Sunday, November 22 was the feast of Christ the King and also Youth Sunday. Children of St Mary’s School read the scripture readings and the bidding prayers and the school choir sang the hymn “Jesus, remember me.” Prayer was asked for “Nabs” the young man who died tragically in a motor bike accident two years ago, just outside the church. After mass there was a stall in the church hall selling Christmas cards, books and gifts.

Regular parish meetings continued during the week. On Friday there was a coffee morning in the hall in aid of Cornwall Hospice Care, with a huge display of Christmas gifts at credit crunch prices.

On Friday evening there was a meeting in the presbytery for altar servers, who have an important role in the Christmas ceremonies.

On Saturday a quiz and supper social was organised at St Mary’s, Helston.

Sunday, November 29 was the first Sunday in Advent, the beginning of the church’s year and the start of four weeks of waiting and preparing for the celebration of Jesus’ birthday. There were no floral decorations in the church and Father Jon Bielawski wore purple vestments, symbolising waiting.

At the beginning of mass the first of the four Advent candles was lit. This was a purple candle and the special hymn sung by the choir used the original words in the Aramaic language that Jesus spoke “Maranatha” “Lord Come”.

As usual for the first Sunday of Advent, there was a pastoral from the Bishop Christopher Budd. This referred to new beginnings, the introduction next year of a revised translation of the mass from the original Latin. This was first done in 1970 and after 40 years there has been a revision of the English translation, which will probably be ready for Advent 2010.

At the end of mass, baby Ralph Edward Sutcliffe was brought for a special blessing to prepare him for a new beginning, his baptism into the church next week.

The Brownies had prepared their Advent lunch, a popular annual event. The guests appreciated the attractive festive layout of the tables and the charmingly professional way the Brownies looked after their guests (as well as the meringues with strawberries and cream!). After the coffee there followed the ceremony at which four new Brownies made their promise, supported by all other members of the Scout and Guide movement present.

In the afternoon, parishioners attended the united service at King Charles the Martyr Church, with civic guests, organised by Falmouth Churches Together for the commissioning of street pastors.