In today’s Gospel John the Baptist says to the people ‘Behold the Lamb of God’. The phrase ‘Lamb of God’ was not new; it was a reference to the Passover lamb, the lamb in Exodus which was slain and whose blood set the people free from slavery in Egypt. Every year at Passover the Jews recalled this event, and a lamb was slaughtered in the Temple. Here in Jesus, says John the Baptist, we have the real Lamb of God who takes upon himself the sins of the world. This phrase also echoed Isaiah’s prophecy about the Suffering Servant: “He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he did not open his mouth; like a lamb that is led to the slaughter” (53:5). The Church uses this same image at Mass when the priest holds up the Host before Communion and says: Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world. Blessed are those called to the supper of the Lamb.
Fr. James
As you know, Father Peter will be leaving us and moving to his new parish in Huntingdon next month. It is customary to make a farewell gift from the parish to show our appreciation for his pastoral care while he has been with us. Your ‘Farewell’ gift.You can make your gift at the retiring collections on Sunday 25th January or the 1st February, in an envelope clearly marked ‘Father Peter’s Farewell Gift’. You can also leave your gift, again, in an envelope, at the presbytery.
Our Farewell Parish gathering will be on the Friday, 13th February, in both the hall and the church, from 7pm until 10pm, enabling our three communities to come together, to thank Fr Peter for his ministry to us and, sadly, to say goodbye and wish him God’s many blessings for the future. He will of course be there to celebrate the Sunday Masses at Hoveton on the Saturday and at St John of the Cross, Aylsham and at the Sacred Heart on the Sunday. We need to know by Sunday 1st February how many will be coming to the Friday evening Parish gathering, so please add your names to the lists in our church porches.
Discover how Caritas is responding to the conflict in Ukraine. Henry Wilson Smith CAFOD Ukraine Emergency Programme Officer will be talking about his work on Saturday 17th January at St George’s Parish Hall, Sprowston Road, Norwich NR3 4HZ. Coffee is from 10.30am, talk starting at 10.45am, finishing at noon, all are welcome. (Plenty of parking space)
When requesting a Mass Intention please state clearly in which church the Mass is to be celebrated, also if it is to be on a Sunday or weekday (or of no preference). A reminder too: Foundation Masses do take preference. All other requests are dealt with on a ‘first come, first served’ basis.
We pray for the repose of the soul of Elizabeth (Bette) Leahy who died at Aylsham on 3rd January. Her funeral will take place at Aylsham on Monday, 26th January at 1.30pm.
We pray for our sick parishioners: Matt Butler, Frances Palman, Mary Bell, Celia Cooper, Margaret Larkins, Maria Halsey, Joan Macnamara, Richard Skelton, Teresa Fitzmaurice, Joan Gale, Bernadette Saunders, Doreen Rockey & daughter Sandra, Pam Thornton, Mary Long, Malcolm Akers, Frances Mack, Tony & Amy Heywood & Peter, Cathie Dickson, Carolyn Rayner, her mother Mary Rayner & Antonia.
We pray for those whose anniversaries occur this week: John Podevyn, Peter Burnham, Lucy Gawlina, Michael Booth, Grace Wood, Mark Gibbons, Monica Hawley, Dorothy Pearce and Ruth Flood. May they rest in peace.
