Dear Friends,
Today’s readings are looking towards the Sundays to come. Jesus is preparing his followers for his departure (the Ascension) when he tells them: ‘I am going to the Father’. But he also prepares them for two special gifts: the Advocate, the Holy Spirit (Pentecost) and the gift of his peace, a gift that only he, not the world, can give. Meanwhile Jesus and his Father will ‘make their home’ with everyone who follows his way of love.
God bless,
Father James
The Rosary: (NW) Those who would like to lead the Rosary during May, please sign the list in the porch. There are similar arrangements for Aylsham & Hoveton. Leaflets on how to pray the Rosary are available.
Walsingham Pilgrimage: Bank Holiday Monday, 2nd May. Please bring a packed lunch. Cost of coach seat – £5 Pick up times: Hoveton – 9.30am; NW – 9.50am & Aylsham – 10.15am. Please be punctual as coach cannot wait for latecomers. Departure for return: 5.00pm.
Pilgrimage to the Holy Land. Travelling from Luton with return flights, all transport in the Holy Land, entrance fees, guiding & gratuities: staying in 3* accom. half-board, visiting the Holy Places, meeting the local Christian community. 17th – 24th October 2016 – cost £1,350 per person sharing a twin room. Single rooms available. For details or to book: info@pilgrimagepeople.org or call free on 0800 6123423.
The Parish Annual Meeting – Monday 9th May at 7.00 pm in the Parish Hall (North Walsham). A delicious supper will be prepared by parishioners from the Sacred Heart and St John of the Cross. Speakers: Gervais Kouloungou, Deanery Representative for Refugees and Hala Marie. This is one of the few times in the year when the whole parish comes together to take stock of its progress in the last twelve months as well as to enjoy good company. Please sign the list in the porch.
The Senior Citizens’ Group (NW) – There is no meeting on Monday 2nd May as it is the Bank Holiday.
Next Sunday 8th May, after Mass at the Sacred Heart there will be a Candle Sale in the parish hall to help raise funds for Kerry, Lauren and Sarah with their World Youth trip to Poland.
Amoris Laetitia – the Bible Group will next meet on Friday 13th May at 2.30pm in the parish Hall. Over the next few gatherings we will be looking at the recent document from Pope Francis – The Joy of Love. These meetings are open to the whole parish. Do join us.
Support Cambodia Plant Sale on Saturday 14th May at North Walsham. As parishioners, you can help us promote the plant sale to the wider community by displaying the enclosed flyer in your window/car window, posting it in your village shop or passing it to a friend. O)On the day; good quality plants, please, (preferably labelled!). Many thanks for your support!
Christian Aid Week, 15-21 May. Churches Together (Aylsham). Volunteers needed for house to house delivery of/and or envelope collection in Aylsham: help with table-top sale at St Michael’s on Mon 16th 9-12noon. Please see Pauline Andrews or sign lists. Donations of cakes, jams & plants on the day please. Unwanted, unused toiletry goods to be put in the box at back of the church. Thank you.
A Domestic Abuse Awareness event is being held in London, 16th May, as part of an initiative by the Catholic Bishops’ Conference: all are welcome especially those affected by abuse or for those working in pastoral ministry. For details please ring Phil Pond on 020 8651 2477 or email philippond@blueyonder.co.uk
Walsingham seeking a receptionist, 4 days a week. To apply, send covering letter, CV by 5pm Tuesday 3rd May to Mrs D Jones, HR & Office Manager, Catholic National shrine at address on poster.
We pray for Tony Middlecoat who died recently; we remember his family and friends at this time. We pray also for those whose anniversaries occur during this week including: Bernard Williams, Florence Gasper, Doris Beaumont, John Gibbs, Emily Gray, John Russell and Margery Huxtable.
May they rest in peace.
