This 4th Sunday in Eastertide is also called Good Shepherd Sunday. We can understand why when we read today’s Gospel. Jesus speaks of himself as the good shepherd in contrast to many of the Jewish religious leaders for whom the sheep meant little or nothing. He cares for his sheep, defends them against all manner of threats even to the extent of laying down his life for them. They ‘know his voice’ and follow him without fear.
On this Good Shepherd Sunday the Church asks us to be mindful of our future shepherds – those who are in training for the priesthood and the diaconate and also those who are discerning a possible vocation. We support them by our prayers and also contribute to the cost of their seminary formation. Hence there is a retiring collection for this purpose today.
Father James
This Sunday, 21 April, is the World Day of Prayer for Vocations and there will be a 2nd Collection for the Diocesan Priests’ Training Fund.
We are blessed in our Diocesan family with three seminarians, a student for the priesthood residing in South Africa and a possible candidate for entry to formation in September of this year. There is also an encouraging number of other men discerning a potential vocation to the priesthood, so it is all the more vital for the future of the diocese to enable adequate financial support for the training of priests. The cost of training our students for the current year will amount to £92,418. I urge you to be as generous as possible in supporting the annual second collection, which last year raised approximately £20,000. (Donations can also be made through the diocesan website: www.rcdea.org.uk/vocations)
Monday 6 May is the annual Diocesan Pilgrimage to Walsingham. There will be Exposition in the Church of the Assumption (Friday Market) at 11.00 then the walk of the Holy Mile to the Catholic Shrine and Basilica for lunch and then Mass at 15.00hrs. There are lists at the back of the churches for those who would like to travel on the coach. Please add your names by Sunday 21 April at the latest. Cost – £6 to be collected on the coach. Please bring a packed lunch. Please be punctual as the coach cannot wait for latecomers.
On Saturday, 11 May, we will be celebrating the 25th Anniversary of Fr Peter’s Ordination to the Priesthood and a big day is planned. There will be Mass at midday, followed by a party in the hall and the garden. We are collecting for a gift and lists are at the back of the churches for those who wish to attend the celebrations and provide food.
A Day of Recollection for men open to a call to the Priesthood, on Saturday 11 May at St Mary’s Catholic Church, Thetford, 10.30am—2.30pm. If interested, email Fr Pat Cleary at vocations@rcdea.org.uk
Anyone who would like to join the rota of those serving refreshments after Sunday Mass at the Sacred Heart, please speak to Fr Peter, Maureen Ollivier or Cathy Watkins.
Rented accommodation in North Walsham badly needed for one of our Indian families. Please let the office know if you can help in any way.
The funeral service for Doreen Crouch will take place on Tuesday 23 April at 11.00 at St Helen’s Church, Hoveton. Doreen was organist at the Sacred Heart Church for many years.
Ivy Weston’s funeral service will be held on Thursday 25 April at 11.00 at the Sacred Heart Church, North Walsham.
We pray for our sick parishioners: Matt Butler, Frances Palman, Mary Bell, Paul Watson, Cyril Shenton, Patricia Newton, Celia Cooper, Marie Barton, Robert Buhagiar, Margaret Larkins, Daphne Necchi, Bert Pooler, Maria Halsey, Joan Macnamara, Richard Skelton, Teresa Fitzmaurice, Joan Gale and Debbie Caruana and also include those not named but who are sick and the families caring for them.
We pray for those whose anniversaries occur this week: Peter Quinlan, Anthony Kelly, Robert (Bob) Maidment, May they rest in peace.
