“Every ambitious man is a captive and every covetous one is a pauper.”
The readings for the 31st Sunday in Ordinary Time, year A, are a call to humility and holiness.
Our divine Lord warned his disciples, and through them all of us, to avoid that harmful vice of pride. It should not be hard for any true Christian to avoid this vice. We know that every material and spiritual talent we have, has been given us by God, so we must give glory to God for any gifts we possess and not to ourselves. St Paul reminds us of this fact when he asks us: “What have you that you have not received, and if you have received it why glory in it as if it were your own?” We owe everything we have to God and we should use all the gifts he has given us for his honour and glory, and for that purpose alone.
Father Peter
The Confirmation programme is due to start soon this month. Anyone who would like to join the programme should please contact either Ginny Keane at St John of the Cross, or Fr Peter.
The CAFOD “World Gifts 2023-4” catalogue is now available, enabling us to to give in a way that will help people break free from poverty. Pick up one of these booklets and maybe find some Christmas gift ideas. Orders must be made by 14 December.
Remembrance Sunday 12 November. There is a Civic Service at St Nicholas Church, North Walsham at 3 pm. All are welcome.
Saturday 18 November 10 am – 12 noon. St John of the Cross Social Committee are hosting a Coffee Morning at Aylsham Catholic Church with bric-a-brac, books, Christmas crafts and more, plus delicious homemade cakes, tea and coffee. As this is part of the Support Cambodia Coffee Week (13-18 November); all the proceeds will go to the Bob Maidment Educational Support Fund. Everyone is welcome, both inside and outside the parish so please spread the word and come along, even if it’s only for a short time. If you can’t make that date, there is another, smaller event at Ivy Cottage, Wickmere on Wednesday 15 November: details from Katie on 01263 577784.
A note for young men who may have considered a vocation to the priesthood. There will be a gathering of those who feel that God may be calling them to be a priest, even if this desire is in its very early stages. Come to St John’s Cathedral in Norwich for the 11.00 Mass on Sunday 19 November and afterwards in Cathedral House (attached to the Cathedral) to meet Bishop Peter Collins and others for lunch and an informal meeting about vocations. If you intend coming, please email our Vocations Director, Canon Peter Cleary on vocations@rcdea.org.uk by Monday 13 November so that we know how many will be present for lunch.
Many thanks to Father Peter and all the parish for your continued prayers for my granddaughter, May Bell, now aged seven. May has just completed her first year’s treatment of the two year course for her leukemia. She is now able to attend school for full days, or half days if she is too tired. She is still having daily chemotherapy but happily her hair has started to grow back. May’s bravery and stoicism are inspiring. Please keep her in your prayers. Jeannie Mardon.
We pray for our sick parishioners: Matt Butler, Frances Palman, May Bell, Mary Carr, Paul Watson, Cyril Shenton, Patricia Newton, Celia Cooper, Michael Haughton, Marie Barton, Robert Buhagiar, Margaret Larkins, Daphne Necchi, Bert Pooler, Maria Halsey, Shirley Teague, Joan Macnamara and Richard Skelton.
We pray for those whose anniversaries occur this week: Bernard Robb, Olive Fuller, Hester Armstrong, Michael Reynolds, Ellen Joy and Evelyn Andrews. May they rest in peace.
