Dear Friends,
Today we celebrate the great Solemnity of Pentecost: 50 days after the feast of Easter it brings to completion the Easter season. It also marks the beginning – the birthday – of the Church when the Holy Spirit came with great power into the lives of the followers of Jesus.
God’s Spirit was active throughout the history of the Chosen people. The Spirit was given to those called to lead the people and the Spirit raised the prophets to call the wayward people back to God’s ways.. The Spirit was active throughout Jesus’ life, from the moment of his conception, at his baptism and in the signs and wonders he performed. Before Jesus returned to his Father he promised the Spirit to those who had followed him. Today that promise is fulfilled and we pray that we will receive the promised gift with joy and thanksgiving.
Father James
Those who would like to lead the Rosary during the month of May, please sign the list in the porch. There are similar arrangements for Aylsham and Hoveton. Leaflets on how to pray the Rosary are available.
Readers at North Walsham please note for Pentecost we have changed to Mass Book: Year C Part 2.
The Senior Citizens’ Group (NW) meets on Monday 16th May. There will be a Spiritual Day of Reflection led by Fr James: the morning session will begin at 11.00am: Mass will be at 12noon followed by a shared lunch and the afternoon session. All parishioners are welcome.
Our thanks go to all who were in any way involved in organising the evening last Monday for the Parish Annual Supper & Meeting; the preparation of food, the layout of the hall etc. that all went to providing a very pleasant and interesting evening.
Minutes for the PPC meeting of 19th April are now on the parish website and on church noticeboards.
Amoris Laetitia The Bible Group meets every 2nd and 4th Friday – the next meeting being on 27th May at 2.30pm in the parish hall when again they will continue to look at Pope Francis’ recent document, “The Joy of Love”. All are welcome.
Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes takes place on 19th to 28th August and is led by Bishop Alan. You are invited to come as a pilgrim or an Assisted Pilgrim (for which every need, both medical or general are catered) or come as a Youth/Adult Helper, Doctor or Nurse. There is some funding available for those in need and for nurses. Everyone is assured of a warm welcome.
Further information can be obtained from the Pilgrimage Director: Deacon Clive Brooks, 76 Broom Knoll, East Bergholt, Suffolk. CO7 6XN. Tel. 01206 396319. Or email Deacon Clive on
clivebrooks1936@talktalk.net
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: info@pilgrimagepeople.org or call free on 0800 6123423.
A Diocesan Deputy Director of School is required. Please see the Diocesan website for details – www.rcdea.org.uk
Christian Aid Week, 15-21 May. Churches Together (Aylsham). Volunteers needed, please. Please see Pauline Andrews or sign lists. Donations of cakes, jams & plants on the day please.
We pray for those whose anniversaries occur during this week including: Elizabeth Uden, Terence Gigli, John McGuinn, Jean Graydon-Carter, Mary Sparks, Winifred (Win) Armes and Elizabeth (Rosemary) Walmsley.
May they rest in peace.
Does anyone have a folding bicycle they no longer use? (Fr James)
