Dear Friends,
In today’s Gospel the Twelve return from their missionary journey to report back to Jesus and they expect to have some quiet time. But the crowds have other ideas! They follow Jesus and the apostles to a desert place – in fact they are there before them! Jesus is moved with pity for these sheep without a shepherd. He does so, partly because he sees how real is the need but also to show his disciples that they must learn how to show the tenderness of God for his people; the discovery that their mission will never be less than the full measure. His love urges on the apostles: they must be at the service of all – no holidays for them!
However the holiday season is now upon us. Each of our three churches will have visitors over the summer and I know that you will give them a warm welcome.
Father James
The Catholic Grandparents Association invite all grandparents, parents and grandchildren to the National Grandparents Pilgrimage to Walsingham on 26th July, the feast of St Joachim and St Anne
The Senior Citizens will be enjoying a meal at the Waterside Rollesby on Monday 20th for their Summer Lunch Outing .
On Tuesday 21st July at 1.00pm in North Walsham Cemetery the body of James McKillop will be buried next to his wife. The family will be pleased to see any of our parish who knew him.
Next Sunday (26th) is Day for Life: this year it focuses on cherishing life and accepting death, giving people an opportunity to think about the mysteries of life and death as well as the Church’s teaching on appropriate treatment at the end of life. This year’s theme is Assisted Suicide or the so called Assisted Dying Bill scheduled for debate in the House of Commons on 11th September. Please support the crucial work of Day for Life by giving generously in a retiring collection.
CAMBODIA 2016. St Etheldreda’s parish in Ely will be visiting Cambodia from 25th January to 8th February 2016 and invite anyone interested to join them. Visits to various parish centres in Battambang diocese are combined with the chance to experience something of the history and culture of Cambodia. Contact Bob Maidment on 01263 577784 for more details.
Look out for fundraising for World Youth Day when from 19th July, fortnightly, after Mass on a Sunday, Kerry and Lauren will bring second hand books to the parish hall for people to take and make a donation.
Fr Michael Johnstone is planning to take another group to Jamaica to work as volunteers with the Missionaries of the Poor. Anyone over 18 interested in finding out more and possibly joining – please contact him. The only cost is the fare, for which we will try to arrange sponsorship opportunities. To contact ring 01328 823586 or go to fr.mcjohnstone@tesco.net
There will be a further Silent Auction this Sunday in the parish hall following the 11.00am Mass. The auction had to be postponed on the day of the Fete on account of the wet weather. This Sunday the highest bids, including last Sunday’s bids, will win the goods.
The Shrine at Walsingham is looking for a Sales assistant to help with the Shrine Shop on busy pilgrimage days and to cover staff holidays for the next three months. If you would like to help please contact Sonya or Paul at: shop@walsingham.org.uk or telephone 01328 821794.
We pray for Mario Periera from Bacton who died last week and for those whose anniversaries occur at this time including: Irene McEllin, Eva Dooney, Frank Diamond, Terence Green, Anthony Randall and Florence Cullingford..
May they rest in peace.
