Dear Friends,
Today’s Gospel is the meeting of Jesus with the Samaritan woman. It centres around the well and the water the woman has come to fetch. Water is a symbol of the fulness of life which Jesus offers to those who meet him. The people of the town come to see for themselves what is happening. They say, ’We have heard him ourselves and we know that he really is the saviour of the world’. For St John it is important that each person must encounter Jesus for themselves and come to know him directly.
The diocese has issued liturgical directives in order to minimise the spread of the Corona virus. The Sign of Peace and Communion from the chalice is suspended at all Masses. Communion will only be given in the hand and holy-water stoups will remain empty. The collection plates will no longer be passed round. Please put your Offertory collection in the container provided in order to minimise the spread of infection.
Father James
Sacred Heart Taskforce Appeal -There has been a great response to the appeal, with people coming forward to offer their time and skills. Thank you for your generosity. Rotas for the various tasks are being prepared and will be available at Sunday Mass.
The 11am Sunday Mass today at the Sacred Heart is a Mass of Thanksgiving, for all our helpers – deceased and founder members, long-serving parishioners, donors, workers and new volunteers – for giving their time, skills and support to our parish community.
A Caritas Festival will be held at St George’s, Norwich on Saturday 28th March from 10am-4pm. Bishop Alan will celebrate Mass at 10 am and then open the Festival with the Lord Mayor of Norwich.
This year we are sharing a coach for the Chrism Mass with the parish of Sheringham. Please add your name to the list if you would like to come. More details will be provided when we have a better idea of how many people will be going. We need to know numbers a.s.a.p.
Events taking place during Lent
Lenten Lunches in North Walsham have been cancelled.
Bible Study – At the Sacred Heart it will be held on 2nd and 4th Fridays in the month. At Hoveton it is on every 3rd Wednesday. At St John of the Cross there will be weekly Bible Study sessions on Thursdays at 7pm. in the church. All are welcome: please bring your bible.
‘Scripture through Carmelite Eyes’ is a series of 3 reflections given by secular Carmelites on the influence of the Bible on Carmelite saints. The second is on St Thérese of Lisieux & St Elizabeth of the Trinity at the Cathedral Narthex on Tuesday, 24th March from 6-7pm.
The Stations of the Cross will be held at the Sacred Heart on Fridays at 12noon, at St Helen’s, after the Wednesday 9.30am Mass and after the Friday 9.30am Mass at Aylsham.
“Soups, Slides & Crafts” lunch in aid of Support Cambodia is on Saturday 28th March from 11.30am – 2.30pm in the parish hall. Free entry to craft and slides. Lunch is by ticket only, price £3.50 – on sale after the weekend Masses or from Katie on 01263 577784.
We pray for our sick parishioners: Joe Seely, Maria Wilby, Matt Butler, John Gowing, Tom Ender, Derek Palman, Kevin Fitzmaurice David Battigan and Mary Carr.
We pray for George Foster, Fr James’ brother-in-law, who died on Friday, and all those whose anniversaries occur at this time including: Michael Sherry, Reginald Broad, Robert Watson, David Randell, Michael Yates, Ron Gibbs, Kathleen (Kay) Pearce and Henry (Dulcie) Leeland.
May they rest in peace.
Next Family Mass: Sunday 12th April
(11.00 am Mass at the Sacred Heart)
