Dear Parishioners,
“There is nothing that can satisfy a thirsty soul except living water.”
Today’s readings are centred on Baptism and new life. Living water represents God’s Holy Spirit who comes to us in Baptism, penetrating every aspect of our lives and quenching our spiritual thirst. The Holy Spirit of God, the Word of God, and the Sacraments of God in the Church are the primary sources of the living water of Divine Grace. We are assembled here in the Church to drink this water of eternal life and salvation. Washed in it at Baptism, renewed by its abundance at each Eucharist, invited to it in every proclamation of the Word, and daily empowered by the anointing of the Holy Spirit, we are challenged by today’s Gospel to remain thirsty for the living water, which only God can give.
We need to allow Jesus free entry into our personal lives. Jesus wishes to come into our “private” life, not to embarrass us, not to judge or condemn us, but to free us, to change us, and to offer us what we really need: the living water of the Holy Spirit. Let us find this living water in the Sacraments, in prayer, and in the Holy Bible, especially during this Lenten season.
Fr Peter
Stations of the Cross are taking place in each of our churches during Lent.
Aylsham it follows the Friday 9.30am Mass: volunteers to lead, please sign on the list.
Hoveton – Wednesdays at 10.15am following the 9.30am Mass.
North Walsham – on Saturdays at 12.30pm following the 12.00-12.30pm Exposition and Confessions.
Amended time for the Lenten Deanery Station Mass at St John’s Cathedral is now at: 6pm for Exposition/Confession; 7pm Mass; 8pm Light buffet/soup.
Fr Peter would be grateful if parishioners who have Foundation Masses, arranged annually in our parish, could please contact the parish office (email or by phone) or inform him directly of the details.
On Friday 24th March Michael Hawley’s ashes will be interred at St John of the Cross after the 9.30am Mass. All are welcome. For that day only, Stations of the Cross will take place BEFORE Mass, at 9 am.
Vacancy for Chief Executive Officer for St John the Baptist Catholic Multi Academy Trust. For details please go to https://www.rcdea.org.uk/schools/school-vacancies
Inviting young adults to “Transform for Holy Week”: 31st March – 2nd April. A special weekend for young people aged 16+ to go deeper in their faith and help prepare for Holy Week and Easter. The weekend will be a time to retreat from the busyness of life and include talks, music and prayer. Come for a day or the whole weekend. Held at Clare Priory in Suffolk. For more information, please see www.transform4.co.uk
On Saturday 22nd April at 7.30pm a concert will be held at St John of the Cross given by “Singers Unlimited” in memory of the late Michael Hawley. Tickets on sale now £10 cash (£12 on the door) from Katie Maidment – 01263 577784 or katbob@live.co.uk All proceeds will go to the Alzheimer’s Society. Please see poster in church for details.
Retreat for Young Women (19-30yrs). Led by Secular Franciscans at the Julian Visitor Centre 21st – 23rd April 2023. Pl see poster in church porches. Further details paulapofs@gmail.com
A big thank you to everyone who sent flowers and good wishes for our Golden Wedding Anniversary. It was a lovely day and a very special Mass. Love from Elaine and Michael.
We pray for our sick parishioners: Matt Butler, Frances Palman, Mary Bell, Mary Carr, Paul Watson, Cyril Shenton, Patricia Newton, Pat Durrant, Celia Cooper, Michael Haughton, Marie Barton, Gerry Francis, Robert Buhagiar and Alf and Margaret Larkins.
We pray for those whose anniversaries occur this week: John Barry, John Price, William Lee, Cynthia Shearing, Mary Halliday, Michael Sherry, Reginald Broad, Robert Watson, Davyd Randall, George Threadwell and Ron Gibbs. May they rest in peace.
