There are times when we can sympathise with Job in today’s first reading. He maintains that a man’s life is ‘nothing more than pressed service….hired drudgery’! For too many people, especially those trapped in an unjust society or an unfulfilling job, his words will find an echo. In the Gospel we see a very different picture: energy, activity, purpose. Jesus travels all through Galilee overcoming devils, curing the sick and preaching to the people who flock to him. At the centre of all this are the times of prayer which fuel and underpin the activity – as they must for us. This is a far cry from enforced drudgery: this is ‘why I came’ – to lift the burden of evil and sickness. St Paul too has a positive attitude to his life. He embraces his ‘pressed service’ because of the gospel which makes all his labours worthwhile ‘at any cost’.
We are beginning preparations for the Parish Summer Fete on Sunday, 5th July. This event is partly to raise funds but, just as important, it brings together all three communities for a fun day. It would be great to have some new blood, so to speak! If you are new to the parish or have never been involved before now is your chance: a good way to meet people and make new friends. You can always speak to me after the Sunday Masses or during the week.
God bless you all.
Father James
PS. From a genuine report from a hospital in Glasgow:
‘This patient has a chest pain if she lies on her left side for over a year’.
Events at Aylsham. St John of the Cross will be hosting the first of the Churches Together Lenten Lunches on Friday, 27th February from 12 – 1.30. We need helpers to prepare and serve the food. St John’s will also be the venue for the Women’s World Day of Prayer on Friday, 6th March at 2.30 and 7.30 pm. If you can help with either event please contact Pauline Andrews on 01263 732780.
A Lent Course will begin on Wednesday, 25th February in Aylsham Parish Church from 7.30 – 8.30 pm ending with Compline.
The Senior Citizens’ Group (North Walsham) meets on Monday 9th February. Computer Workshop takes place in the morning and Bingo during the afternoon.
There is a Stalham Area House Mass at the home of Frances Hall on Friday 13th February at 7.00pm: at 3 St John’s Gardens, Stalham, NR12 9BD; tel. 01692 582596.
University of East Anglia is hosting the Newman Lectures Catholicism & English Culture from 16th February – 16th March at 6.00pm; admission FREE. For details of speakers go to NewmanLectures.co.uk – see flier.
The Parish Pastoral Council meets on Tuesday 18th February in the Parish Hall at 7.30pm.
A Reminder! The Religious Poem Competition: your I – 3 poems, should be sent by 28th February 2015 to Religious Poem Competition, United Press, Admail 3735, London EC1B 1JB. Tel 0844 800 9177 or email info @untiedpress.co.uk.
There will be a Day of Renewal at the Bowthorpe Church Centre on Saturday, 28th February from 10 am to 4.30 pm. All are welcome.
The Diocesan Youth Service wishes to appoint three people to join the new Diocesan Mission Team. These are full-time residential positions, sharing the Gospel Message in schools and parishes, in a way young people can relate to including using music, drama and tech. For more information please see www.catholiceastanglia.org/youth and click on the ‘Ignite Team’ link.
Our Congratulations and thanks to Jim Byrne for his valiant participation in the Sponsored Bike Ride 2014 back in September. He raised the sum of £309.76 in sponsorship donations, half of which has now been returned to our parish. Well done!
We pray for those whose anniversaries occur during this week including: June Imelda Trafford, Audrey Nellie Greensword, Mabyn Caroline Dickens, Robert Michael Watson, Mary McKoen and Marion Yapp. May they rest in peace.
If you have any items for the newsletter please let us have them by Tuesday.
