Dear Friends,
The situation in the country and in our parishes has changed dramatically since last weekend. Our bishops have given us clear directives which we will follow. There will be no public services including Sunday and weekday Mass in our churches until further notice. Priests will celebrate Mass privately. I will say Mass daily at 10am in the Sacred Heart church after which the church will be open until 6pm. The communities at St Helen’s and St John of the Cross will decide when to open their churches and for how long. You can follow Mass online each day at several websites including: wordonfire.org/daily-mass
I shall return from Liverpool on Monday. I can be contacted on my mobile 07876196043 or by email: sjb58393@gmail.com
As the Corona virus continues to spread it will make big changes to how we live from day to day. Each of our three communities has been looking at how best we can support one another and particularly the elderly and vulnerable. Throughout this difficult time we have the strength and security that our faith gives us. We pray for one another and for our country.
God bless.
Father James
As a precautionary measure against the spread of the Coronavirus, we have decided to cancel the March meeting of the St Helen’s 4th Wednesday Club.
The Caritas Festival that was due to be held at St George’s, Norwich on Saturday 28th March has been cancelled.
Sadly, as with all Holy Week events, there will be no Chrism Mass this year.
Events taking place during Lent
Lenten Lunches. Churches Together (North Walsham) has cancelled all the lunches.
Likewise in Aylsham Churches Together – the lunches have all been cancelled.
Bible Study – Conforming with the guidelines to avoid gathering in groups or observe the required self-isolation all Bible Study groups are cancelled. ‘
‘Scripture through Carmelite Eyes’ the series of 3 reflections given by secular Carmelites on the influence of the Bible on Carmelite saints will be cancelled.
The Stations of the Cross, as previously scheduled at each of our churches can no longer take place. Of course, this devotion can always be made individually in our homes or elsewhere.
Support Cambodia’s “Soups, Slides & Crafts” has been postponed to a later date, (date to be announced). Tickets already purchased will be valid for the re-arranged event: alternatively, full refunds are available. Please contact Katie on 01263 577784 if you would like a refund.
St Helen’s coffee morning which takes place on the first Wednesday of the month is now cancelled until further notice.
We pray for our sick parishioners: Joe Seely, Maria Wilby, Matt Butler, John Gowing, Tom Ender, Derek Palman, Kevin Fitzmaurice David Battigan and Mary Carr.
We pray for George Foster, Fr James’ brother-in-law, who died on Friday, and all those whose anniversaries occur at this time including: Denis Condon, James (Jim) McCartan, Ivy Cafferky, Lawrence Carroll, Herbert Coates, Gertrude Carter-Leavy, Henry Newton and Mamie Sweetman.
May they rest in peace.
Next Family Mass: will be announced at a later date
