Dear Friends,
In today’s Gospel Jesus challenges his followers with the question: ‘Who do you say that I am’. It is a fundamental question that is put to us also. Who is Jesus for me? What does he mean to my life, my values and my actions.
Over the summer months we have witnessed the movement of people fleeing their homes and countries on a scale that has not been seen since the end of the Second World War. Many are fleeing religious or political persecution; others are seeking a better life for themselves and their families. This presents an enormous problem for countries in Europe as sheer numbers threaten to overwhelm their capacity to absorb them. And many people are saying: ‘What can we do?’ We shall be discussing this situation at the next meeting of the parish pastoral council on Tuesday evening. If you have any thoughts or suggestions please share them with one of the members of the council.
On Thursday, 24th September, Bishop Kike, Apostolic Prefect of the diocese of Battambang will visit our parish and stay overnight in the presbytery. He will take part in a special Mass at 7.30 pm that day and we will have an opportunity to meet him in the hall afterwards. If you need a lift or can offer one please make yourselves known.
Today marks a full year since I arrived in the parish. Thank you for making the last twelve months so enjoyable and (I hope) productive!
God Bless
Father James
Quote: Atheism is a non-prophet organisation.
This Sunday is Racial Justice Day: there is a retiring collection.
The Senior Citizens Group meets on Monday 14th. Computer Workshop is held in the morning and there will be a Mass of Healing at 12noon (to which everyone is invited) followed by a shared lunch for the group. NB There is no 9.30am Mass.
Rotas for Eucharistic Ministers (NW) are in the porch of the church; please pick up your named copy.
Fundraising for World Youth Day: Today (Sunday) Kerry and Lauren will be holding a cake sale in the parish hall .
The Stalham Area Mass is at St Mary’s Church on Friday 18th September at 7.30pm.
A MacMillan Coffee Morning will be held at St John of the Cross, Aylsham (The Biggest Coffee Morning in the World) on Friday 18th September at 10.15am after Mass. Everyone is very welcome.
Notre Dame High School – has an Open Evening for prospective parents on Thursday 24th September: we look forward to welcoming both parents/prospective parents for (Surnames A – M) at 6pm and (Surnames N – Z) at 7pm in the school’s Sports Hall. There is no need to book or register but please be aware that it might get crowded at times. A Prospectus & Supplementary Info Form will be available, there will be a short presentation on the school’s work and values; the school will be open for tours from 6 – 8.30pm. Regretfully, other than prearrange parking for disabled visitors, there is no parking available at the school. We look forward to seeing you. NB: also two Open Days on Monday 5th & Tuesday 6th October when you may come round the school with our pupils as your hosts. Please see the Notre Dame website for details – www.ndhs.org.uk
A lady in Suffield would be very grateful for an occasional lift to Sunday Mass, which she misses very much. If you can help please contact John Bolger on 01692 581516.
Please Note: At the Sacred Heart carpark from Monday 14th onwards contractors from Aylsham will be working the whole week on creating proper parking spaces for disabled drivers. No parking in that area please until the coming Sunday. It will be advisable to enter the grounds via the Exit gate because of lorries and equipment.
We pray Grace Kay who died last week and for those whose anniversaries occur at this time including: Barbara Stone, Mary Mousley and Margaret Griffith.
May they rest in peace.
