Dear Friends,
Firstly, many, many thanks to Fr James and the parishioners of Hoveton, North Walsham and Aylsham for extending such a warm and generous welcome to this Aussie priest from the other side of the world.
About ten years ago, I was told that I had a rather serious heart condition, which prompted an early retirement. But, as so many of us have experienced, God our Father is full of surprises and it seems to me that out of any darkness God can draw goodness. In my case, doing pastoral supply work for my brother priests, when they take a break, has led to so many unforeseen blessings, so many good and beautiful experiences, none more so, than my brief time in Norfolk, meeting you all and discovering my family roots. My Grandmother used to remind me that in giving, we always receive more in return, and how right she was! God willing, we might see each other on a return visit to “The Sceptred Isle”. God bless you all.
Father Gavin.
PS, My great fear is that when we have the next “Ashes” tests between Australia & England, I might have divided loyalties!
The Rosary will be said during October: at North Walsham Volunteers are needed to lead at 10.30 am. Please sign the rota in the porch.
Please note there will be no Friday 9.30am Mass at Aylsham on 30th September as the Cambodia-Style Mass takes place in the Parish Hall, (NW) that evening.
Friday 7th October is CAFOD Harvest Fast Day and on the following Sunday we will donate in a retiring collection what we have saved by our fast. We will also celebrate Harvest Thanksgiving that weekend. Parishioners at Aylsham and North Walsham are invited to bring items of fruit and vegetables etc for the Offertory Procession. No plastic bags, please! So that we adorn the church with God’s bounty. Items will be sold after Mass and the proceeds will go to CAFOD.
Senior Citizens’ Group (NW) meets on Monday 26th September. AM Computer Workshop for some and crafts, coffee and chat for others. PM In-house activities. Newcomers are always welcome to meet our friendly group and join in with some of their activities. Contact Teresa on 01692 405007.
St Helen’s 4th Wednesday Club for senior citizens next meets on 28th September when we celebrate “Harvest Home”. Coffee is served from 22.30am, there’s a simple hot lunch at 12.30pm followed by “home-spun entertainment”, quizzes, games, poems & a “sing-along”. There is a free raffle and we finish at 4pm with tea & cake. All seniors are welcome to join us. Please call 01692 582418 – leave a message if you are coming for the first time (for catering purposes).
NEXT FRIDAY 30th September: Cambodia-Style Mass to celebrate the Feast of Ancestors (Holy Souls) at the Sacred Heart Parish hall at 7pm.
Support Cambodia Race Night is on Saturday 15th October at 7pm in the Sacred Heart Parish Hall. Tickets (£1), horses and jockeys will be on sale after Mass.
Details at www.supportcambodia.org.uk
Can you help? A family visiting from abroad need rented accommodation in or around North Walsham for a month. Please contact Hilary on 079093 19646 if you can help in any way.
Katie Maidment would like to contact Linda King and Linda Holness about their ‘Coins for Cambodia’ jars. Pl phone 01263 5877784.
We pray for John Anthony Barton who died last week; we pray for his family and friends at this time. We pray also for Ann Bailey who died suddenly last Sunday and we remember in prayer her family and friends We pray for those whose anniversaries occur during this week: Jack Roberts.
May they rest in peace.
.
