Dear Friends,
Today’s Gospel tells the story of the wedding feast at Cana. John never uses the word ‘miracle’; instead he writes about the ‘signs’ that tell us about who Jesus is. The image of wine is often used in the scriptures: the sheer extravagance of the quantity (about 120 gallons) is a sign of God’s generosity. The event itself is a sign because it points to Jesus and his true identity, enabling his disciples to put their faith in him the one whom they have followed.
We are planning to begin the Confirmation course soon. Enrolment forms can be found in each of our churches.
I will be giving a brief introduction to the 10 questions (see below) as part of our parish response to the Synod consultation.
God bless
Father James
Today is Peace Sunday. With so many threats to peace in our world we need to pray that conflict between nations can be averted.
The Synodal Pathway: Ten Questions
1. How welcoming is our parish?
2. How good are we at listening?
3. How good are we at communicating?
4. How well does the Church’s Liturgy inspire a deeper encounter with the Risen Lord?
5. How well do I understand and participate in the mission of the Church?
6. How well do we engage with the wider world?
7. How good is our relationship with other Christian traditions?
8. How well do we work as a team in our parish?
9. How open are we to the will of God and the guidance of the Holy Spirit?
10. How well do we hand on the Faith?
Holy Hour & Eucharistic Adoration is on Thursdays at St Helen’s, at 3pm – a time for quiet reflection, meditation and contemplation
A message from Kerry – Thank you so much for your kind donations towards the purchase of toys and resources for the Faithful Flames Children’s Group. The total money donated was £293.15. I am extremely grateful for this; it is going to help a lot. If you would still like to contribute to this group, then please feel free to contact me on 07504048352 and I will happily give you my bank details to do this.
This year Norwich Food Bank was very well stocked before Christmas and their list of specific items required was small. We at St Helen’s tried to stick to the list but doubled up more on the items requested. We were able to supply 20 or so boxes and bags to the Food Bank. Our container for regular donations throughout the year will again be in the narthex from this weekend.
Margaret and Alfred Larkins would like to thank parishioners for the many Christmas and birthday cards they have received: on 5th January Margaret had her 95th birthday.
We pray for our sick parishioners: Matt Butler, Frances Palman, Mary Bell, Monica Hawley, Mary Carr, Paul Watson and Patricia Newton.
We also pray for Hilary Bolger, Derek Palman, John Bradley and Sheila Condon who died in the last few weeks.
We pray for those whose anniversaries occur this week: Rosemary Semple, Joana Auckland, John Podevyn, Peter Burnham, Lucy Gawlina, Michael Booth, Grace wood, Mark Gibbons, Annunziata (Joyce) Cockrill and Dorothy Pearce.
May they rest in peace.
