Dear Friends,
Last Sunday Jesus spoke of himself as the Good Shepherd and in today’s Gospel reading he uses the image of himself as the Vine. Both remind us that our faith is centred above all on a person rather than a philosophy or a way of living. The Lord guarantees life to those who remain attached to the vine. But it is not without cost. A plant, even a garden rose, needs to be pruned. This pruning may cut off much that gives the appearance of vigour but getting rid of the dead wood is necessary for any real fruitfulness. It is the sap within the plant rather than the external greenery that will bring fruit.
We have all been saddened by the devastating earthquake that has occurred in Nepal. Thousands of people in this already impoverished country have been killed and many thousands more are now in urgent need of food, water, shelter and emergency supplies. The UN estimates that 8 million people (a quarter of the population) are affected. CAFOD is responding with Caritas Nepal and the Church and has deployed a team to provide specialist support. There is particular concern for communities in remote areas that have not yet been reached and they too will need help when access becomes possible. Support will also be needed in the long term – long after the television cameras have left – to enable communities to rebuild their lives and plan for the future.
CAFOD has launched a £3 million emergency appeal and this weekend we will have a special retiring collection to give it our support. I know that you will be as generous as you always are!
God bless you all,
Father James
The Rosary will be said before Mass during the month of May at North Walsham at 10.30am, Aylsham at 8.30am, Hoveton at 5.00pm. At North Walsham please sign the list of those wishing to lead in praying the Rosary.
Diocesan Pilgrimage to Walsingham – Bank Holiday Monday 4th May. A coach will pick up parishioneers from Hoveton 9.30am, N Walsham 9.50am & Aylsham 10.15am arriving at the Shrine at 11.15am. Be punctual as the coach cannot wait for latecomers. Departure at 5pm. Please PUT NAMES ON THE LIST TODAY – we need to know numbers. The cost of £5 will be collected on the coach: remember to bring a packed lunch.
Benediction is next Sunday (10th) at the Sacred Heart at 3pm; the theme – May Devotions, the Luminous Mysteries.
Christian Aid Week is from 10th to 16th May. (In Aylsham it will be Supporting women in Ethiopia). Volunteers for house to house collection are needed: please sign the list in the church (Aylsham). There will be a coffee morning at St John’s on Friday 15th May, 10.15am – 12noon.
Also at for Aylsham, cakes and produce are needed for the stall on Monday 11th at St Michael’s Monday Market.
A message from the Catholic Business Directory. “Are you a business owner or tradesman? If so you can list free of charge on the Catholic Business Directory. Simply email: listings@catholicbusinessdirectory.org You simply list your name, contact number, web and email address and region.”
Catholic East Anglia, our Diocesan newspaper (May edition) is available in our churches. Do pick up a copy – it’s FREE.
We pray for Tony Kelly who sadly died on Thursday 23rd April after a long illness: we remember his family and friends at this time. We pray also for those whose anniversaries occur during this week including: Florence Gasper, Doris Marian Beaumont, John Gibbs, Emily Gray, John Russell, Margery Huxtable, Ann Kelly, Marjorie Reynolds and Christopher Smith.
May they rest in peace.
