Dear Friends,
Today’s Gospel tells the parable of the Prodigal Son. It is perhaps the most moving of all the parables. It is really the story of the merciful father (God) who cannot endure the idea of losing his child. The twist in the tale is the elder brother. Will he be able to make the transition from contempt of sinners to love for them. And which of the two brothers do we identify with?
The Alive in Faith campaign is now in its final week in our parish. So far over 50 families or individuals (including myself!) have contributed with an average gift of £1,900. Most of these are spread over 5 years while some represent a ‘one-off’ donation. The current total for our parish is £95,000. This is a magnificent result made possible by the generosity of our parishioners and the work of the three volunteers. Our target is £120,000. I know that this figure might seem rather daunting but I also know that a number of you are still considering your response. You may be contacted by myself or one of the volunteers and we are happy to answer any queries you may have. Pledge forms were given out last Sunday and there are extra copies in each church. When you have completed the form you can place it in the special envelope and put it in the box marked ’Pledge Forms’. Or you can give it to me or to one of the volunteers. All new pledges or donations need to be handed in by the evening of Sunday 13th March. Remember we are being invited to ensure that the Catholic community in East Anglia will have the resources to pay for the training of our future priests, to provide for our retired clergy and to fund social action both in the diocese and in our own parish. And of course 25% of the money we raise will be available to our parish for the current needs of each of our three churches.
Father James
The Senior Citizens’ Group (NW) meets Monday 7th. AM Computer Workshop and Chair Exercises: PM A visit from Fr Tim Bugby of the Ordinariate of Our Lady of Walsingham.
Our Diocesan newspaper, Catholic East Anglia, March issue is available in our churches FREE.
In this Jubilee Year of Mercy Bishop Alan will be celebrating Lenten Station Masses at various churches in the diocese (please see poster). On Tuesday 8th March the Station Mass will be at St John the Baptist, Cathedral, Norwich at 7pm. Exposition & Confessions are at 6pm; there will be refreshments in the Narthex at 8pm.
Churches Together ‘Lent Lunch’, is again on Thursday 10th March at 12.30pm in the St Nicholas Room. Cost £4.00.
The Reconciliation Service for the parish will now be held on Wednesday 16th March at 7.30pm. Address by Rev’d Paul Cubitt.
A parish event organised by WYD (World Youth Day), entitled “Home” and presented by Dream Works, takes place on Saturday 19th March at 3.00pm in the parish hall. The film starts at 3.30pm. Children of all ages are welcome. Adults £5; children £3. Families of up to 2 adults + 3 children £15. For details please see poster or fliers. Do come along to this family event to help our young people going to Poland.
The Chrism Mass this year will be on Tuesday, 22nd March at 7pm in the Cathedral. If you would like to attend please add your name to the list for the coach by this weekend if possible. The cost will be £4.
Teaching Posts Vacancies – St Benedict’s School, Bury St Edmunds, require x2 Assistant Head Teachers from September 2016. Please see Diocesan Website for more details: www.rcdea.org.uk
Tom and Anne Marie Binns wish to thank everybody for their prayers over Tom’s recent illness.
We pray for Louise Elaine Woodroff who died recently. Her Requiem Mass will be at Aylsham on Tuesday 15th March at 12.30pm. We pray also for Sue James who died last Saturday. We remember in prayer both their families and friends at this time.
We pray also for those whose anniversaries occur during this week including: Joan Elsmore, Leslie Hammond, Jim Bowden, Shaun Tusting, Patrick Shiell, Agatha Semak, Muriel Portallion and John Barry.
May they rest in peace.
