“Our bodily food is changed into us, but our spiritual food changes us into it.”
The readings for the 18th Sunday in Ordinary time Year B remind us of God’s care, the call to renew our lives, and the importance of seeking spiritual nourishment. Through these reflections, we can deepen our understanding of God’s love and our response to it.
In John’s Gospel, Jesus tells the crowd to seek food that endures to eternal life. He identifies Himself as the bread of life, offering spiritual nourishment that never fades. Those who come to Him will never hunger or thirst.
Jesus’ words invite us to seek Him above all else. While physical food sustains our bodies, Jesus provides what our souls truly need. By coming to Jesus and believing in Him, we find true fulfillment and purpose.
Father Peter
Pope’s Intention for the month of August
For political leaders . We pray that political leaders be at the service of their own people, working for integral human development and for the common good, especially caring for the poor and those who have lost their jobs.
Please help: the Parish Council is in need of three new representatives, one for each of our three churches. If you know of someone in your church who could fill this role & is happy to do so, please complete one of the Nomination Forms in the narthex of your church.
Lectio Divina is tomorrow, Monday 5th August at 7pm at St John of the Cross. All welcome. Contact: mary.wallace79@gmail.com
St Helen’s Coffee Morning is on Wednesday 7th August at 10.30am. Do bring your friends and pop in to say hello and enjoy refreshments. You will receive a warm welcome.
‘New Dawn’ – a Catholic Charismatic Family Conference from Monday 5th – Friday 9th August is at the Catholic National Shrine & Basilica of Our Lady of Walsingham, held within the Shrine & Basilica grounds, marking the 36th Conference. Join us for five days of prayer, worship, community and inspiration or come just for a day. Check website for details and to book at www.newdawn.org.uk or speak to David & Maggie Edwards.
Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament continues to be held at St Helen’s every Thursday at 3pm.
Our annual Mass in the Garden of Remembrance (North Walsham) is on Tuesday 13th August at 6pm. Everyone is welcome. If wet, Mass will be held in the church. We will need help with setting up/putting away of chairs. If you can help please have a word with Antonia or ring the office – 01692 403258
“Family Faith, Food & Fun”Day is on Saturday 17th August, 12pm to 4pm., giving us another occasion when we can all get together as a parish. Please contribute any books, brick-a-brack, cakes, also items for the tombola. We are still in need of volunteers to help, so if willing to give a hand, contact Kerry on 07504 048352.
Also on Saturday 17th, St Helen’s celebrates their Patronal Feast Day – making it a beautiful ending to a very special day in the parish. Do join those at St Helen’s for this celebratory Mass.
We pray for our sick parishioners: Matt Butler, Frances Palman, Mary Bell, Paul Watson, Patricia Newton, Celia Cooper, Marie Barton, Margaret Larkins, Daphne Necchi, Bert Pooler, Maria Halsey, Joan Macnamara, Richard Skelton, Teresa Fitzmaurice, Joan Gale, Bernadette Saunders, Doreen Rockey & daughter Sandra, Pam Thornton, Inge O’ Toole, Mary Long and Mary Cockburn; also to include others who are sick and their families.
We pray for those whose anniversaries occur this week: June Ennals, Ronald Perkins, Jean Eastaugh, Stephen Britchford, Liz Smith, Jeanette Shaw, Peter Carty, Audrey Howard, Christina O’Flaherty, Betty Beardshaw and Stanley Duddridge.
May they rest in peace.
