We see so much negative news in the media: the disintegration of communities, the neglected state of British high streets, the alienation of young people... This is the story of a group of young people determined to make a difference. A team from T S Domestics in Tunstall was concerned about the state of public spaces around the town. Instead of complaining they decided to do something. They lead and organise community cleaning events to try and put back some pride in the local area. 

Holy Trinity Parish had a problem. In order for the new heating system to be installed, we first needed the walkway on the north side of the church clearing. It was totally overgrown, rubbish had been thrown over the wall, there were even discarded needles from drug use. The task was urgent and we did not know where to start. The Parish Administrator approached the team from T S Domestics for advice. They immediately offered to come and help. 

They spent a very cold and wet winter afternoon cutting down the shrubs and weeds, clearing and cleaning. They were ably assisted by Chris from Staffs Pressure Washing Services who washed it all out and cleared the drains. He even returned the next day to finish the job and to clean around our Grotto Garden.

We are so grateful to our volunteers for all their time and efforts. The good news is that the new heating installation is going ahead and should be starting on Tuesday. Thank you also to the members of the parish who have been so patient while we sorted out the problem, and to all who have given so generously to the Building Fund to pay for the new heating system. 

Check out our volunteers on Social Media and give them a Like:
TS Domestics | Tunstall | Facebook  
​Staffs Pressure Washing Services | Newcastle under Lyme | Facebook

The Seminarian hosted by Holy Trinity for Parish experience early in his formation, Luke Theobald, had written this week's reflection for the Archdiocese newsletter. Luke reflects on the importance of the Sacrament of Reconciliation as part of our Advent preparation. Our Advent Penance Service here at Holy Trinity will be on Monday 22nd December at 7pm. We share Luke's reflection here:

The dress code on a Sunday in seminary is fairly conservative: suit and collar for priests and candidates, and suit and tie for the other seminarians. Radical fashion choices aren’t expected.
 John the Baptist is a different story. This Sunday we are introduced to John wearing a garment of camel’s hair and a leather belt. It is a bold look. Quite possibly, if he were visiting the seminary, he might be politely asked to change into something ‘more appropriate’ before joining the community. 
 But does John the Baptist’s clothing really matter?
 In the seminary we dress formally on a Sunday to reflect the honour we have for the Sunday Mass. John’s ‘wild’ clothing reflects his total commitment to his radical prophetic message. His message: one of repentance and preparation.
 John was calling on the people of Israel to prepare themselves for the Messiah, Jesus. In Advent the Church calls everyone one of us to prepare our hearts again for that same Jesus.
 We get ready for Christmas by making so many external things beautiful: Christmas lights and decorations, beautifully wrapped presents, new Christmas jumpers and more. All of which are wonderful.
But what about our internal beauty? Could we use this Advent to ‘Prepare the way of the Lord’ in our hearts with the Sacrament of Reconciliation? To receive God’s unbounded love and mercy in Confession seems like the best present we could give ourselves. 
 
Luke Theobald, Seminarian
Venerable English College, Rome

News from Stella Maris
Christmas can be a challenging time for seafarers. They miss spending this special time of the year with their family.  
Many struggle to cope with homesickness. Christmas just doesn’t feel like Christmas when you’re thousands of miles away from home and can’t be with the people you love. 
But seafarers arriving on ships at the ports in the UK are never forgotten, thanks to the port chaplains and volunteer ship visitors from Stella Maris, the Catholic Church’s official maritime agency.  
They will be delivering Christmas presents when they visit dozens of ships in ports in the coming weeks. 

“It’s incredibly tough to be at sea at times like this. All the normal pressures of work are amplified. That’s why we want to provide a gift to every seafarer who will be at sea on Christmas Day,” said Chris Reynolds (pictured), a Stella Maris chaplain. 
Chris and other chaplains receive tremendous local support from the parishes and parishioners in and around their places of work. 
“Whatever people choose to give will mean the world. Because when a seafarer feels isolated, lost and sad this Christmas, a gift lets them know they are not forgotten,” he said. 
Chris knows how seafarers feel. He used to be a deck cadet on oil tankers, tall ships, and ferries. He remembers the first time he joined a ship, in South Africa. He’d never worked at sea before and was nervous. 
“But then a Stella Maris chaplain strolled up the gangway with an armful of small gifts and a big smile on his face. We talked and prayed, and his visit settled me so much. 
“It’s not just the gifts, but the love and reassurance that chaplains like me can bring to seafarers this Christmas. A listening ear. A hand on the shoulder. Presence and solidarity.” 
Seafarers will be far from their families and friends on Christmas Day, but the gifts that Stella Maris’ chaplains and ship visitors bring them and the pastoral and spiritual they provide brings seafarers joy, making sure that they are not forgotten. 
Please say a prayer for seafarers and fishers this Christmas. Thank you for your generous support through the annual Diocese collection.