Dear Friends,
The feast of the Assumption is a great affirmation of the special place of Mary in the unfolding of God’s work of salvation. In the first reading there is an extraordinary contrast between two signs – a pregnant woman and a fearsome dragon bent on destroying her child. Yet the woman and her child are saved; the evil that the dragon represents is defeated to shouts of victory. The Gospel gives us Mary’s great prayer: the Magnificat. It is a prayer of thanksgiving for what God has done in her and in the plan of salvation. In today’s feast we celebrate the salvation that God has brought to his people. Mary’s prayer articulates that for all generations.
On Monday, 26th September Bishop Alan will come to the parish to administer the sacrament of Confirmation to a group of our young people. The Mass will be at 6 pm at North Walsham.
Father James
Today Faithful Flames Children’s Group will meet in the parish hall at 10.30am and then again after the morning Mass for our “Fun in the Sun” when we will be out in the grounds of the church for games, sports activities and a bit of water play too – and there will be face painting! All families are welcome. I look forward to spending this ’fun’ afternoon with you. It will be great seeing you! Kerry – 0750 4048352.
Holy Hour & Eucharistic Adoration is on Thursdays at St Helen’s at 3pm – a time for quiet reflection, meditation and contemplation.
Still urgently needed, rented accommodation – for care workers, in the North Walsham area who have joined our church community: looking for flats, houses. Please phone the parish office on 01692 403258 or email rcnwalsham@gmail.com
The annual Memorial Garden Mass, held at the Sacred Heart, will take place on Tuesday 23rd August at 6pm: all are welcome. Should the weather be unsuitable the Mass will be held in the church.
Bob Maidment: the 9.30am Mass at Aylsham on Friday 19th August will be a Memorial Mass for Bob, to be followed at 11am by the Blessing of his memorial stone at Aylsham Cemetery. Covid-19 meant a number of people were unable to attend either his burial or the “Mass in the Garden” in 2020 and so this is a final opportunity for anyone who wishes to pay their respects to Bob. If you would prefer to come just for Mass or just for the Blessing, that’s fine – you’ll be most welcome. Further information: Katie on 01263 577784.
The Catholic Charismatic Renewal in East Anglia invite you to a Day of Prayer & Renewal in the Holy Spirit on Saturday 20th August, 10.30am – 4.30pm at Clare Priory, Ashen Road, Clare, CO10 8NX. It is led by Fr Stefan Park OSA and Fr Gladson Dabre OSA, a day of praise & worship, Holy Mass, reconciliation, healing & teaching. The theme: Do you believe that I am able to do this? Tea/coffee provided: bring a packed lunch. For more information ring Clare Fox on 07906 523496.
Inviting all young people, aged 16-30, to the Transform Festival, 9th-11th September. Come and experience your faith in a new, dynamic way. Held at Clare Priory, the Festival will include live music, powerful talks, prayer and workshops, as well as good food and free time. Organised by the Diocesan Youth Service and Clare Priory. See www.transformfestival.uk for more information.
Headteacher vacancies: St Mark’s Catholic Primary School, Ipswich. Sacred Heart Catholic Primary School, Peterborough. Pl see diocesan website for details: https://www.rcdea.org.uk/schools/school-vacancies/
We pray for our sick parishioners: Matt Butler, Frances Palman, Mary Bell, Michael and Monica Hawley, Mary Carr, Paul Watson, Cyril Shenton, Patricia Newton, Pat Durrant and Celia Cooper.
We pray for those whose anniversaries occur this week: Sheila Chard, Audrey Miller, Barbara Jackson, William Healy, Jane Moy and Hilda Howard. May they rest in peace. .
