Dear Friends,
The first Sunday in Lent tells the story of the temptation of Jesus in the desert. It shows the Lord’s solidarity with us in seeking to resist sin. In the 1st reading God makes a new start with the whole of creation: the rainbow is the sign of the new covenant God is making with his people. Pope Francis reminds us that humanity must recognise that it is an element within creation and not the lord of creation. For Christians there is only one Lord.
Father James
The Senior Citizens Group (NW) meets on Monday 19th at its regular time of 11am. There will be the usual morning activities followed by lunch. In the afternoon Deacon Ron will lead a reflection “Into Lent with Deacon Ron”.
CAFOD Family Fast Day is this coming Friday, 23rd February. Please take an envelope today and bring it back with your donation to CAFOD on the Sunday. With malnutrition still killing almost three million children a year, your fasting, prayers and donations on Family Fast Day will ensure children have enough food to eat. Every pound you donate this Lent will be doubled by the UK Government.
The booklet “Walk with Me” – a Lenten Journey of Prayer for 2018 is now available in our church porches. It costs £1.
The 2nd Session of Fr James’ Lent Course will be held at Hoveton on Tuesday 27th February at 7.00pm. It is entitled: St Mark’s Gospel. Those who drive please be available to give lifts, and those who are not driving don’t be shy to request a lift.
Support Cambodia’s ‘Soups, Slides & Crafts’ event is on Saturday, 10th March in the parish hall from 11.30am – 2.30 pm. Homemade soup lunch (bacon rolls extra!) slide show on the recent Trustee visit and a selection of Cambodia crafts for sale. Tickets £3 from Katie.
During Lent there will be a series of Lent Station Masses celebrated by Bishop Alan. The nearest to us is St George’s, Norwich on Thursday, 1st March at 6.00pm: there will be Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament and the Sacrament of Reconciliation; at 7.00pm Mass. This is followed by soup and cheese.
Women’s World Day of Prayer is on Friday 2nd March. There will be a Service at St Helen’s at 9.30am to 12noon and a rehearsal in the church (for the representatives) on the previous Friday, 23rd February at 9.00 to11.30am. At Aylsham the Service is at St Michael’s Church at 2.30pm and again at 7.30pm; at North Walsham the Service is at St Nicholas Church at 2pm. These services are for both men and women.
Stations of the Cross are held at North Walsham on Friday’s at 12noon.
Lent Lunches in North Walsham take placer on Thursdays at St Benet’s Hall at 12.30pm.
St Helen’s 4th Wednesday Club for Senior Citizens next meets February 28th from 11.30am until 4.00pm. Come in and join us for any part of the day. New members are always welcome.
We pray for our sick parishioners, including Barbara Appleton, Michael Fogarty, Margaret Wynes, Peter Walmesly, Mary Carr and Linda Dawson.
We pray for those whose anniversaries occur this week including: Brendon Cushion, Iris McGee, Daphne de Soissons, Gerald Hearne, Roy Copperwheat, Robert (Bob) Cockrill, Michael McCann and Edith (Rusty) Collins.
May they rest in peace.
Living Simply
Theme for Lent: Fast, Pray and Give
This week’s suggestion: Support CAFOD’s Lent Fast Day
next Friday
