Dear Friends,
In today’s first reading the long list of places of origin show the diversity of those who heard the Gospel message in their own languages. Luke is telling us that the whole world is represented and receives the message. The sound of the great wind, the manifestation of the Holy Spirit, brings the people together to hear the proclamation of the apostles. The Spirit also enables them to hear the message in their own languages. The Word of God, proclaimed in Jerusalem, is now destined for the whole world. There is only one Gospel and it is for all peoples.
Over the last three Sundays you were invited to take part in the diocesan programme ‘Faithful Stewards of God’s Gifts’. There has been a good response to the invitation to take a more active part in the life of the parish. There is still time to choose how you wish to do this. Last Sunday we asked you to reflect on your financial contribution to the parish and we made available Gift Aid and standing order forms. Please fill them in and send them back (remember Peterborough!).
After more than two years of the relaxing of the Sunday obligation our bishops are reminding us of the importance of the Sunday Masses and are encouraging us to return to the normal practice pre-pandemic. Click here for their joint pastoral letter. It is good to see the steady growth in numbers at our weekend Masses (and in the weekly collection!).
I hope you are enjoying the celebrations for the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. We can be truly thankful for her quiet wisdom and her unifying influence on our country in a time of unprecedented changes in our society. A special prayer for the Queen will be said at the end of each of the Sunday Masses this weekend.
Holy Hour & Eucharistic Adoration is on Thursdays at St Helen’s at 3pm – a time for quiet reflection, meditation and contemplation.
Every Sunday from 10.30am Faithful Flames Children’s Group meets in the parish hall at the Sacred Heart: this is for all children up to the age of 16. It would be great to see you! Kerry – 0750 4048352
St John of the Cross, Aylsham, in celebration of the Queen’s Jubilee, will be holding a picnic in their grounds this afternoon starting at 12noon. Please bring a plate to share.
The Parish Pastoral Council will meet on Tuesday 14th June, at St John of the Cross, Aylsham. Parishioners having matters which they wish to raise should approach one of their representatives whose details are on the noticeboards in the church lobbies.
Headteacher Vacancy at St Mark’s catholic Primary School, Ipswich, please see Diocesan website for more details:
A Jubilee Concert to be held in Sheringham by St Austin’s Choir touring Norfolk to support local fundraising in aid of North Norfolk Foodbank. The event takes place at St Joseph’s Church on Saturday 11th June at 3pm, proceeds go to charity. There will be a Jubilee theme to the music with favourite pieces of the past 70 years. Pl give generously with financial donations and also any non-perishable food items. See poster.
We pray for our sick parishioners: Matt Butler, Frances Palman, Mary Bell, Monica Hawley, Mary Carr, Paul Watson, Cyril Shenton, Patricia Newton and Pat Durrant.
We pray for Elena Lucas and Paddy Clynch who died recently and for those whose anniversaries occur this week: Russell Skipper, Ann (Val) Edwards, Elizabeth (Betty) Kelso, Una Youngson, Mary Cushion, Jean Booth, Barbara Winfield, Ian Roberts, Patricia Minehan, Charles Bryson and Lilian Davis.
May they rest in peace. .
God bless
Father James
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