In today’s Gospel Jesus uses the image of the vine to illustrate the uniquely close relationship that he offers us. He is the true vine. No one can bear fruit for God unless he is in Jesus and Jesus is in him, bound together in a mutual love which is the only guarantee of fruitfulness. ‘I in you and you in me’ is the theme of this Gospel reading. We, the branches of the vine, draw life and sustenance from the main shoot. Moreover we are pruned by the skilful hand of God who can cut away our selfishness and pretence. This image is already being realised in the Eucharist but needs to be lived in our daily lives.
Fr James
Monday 6 May is the annual Diocesan Pilgrimage to Walsingham. There will be Exposition in the ±Church of the Assumption (Friday Market) at 11.00 then the walk of the Holy Mile to the Catholic Shrine and Basilica for lunch and then Mass at 3.00 pm. Cost: £6 to be collected on the coach. Please bring a packed lunch. The coach will leave North Walsham at 9.30 and Aylsham at 9.45. Please be punctual as the coach cannot wait for latecomers.
Ignite Youth Festival at St Benedict’s School, Bury St Edmunds, on 4 and 5 May; faith, music and camping for for those in year8 and above. For further information, contact www.Ignitefestival.co.uk.
Child Centred Donations for SVP houses for the homeless in Sheringham and Cromer. The SVP have recently appointed a full-time Housing and Support Manager in their expanding Temporary Emergency Accommodation Project which by the end of June will have 7 family units. More child centred support will be provided with toy boxes and mini libraries in our properties — we will need donations of toys, books and games to add to these. A ‘pick-a-duvet and teddy’ to make the children feel more welcome in their new home will be provided; many experiencing homelessness have to leave their belongings behind. If you can donate anything towards this initiative please ring Steve James on 07808 901028.
Cafod wishes tyo thank the parish for thei generous Family Fast Day donation of £838.00. It is most appreciated. Our prayers are with you all.
On Saturday 11 May we will be celebrating the 25th Anniversary of Fr Peter’s Ordination to the Priesthood and a big day is planned. There qwill be Mass at midday, followed by a party in the hall and garden. We are collecting for a gift and lists are at the back of the churchesfor those whio wish to attend the celebrations and provide foo. Please bring your own garden chairs and alcohol. Offers of gazebos woule be most welcome (in case of bad weather!). Please note: there is a card in each church for you to sign.
Advance notice: Children’s pilgrimage to Walsingham on 28 May, more details to follow.
The next St Helen’s Coffee Morning will be on Wednesday 1 May at 10.30. Do please drop in to say hello, enjoy refreshments and have a chat. All most welcome.
A day of recollection for men open to a call to the Priesthood, on Saturday 11 May at ST Mary’s Catholic Church, Thetford, 10.30-14.30. If interested, email Fr Pat Cleary at vocations@rcdea.org.uk.
Anyone who would like to join the rota of those those serving refreshments after Sunday Mass at the Sacred Heart, please speak to Maureen Ollivier or Cathy Watkins.
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, Bernadette Saunders, and Debbie Caruana and also include those not named but who are sick and the families caring for them.
We pray for those whose anniversaries occur this week: Livia Caffarelli, Betty Empson, Nuala Wilders, David Bullen, Linda Slater, Bernard Williams, Doris Beaumont, John Gibbs and Josef Gawlina. May they rest in peace.
