Dear Friends,
Happiness is what everyone seeks. But people have different ideas of what happiness is. For the Jews material well-being was considered a sign of God’s blessing: happiness consisted in a long life and abundant possessions. The teaching of Jesus was different because it spoke of a deeper kind of happiness that transcended material wealth. It said that the poor rather than the rich would be closer to the kingdom of heaven, the persecuted would be closer to the heart of God. Jesus himself was the living embodiment of this teaching.
God bless
Father James
Today is Racial Justice Day.
Looking ahead, during Lent Fr James is going to lead a series of Lenten Reflections, which will include showing DVDs. These will be held on Saturday mornings in the parish hall at the Sacred Heart following the 9.30am Mass.
No meeting Monday 18th for Senior Citizens Group (NW).
A Eucharistic Service will be held at St Helen’s on Monday 18th February at 7pm: everyone is welcome.
Also concerning St Helen’s – their 60th Anniversary. To mark this anniversary there will be a celebratory Mass followed by a buffet meal on Friday 3rd May at 6pm. This is a great opportunity for the whole parish to get together and meet some old friends. Full details of the essential advance booking will follow shortly but in the meantime please put this date in your diary.
Bible Group meets on Friday 22nd in the committee room at 2.30pm.
(Books)
Rededication of England as the Dowry of Mary: the Slipper Chapel statue of Our Lady of Walsingham, with the Dowry Tour Exhibition, will visit every English Catholic Diocese & Cathedral between 2018-2020. It will visit our Cathedral of St John the Baptist on Thursday 28th February and remain until Saturday 2nd March 2019. The timetable of events can be seen on our church notice boards.
This year the Sacred Heart Church will be hosting the World Day of Prayer, (for NW: click here for details) on Friday 1st March 2019 at 2.00 pm. It will also be held in Aylsham at 2.30pm and again at 7.30pm in the Baptist Church on Cawstone Road, also at St Helen’s, Hoveton Friday 1st March at 10.30am.
Day of Prayer & Renewal. Theme is “Inspirational Lives” led by Fr Stefan Park OSA. Sat 9th March at 10am: Bowthorpe Church Centre.
On Sunday 10th March from 2pm till 4pm Kerry & Lauren invite 8-14 yr olds and their parents to a Summer Camp “Taster” Day! – to give the young people a fuller picture of the enjoyment to be had at the annual Diocesan Summer Camp. Questions to Kerry on 07504 048352.
Support Cambodia’s “Soups, Slides & Crafts” lunch is on Saturday 16th March from 11.30am – 2.30pm in the parish hall (soup served 12 – 1pm). Admission by ticket only, £3, available after weekend Masses or from Katies on 01263 577784. Ticket includes soup, bread, fruit, tea/coffee (bacon rolls extra); illustrated talk on the recent Trustee Visit, and a chance to buy from new Cambodia crafts. Early booking advised – it was sold out in advance last year!
Minutes of the PPC meeting held 29th January are now available on-line. Copies are also in our church porches.
We pray for all our sick parishioners; Mary Johnson, Joe Seely, Maria Wilby, Frances Palman, Thomasina Hopkins and Carolyn Raynor.
We pray for all those whose anniversaries occur at this time including: Brendon Cushion, Iris McGee, Daphne de Soissons, Gerald Hearne, Roy Copperwheat and Robert (Bob) Cockrill.
May they rest in peace.
