Friday 24th November 2017

This Sunday we celebrate the feast of Christ the King as the liturgical year comes to an end. In the Gospel, Jesus describes what will happen when he comes again at the end of time. Like a shepherd who calls his sheep to follow him, Jesus invites people to be with him forever. The only requirement is that we should have loved our neighbour; that is, we should have looked after our neighbour in need. The Gospel reminds us that every act of kindness done to someone else is also done to Jesus, and it will be rewarded accordingly. We also celebrate National Youth Sunday this weekend too. The theme for this year is 'something to say.' Pope Francis has told us he wants to hear from young people, and National Youth Sunday this year is all about making it easier for young people to speak to the Church and have their voices heard. The aim is to encourage young people to say something to their local church that would help them become better at engaging with, accompanying and supporting them, especially in their vocational discernment. The National Office for Vocation (NOV) has said it also wants to enable parishes who are not currently engaging with their young people to do something as simple as meeting together to talk or share a meal, to help prepare the ground for closer engagement in the future. If you able to support with a Junior or Senior Youth Group in our parish please contact Fr. Des.

As Christmas starts to creep up on us, many of our towns in the Dudley Borough will be holding events to switch on the Christmas Lights in the next couple of weeks.Below is information about events that we know about so far:

•Saturday 25th November - Stourbridge

•Saturday 2nd December - Dudley

•Saturday 9th December - Brierley Hill

All the information about these events can be obtained by clicking on the following link below:

http://www.dudley.gov.uk/see-and-do/events/christmas-events-2017/

Other events around the Borough that we also know of include:

•Saturday 18 November - Intu Merry Hill: http://intu.co.uk/merryhill/event-archive/christmas-lights-switch-on-at-intu-merry-hill

•Sunday 26th November - Wall Heath: http://www.facebook.com/Wall-Heath-Village-People-786818204709809/

•Friday 1st December - Kingswinford: http://www.facebook.com/events/1731344893827312/permalink/1736589669969501/

•Saturday 2nd December, Gornal: http://www.blackcountryradio.co.uk/events/event/803/

•Friday 8th December - Coseley / Roseville: http://www.facebook.com/RosevilleCoseley/?hc_ref=ARQ6aC2LdBot_G7H0ZLXLzLo8RtZiEWWZp9mDrY_wOy9pV0msTNMVpt-NX2BF81ZuEc

Children in St. Joseph's School are growing to be learned, finding God in all things; and wise in the ways they use their learning for the common good.

If you have a business and would like to place an advert in the Pyramid Concert Programme for 2018 then please contact the school office for further information. Thank you.

That Christians in Asia, bearing witness to the Gospel in word and deed, may promote dialogue, peace and mutual understanding, especially with those of other religions.

Dear Lord Jesus, please help me to see you in everyone I meet, and to be kind to all, especially to those that I sometimes find it difficult to love. Amen.

If you are able to offer any support to help with this year's Christmas Fayre at OLAS Parish Centre on Saturday 2nd December please complete the form attached to last week's parish newsletter or contact Fr. Des. Thank you.

As a parent or carer you play a key role in helping your child to stay safe online. You don't need to be an expert on the internet to help keep your child stay safe online. Advice and resources are available to support you as you support your child to use the internet safely, responsibility and positively. These resources can be found at https://www.saferinternet.org.uk/advice-centre/parents-and-carers.