Dear Friends,
Today we celebrate the feast of the Ascension. It is not an isolated event but an essential part of the Easter Mystery. Between Easter and Pentecost we celebrate the passing over of Jesus when he vanishes from the sight of his disciples in order to open up for them a new way of relating to them when everything is filled with his presence. His invisible presence becomes more intense in a way that would have been impossible had his former bodily presence continued. We can rejoice, too, that where he is we, one day, shall also be.
Father James
Today (Sunday) is World Communications Day. There will be a retiring collection for Catholic Communications Network. Prayer cards available.
The Rosary: (NW) Those who would like to lead the Rosary during May, please sign the list in the porch. There are similar arrangements for Aylsham & Hoveton. Leaflets on how to pray the Rosary are available.
The Senior Citizens’ Group (NW) – Monday 9th May: the group will have their usual activities in the morning; in the afternoon there will be ‘Entertainment’ from Anna Perrott– BBC Radio Norfolk.
At the following Monday meeting, 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.
The Parish Annual Meeting – Monday 9th May at 7.00 pm in the Parish Hall (North Walsham). A delicious supper will be prepared by parishioners from the Sacred Heart and St John of the Cross. Speakers: Gervais Kouloungou, Deanery Representative for Refugees and Hala Marie. This is one of the few times in the year when the whole parish comes together to take stock of its progress in the last twelve months as well as to enjoy good company. Please sign the list in the porch.
Minutes for the PPC meeting of 19th April are now on the parish website and on church noticeboards.
Today, Sunday, there is a candle sale in the parish hall to help raise funds for the World Youth Day in Poland.
Amoris Laetitia – the Bible Group will next meet on Friday 13th May at 2.30pm in the parish hall when they will be looking at Pope Francis’ recent document “The Joy of Love”. All are welcome.
Support Cambodia ‘Plant Sale’ is next Saturday 14th May at North Walsham from 10.30am. Donations, please, of good quality plants, preferably labelled will be greatly appreciated. There will be a crafts and cake/produce stall, also refreshments available, including bacon rolls. The proceeds this year will go towards two borewells at a remote school with no water supply.
Moira Selvage (Gt Yarmouth parish) is contributing to the project by doing a Sponsored Walk to the Shrine of St James at Compostela (North Western Spain). If you would like to sponsor Moira, please contact Bob Maidment on 01263 577784 for details.
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 Peter Quinlan who died recently: we remember his family and friends at this time. We pray also for those whose anniversaries occur during this week including: Anne Kelly, Marjorie Reynolds, Christopher Smith, Florence Dady, Lillian Davis, Olive Carr, Winifred Madden, Joan Harmer, and Margaret Douglas.
May they rest in peace.
Does anyone have a folding bicycle they no longer use? (Fr James)
