a short while Frank went to live with his daughter in Hessle. He was an avid scrabble player and his weekly tussles with Barbara Marshall were replayed at our Monday meetings of the St. Vincent de Paul Conference! He will be missed by many in the parish and we thank God for his wonderful example of faith over a very long life. Our thoughts are with his daughters Angela and Teresa. Frank was buried from Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Hessle on Friday afternoon.
We also remember Kathleen Burgan’s cousin Joseph Morgan, who was buried on Thursday and Rita Bielby from Lawson Close, the mother of Ray and Nuala from Birmingham who attend Mass here when up visiting. Ray is a recent convert.

At last… Bernie’s baby (and Nick’s!) finally arrived on Sunday afternoon. Baby Eliott weighing in at around eight pounds and seven ounces. A lovely brother for Louisa! And my brother and his wife, Donal and Juliete, had their first child also on Sunday afternoon at the same time, a bouncing baby boy called Daniel Patrick and also weighing in at eight pounds and seven ounces! It was lovely also to welcome Paul and Annie Poulous’s first grandchild last Sunday! Congratulations to Elizabeth and Paul. Please keep Paul in your prayers as he does his final surgical exams up in Newcastle around now. Elizabeth is going to keep the baby here for a few weeks to give him peace! I’m sure the grandparents will be thrilled!

During out Mass this Tuesday evening at 7.00 p.m. there will be the opportunity to receive the Sacrament of the Sick and the Sacrament of Reconciliation. General Absolution is outlawed by the ‘powers that be’ but I’ll find a way round it that’ll make it easy for all of you! So do come along, take a break from all the rushing around for one evening at least and treat yourself to a bit of peace!

This will be on Wednesday at Holy Name at 7.00 p.m. and will involve all the local parishes. There will be the opportunity for individual confession. I would ask you to try and support this venture even if you have been the night before. Your presence will encourage others.

This will be at the Marist Church on Thursday at 7.00 p.m. and will involve the choirs from St. Mary’s College and the School Orchestra. It’s always a thoroughly enjoyable evening, really setting us up for Christmas.

We gather again this Wednesday at noon in the Priory Room with one difference! This time you need a ticket to join in. Sorry about that but the teams is putting on a full Christmas dinner and obviously they need to have some idea of the numbers hoping to attend. If you haven’t got a ticket then you’re out of luck! Sorry about that! They’re hoping to cater for around fifty people! (I’ve got my ticket!)

We had a lovely parish social on Monday evening open to all the ladies in the parish. There was lovely food and ‘mind-bending’ games devised by Terri Riddiough! The team with Fr. Pat in it was the winning one (he was an honorary lady for the evening!). The CWL also presented a cheque of £100 to the parish St. Vincent de Paul group to help them in their work in the parish and village. It was much appreciated.

About twenty parishioners were seen among the guests at their annual Christmas Dinner at the Station Hotel on Tuesday. The guest speaker was our very own Les Ulyatt (he’d do anything for a free meal!). They meet once a month at the Station Hotel for lunch and are always looking for new members. If you think you might be interested have a word with Elsie Murphy.

Don’t throw away the stamps from your cards. We can recycle them and make money for the ‘room’.

“We ask Jesus to give peace and tranquillity to all who find Christmas a trial, either by hardship, loneliness, bereavement or by any other cause.”

We have two in hospital at the moment. Patrick Falvey was taken into Hull Royal on Wednesday and Joan Gibson had a knee operation in Castle Hill on Wednesday. Please remember them in your prayers and all our housebound parishioners also. Doreen is now out of hospital and recovering slowly.

“When a person does a good deed when he or she didn’t have to, God looks down and smiles and says, ‘For this moment alone, it was worth creating the world.’ ”

Just two as far as I’m aware of. Clare Durkin, studying in Newcastle, celebrated her 20th Birthday on Friday and Clare d’Urban-Jackson has her 19th Birthday Party tonight, Saturday. Congratulations from us all.

There’s a story about a young woman who wanted to go to college. But her heart sank when she read the application that asked: ‘Are you a leader?’ Being both honest and conscientious, she wrote ‘no’ and returned the application, expecting to be rejected. To her surprise, she received this reply from the college. ‘Dear applicant. Our application forms reveal that this year our college will have 1,452 new leaders. We are accepting you because we feel it very important that they have at least one follower!’

During these weeks of Advent we are doing our best to follow Jesus in the best way we can. This reading reminds us that it is God alone who brings us lasting joy. It doesn’t involve hangovers, aggression or large amounts of money. Joy (the echo of God’s life within us) is for everyone – whether we are leaders or followers.

The Cottingham Singers have offered to do a concert for us in late Spring to help raise funds for our building project. They have asked us a) to appeal for male singers to join the group and b) to advertise their annual Carol Concert on Friday, 20th December at 7.30 p.m. in Bricknell Avenue Methodist Church. Admission, including refreshments, £3, concessions £2.50. Further details about joining the group can be gotten from Mrs. Clarkson, tel: 841279.

“No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted.”
(Aesop)
“It is the greatest of all mistakes to do nothing because you can only do little.” (Sydney Smith)
“Be kind – everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle.”

The gentlemen (under the auspices of John McNicholas), acknowledging that they cannot organise in a month what any group of ladies could organise in a day, are postponing this event from January 10th until a date to be announced later. (I wonder if his wife wrote this?).

This has really taken off. Over £750 has come in during the week! Have you been round all the family yet? Past parishioners? In memory of deceased parishioners? Their families might appreciate this opportunity.

There are still forms available in the porch if you wish your deceased relatives to be included in this piece of Holy Cross history. All the profits go to the building fund. Shirley is working very hard to keep it up to date. And can you think of any past parishioners whose names should be included in it? Let me have them if you do.

Free to a needy student: one small 3-drawer desk; could be delivered; phone 876812.
Old Computer: programmed in MS-DOS, suitable for word-processing (needs a printer), but with keyboard and monitor. Available free from Tony Woods-McConville.

...had their Christmas ‘do’ here on Thursday evening, under the leadership of Rosaria. Dermot’s wind group were rehearsing in the upper room at the same time and they volunteered to come down and play some Christmas Carols for us. It was an experience as most had never seen or heard a bass clarinet (as played by Robert McMillan). The newsletter this week comes courtesy of the Society as they presented me with a large box of copy paper! Thanks Rosaria! Ask Peter who he was sitting opposite during the week in the Guildhall? A famous Italian footballer and not with Hull City!

There is a stall for these products, tea, coffee and chocolate and other gifts, at St. Mary'’ College in the Year 10 Social Area, every Friday lunchtime. Everyone is more than welcome to pop in. Ask the pupils for details.

Interested in helping organise something here at the Church? Speak to Sandra Stephenson on 654761, or Gwen O’Reilly on 845459, or Jan Woodmansey on 845496. If enough people are interested then we’ll plan something, if not, no problem.

Did you know that there have been thirteen Popes called Innocent? That for every 1,000 females in the world there are at least 13 more males? That Princess Margaret’s birth was not registered straight away to avoid her being number 13 in the register? That Cliff Richard had 13 UK number 1’s? And that British airlines calculate the average passenger to weigh 13 stone? I wish!

Anne and Geoff Land.
Next week: Dennis and Betty Gilson.

“We pray that all the people in the diocese, especially children, will know the true meaning of Christmas.”

This Monday at 7.30 p.m. in the Priory Room. Anne Haughey writes: “This Monday will be our Christmas Social, so bring along friends and family and we will invite the ladies of the parish to join us for the evening. I hope it will be as good as last year, which we all enjoyed – we could hear the laughter as we washed up in the kitchen! Sad isn’t it?” Do come along, please?

“Dear Fr. Pat, just a quick note to ask you if you would put a GREAT BIG THANK YOU in the newsletter this week on behalf of the CWL for our Christmas Appeal. I have just sent a cheque to Dove House for £867.00. What a brilliant response! With love and God Bless, Adrienne.”

“If you look down on a child, the child won’t look up to you.”

The local Catenian Circle is once again hosting this very popular Carol Service at the Marist Church this afternoon starting at 2.30 p.m. followed by refreshments in the hall. It features the Thorngumbald Choir and the Endsleigh School Choir. The proceeds will go to the McMillan Cancer Relief Nurses.

It’s their Christmas Dinner on Tuesday at the Station Hotel and we always have a full Holy Cross table. Have you ever thought of joining them? Speak to Elsie if you’d like more information.

If you tune in to Radio Humberside between 7.30 and 8.00 a.m. you’ll be able to hear me reviewing the newspapers. Guaranteed to get you out of bed!

We’re taking a break from eating this week to hear a talk and video presentation by one of our parishioners who has spent his whole life in the food technology industry, Ted Stafford. Guaranteed to entertain and fascinate as he talks about miles of Swiss rolls etc.! It begins at 7.30 p.m. in the Priory Room.
Our next session will be on Friday January 10th. when the gentlemen (using the term loosely!) will treat us to a ‘Wine and Cheese Evening’. Everyone is asked to bring along a favourite cheese and we will supply the drinks. There will be a cover charge of £1 per person and you can drink as much as you like for that! You might bring along a glass as well. (Small one!). By the way, over forty people came along last week to watch Rosaria and Fay (and to be fed by them also!). And the next ‘eating evening’ will be the fortnight after that when Agnes from Pakistan will show us how to make a ‘real curry’! Bring lots of drinks that evening too! You’ll need them!

...on the success of her recent book on Philip Larkin. It’s just gone to a reprint! Well done!

Programmed in MS-DOS, suitable for word processing (needs a printer), but with keyboard and monitor, available for free from Tony Woods-McConville.

...who this weekend will be professed into the Secular Franciscan Order (the old Third Order). Fr. Michael O’Connor will celebrate Mass in their home on Saturday. Dominic has been in the Third Order since 1946.

Made by a disabled lady from East Hull, a friend of Ann Merivale, these will be available at both Masses this weekend with the proceeds going to the parish St. Vincent de Paul Conference.

This will be on St. Valentine’s Day, February 14th. 2003. We hope to have a special celebration Mass here at Holy Cross on the day followed by refreshments and, if possible, with the Bishop. At the parish meeting on Tuesday we decided to give Fr. Tony a gift of money for him to decide how to use it. And to that end will have two collections, one next weekend and another soon after the New Year. If you have any other suggestions we’d love to have them. Speak to Teresa Ulyatt on 845355 or myself.

Quite a busy one with the new “community meeting room” high on the agenda. Plans for the New Year include:
The Parish Senior Citizens’ Party on the First Sunday of Lent which is March 9th.
The Parish Dinner will be on either May 9 or 16 and we are looking at the venue possibly being the New Stadium! Depends on what price they are asking. But it would be interesting!
The Autumn Fayre in 2003 will be on Saturday October 18th.
The next meeting of the Parish Council will be on February 3rd with the AGM on March 24th and the following meeting on April 7th.
We also hope to have a Taize style Prayer Evening here in the Church sometime in the New Year. Chris Clarke is looking into that.
Ray Parker will be asked to see about arranging another one of his famous “Away Days” for the parish summer outing. Have you any suggestion about where we might go?
Caroline Rawcliffe has suggested another parish concert and we intend to go ahead with that idea.

Michelle Percival is collecting all sorts of materials to make things for sale which will go towards the cost of the new ‘meeting room’. I’ll try and have more detailed information by next week.

Jim O’Hare, Peter Dyas and John McNicholas are all working hard in the preparations for the ‘proposed meeting room’. Jim has revised the plans to now include the end three windows (instead of two as originally planned). We feel that we can raise enough money to do this instead of later regretting that we didn’t do it in the first place. And by pushing the building out a bit more it will be more of a square room and thus more user friendly. Peter seems to have the whole world swimming for us! No doubt he’ll be mentioning it this weekend. But what we are most excited about is the ‘Buy a Brick Project’ which is Peter’s baby! This could and should raise well over £10,000. I’ve committed myself to ‘buying’ or at least having my brothers and sisters buying ten of them, costing £500. There will be forms available, along with Gift- Aid envelopes, after Masses this weekend. Peter will explain at greater length his vision at both Masses this weekend. And John is busy pursuing other avenues of funding. And if you have any suggestions we’d be glad to hear them. We should all be much indebted to all three of them for the time and hard work they are putting into this, all on our behalf.

Clare d’Urban-Jackson will be celebrating her 19th. Birthday this coming weekend, and finally I’ve managed an invitation! It’s a very busy week, meal-wise for me! Monday, the CWL social evening. Tuesday evening the Catholic Womens’ Lunch Club Christmas Dinner. Wednesday, the Housebound Christmas Lunch. Thursday, the Italian Society’s Christmas Bash here in the Priory Room. Friday, St. Mary’s College Staff Christmas Dinner and Saturday, Clare’s ‘Do’ Then on Sunday I’m ‘lunching’ with Kathleen and Arthur! Beat that!

Parish Healing and Reconciliation Service for Christmas: This will be on Tuesday December 17th. with Mass at 7.00 p.m. We will have the Blessing of the Sick and the opportunity for the Sacrament of Reconciliation. We’re no longer allowed General Absolution by the boys in Rome but we’ll get around that! It’ll be made ‘fear free’! It would be lovely if we could bring along some of the parish housebound to avail of the Sacrament of the Sick. There will be refreshments afterwards.

As usual, we’ll leave after Mass this morning and walk up to the Half Moon in Skidby for a lunch of sandwiches and chips. We’ll then return for festive treats here in the Priory Room, hot mince pies and mulled wine! Everyone is welcome to join in.

“It only takes one person to stop the world being a lonely place.” (Monica Cook)

A few people are willing to come along and celebrate here in the safe environment of the Priory Room on New Year’s Eve. Interested? Then have a word with Gwen on 845459, or Sandra on 654761 or Jan on 845496.

A recent issue of the Church Times contained the following report on a newly available inflatable church, offering seating for up to 50 people.

“The church, 47 feet high, 47 feet long and 25 feet wide, is the invention of Mike Gill from Southampton. It has been used for ticket promotions, but not yet been used for a wedding.”

Mr. Gill said, “It’s got five inflatable pews, and inflatable altar complete with inflatable candles and cross, an inflatable organ and an optional bar.”
(Church Times Aug. 2002)

Maybe that’s the answer to our accommodation problem, and where would we get the hot air to inflate it with? Don’t answer that one please!

“The less time I have to work with, the more things I get done!”

David Cook and Barbara Marshall.
Next week: Anne and Geoff Land.

...for this Friday: “We give thanks for the recent ‘Bible Course’ in the parish, for those who initiated the idea, for those who hosted the sessions and for those who came along to learn more. We ask God to give us all a greater love for His Word.”

This will take place on Monday at 7.45 p.m. in the house. High on the agenda will be the proposed development at Holy Cross. Last chance for any items for the agenda. Observers are welcome especially for this important meeting.

...hosted a ‘Birthday Party’ at home last Sunday. It raised £20 each for the orphanage at Bo and for the building project.

Thanks Annie.

All efforts are most welcome.

“Home is where you live your life and build your memories.”

...are both working very hard towards raising funds for the building project. The ‘swimathon’ that Peter is arranging will go ahead in the New Year, when we all need the exercise! The ‘Buy a Brick’ idea is well under way and hopefully he’ll say a few words about it at the weekend Masses. Have you any bright ideas?

It was the Cookery on Friday last with Rosaria and Fay, and this Friday it’s the turn of ‘Come Dancing’ in the Priory Room at 7.30 p.m. It’s not the ideal venue with a carpet floor but you should see them move! And it’s all good fun as well. We wait to see how the Harringtons do at their ‘Salsa Classes’ before they offer to teach us a thing or two! (I am tempted to mention just how far they go for the authentic look but I could lose friends!).

By the middle of the week the ladies had gathered over £600 for Dove House Hospice with the promise of more still to come. Your usual tremendous generosity! Didn’t they do well, Adrienne, Anne and Jean? (No, not Jean Kemp!).

“He who kneels before God can stand before anyone!”

Friday The Thirteenth! One of our parishioners, Ted Stafford, who has worked all his life in the food industry, will show a video and give a talk about his experiences. It promises to be quite fascinating. Time – 7.30 p.m. Priory Room.

Prayers are asked for Sheilagh Priest who is still housebound and with something the doctors still can’t put their finger on. Jim Norton’s brother Phil being treated for cancer over in France. Mike Avery who has been in Princess Royal Hospital since Wednesday having his second course of chemotherapy. Doreen Reekie who has been in Castle Hill this past week was transferred to Hull Royal on Thursday evening with a badly broken hip and the need for an operation. George, who helps here round the church and with the gardening is recovering after a major operation on Tuesday in Castle Hill. And also John Clarke’s sister Jo recovering from a bad stroke in hospital in Sheffield. This week she has shown some signs of a slight recovery.

A priest was summoned in haste by a woman taken ill suddenly. He answered the call though somewhat puzzled, for he knew she was not of his parish, and was, moreover, known to be a devoted worker in another parish. While he was waiting to be shown into the sickroom he spoke to the little girl of the house. “It is very gratifying to know that your mother thought of me in her illness,” he said. “Is your own priest away?” “Oh, no,” answered the child in a matter-of-fact tone, “he’s home. Only we thought it might be something contagious – and we didn’t want to take any risks!”

...will be celebrating Sixty Years of Priesthood on St. Valentine’s Day next and we as a parish would like to put on something for him to mark this wonderful occasion. To start the ball rolling we’re going to have a meeting on Tuesday after Mass, here in the house around 7.45 p.m. to pool suggestions and ideas. Please come along and have your say. If anyone deserves this, Fr. Tony does.

My Mother taught me Humour… “When that lawnmower cuts off your toes, don’t come running to me.”
My Mother taught me to be an Adult… “If you don’t eat your vegetables, you’ll never grow up.”
My Mother taught me about Genetics… “You are just like your father!”
My Mother taught me about my Roots… “Do you think you were born in a field?”
My Mother taught me the Wisdom of Age… “When you get to my age, you will understand.”
My Mother taught me Anticipation… “Just wait until your father gets home!”
My Mother taught me Justice… “One day you will have children, and I hope they turn out just like YOU… then you’ll see what it’s like.”

“Show me a woman whose husband has never complained of anything and I will canonise her at once.” (Pope SixtusV)

1. Thou shalt not worry, for worry is the most unproductive of all human activities.
2. Thou shalt not be fearful, for most of the things we fear never come to pass.
3. Thou shalt not cross bridges before you get to them, for no one has yet succeeded in accomplishing this.
4. Thou shalt face each problem as it comes. You can handle only one at a time anyway.
5. Thou shalt not take problems to bed with you for they make very poor bedfellows.
6. Thou shalt not borrow other peoples problems. They can take better care of them than you can.
7. Thou shalt not try to relive yesterday for good or ill – it is gone. Concentrate on what is happening in your life today.
8. Thou shalt count thy blessings, never overlooking the small ones, for a lot of small blessings add up to a big one.
9. Thou shalt be a good listener, for only when you listen do you hear ideas different from your own. It’s very hard to learn something new when you’re talking.
10. Thou shalt not become bogged down by frustration, for 90% of it is rooted in self-pity and it will only interfere with positive action.

This will be on Tuesday December 17th at 7.00 p.m. There will be the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick and the opportunity for the Sacrament of Reconciliation. We are not allowed to have General Absolution anymore but…… it’ll be easy! Don’t tell the Pope! I’ve found a way round it! It would be lovely to invite along our housebound parishioners and some of those in the various care homes in the village. We’ll make it a real celebration with refreshments afterwards. Have you any suggestions?

...Hull and East Riding Branch will be holding their next meeting on Sunday December 8th. at Sacred Heart Church Presbytery, Southcoates Lane from 7.30 – 9.00 p.m. Everyone is welcome to come along.

Our annual walk up to Skidby with food laid on at the Half Moon will be next Sunday starting after Mass. We return to Holy Cross for hot mince pies and mulled wine! It’s an easy stroll so why not join us. Last Sunday saw five intrepid parishioners walking through the fog around South Cave, and it was a nice walk too……..!

There are more forms now available in the porch if you’d like any of your family included. Again, our grateful thanks go to Shirley for her patient work writing in all the names. It makes the painting of the Forth Bridge look easy!

The Hull and District Lourdes Sick Committee are looking for nominations of any sick person who might like to go to Lourdes this coming year. Have a word with either myself or Gerry Baker. And you young people… the list is filling! Make your mind up now! It’s only going to cost your parents £160 (nearly cheaper than having them at home for eight days!). There’s a money-back guarantee, if you don’t enjoy it, you can have your parent’s money back!

Tonight, Sunday, you can see and hear Tony finish his short series of talks “A Walk with St. Paul – The early Christians and Modern Problems”. 7.00 p.m.

The Holderness Rotary Club is holding its annual Carol Concert at St. Mary’s College this Thursday at 7.00 p.m. We are joined as usual by the Salvation Army Band, The North Ferriby Ladies Choir and the Children from Endsleigh School. The Compere as usual is myself! It’s always a good evening and a great start to the Christmas season. There is a collection with the proceeds going to CAFOD and the Rotary Charities.

And next Sunday the local Catenians are having their annual Victorian Carol Concert at the Marist Church at 2.30 p.m. featuring the Thorngumbald Choir and the Endsleigh School Choir. Mince pies and refreshments in the hall afterwards with the proceeds going to the McMillan Cancer Relief Nurses.

To mark World AIDS Day on December 1st there will be a talk with photographic display given by Pat Bailey, formerly of Mashambanzou AIDS Care Trust, at the Endsleigh Centre on Wednesday at 7.00 p.m.