Dear Friends,
In today’s Gospel we hear more of the last conversation Jesus has with his disciples before his arrest and death. He promises to send the Holy Spirit who will teach them everything including the purpose of his death and resurrection.
Today we continue the diocesan programme ‘Faithful Stewards of God’s Gifts’. Last Sunday we reflected on our parish community in a post-Covid society. Today we invite you to take a more active part in the life of the parish. We can easily take for granted the smooth running of our three churches. But this happens because so many people give freely of their time and talents. During today’s Masses we will look at all the ways in which you can contribute those talents. Please take a copy of the form that comes with this newsletter. If you feel able please fill it in and let us have it back.
Father James
Ascension Day is on Thursday of this week and it is a Holy Day of Obligation.
Next Sunday is World Communications Day– there will be a retiring collection for the Catholic Communications Network.
Just a reminder. The Diocesan Pilgrimage to Walsingham is onTuesday 31st May 2022 – this includes the Children’s Pilgrimage. There are one or two seats still available (£5); please add name to the lists. The coach picks up from: Hoveton at 9.30am; North Walsham at 9.50am and Aylsham at 10.15am arriving in Walsingham at 11.15am. See the Day’s Programme on the notice board.
A letter of thanks from Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) for our donation of £732.83 toward the Ukraine appeal, informs us that since the invasion of Ukraine, ACN has provided more than £2 million in essential aid to help the Church minister to those affected by the war.
St Helen’s 4th Wednesday Club for senior citizens next meets on 25th May. Coffee/tea and biscuits served from 11.am, a simple hot lunch at 12.30pm, with time to chat before we finish at 2.00pm. We will have some plants and books for sale; all proceeds will go to our local chosen charities. New members always welcome, please call 01692 582418 on Tuesday 24th and leave a message with your details, if coming for the first time. Thank you.
We are still looking for a volunteer at St Helen’s to offer tea, coffee and biscuits after the Saturday Mass to our visitors and regular Mass goers. This takes place from the beginning of May to the end of September and takes up half an hour or so. Would you be able to help? Please let one of the stewards know if you can.
Holy Hour & Eucharistic Adoration is on Thursdays at St Helen’s at 3pm – a time for quiet reflection, meditation and contemplation.
Sacred Heart Catholic Primary School, Swaffham. Assistant Headteacher with SENDco responsibilities required from September: for more information please visit https://www.shcprimary.co.uk/vacancies/
We pray for our sick parishioners: Matt Butler, Frances Palman, Mary Bell, Monica Hawley, Mary Carr, Paul Watson, Cyril Shenton and Patricia Newton.
We pray for Elena Lucas and Paddy Clynch who died recently and for those whose anniversaries occur this week: Teresa Gray, Christopher Smith, Carmell Larter, Thomasina Hopkins, Brenda White, Frances Murphy and Mary Stockham.
May they rest in peace. .
