Dear Friends,
All of today’s readings speak about people on the move in search of a new homeland. As Christians we are all migrants journeying with others. All of us are responding to God’s call to prepare for the coming of God’s concept of home, a home that is built on the foundations of justice, mercy, goodness and love.
This weekend we welcome Anthony Asomugha who is one of our seminarians studying for the priesthood at Allen Hall in London. This is Anthony’s second visit to the parish.
Next Thursday is the Feast of the Assumption and a holyday of obligation. Mass will be celebrated at each of our three churches.
Father James
Do you wish you had more confidence to explain your faith? A team from Catholic Voices will be running a training day on 7th September in the parish hall at Wymondham from 11am – 4 pm. It will include practical skills in talking about controversial topics ‘without raising your voice’. If you would like to attend you will need to book a place in advance. Contact Rebecca Bretherton at: evangelisation@rcdea.org.uk
All are welcome to a simple Cambodia-style Mass at Aylsham at 9.30 am on Friday 16th August. The Mass will be offered for Fr Greg and our twinned parish of St Francis Xavier. He has asked us to pray for the Grade 12 students who will be taking final school exams on 18th and 19th August.
The next Forum at North Walsham will take place after the 11am Mass on Sunday 18th August. Please be ready with any points you wish to raise.
A copy of the Minutes of the PPC Meeting (Parish Pastoral Council) held on Tuesday 9th July is now on the parish website: copies are also available and displayed in our church porches. The next PPC meeting is on Tuesday 22nd October.
It is important that new PPC representatives are elected to help represent their churches so please make your nominations for a new PPC representative, in your church community – to start this coming October. Elaine Haughton, (St Helen’s) Becky Walker (Sacred Heart) and Carol Shippey (St John of the Cross) will be stepping down from their three year terms. Nomination forms are available in our churches. We thank Elaine, Becky and Carol for their contribution to the life of the Parish.
This year’s Memorial Garden Mass at North Walsham will be held on Tuesday 20th August at 6pm. Parishioners are welcome to attend this beautiful outdoor Mass, when we remember past friends of the church here. If the weather is unsuitable it will take place in the church.
An invitation from Clare Hardie. “Come and enjoy wine & cheese on a summer evening on Saturday 17th August from 7pm at Orchard Cottage, Newton Road, Hainford, Norwich, NR10 3BQ to help raise funds for the North Norfolk S.V.P. Tickets £7.50 on the evening”. Please ring Clare on 01603 897609 for any further details.
St John of the Cross (Aylsham) invites the parish to their Hog Roast on Saturday 31st August at 1pm in the church garden. In addition to the food there will be games, book and produce stalls. There is also a Vegetarian option. Soft drinks/tea/coffee will be provided plus pre-roast nibbles and puddings. All for £8. The proceeds are to go to Hospice Ethiopia. Tickets by ’phone from Clare Glenn 01263 734853. Numbers must be in by Friday 23rd August
Fr Michael Johnstone will again be taking a group on a Retreat to Ampleforth to be conducted by a monk from Monday 16 until Friday 20th September. Cost between £260 – £275. For further information contact Fr Michael on 01603 664118: late afternoons / evenings best.
We pray for all our sick parishioners: Mary Johnson, Joe Seely, Maria Wilby, Matt Butler, John Gowing, Teresa Farrow, Tom Ender and Derek Palman.
We pray for Liz Smith who died recently. We pray also for all those whose anniversaries occur at this time including: Elspeth Forrest, Brian de Soissons, Bernard Eyre, Sheila Chard, Audrey Miller and Barbara Jackson.
May they rest in peace.
Next Family Mass: Sunday 6th October – Harvest Thanksgiving
