Dear Friends,
Last week’s Gospel of the temptations of Jesus reminds us of the challenges of Lent. The gospel of the Transfiguration reminds us of the destination of Lent which is a pilgrimage to encounter the Risen Lord at Easter.
I hope you remembered the Lenten CAFOD fast day last Friday. If you didn’t you can still make a donation. Remember that the government adds one pound for each one that we give.
Father James
Today, following the Sunday Mass there will be a retiring collection for the work of CAFOD: please return your CAFOD envelope with your donation.
The Senior Citizens Group (NW) meets on Monday 26th at its regular time of 11am. There will be the usual morning activities which are followed by lunch. In the afternoon Jean Clarke will introduce the group to Laughter Yoga. Information: Teresa Butler, 01692 405007.
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 Cambodia crafts for sale. Tickets £3 from Katie.
St Helen’s 4th Wednesday Club for Senior Citizens meets February 28th at 11.30am until 4.00pm with lunch, free raffle and social activities. Our £50 donations last year went to Support Cambodia, The Benjamin Foundation, Food for Thought (Dementia Club), The Samaritans, Shelter, Marie Curie (all local), Lupus UK. Do join us.
The Diocesan newspaper is available in the church porch.
Lent Station Masses celebrated by Bishop Alan. The nearest to us is St George’s, Norwich on Thursday, 1st March at 6.00pm. Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, Confessions and Mass at 7.00pm 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 on that day starting at 10.30am. 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 throughout Lent at North Walsham on Friday’s at 12 noon and at Aylsham Fridays after Mass/Service of the Word; at St Helen’s they are on Good Friday commencing at 7.00pm.
Lent Lunches in North Walsham take place each Thursday of Lent at St Benet’s Hall at 12.30pm. At Aylsham: St John of the Cross – Tues 27th February. Emmanuel Church, Cawston Rd – Wed. 7th March. The Quakers, Red Lion Street – Thur. 15th March and Aylsham Parish Church, Market Place – Wednesday 21st March.
Short Service at St Michael’s Care Home, Aylsham on Tuesday 27th at 11am, to sing and pray with residents who need support in their worship. Details form Michael Hawley on 01603 898179 or email (mhawley@mfhawley.plus.com)
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: Eileen Clarke, Monica Hardingham, Josephine (Jo) Ringer, Colin Johnson, Agnes Daniels, Livia Bligh, Henry (Harry) Trainor, John Broom and Ann Carty. May they rest in peace.
Living Simply
Theme for Lent: Fast, Pray and Give
This week’s suggestion: Fasting for others – keep at it!
