Dear Parishioners,
“You give but little when you give of your possessions. It is when you give of yourself that you truly give.”
We start this Ordinary Season Sunday with the invitation to be witnesses. The central theme of today’s readings is a challenge to live like the Lamb of God and to die like the Lamb of God and thus bear witness to Christ the “Lamb of God.” In both the first and second readings God calls individuals to His service. The Gospel passage presents three themes, namely, John the Baptist’s witness to Jesus, Jesus’ revelation (epiphany) and identification as the “Lamb of God,” and the call to discipleship. Those who are called gradually accept the identity of the One who calls them. We have to choose to accept John’s testimony in today’s Gospel as God’s personal and corporate call to us to become witnesses to the Lamb of God.
Fr Peter
Today is Peace Day.
A collection will be taken at the end of today’s Sunday Mass, in each of our churches, that will go towards a Farewell Gift for Bishop Alan from the entire diocese. The Mass of Thanksgiving and Farewell is on Tuesday 24th January at 11.30am at the Cathedral of St John the Baptist.
TODAY (Sunday) Churches Together North Walsham is holding a service at the Sacred Heart Church at 2.30pm. This ecumenical service includes the renewal of the CNTW Covenant, when local churches pledge to work together. All are invited to participate in this United Churches Service.
RCIA (the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) meetings are taking place, for those adults seeking to become members of the Catholic Church or wishing to know more about the faith. Please contact the parish office or speak with Fr. Peter for information.
Important notice. Parishioners who have Foundation Masses arranged annually in our parish, please contact the parish office (email or by phone) or inform Fr Peter of the details.
To all ‘counters’ in our three churches: please note, that all summaries of ‘church takings’ must now be entered on the new sheets, (comprising 3 pages) delivered this week, thereby starting with the figures for 7th/8th January which was 1st Week of the Year. Please destroy former sheets.
Churches Together is organising “Warm Hubs” in North Walsham ie. a place for people to meet and share company. We will provide that space on Wednesday mornings in the parish hall. We are now looking for parishioners who could give 2-3 hours of their time on Wednesday mornings (only until end February) providing teas and coffees in order to make up a rota. Pl contact the office or Antonia on 01692 406452 if you can help.
At St Helen’s: the next 4th Wednesday Club meeting is on 25th January.
The next Coffee Morning will be on Wednesday 1st February 2023.
A Requiem Mass for Helga Wright will be held on Friday 20th January at 1.00pm in St Margaret’s Church, Suffield. NR11 7EL.
We pray for our sick parishioners: Matt Butler, Frances Palman, Mary Bell, Monica Hawley, Mary Carr, Paul Watson, Cyril Shenton, Patricia Newton, Pat Durrant, Celia Cooper, Barbara Laws, Michael Haughton, Marie Barton, Gerry Francis and Robert Buhagiar.
We pray for those whose anniversaries occur this week: Ursula Springer, Rosemary Semple, Joana Auckland, John Podevin, Peter Burnham, Lucy Gawlina, Michael Booth, Grace Wood, Mark Gibbons and Annunziata (Joyce) Cockrill. May they rest in peace.
