I arrived at North Walsham on Tuesday with three very efficient removal men who moved me into the presbytery with no difficulties or breakages.
It seemed somewhat strange to celebrate Mass in all three churches on Ash Wednesday – this being the first day that I met many of the parishioners. I want to thank all those whom I did meet for their very warm and generous welcome to me. I pray that we will build this community to even greater strengths over the years ahead – but we do have to start with Lent. Let us use these six weeks to truly explore our faith, deepen our prayer life and enhance our generosity through simple acts of kindness.
On Wednesday (25th February) at 3pm, I will be conducting the funeral of Mr Anthony Heywood in Hoveton. Anthony and Amy have been members of this community for over 50 years and the family asked me to announce his funeral arrangements.
This Friday is Lent Fast Day. Next weekend a Second Collection will be taken for the work of CAFOD. We encourage you to miss one meal and the money you would have spent on the meal is donated to CAFOD. Please take an envelope just before you leave church after Mass and return it next week.
Fr Alan
We welcome Fr. Alan to our parish and hope he will enjoy the great diversity our three communities provide. He will certainly see how blest we are with our North Norfolk locations and the scope it gives to our church activities. We look forward to sharing our spiritual life under his guidance an
trust he will help us to move forward with faith and assurance despite the unexpected sadness we have recently experienced in having to say goodbye to Fr Peter so early in his time with us. With God’s blessing, we truly welcome our new priest, Fr Alan.
Tuesday 9.30am Mass at the Sacred Heart each week will be returning as from 24th February.
Stations of the Cross will take place in each of our churches during Lent. Times will be notified in each church.
“Walk with Me” booklet of readings for Lent, is available in church porches £1.50, with a foreword by our bishop, Bishop Peter Collins.
Coffee Morning at St Helen’s will return on Wednesday 4th March.
‘One-off’ event insurance. Bookings for the Parish Hall are welcomed, whatever the occasion may be. Please note, when planning your party, that an insurance certificate to cover the event is required and you are advised to look into the cost before making your booking. This applies to all private events, although celebrations after a church service e.g. Baptism ceremonies, are covered by the parish insurance.
North Norfolk Foodbank has written to thank the parish for our donation of 11.8 kg, sent to them in December: they are extremely grateful.
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, Peter, Cathie Dickson, Carolyn Rayner & her mother Mary Rayner, Alan Ganney.
We pray for those whose anniversaries occur this week: Gerald Hearne, Roy Copperwheat, Robert (Bob) Cockrill, Michael McCann, Edith (Rusty) Collins, Michael Fogarty, Mary (Eileen) Clarke, Monica Hardingham, Mary Mae) Townsend, Josephine (Jo) Ringer and Suzanne James.
May they rest in peace.
