Dear Friends,
“Pain and suffering have come into your life, but remember pain, sorrow, suffering are but the kiss of Jesus—a sign that you have come so close to Him that He can kiss you.”
This Sunday’s readings invite each one of us to come to Him and learn from his compassionate and humble heart. In the first reading, the prophet Zechariah consoles the Jews living in Palestine under Greek rule, promising them a “meek” Messianic King of peace riding on a donkey, who will give them rest and liberty. In the second reading, Paul tells the first-century Christian community in Rome about two yokes, namely, the “flesh” and the “Spirit”, and he challenges them to reject the heavy and fatal yoke of the flesh and accept the light yoke of the Spirit of Jesus. Christian spirituality, according to Paul, proceeds from the initiative of the Holy Spirit and means living in the realm of the “Spirit” as opposed to the “flesh”. In the Gospel, Jesus offers rest to those “who labour and are burdened” if they will accept his “easy yoke and light burden”.
Father Peter
This Sunday is known as Sea Sunday. It is when the Church prays for all those who live and work at sea. Seafarers and fishers play a vital role in all of our lives, but they often work in difficult, hazardous conditions. In the last year, more crews have been abandoned by their employers than ever before. Many are still being denied the right to leave their ships for even a short break away from the relentless noise and pressure onboard. Many are reporting more stress and poorer mental health. Your support will make a big difference to seafarers and fishers in need. You can donate in church, by visiting www.stellamaris.org.uk/donate, or by texting “SEA” to 70460 to donate £5. This collection is vital to enable Stella Maris (formerly called Apostleship of the Sea) to continue its important work—so please give generously. Please consider using Gift Aid if you can. Thank you.
First Communions. This Sunday 9th July, at the 11.00am Mass some of our children will be making their First Communion. Please keep them and their families in your prayers.
Your Catholic Legacy Free Wills Service. Legacies are a vital one-off support for the Church’s mission. They often make possible the significant projects that parishes have wanted to undertake for years. The Diocese recently joined the organisation Your Catholic Legacy which promotes bequests to the Church, and has made available a free will writing service which supports individuals and couples to make their wills. There has been good take-up of this initiative in many parishes. If you would like to know more about how you can promote it in your parish, contact finance@rcdea.org.uk for details.
Sung Evening Prayer at St John of the Cross at 7pm on Tuesday 11th July, followed by refreshments. This is an ecumenical service to which all are warmly invited.
The Parish is in vital need of the workings of Social Committees in each of our three churches now that there is a return to our more regular parish activities; for example, a Christmas Fayre to be held on 25th November. Aylsham already has a group but would welcome anyone interested in attending when needed. Meetings of these committees will help combine efforts and ideas for whole parish events. Anyone who would like to represent their church on such a committee please contact the parish office: 01692 403258 or rcnwalsham@gmail.com or speak to Antonia.
We pray for our sick parishioners: Matt Butler, Frances Palman, Mary Bell, Mary Carr, Paul Watson, Cyril Shenton, Patricia Newton, Celia Cooper, Michael Haughton, Marie Barton, Gerry Francis, Robert Buhagiar, Margaret Larkins, Daphne Necchi, Bert Pooler, Maria Halsey, Shirley Teague and Maria Wilby.
We pray for those whose anniversaries occur this week: Stephen Rothon, Audrey Walker, Gloria Moolchan, Angela Brook, Edward Uden, Mario Periera, Rhoda Egan.
May they rest in peace.
