Dear Friends,
The Alive in Faith campaign which began before Christmas is now entering its final phase and I will be giving an update at Mass this Sunday. Our diocese is one of several that have embarked in this campaign and our parish is one of the first group of parishes to do so. In essence it is about securing a sound basis for the future of the Catholic Church in East Anglia in which every member is invited to have a stake.
Father James
Thank you for supporting the CAFOD Lent Fast Day. Together our parish raised £1,288.78. With UK Aid match funding this splendid total is doubled. It can be used to bring water to villages of even more of the world’s poorest families, meaning that girls don’t have to walk for hours each day to collect it. This enables them to get an education and to pursue their dreams; all made possible by your generous compassion for those living in poverty and by your fasting in solidarity with them.
During Lent there will Stations of the Cross at Hoveton on Wednesday following the 9.30am Mass; also at Aylsham on Friday following the 9.30am Mass and at North Walsham on Friday at 12noon.
In this Jubilee Year of Mercy Bishop Alan will be celebrating Lenten Station Masses at various churches in the diocese (please see poster). On Tuesday 8th March the Station Mass will be at St John the Baptist, Cathedral, Norwich at 7pm. Exposition & Confessions are at 6pm; there will be refreshments in the Narthex at 8pm.
The Senior Citizens’ Group (NW) meets Monday 29th. AM Computer Workshop and Chair Exercises: PM “Who do you think they are?” A fun opportunity for members to get to know each other better. The thought-provoking Lenten Reflections led by Fr James last Monday were well attended and very much appreciated by both the group’s members and others from the wider parish.
Sponsored Slim, throughout Lent. If interested please contact Gerry Francis on 01603 737066: proceeds towards financing Kerry, Lauren and Sarah (from Aylsham) for World Youth Trip to Poland.
Womens’ world Day of Prayer 2016 will be held on Friday 4th March. At Aylsham in the Methodist Church, White Hart Street at 2.30pm and 7.30pm. At North Walsham in the Methodist Church, Grammar School Road at 2.00pm – prepared by the Christian women of Cuba. In Wroxham/Hoveton it will be held at the United Reformed Church (Hub), Wroxham at 10.30am. All are welcome at these meetings, both men and women. Light refreshments will be served after the Service.
Churches Together ‘Lent Lunch’, is on Thursday 3rd March at 12.30pm in the St Nicholas Room. Cost £4.00. Raising money for Christian Aid. There will be a short address by Rev’d Patrick Coglan.
Final opportunity to purchase tickets for the “Soups, Slides and Crafts” lunch and hear more about Bob & Katie’s visit to Cambodia (‘Support Cambodia’) in the parish hall on Saturday 5th March at 12 noon. Tickets [£3] will be on sale after the Masses today Tickets are available on the day but for catering purposes it would be appreciated knowing numbers in advance. For details: 01263 577784
Support Cambodia Plant Sale will be held this year on Saturday 14th May. With your help, this can be a great opportunity to raise funds for Support Cambodia projects. With the growing season upon us, you can grow your favourite plants from seed or make cuttings.
Teaching Posts Vacancies – St Benedict’s School, Bury St Edmunds, require x2 Assistant Head Teachers from September 2016. Please see Diocesan Website for more details: www.rcdea.org.uk
We pray for all those whose anniversaries occur during this week including: Josephine (Jo) Ringer, Colin Johnson, Agnes Daniels, Livia Bligh, Henry (Harry) Trainor, John Broom, Ann Carty, Mary Goralow and Margaret (Peggy) Forder.
May they rest in peace.
The Chrism Mass this year will be on Tuesday, 22nd March at 7pm in the Cathedral. If you would like to attend please add your name to the list for the coach. The cost will be £4.
