I know that I am not alone in feeling deeply concerned about the level of violence around the world at the present time. Many thousands of our Christian brothers and sisters are subjected to vicious persecution: forced to flee their homes, their churches desecrated, many have been murdered in a particularly barbaric fashion. Martyrdom has always been held in high regard by Christians: ’unless a grain of wheat shall fall’. Jesus foresaw that his followers would face opposition, persecution and even death because of their witness to the faith. When St John wrote his Gospel the early Church already had experience of martyrdom – all his fellow apostles had met with a violent death. Yet, paradoxically, the Church has thrived on persecution: the blood of the martyrs is indeed the seed of the Church. We can see this in Cambodia where the Church was virtually eliminated at the latter part of the 20th century but is now vibrant and growing.
The recent deaths of Marianne MacQueen and Ron Gibbs have been a huge loss to our parish community. They gave so much and will be greatly missed.
God bless you all.
Father James
From a genuine report from a hospital in Glasgow: ‘Patient’s medical history has been remarkably insignificant with only a 40-pound weight gain in the past three days’.
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The Requiem Mass for Marianne MacQueen will take place on Monday, 30th March at 11.30 am in the Church of the Sacred Heart. The Cremation service will be on the following day at 8.45 am at St Faith’s. The Requiem Mass for Ron Gibbs will be on Wednesday, 8th April at 11 am.
Lent Courses (Ecumenical) in Wroxham/Hoveton area beginning at 7.00pm: the final session will be on the 26th March at the Baptist Church, Neatishead.
Also Lenten Lunches – North Walsham on Thursdays from 12 .30 in St Nicholas’ parish hall: Aylsham on different days/venues: March 27th at Cawston Road Chapel.
This afternoon (Sunday) Benediction is at 3.00pm in the Sacred Heart Church when the theme will be “The Annunciation”.
The Senior Citizens’ Group will resume on Monday 23rd. In the morning there will be Computer Workshop and ‘Helping those in need’ with John Malley in the afternoon. After the Easter break the group will resume on Monday 13th April with a planning meeting.
A big thank you to everyone who came to the St Patrick’s Supper and to those who helped. Great Fun was had by all – a total of £910 was raised for the Organ Fund. None of this would have been possible without the hard work put in by Mark and Claire from The Cockerel who worked so hard and provided the food at cost price. They are amazing! Equally, we, the parish, would also wish to thank Teresa and her family for so successfully organising a delightful evening of merriment for all who attended.
Teaching Post Vacancies: a senior position at St John Fisher High Sch., Peterborough and another at St Mary’s RC Primary Sch., Lowestoft. For full information please go to ssc@east-angliadiocese.org.uk .
St Helen’s. The next meeting of the 4th Wednesday Club will be held on 25th March. Also: refreshments will be served after the Saturday evening Mass from 28th March.
There will be a Service of Reconciliation for all the parish at the Sacred Heart Church next Saturday 28th March at 11.30am.
We pray for Ron Gibbs who died peacefully at home last week, also for all whose anniversaries occur during this week including: Denis Condon, James (Jim) Alexander McCartan, Ivy Gertrude Cafferky, Lawrence Carroll, Herbert Coates, Gertrude Phyllis Carter–Leavy, Mamie Sweetman and Henry Newton.
May they rest in peace.
A parent and child are looking for a place to rent in North Walsham. If you can help please contact the Support Group (Hilary) on 07909 319646.
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