FROM THE PARISH PRIEST
| The wonderful celebration of the solemnity of The Ascension seems to give us a ‘soft herald’ of the impending feast of Pentecost where we are promised, by Christ, that he will not leave us orphans and that he will send us the Paraclete to be with us and all the associated gifts that he brings. The Apostles needed this dramatic event to give them strength, awe, fortitude and courage, to embark on their mission to all corners of the earth. They were gaoled, beaten, stoned and mocked yet, through the grace of Pentecost, they clung on and baptised thousands of people, converted whole communities and lands and changed whole nations to convert and believe in the peace of Christ. All, except John, were martyred for the faith and were the forerunners of the many, many martyrs over the centuries – plenty were martyred in this country and continue to be martyred in other countries even today. Just imagine if Christ had not sent the Holy Spirit to strengthen those Apostles or if they had ignored him and continued with their comfortable, safe lives. This is a good time to look at our own lives. Is it too safe? Too comfortable? What do I do that is different, that makes me Catholic? How have I used the gifts that were bestowed upon me when I was Confirmed? Am I a true disciple of Christ? Next Sunday, as we celebrate the power of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, I encourage you to wear an item of clothing that is red so that our church looks as if it is full of the flames of Pentecost during Mass. In the meantime, think about your own gifts and the way that you use them to tell the Gospel to the world. | |
| Pilgrimage to Rome – For those who are going to Rome on June 8th, there will be a very short meeting after Mass on 24th May in the hall meeting room. Please note there will be an interment taking place after the service so please wait in the hall. This is to give you the time for departure and confirm the timetable for our visits once in Rome. Also, a few suggestions about things to take, you may not have thought about. Please attend if you possibly can, as there will not be another chance to meet before we leave. St John the Cross – Coffee Morning in aid of Support Cambodia 10.00 am – 12 noon on Saturday 30th May. Homemade cakes, jam. Cambodian crafts. Proceeds to the Bob Maidment Educational Support Fund. Details: www.supportcambodia.org.uk or 01263 577784 | Marriage Celebration Mass – All married couples of the diocese are invited to attend the Annual Marriage Celebration Mass on Saturday 13th June at 11.30 in the Cathedral of St John the Baptist, Norwich. Couples celebrating significant anniversaries (1 year, 5 years and every multiple of 5 years, as well as all those celebrating over 60) can register to receive a certificate from the Bishop. Refreshments will be served after the Mass. For details and to register online, please see www.rcdea.org.uk/marriage-mass-registration/ This is a great day out to the Cathedral to meet with other people celebrating their marriage and to enjoy a joyful social event afterwards. |
| We pray for our sick parishioners: Matt Butler, Frances Palman, Mary Bell, Celia Cooper, Margaret Larkins, Maria Halsey, Joan Macnamara, Richard Skelton, Teresa Fitzmaurice, Bernadette Saunders, Doreen Rockey & daughter Sandra, Pam Thornton, Mary Long, Malcolm Akers, Frances Mack, Amy Heywood & Peter, Cathie Dickson, Carolyn Rayner and her mother Mary Rayner and Alan Ganney. |
We pray for those whose anniversaries occur this week: Jean Graydon-Carter, Mary Sparks, Win Armes, Rosemary Walmsley, Teresa Gray, Christoper Smith.May they rest in peace
