Dear Friends,
Today’s Gospel is about the second coming of Jesus at the end of time – an expectation that was very real in the early church but which has lost much of its immediacy in our own age. What we call the Second Coming of Christ is shrouded in mystery. We do not know when or how it will take place. This does not mean that it will not happen. All we do know is that the Lord will return to take possession of the kingdom that is his: and we are part of that kingdom in the measure that we live according to his teachings.
I hope you are enjoying the prolonged spell of fine weather which looks to be with us for the immediate future. My last weekend in the parish will be the 10/11th of September.
God bless,
Father James
A reminder – Faithful Flames Children’s Group will not be held today (Sunday) but it returns as normal next Sunday, 14th August. However, on that Sunday, after morning Mass, I would like to invite you all to some fun in the sun. Just bring a picnic and join in with games, sports activities and a bit of water play too. There will also be face paint available. All families are welcome. I look forward to spending this ‘fun in the sun’ afternoon with you. Please look out for the poster in the church porch to remind you. It would be great to see you! Kerry – 0750 4048352
Holy Hour & Eucharistic Adoration is on Thursdays at St Helen’s at 3pm – a time for quiet reflection, meditation and contemplation.
Still urgently needed, rented accommodation – for care workers, in the North Walsham area who have joined our church community: looking for flats, houses. Please phone the parish office on 01692 403258 or email rcnwalsham@antonia
Bob Maidment: the 9.30am Mass at Aylsham on Friday 19th August will be a Memorial Mass for Bob, to be followed at 11am by the Blessing of his memorial stone at Aylsham Cemetery. Covid-19 meant a number of people were unable to attend either his burial or the “Mass in the Garden” in 2020 and so this is a final opportunity for anyone who wishes to pay their respects to Bob. If you would prefer to come just for Mass or just for the Blessing, that’s fine – you’ll be most welcome. Further information: Katie on 01263 577784.
The annual Memorial Garden Mass, held at the Sacred Heart, will take place on Tuesday 23rd August at 6pm: all are welcome. Should the weather be unsuitable the Mass will be held in the church.
The Catholic Charismatic Renewal in East Anglia invite you to a Day of Prayer & Renewal in the Holy Spirit on Saturday 20th August, 10.30am – 4.30pm at Clare Priory, Ashen Road, Clare, CO10 8NX. It is led by Fr Stefan Park OSA and Fr Gladson Dabre OSA, a day of praise & worship, Holy Mass, reconciliation, healing & teaching. The theme: Do you believe that I am able to do this? Tea/coffee provided: bring a packed lunch. For more information ring Clare Fox on 07906 523496.
Inviting all young people, aged 16-30, to the Transform Festival, 9th-11th September. Come and experience your faith in a new, dynamic way. Held at Clare Priory, the Festival will include live music, powerful talks, prayer and workshops, as well as good food and free time. Organised by the Diocesan Youth Service and Clare Priory. See www.transformfestival.uk for more information.
We pray for our sick parishioners: Matt Butler, Frances Palman, Mary Bell, Michael and Monica Hawley, Mary Carr, Paul Watson, Cyril Shenton, Patricia Newton, Pat Durrant and Celia Cooper.
We pray for those whose anniversaries occur this week: Peter Carty, Audrey Howard, Christina O’Flaherty, Betty Beardshaw, Stanley Duddridge, Winifred Foran, Elspeth Forrest, Brian de Soissons, Baby Abel Joseph Almand-Chinn, Deacon Ron O’Toole, Bernard Eyre and Dudley Hardingham. May they rest in peace. .
