Dear Friends
Today’s readings all speak about the Word of God. In the Old Testament it is revealed in the Law that God gave his people to set them apart from their pagan neighbours and to give them moral guidance. St James tells us to ‘submit to the word which has been planted in you’. In the Gospel Jesus accuses the Pharisees of ‘putting aside the commandments of God’ – of ignoring his Word.
Today we are supporting the SVP appeal for those who have lost their lives or their homes in the floods in Kerala. As funds are needed urgently I have already sent £500 from the parish to the national SVP centre in London. Today we are having a retiring collection which I am sure will reach this amount. Anything over will also be sent off. Meanwhile we keep our sisters and brothers in Kerala in our prayers.
This weekend we respond to the call of Pope Francis to ’reaffirm our personal vocation to be stewards of creation, to thank God for the wonderful handiwork which he has entrusted to us and to ask his help ’for the protection of creation’.
God bless
Father James
Next Saturday is Education Day
The latest edition of the diocesan newspaper is here and is free!
Choir Practices at St John of the Cross resume on Tuesday 4th September at 7pm. New members are always very welcome, enthusiasm and commitment being the essential qualifications. Contact Katie Maidment on 01263 577784 or email katbob@live.co.uk
A Stalham Area Mass will be held at St Mary’s Church, Stalham on Friday 14th September at 7pm.
At Hoveton on Sunday 16th September at St Helen’s there will be a Celebration Mass in the afternoon for Our Lady of Panafranca in culmination to the many festivities taking place in the town and on the Broads.
The 9am Mass at Aylsham on Sunday September 9th will be a Mass of Celebration to coincide with the Eucharistic Congress taking place that weekend in Liverpool. It will also be an opportunity to welcome back the children at the start of the new academic year, especially those who made their First Holy Communion in July. It is hoped that as many of our children and young people as possible will be able to attend this Mass and take a full part in the liturgy. For more information: Ginny Keane on 077334301270 or Aideen Shiell on 01692 500934.
Support Cambodia will hold their Annual Appeal throughout the month of September, culminating in a Race Night at the Sacred Heart Parish Hall on Saturday 29th September at 7pm. Tickets (£1) are on sale this morning after Mass at NW. Horses and jockeys will be on sale later over the next three weekend Masses. Proceeds from the Appeal will go to the Rice Soup/Baby Milk Programme in Svay Sisophon. Details at www.supportcambodia.org.uk or phone 01263 577784.
The Norfolk Churches Trust are putting on their annual Bike Ride, Walk or Drive on Saturday 8th September. We will need “recorders” to monitor the progress of riders. Please sign your name to the timetable in the porch at NW) if you can spare an hour.
Advance News. Churches Together (NW) are having their annual Safari Supper on Saturday 22nd September. The Sacred Heart will be providing the main course. Please let Adrian Rudman or Chris White (CTNW reps) know if you would be able to help with this meal.
We pray for John Holmes, the husband of Mary Holmes who died recently and for all our sick parishioners, including Mary Johnson, Joe Seely, Sheila Hall and Maria Wilby.
We pray for all those whose anniversaries occur at this time including: Anthony Conrad, Beatrice Turton, Joan (Jean) Law, Anthony Bateman, Michael McCarthy, Teresa Moss, Patricia Nelder, Josephine Dady and Ivan Kulas.
May they rest in peace.
