Dear Friends,
The Gospel today is very appropriate for the Jubilee Year of Mercy. Jesus states that it is only one who has not sinned who can carry out judgement. He, the only one without sin, emphatically does not condemn the woman.
Today the Alive in Faith campaign comes to an end in our parish. So far over 60 families or individuals (including myself!) have contributed with an average gift of £1,900. Most of these are spread over 5 years while some represent a ‘one-off’ donation. The current total for our parish is £102,000. This is a magnificent result made possible by the generosity of our parishioners and the work of the three volunteers. Some of you are still considering your response. Pledge forms were given out last Sunday and there are extra copies in each church. When you have completed the form you can place it in the special envelope and put it in the box marked ’Pledge Forms’. Or you can give it to me or to one of the volunteers. All new pledges or donations should to be handed in today. Remember we are being invited to ensure that the Catholic community in East Anglia will have the resources to pay for the training of our future priests, to provide for our retired clergy and to fund social action both in the diocese and in our own parish. And of course 25% of the money we raise will be available to our parish for the current needs of each of our three churches.
Father James
The Reconciliation Service for the parish will now be held on Wednesday 16th March at 7.30pm.
The Senior Citizens’ Group (NW) meets Monday 14th. AM Computer Workshop and Chair Exercises: PM Anna Perrott from Radio Norfolk will be visiting to entertain the group. It is also the week the members are encouraged to ’bring a friend’.
Today and next Sunday there will be a Journey in Faith meeting in the parish hall at 5 pm.
Churches Together ‘Lent Lunch’, is again on Thursday 17th March (the final one) at 12.30pm in the St Nicholas Room. Cost £4.00. Raising money for Christian Aid. There will be a short address by Major Richard Durrant.
A parish event organised by WYD (World Youth Day), entitled “Home” and presented by Dream Works, takes place on Saturday 19th March at 3.00pm in the parish hall. Adults £5; children £3. Families of up to 2 adults + 3 children £15.
The Chrism Mass this year will be on Tuesday, 22nd March at 7pm in the Cathedral. If you would like to attend please add your name to the list for the coach by this weekend if possible. The cost will be £4.
Support Cambodia: Thanks to all parishioners who supported the charity’s “Soups…” event last weekend. “Coins for Cambodia” home collecting jars are now available for anyone who would like one; details on Cambodia boards in all three churches. For jars contact Katie on 01263 577784 or email katbob@live.co.uk
There will be no meeting of St Helen’s 4th Wednesday Club in March. Our next meeting will be on 27th April when we will be celebrating our 7th Anniversary.
As part of St George’s Sprowston’s 50th Anniversary celebrations the Organist at Norwich Cathedral, David Dunnett, will perform Le Chemin de la Croix by Marcel Duprés this evening (Sunday) at 6.00pm. This is a musical meditation on the Stations of the Cross.
We pray for Louise Elaine Woodroff who died recently. Her Requiem Mass will be at Aylsham on Tuesday 15th March at 12.30pm. We pray also for Sue James, formally Conrad, who died last Saturday week. Her Requiem Mass is on Friday 18th March at North Walsham at 10.00am. We remember in prayer both their families and friends at this time.
We pray also for those whose anniversaries occur during this week including: John Price, William Lee, Cynthia Shearing, Michael Sherry, Reginald Broad, Robert Watson, Michael Yates and Gerald Metcalf.
May they rest in peace.
