Dear Friends,
“My home is in Heaven. I’m just traveling through this world.”
Today’s Scripture readings offer us a standing invitation to the everlasting joy of the Heavenly Banquet and a loving warning to stay ready always for this Heavenly banquet by constantly wearing the wedding garment, i.e., remaining in a state of grace by avoiding sins and by doing good.
In the first reading, Isaiah describes the Messianic banquet on the Lord’s Mountain in the Holy City of Jerusalem, which Yahweh is preparing for His people. In the second reading, St. Paul advises the Philippians to put their trust in the power and goodness of a providing God, Who, in Jesus, has given His Church everything His followers will need to participate in the Heavenly Banquet. In today’s Gospel, by telling an allegorical parable of judgment in the Temple of Jerusalem two days before his arrest, Jesus accuses the Jewish religious and civil leaders of rejecting God’s invitation to the Heavenly Banquet given to them through God’s Own Son, Himself.
Let us participate in the Eucharistic banquet with proper preparation by repenting of our sins and by actively participating in the prayers and singing during the Holy Mass. Participating in Holy Mass is the best preparation and greatest Source of power for our future participation in the Heavenly banquet.
Father Peter
Pope’s intention for the Month of October: For the Synod
We pray for the Church, that she may adopt listening and dialogue as a lifestyle at every level and allow herself to be guided by the Holy Spirit towards the peripheries of the world.
On the weekend of 28/29 October there will be a second collection in support of Missio (APF).
RCIA – Journey in Faith meetings are starting again this Autumn for those who are thinking about becoming a Catholic or who would just like to know more about the Catholic faith. Please speak to Fr Peter.
Important message: we need to have four certified first aid people from each of our churches to fulfill H & S requirements. If you feel this is a good way in which you can help our communities please contact Richard at St Helen’s on 07730 817580. Full training will be given at no personal cost.
After Mass on October 21/22 there will be a donation appeal for cash to fund Christmas food & gift boxes for the families, children and single people sheltered in the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul(SVP) Temporary Emergency Accommodation homes at Cromer & Sheringham. Please give generously.
Nominations are still required for a representative on the Parish Pastoral Council for St Helen’s, in order to replace Peter Rylands, whose term has now ended.
PPC Minutes of Meeting on 5th September are available to read on the parish website, also in hard copy in our church porches.
Have you considered subscribing to ‘Bible Alive’? This monthly magazine contains readings, prayers and reflections for every day of the month and is highly recommended by Cardinal Nichols. The cost is only £29.99 for a year and you can currently get a month’s trial subscription absolutely free. Visit www.alivepublishing.co.uk for more details.
Roger Jones, an accomplished musician and composer, is coming to North Walsham Methodist Church on Sunday 22 October. Morning worship, led by Roger and friends, is at 10.30am, followed by a “Bring and Share” lunch. An Afternoon with Roger Jones commences at 2.00pm. All are welcome.
We pray for our sick parishioners: Matt Butler, Frances Palman, Mary 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: David Evan Pugh, (Margaret) Peggy Trevallion.
May they rest in peace.
.
