“Apart from the cross, there is no other ladder by which we may go to heaven.”
The common theme of today’s readings is challenge for transformation, especially during this Lent season. How? We have to transform our dull and sleepy spiritual life into dynamic Christian life during Lent. Again, how? By cooperating with the grace of God and the strengthening of the Holy Spirit through prayer, fasting, and sharing our blessings with those in need. Result expected? A renewal of our spiritual life during Lent, as our Spirit-filled lives begin radiating Christ’s love and mercy around us.
In each Holy Mass, the bread and wine we offer on the altar are transformed into the crucified and risen, living body and blood of Jesus by transubstantiation. Just as Jesus’ transfiguration strengthened the apostles in their time of trial, each holy Mass should be our Source of Heavenly strength against temptations, and our renewal during Lent.
Father Peter
Today (Sunday) there is a 2nd collection from donations made for the CAFOD Lenten Family Fast Day.
This Friday is the World Day of Prayer. Services at St Helen’s 10.30am also at Emmanuel Church, Cawston Road, Aylsham & St Nicholas Church, N Walsham 1.30pm; to each all are welcome.
Stations of the Cross will take place in each of our churches during Lent. Times will be on the back page.
PPC Meeting at 7.30pm, Tue 5th March at St John of the Cross, Aylsham.
Churches Together North Walsham Lent Lunches – please see here for dates, venues and speakers.
Please remember: the parish hall is still officially out of bounds.
Lenten Alms this year is going to Aid to the Church in Need.
Next Sunday, 3rd March, there will be a 2nd collection to raise funds for the HCPT, a national charity, rooted in the Catholic faith, offering disabled & disadvantaged people pilgrimage to Lourdes. Our local group is fundraising in order to take 3 children for a fun and safe week this Easter. There will be a Bake Sale at St John of the Cross, Aylsham after Mass that day.
Lectio Divina group meeting is at St John of the Cross on Monday 4th March at 7pm. Please contact Mary Wallace if you wish to attend: 07725572142 or go to mary.wallace79@gmail.com
Lenten Retreat Day, Saturday 9th March, at the Sacred Heart Parish Hall. “Encounter with Christ”: the speaker is Fr Luke Goymour. From 10am until 4.30pm; (to bring a packed lunch) tea & coffee will be provided. For further information please contact Maggie on 07886 249254 or mmbdullaghan@gmail.com
A Deanery Lenten Station Mass will be celebrated at the Cathedral on Tuesday 12th March with Adoration & Confessions from 6pm followed by Mass at 7pm. Priests available for Confession – an excellent opportunity for a Lent Confession, especially if you prefer to have it heard anonymously!
Funeral Service for Delia Casey is on Friday 1st March at 12pm at the Sacred Heart, North Walsham.
Requiem Mass for Mary Carr is on Thursday 7th March at 11am at St John of the Cross, Aylsham.
We pray for our sick parishioners: Matt Butler, Frances Palman, Mary Bell, Paul Watson, Cyril Shenton, Patricia Newton, Celia Cooper, Marie Barton, Robert Buhagiar, Margaret Larkins, Daphne Necchi, Bert Pooler, Maria Halsey, Joan Macnamara, Richard Skelton, Teresa Fitzmaurice, Joan Gale, and Debbie Caruana.
We pray for Margaret Francis, recently deceased, and for those whose anniversaries occur this week: Mary (Eileen) Clarke, Monica Hardingham, Mary (Mae) Townsend, Josephine (Jo) Ringer, Suzanne James, Colin Johnson, Agnes Daniels and Victoria Wright. May they rest in peace.