Dear Friends,
There were times when Jesus could be courageous in confrontation, fiery in condemnation, majestic in resurrection. We can find all these in St John’s Gospel. But today there is a gentler and more protective Jesus portrayed in the gospel reading. Today is sometimes called Good Shepherd Sunday. So it is appropriate that Bishop Alan should send us a pastoral letter about those who shepherd God’s people and especially those who are in training for the priesthood in our diocese.
God bless you all.
Father James
Today, World Day of Prayer for Vocations, there is a retiring collection for the Priests’ Training Fund. Gift Aid envelopes are available at the back of the church.
The Senior Citizens’ Group (NW) – Monday 18th. The day begins at 11am with tea or coffee and a chat, Computer Workshop or Chair Exercises. Lunch is at 12.30pm followed at approx.1.30pm with an afternoon session of ’Being Crafty with Teresa’. New people are always welcome to join this friendly group. For information please contact Teresa Butler on 01692 405007 or 07901 830327.
Newman Lectures at UEA. The 2016 lectures take place each Monday in April: lectures begin at 6.30 pm in the Julian Study Centre and are free, as is parking. Information: www.newmanlectures.co.uk
The Diocesan Pilgrimage to Walsingham is on Bank Holiday Monday 2nd May. Please sign the lists as soon as possible so that the appropriate coach may be booked. The cost is £5 – pl bring a packed lunch. Pick up times from: Hoveton – 9.30am; NW – 9.50am & Aylsham – 10.15am. Please be punctual as coach cannot wait for latecomers. Departure for return: 5.00pm.
The next PPC (Parish Pastoral Council) Meeting is on Tuesday 19th April at 7.30 pm in the Committee Room of the Parish Hall.
The Interment of Ron Papendick at N Walsham is at 11.00am.
The Bible Group meets Friday 22nd April at 2.30pm in the parish hall.
St Helen’s 4th Wednesday Club for senior citizens meets on 27th April when we will be celebrating our 7th Anniversary with poems, songs, quizzes, games & a free raffle. Coffee is served from 11.30am, a simple hot lunch at 12.30pm, finishing with tea and cake at 4.00pm. All ‘seniors’ welcome. Please let us know if you are coming for the first time by leaving a message on 01692 582418.
The Parish Annual Meeting will be on Monday 9th May at 7.00 pm in the Parish Hall (North Walsham). A delicious supper will be prepared by parishioners from the Sacred Heart (first course) and St John of the Cross (puddings). Our speaker this year will be Gervais Kouloungou, the Deanery Representative for Refugees. Please sign the list in the porch in order that we can cater for the number.
Don’t forget the Plant Sale! Saturday 14th May. Hopefully you are tending to your selected seedlings and plants so that on the day we can raise a superb amount for Support Cambodia.
Inviting ALL young people in Year 9 – 13 to the Ignite Festival, 30th April – 2nd May in Swaffham. The weekend will include live music and talks as well as free time for sport and activities; organised by the Diocesan Youth service. Please see www.ignitefestival.co.uk for more information.
Vacancy at St Francis of Assisi Catholic Primary School Jessopp Road, Norwich. Required as soon as possible. We are seeking to appoint a caretaker at the school. Please contact the office: 01603 441484 or office @st-francisofassisi.norfolk.sch.uk Closing date for applications : 25th April 2016.
We pray also for those whose anniversaries occur during this week including: Eric Hall, Mario Vanzino, Dorothy Pooler, Bertram (Bert) Alley, Inga Courtenay, Winifred (Freda) Edwards, Joan Sims, Anne Papendick, Alred Pycroft and Bernard Lipscombe.
May they rest in peace.
Requiem Mass for Fr David’s mother, Olwen Bagstaff: St Philip Howard, Cherry Hinton, Cambs. on Friday 22nd April at 12noon.
