Dear Friends,
The key word in today’s readings is ‘chosen’. Amos is chosen by God to prophesy to the people of Israel; the twelve apostles are chosen by Jesus and sent out to preach; and St Paul reminds us that ‘we are claimed as God’s own, chosen from the beginning’. For us that choice brings the responsibility, like the apostles, to have a share in proclaiming the message of Jesus, each of us in our own way.
After days of radiant sunshine how ironic that the clouds and rain arrived on the day of the parish fete. And then moved on to produce a perfect evening! Well the rain may have watered the garden but it did not succeed in dampening our spirits. I was greatly impressed both by the good humour and the sheer hard work from everyone involved both before and during the fete. We don’t yet have the final figure but £1820 has already been banked and another £140 remains to be paid in. There will, of course, be expenses to pay which will amount to around £350. Given the weather conditions this is a great result. Well done, everyone!
Father James
This Sunday is Sea Sunday: there will be a retiring Collection for the Apostleship of the Sea (AoS). The AoS is the official maritime welfare and mission agency of the Catholic Church (UK) and serves and supports more than one million seafarers arriving in our ports each year. It is a vitally important mission to a hidden group of people, many of whom are Catholic. Please see posters and support this mission: you can gift aid your donation using the special mission envelopes at the back of the church.
Everyone is welcome to join the Senior Citizens Pilgrimage to Walsingham on Monday, 13th July – £5 donation towards cost. The coach will be leaving NW church car park at 9.50am and leaving Walsingham at 3.00pm. There are still plenty of seats on the coach at £5 a head. Please contact Teresa Butler by Sunday on 01692 405007 or 07901 830327 if you would like to come.
There will be a House Mass in Stalham on Friday 17th July at 7.00pm at the home of John and Hilary Bolger: 3 St John’s Road, Stalham. NR12 9BD. Tel. 01692 581516.
CAMBODIA 2016. St Etheldreda’s parish in Ely will be visiting Cambodia from 25th January to 8th February 2016 and invite anyone interested to join them. Visits to various parish centres in Battambang diocese are combined with the chance to experience something of the history and culture of Cambodia. Contact Bob Maidment on 01263 577784 for more details.
Look out for fundraising for World Youth Day when from 19th July, fortnightly, after Mass on a Sunday, Kerry and Lauren will bring second hand books to the parish hall for people to take and make a donation.
We were unable to hold the Silent Auction at the Fete on account of the wet weather so it will be held on Sunday 12th and 19th July in the parish hall following the Sunday Mass. The highest bids on the 19th will win the goods.
The Shrine at Walsingham is looking for a Sales assistant to help with the Shrine Shop on busy pilgrimage days and to cover staff holidays for the next three months. If you would like to help please contact Sonya or Paul at: shop@walsingham.org.uk or telephone 01328 821794.
We pray for those whose anniversaries occur at this time including: Angela Brooke, Edward Uden, Rhoda Egan, Alice (Pat) Carey and John Scoley.
May they rest in peace.
