“Sin does not stop God’s grace from flowing, but God’s grace will stop sin.”
The readings for today, the Tenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, give the name “sin” to our offenses against God. When we sin – violate God’s Commandments – we distance ourselves from Him; when we refuse, or fear, to admit our sins, we deny ourselves God’s freely offered pardon and forgiveness.
The first reading is from the story of the fall of Adam and Eve. In the second reading, Paul reminds us that in spite of our difficulties and existential struggles against evil in our world, grace strengthens our faith. In the Gospel Jesus speaks about sin.
Our faith acknowledges the presence and power of sin in our world today. Temptation is all around us, working to ensnare us and lead us astray. The solution? Jesus comes into our world to free us from the chains of sin and lead us into the grace that only God can provide. The problem is sin, the solution is Christ.
Father Peter
The annual Parish Meeting will be held on Thursday 20th June at 7.00pm in the parish hall. North Walsham parishioners are due to provide the main course, Hoveton the desserts and Aylsham will serve teas & coffees plus organize the washing up. Please could any-one bringing a dish also provide a list of the ingredients. The hall will be open that day from 1.00pm. Please sign the list in your church porch if a) attending b) bringing food (noting ingredients, please) or, for Aylsham parishioners, serving teas/coffees etc.
Family Picnic at the Cathedral on Sunday, 23rd June. Anyone or families interested in St Francis is welcome to join secular Franciscans on Sunday 23rd from 12.30pm – 2.00pm at St John’s Cathedral for a ‘bring your own’ family picnic. There will be some children’s activities. For anyone who would like to join us, we will then walk to Mother Julian’s Shrine, returning to St John’s for Vespers and Mass. We welcome any suggestions on how we might care better for our Community.
Senior Citizens’ Social Group. Interest is invited from anyone who might consider joining and forming a new senior citizens’ group that would meet regularly to enjoy friendships and other social events ie. talks from guest speakers on occasions, using our refurbished parish hall and its facilities. Such a group was once extremely popular in our parish and is still remembered fondly by some of our more senior members. Participation would be welcomed from all senior citizens, both ladies & gents, practicing Catholics and of other faiths. If you, or someone you know, may be interested in this new group, please add your name to the list at the back of the church. In addition, if anyone (or someone you know) might be interested and willing to assist in the management/leadership of such a group, please do make yourselves known to Fr Peter or Antonia.
Invitation from St Joseph’s, Sheringham. Three young boys from Sudan and Afghanistan will be visiting St Joseph’s Catholic Church on Monday, 17th July at 5pm when they will be telling of their experience as refugees in those countries. They will also be cooking a meal of rice & lamb – no charge! – for those present. Our parishioners are warmly invited to join them for this interesting evening. A donation is requested for The School of Joy Beit Sahour.
We pray for our sick parishioners: Matt Butler, Frances Palman, Mary Bell, Paul Watson, Cyril Shenton, Patricia Newton, Celia Cooper, Marie Barton, Margaret Larkins, Daphne Necchi, Bert Pooler, Maria Halsey, Joan Macnamara, Richard Skelton, Teresa Fitzmaurice, Joan Gale, Bernadette Saunders, Doreen Rockey and daughter Sandra, to include also those not named but who are sick and the families caring for them.
We pray for Robert Buhagiar who died on Friday morning and we remember his family at this time. We pray also for those whose anniversaries occur this week: Barbara Winfield, Ian Roberts, Patricia Minehan, Charles Bryson, Lillian Davis, John Stephenson, Grace Rock, Robert Franklen, Jan Fiszer and Teresa Shreeve.
May they rest in peace.
