Dear Friends,
Lent has crept upon us! It begins on Ash Wednesday when Mass will be celebrated in each of our churches. It is not a Day of Obligation but many people wish to attend Mass and receive the ashes – a good way to begin this special time leading to Holy Week and Easter. In this Year of Mercy Lent has a particular resonance. If we are aware of our sins we also seek to deepen our understanding of what God’s mercy means for us and for the world he loves.
Anthony Asomugha, one of our students for the priesthood, is on half-term from Allen Hall and is spending the weekend in our parish. I am sure you will give him a warm welcome.
There will be 2 open meetings this week to answer questions and give an update on the Alive in Faith campaign: Monday at 1pm in the hall at Sacred Heart and Wednesday at St John of the Cross after the evening Mass. All are welcome.
God bless you all,
Father James
Quote: ‘Come back to me with all your hearts’. (1st reading for Ash Wednesday from the prophet Joel)
The Senior Citizens Group (NW) meets on Monday 8th February: In the morning there will be Computer Workshop or Chair Exercises. Lunch is at 12noon. At 1.00pm sharp Fr James and Laoise will be presenting “Alive in Faith”. Reminder: don’t forget the early photos. There is no meeting next week.
Stations of the Cross will be held each Friday during Lent at 12noon at the Sacred Heart, led by Deacon Ron. The first on Friday 12th is entitled “Stations of Mercy with Pope Francis”.
The Sponsored Slim is on-going throughout Lent until an agreed date is reached just after Easter. Anyone interested, please contact Gerry Francis on 01603 737066 – proceeds towards financing Kerry and Lauren and Sarah from Aylsham to World Youth Trip to Poland.
Teaching vacancies: Deputy Headship at Notre Dame High School, Norwich. Closing date: Midday Mon 22nd February 2016. Permanent Teacher Post KS1/ks2 at St Mary’s Catholic Primary School, Lowestoft. (Ideal post for a NQT). Closing date: 1pm Mon 8th February 2016. Head of RE and more St Alban’s High School, Ipswich. For more details visit www.rcdea.org.uk
Journey in Faith (5th session) this Sunday afternoon at 5.00pm.
Stalham Area House Mass: on Friday at 7 pm at the home of Linda Dawson – Breton Cottage, 3 Horse Barns, Wayford Road, Stalham. NR12 9LQ. 01692 584162
Lunchtime Concerts at the Cathedral are on Wednesdays in February at 1pm (except for Ash Wednesday). details on the Cathedral website.
As part of their recent visit to charity projects in North-West Cambodia, Katie and Bob Maidment spent time in our twin parish of St Francis Xavier, Svay Sisophon, meeting Father Greg, the parish workers and the 27 students living and studying at the church centre. During their three days there, they visited a number of Support Cambodia-funded projects within Svay parish; the new volunteer building, the fruit trees and the Day Care Centre at Pongro. They were also able to see amazing progress at the new Xavier Jesuit School. Water filters, toiletries, stationery and financial help for building improvements in two villages were presented and our parish gift of the stole was much appreciated by Fr Greg and the community. Shared meals with the students and a wonderful ‘Presentation Evening’ completed the visit. Greetings, love and prayers from the Svay community to Father James and all in the Sacred Heart Parish. For a fuller account of Bob & Katie’s visit, Support Cambodia will be holding a “Soups, Slides and Crafts” lunch at the parish hall on Saturday 5th March at 12 noon. Tickets [£3] will be on sale from next weekend. Details: 01263 577784
We pray for all those whose anniversaries occur during this week including: John Connolly, André Boucher, Anna Simpson, June Trafford and Audrey Greensword.
May they rest in peace.
