St Peter’s Newsletter 16, Green Lane, Hazel Grove, SK7 4EA Phone 0161 483 3476 Fax 0161 419 9592

www.stpeterscatholic.church www.churchservices.tv/stockport email admin@stpetershazelgrove.org.uk

Fr Peter Sharrocks petersharrocks@stpetershazelgrove.org.uk Part of the Mother of God

Local Pastoral Area In Stockport

You are all welcome to our Church We warmly welcome you all to St Peter’s. To help those who might not be familiar with the words of

the Mass, some booklets and leaflets are available at the back of the Church. Please ask a Welcomer for

one. New parishioners are invited to fill in one of the forms at the back of Church and hand to Fr Peter

or put in the collection basket.

Try a smile or friendly greeting to someone in the church car park.

The Word of God

Sacrament of Reconciliation

will be celebrated on Friday from 5.00pm-7.00pm and Saturday

from 11.00-11.45am

LIVE ON THE INTERNET To access our Masses go

to www.churchservices.tv/

stockport

The Diocese of Shrewsbury is a Registered Charity No 234025

First Reading Isaiah 63:16-17.64:1.3-8

Psalm; 79

Response God of hosts, bring us back; let your face shine on us and we shall be saved. Second Reading 1 Corinthians 1:3-9

Gospel Accla-mation Alleluia, alle-luia! Let us see, O Lord, your mercy and

give us your saving help.

Admin Matters Monday, 4th December - St Edmund Campion’s Guild Monday, 11th December - St Bede’s Guild Offertory Gifts Thank you for your offerings last week which amounted to £1,369.27 plus £590 by Standing Orders If you attend Mass in one of the other parishes and use envelopes from St Peter’s do please put them into the collection wher-ever you attend Mass and they will find their way back to us. This is specially important if you are on GIFT AID. Equally if you are visiting from another parish you may leave your Offertory envelope here and we will return it to the right parish - honest! FOR THOSE WHO PAY THE OFFERTORY COLLECTION BY STANDING ORDER. Could we ask you just to keep an eye on your bank statements this month and next to make sure the standing order is paid. We have moved banks from RBS to Lloyd’s and such standing orders are supposed to be being transferred but you never know with modern technology!!! The final total of contributions to the Priests’ Training Collection amounted to £1,731 (plus cheques made payable directly to the diocese.)

Cafod - Thank you for your donations last week which amounted to £41.40 Cleaning - Team 2 are on duty this week. Callers - Could we ask that callers to the Presbytery please use the front door and also if you are putting an envelope through the letter box there is no need to ring the bell. References - WE REMIND ANYBODY WHO IS PUTTING FR PETER DOWN AS REFEREE TO CONTACT HIM IN PERSON, NOT BY PHONE OR EMAIL. THIS FOR YOUR OWN ADVANTAGE, FR PETER KNOWS A LOT OF PEOPLE BY SIGHT BUT NOT BY NAME!! ROTAS FOR READERS, EUCHARISTIC MINISTERS AND COFFEE AFTER SUNDAY 10.00am MASS ARE ALL ON THE WEBSITE

Some useful phone numbers Stepping Hill Hospital Chaplaincy 419 5889 for requests for Holy Communion

To page the Catholic Chaplain in an emergency 483 1010 and ask for Catholic Chaplain St Peter’s Primary School 0161 483 2431 St Simon’s Primary School 0161 483 9696

St James High School 0161 482 6900 Harrytown High School 0161 430 5277 Aquinas College 0161 483 3237

St Peter’s Parish Centre The Centre is available for parties (birthday, wedding, anniversary, christenings etc) Bookings are to be made as follows: Friday to Sunday bookings requiring the bar and children’s parties on Saturday should be referred to 07483 114783, or the booking line 480 0741. (If you use this number you must clearly state that you want St Peters). For all other bookings Monday to Thursday or anyone wishing to use the Meeting Room phone Helen on 07854 928 072.

STAFF WANTED for weekend bar work. No experience necessary. Please contact Tracy on 0777 996 3535 for further details. ALSO CLEANER WANTED FOR WEEKENDS - Please contact 07483 114783 if interested.

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Sunday Tea and coffee after the 10.00am Mass in the Parish Centre Cards on sale in the Parish Centre after 10.00am Mass Monday Dancing in the Parish Centre from 2.00-4.00pm Brownies in the Scout Hut - 6.30-7.45pm Tuesday Centring Prayer in the Parish Centre at 11.15am Cubs in the Scout Hut - 7.00-8.30pm

Guides at School St Guide H.Q. 7.45-9.30pm

Slimming World in the Meeting Room at 7.00pm

Wednesday Luncheon Club in the Parish Centre at noon (Contact Margaret Hulme on 07775 162694) Beavers in the Scout Hut - 6.00-7.15pm Scouts in the Scout Hut - 7.30-9.30pm Confirmation group in the Meeting Room - 6.30pm-8.00pm Thursday Little Fishes in the Parish Centre at 9.30am Chatterbox in the Parish Centre at 10.00am Rainbows in the Scout Hut - 6.15-7.15pm Christmas Table Decoration Work Shop in the Members’ Lounge at 7.00pm Adult Choir practice 8.00-9.30pm Friday Junior Choir Practice at 5.30pm Saturday Irish Dancing in the Parish Centre from 10.30am-1.30pm

The next meeting of the Parish

Pastoral Team will be on

Thursday, 14th December

Advent Year B Divine Office Psalter - Week 1

Sunday 3rd December 2017 - First Sunday of Advent - YEAR B 8 30am John Burke (RIP) 10.00am Peter Carraher (RIP) (with Baptism of Amber) 6.00pm People of the Parish Readings Isaiah 63:16-17.64:1.3-8; Ps 79; 1 Corinthians 1:3-9; Mark 13:33-37 Monday 4th December 2017 9.15 am Mass at St Philips 12.00noon SERVICE OF THE WORD AND COMMUNION Readings Isaiah 2:1-5; Ps 121; Matthew 8:5-11 Tuesday 5th December 2017 12.00noon SERVICE OF THE WORD AND COMMUNION 7.00pm Bereavement Candle Service Readings Isaiah 11:1-10; Ps 71; Luke 10:21-24 Wednesday 6th December 2017 12.00noon SERVICE OF THE WORD AND COMMUNION 8.00pm Holy Hour and Prayer Ministry Readings Isaiah 25:6-10; Ps 22; Matthew 15:29-37 Thursday 7th December 2017 - St Ambrose, B.D. 12.00 noon SERVICE OF THE WORD AND COMMUNION Readings Isaiah 26:1-6; Ps 117; Matthew 7:21.24-27 Friday 8th December 2017 - The Immaculate Conception of Blessed Virgin Mary 12.00noon Kath Gingell (RIP) 5.00-7.00pm Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament with opportunity for Reconciliation Readings Genesis 3:9-15.20; Ps 97; Ephesians 1:3-6.11-12; Luke 1:26-38 Saturday 9th December 2017 11.00-11.45am Exposition of The Blessed Sacrament 12.00noon Timmy O’Donoghue 2 00pm Celebration of First Forgiveness 3.30pm Altar Servers’ Training 6.00pm Vigil Mass in Polish 6.00pm Vigil Mass at St Philip’s Readings Isaiah 30:19-21.23-26; Ps 146; Matthew 9:35 10-1.6-8 Sunday 10th December 2017 - Second Sunday of Advent - Year B 8 30am Kathleen and John Hand (RIP) 10.00am Peter Carraher (RIP) 6.00pm People of the Parish Readings Isaiah 40:1-5 9-11; Ps 84; 2 Peter 3:8-14; Mark 1:1-8

Theatre Trips CAROL CONCERT AT THE BRIDGEWATER in aid of St Ann’s Hospice - Friday 8th December at 7.30pm. Tickets ap-proximately £27 including coach. Sign up sheet on the Notice Board. Coach leaves at 6.30pm from The Anchor.

NEW SHOWS - Miss Saigon at The Palace, Manchester on 19th April 2018. Tickets £49.50 including coach. Matilda the Musical also at the Palace on 4th October 2018. Tickets £52 including coach. Both start at 7.30pm. Sign up sheets for both on the Notice Board. Hamlet at The Lowry, by The Royal Shakespeare Company, 1st February 2018. Tickets £35 including coach. Names needed by 10th December. Sign up on the Notice Board. For all the new shows we need to sell 30 tickets. Otherwise we will have to cancel as it becomes uneconomical.

FOOD BANK COLLECTION TODAY 3rd DECEMBER

CATHOLIC EDUCATION-Do you support Catholic schools and the right of Catholics to send their children to them? Then we need you to make your voice heard. The

Government is making a critical decision on whether to overturn the admissions cap which prevents Catholic schools from all Catholic pupils to attend. They have ac-

knowledged that this policy discriminates against Catholics and promised to abandon it, now we need you to tell them not to u-turn on their promise to Catholics. Visit

http://catholicnews.org.uk/education-cap or search for “Catholic Education” in your search engine to write to the Government and urge them to drop their policy

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the sick - remembering, all the sick in the parish, in our hospitals and nursing homes. We also remember those who are housebound and are unable to come to Mass. We remember especially young people who are sick.

lately dead - Peter Hayward, Katie Shanahan, Clive Wallace, Anthony Noon. May they rest in peace. Requiem Mass for Peter on Monday December 11th at 12 noon.

those whose Anniversaries occur at this time - Ann Burgess, Mary Selby, Theodora Mowatt, Mary Brammer, Anna Kazio, Elizabeth Mulvey, Irene Entwistle, Francis Scholey, Mary Cannally, Charlie Brassington, Hazel Simmons, Alan Goulden

PRAYER INTENTIONS We have left a file in the Lady Chapel and invite you to write there any particular intentions for prayer that you may have and we would ask that if you go to light a candle you include in your prayers all the intentions mentioned in the prayer file.

To prepare for this prayer, spend a few moments asking the Holy Spirit to open your mind and heart to hear this Word being spoken to you today.

1st Sunday in Advent (Year B) - Mark 13:33–37

J esus said to his disciples: 'Be on your guard; stay awake, because you never know when the time will come. It is like a man travelling abroad: he has gone from home, and left his servants in charge, each with his own task; and he has told the doorkeeper to stay awake. So stay awake, because you do not know when the master of the house is coming, evening, midnight, cockcrow, dawn; if he comes unexpectedly, he must not find you asleep. And what I say to you I say to all: Stay awake!'

Copyright…1966, 1967 & 1968 by Darton, Longman & Todd, & Doubleday & Co. Inc. and used by permission

1. Spend some time quietly reading and rereading the passage, noting the words/phrases that draw your attention. 2. Take time to reflect on your approach to waiting in everyday life. 3. Stay awake’ … Keep watch … Wait patiently …’The Master is coming’ … In this season of watchful waiting, pray of the grace to become aware of all that God has given you…and for the grace to respond from the depths of your heart. 4. Take time to talk with Jesus about his call to you to ‘Stay awake’ to welcome his presence midst all the daily busyness.

For those who find these gospel reflections helpful you may wish to look at www.wednesdayword.org where you can see next Sunday’s reading and reflection by Dom Henry Wansbrough OSB

Diocesan News OUR MISSION TOGETHER is a Diocesan initiative aimed at reminding us of our duty to use our talents and gifts to spread the gospel and to build up resources to support the training of new and existing clergy, to provide for our retired clergy and to support the initia-tives of Caritas Shrewsbury, the social work arm of the diocese and help parishes in our missionary outreach. After Fr Peter’s meeting with the organisers our campaign here will begin in January. We will give more details then.

SHREWSBURY YOUTH MISSION TEAM ‘Advent unplugged’ event on Thursday 7th December 2017 at Our Lady and St. Christopher’s, Romiley. It’s a chance to reflect and take time out from all our busy schedules in the build up to Christmas, and unplug ourselves from the businesses of our daily routines. ‘Advent unplugged’ is an event that will unlock the meaning of Advent with prayer, live music, and talks, refreshments will be provided. The evening will run from 7:00 – 8:30pm. See Notice Board

CATECHISTS’ FORMATION The next meeting for Catechists will be an opportunity for Sharing Best Practice. Miss Caroline Farey (Maryvale Institute & The School of the Annunciation) will listen to your exchanges, and offer practical advice for the situations you are facing. Venue: Our Lady's, Ellesmere Port; Sat 13 Jan 2018, (9:30) 10:00-11:50. See poster with relevant information. Enquiries: Barbara Davies (07730 526821); Registration: Helen Jones (helen.jones@dioceseofshrewsbury.org

URGENT HELP NEEDED!!! Caritas Shrewsbury is looking for a volunteer ESOL Teacher to help the refugee project at the St. Aidan’s Centre, Wythenshawe, from January 2018. The programme operates from 12pm until 2pm every Tuesday, parking is available and expenses will be reimbursed. If anyone can help, please contact Mary Kilcoyne on 0151 652 1281. Copies of A PASTORAL LETTER from the Bishop are at the back of church. THE DIOCESAN YEAR BOOK FOR 2018 is on sale at the back of church priced £5.

Parish Events BISHOP’S VISITATION. Bishop Davies will be making a pastoral visit to the parish on Sunday December 17th. He will also visit our two primary schools on Friday December 15th.

WALKING GROUP The next walk will be on 21st January 2018 followed by a meal at the Miners Arms, Higher Poynton. Please let us know, as soon as possible, if you wish to partake of the meal. Sign up sheet on the Notice Board. If you don’t want the meal you are welcome to come just for the walk. Details of the route next week.

ALPHA is on Tuesdays 1.30pm-3.10pm at St Peter’s Catholic Primary School Carisbrooke Avenue Hazel Grove Stockport Chesh-ire SK7 5PL. Alpha runs for ten weeks excluding the half term week (Tuesday 24 t h October) Crèche available for younger children. For more information or to let us know you are coming speak to Karen on 07939 052357 or Rachel at mckay7897@hotmail.com or 0161 487 1659. You don’t need to commit to the whole course just come along and give it a try. Everyone is welcome.

SVP - HAND MADE CARDS Good quality hand-made cards (Christmas, birthday and special occasions), at very reasonable prices, will be on sale after 10.00am Mass on today, 3rd December, and at the SVP Christmas Party on Tuesday, 12th December. Many cards can be personalised with son/daughter, friend or a child's name for no extra cost. There will also be some gift ideas such as: children's card kits (£5), stationery sets (£10), notelets (£4 & £6) etc. All funds raised go to St Peter's SVP (or Wellspring) to support their work in the local community. Thank you for your on going support - it really does make a difference.

ALTAR SERVERS’ TRAINING SESSION In preparation for the Bishop’s Visitation and the Christmas Masses, there will be an Altar Servers’ Training Session on Saturday, 9th December at 3.30pm in Church It will be a good opportunity for our current Servers to go over the basics and learn some new skills. In addition, any young people who have made their First Holy Communion and wish to be an Altar Server are welcome to attend. Please confirm your attendance by emailing conorgallogly@yahoo.co.uk. The session should last around 45 minutes.

PARISH DATABASE Would all Eucharistic Ministers and Readers please let us have, as soon as possible, your email address so that we can update our database. Email details to: admin@stpetershazelgrove.org.uk WAR GRAVES. We had a parish pilgrimage to the War Graves in 2014 and I wonder if there would be sufficient interest for a repeat next year which will mark 100 years since the end of World War 1. Let me know because we would have to start planning in the New Year. Fr Peter

PARISH CHRISTMAS CONCERT Friday 15th December at 7.30pm in the Parish Centre. Admissions: £6 adults: £5 concessions; Children £1. Don’t miss this annual event from musicians of all ages from the parish. OUR JUNIOR CHOIR will be guests in Poynton Male Voice Choir’s Christmas Concert on the following evening, 16th. See Notice Board.

ADVENT AND PREPARING FOR CHRISTMAS

ADVENT APPEAL 2017 In response to the pilgrimage to the Holy Land that some of our young people went on last month, we have decided to support the School of Joy in Bethlehem. The School of Joy offers its services to the poor, orphans and children with learn-ing difficulties and currently supports 51 children. The Director of the school, Fr. Mamdouh AbuSada has contacted Fr. Peter to say that they are in great need of a machine for their olive wood factory. It costs £2850 - so please can you give generously this Advent so that we can help to support this very worthwhile cause. The Cafod Boxes have been re-named for this appeal. Any cheques should be made payable to ‘St Peter’s’. FRIDAYS OF ADVENT There will be Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament on the Fridays of Advent beginning on December 8th from 5.00-7.00pm with the opportunity for Reconciliation LPA ADVENT RECONCILIATION SERVICE on Tuesday 19th December at 7.30pm in St Peter’s. ADVENT MEDITATIONS Norbury Church are running a series of Advent Meditations in readings, reflections, images, music, silence on the next three Wednesdays at 7 00 p.m. lasting about 40 minutes: 6 Dec – “Jesus – the redeemer of the world” The Song of Zechariah; 13 Dec – “Jesus – the joy or the earth” The Song of Simeon; 20 Dec – “Jesus – the light of the nations” The Song of the angels at Bethlehem. CHRISTMAS TABLE DECORATION WORK SHOP Are you feeling creative? Why not come along to a Christmas Table Decoration Workshop and learn how to make your own, Thursday 7th December 7pm in the Members Lounge in the Parish Centre. (Please use the side door) Tickets are £7.50 which includes all materials and refreshments (but please bring your own scissors) Enquiries to Colette Christie 0161 427 4982 BEREAVEMENT GROUP On Tuesday 5th December we are holding a ’Candle Service’ in church at 7.00pm for those who have lost a loved one, however recently or in the past. Please feel free to bring family and friends along to remember those who are not with us at this special time of year. Afterwards there will be refreshments served in the Members’ Lounge. If you would like more information about the Bereavement Group please contact Helen on 07854928072 or Rachel on 07724749217. CHRISTMAS DAY DINNER Our Lady & St Christopher’s Parish in Romiley are again hosting a dinner on Christmas Day for anyone who, for whatever reason, finds Christmas a difficult time of the year. This is a full Christmas dinner with all the trimmings. There is no cost and it includes drinks, mince pies and Christmas cake, as well as the meal itself. In addition, transport can be provided – we can collect guests and bring them home if needed. There will be music, laughter, food, drink and good company from 12.30-3.00pm. If you, or anyone you know, would like to attend the dinner, please contact Fr Michael Gannon on 0161 430 2704.

SCHOOLS NEWS ST SIMON’S SCHOOL invite parishioners to join them for a short Liturgy every weekday morning during Advent at 9.10am (with the exception of 13th and 20th December). Come and join our school family as we prepare for the birth of our Saviour, Jesus Christ. You will receive a warm welcome. HARRYTOWN CHRISTMAS MARKETS on Thursday 7th December from 7.00pm to 9.00pm. Lots going on - stalls, food, games etc Entry £2.50 for adults with a free hot drink & mince pie. Accompanied children free . See Notice Board.

PREPARATION FOR SACRAMENTS BAPTISMAL COURSE. If you would like to have your children Baptised here at St Peter’s, please contact Fr Peter or Karen Haines at justasec55@hotmail.com or 07939 052 357 who will register you on to your preferred course. The next available dates this year are; December 10th; and next year 2018 January 7th, 14th, 21st; February 18th, 25th; March 4th. Each course takes up three Sunday mornings after the 10.00am Mass and on the first Sunday families are introduced at Mass and receive a bible CONFIRMATION The next meeting will be on Wednesday 6th December from 6.30-8.00pm in the Meeting Room.

RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation Adults) The next meeting will be on 4th January in the Evron Centre at 7.30pm. The topic will be “Sacraments”.

MORE DATES FOR YOUR DIARY

MARRIAGE COURSE - The next Marriage Course at St. Peter's is to commence on Tuesday 9th January 2018. The Marriage Course runs over a seven week period, split into weekly sessions covering various aspects of married life and relationships. Each week will comprise of a candlelit dinner for two, well planned and thoughtful videos, discussions (in couples only). Here is what one of last year's guests said 'A rich and rewarding experience that has enhanced our marriage – definitely worthwhile'. If you are interested, please contact David and Laura Small on 01625 876752. CHRISTMAS CONCERT at St Joseph’s, Stockport, in the Parish Hall on Saturday 9th December at 7.00pm with The Stockport Male Voice Choir. Mulled wine will be served with mince pies. Tea and coffee while folk are gathering. All welcome ‘Our Lady of Guardalupe’ PRO-LIFE CELEBRATION DAY,. Saturday 9th December at St Mary’s Church, Eccles, M30 OLU. 10.30am. Finishing with Mass at 12.00pm. Refreshments in the parish hall. BOLLINGTON FUN RUN in aid of Cafod’s Syria appeal on Wednesday 27th December 2017 - registration from 9.30 am So that you don’t miss out and are well prepared register your place at: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/bollington-fun-run-2017-tickets-37447420242?ref=estw There is no entry fee for registration but we hope you might give a donation and/or get your family and friends to sponsor you.

For Conversation: How a conscious watchfulness,

waiting for God, might become a greater part of you/your

community’s life.