Churches Together Celebration
As there is to be an Ecumenical Service of Celebration of the Queen's Golden Jubilee on Sunday 26th May at 10am, which some parishioners wish to attend, the Mass at Sacred Heart Church on that day will be at 9.00am instead of 9.30am. Details of the Ecumenical Service will be given shortly.

The Sacrament of Baptism
Those who ask for the Sacrament of Baptism for their child are invited to take part in a short course of preparation. The present course continues on Thursday 9th and 16th May at the home of Jayne and Philip O'Riordan. If you wish to take part, please call Jayne or Philip on 01329 515991. Please arrange the date of the baptism of your child with one of the parish clergy.

Lost for Words
'Lost for Words' is a course designed to help Christians share their faith in a relaxed, natural and helpful way. It is presented by the Church Pastoral Aid Society, an Anglican home mission agency committed to serving the local church in Great Britain and Ireland. A day is being run for Christians who want to learn how to use this exciting and effective resource in their own churches on Saturday 29th June at the Holy Trinity Church in Fareham, 9.30am - 4.00pm. For further details please contact June Haye on 01329 231449.

Youth Challenge 2002 This event takes place on Saturday 29th June at St Peter's School in Bournemouth from 10am to 8.30pm. It is a day dedicated to challenging young adults aged between 15-25, about their lifestyle and choices. The title of the event is Dare 2B Different - Live Life as a Young Christian Today. All young people from our parish are encouraged to attend and it is hoped that a coach can be provided. There will be Speakers and Sessions on: *Drugs* *Relationships* *Cloning* *Club Culture* *Gap Years* *Prayer* *Music* *CAFOD* *Dance* etc. Put your views to the Bishop. Speakers and Sessions include: Mark Morley from Catholic Communications Service Erika Hamilton from Solent Hope UK Diana Greenfield - Christian Nightclub Chaplain Sian Thompson from CAFOD Peter Garrett - from LIFE Steve Murray from Behold Mime Ministry Fr. Bill Wilson - Birthdays, Football and the Mass Sylvia Barclay from Youth SVP Rachel Saum from Jesuit Volunteer Community Beth Rae - Time Out Experience in South Africa Ann Martin - Juggling Sr. Maria Natella - Prayer sessions in the Chapel Fr. Andrew Chandler Fr. Chris Whelan Fr. Ray Lyons Marjorie Cumpsty and Sr. Julie - X-press urselves through Art Kevin and Oonagh Atkinson - Dare 2 Dance Crossbeam - Music and Jam Session Evening Rock Concert by Christian Band KATO and more.... If you are interested, please email the Parish Office as soon as possible.

WANTED for Dahlinks Drama Group
A director, producer, choreographer, costume designer, set designer, co-ordinator, illustrator, and a musical director are required for the forthcoming parish production of a brand new musical comedy stage-play to be performed later in the year. If you are interested in any of the above vacancies please contact Tom Rooney on 01329 230065. Let this be the first call for the 'Dahlinks' to gather!

Are You New?
Are you new to this parish? If you have recently moved to this area, please fill in our online form, or alternatively one of the "Are You New?" forms to be found at the entrance to the church and return this to Father Paul or Father Chris or to the parish office.

THE UNION
Thought for the Week
In St. John's gospel Jesus speaks about his "return to the Father" and in our gospel today he tells us that he will not leave us as orphans. Next Thursday we shall celebrate that return as we come together for Mass on the Solemnity of the Ascension. The Ascension is a Holy Day of Obligation when we are bound to attend Mass. It is the day when we remember Jesus' "return" to his Father after the experience of his life, death and resurrection.

Ascension is an important time for us because of the promises with which it is associated. Jesus tells us that he goes to his Father to "prepare a place for us" and he describes a house with many rooms. That house is Jesus' way of telling us that a place is waiting for us in heaven where we shall enjoy the love and happiness of God and human fulfilment for eternity.

Our gospel today describes the second promise. Jesus tells us that he will send the Holy Spirit to be his presence in the world so that we "are not left as orphans". Jesus describes the Holy Spirit as the Spirit of truth.

The truth, which the Holy Spirit brings, is a gift from God and it is indispensable if human beings are to "live life to the full". Through prayer and reflection on the Holy Scriptures and the wisdom of the Church, each of us has a responsibility to grow in our appreciation of how that truth should operate in our lives. This is not just something we do for ourselves. It is part of the service we accept in Christian Initiation to bring the truth and wisdom of God into the lives of all human beings regardless of religious affiliation or creed. Our world is desperately searching for "truth". That truth is a gift to the Christian people and we must do all we can to make it available to as many people as we can!

Kathleen Dempster RIP
Please pray for the repose of the soul of Kathleen Dempster, who died recently. May she rest in peace. Please also remember Declan, Marion and all of the family. The reception of the body will take place on Wednesday 8th May at 4pm at Our Lady of Walsingham and the funeral will take place on Thursday 9th May at 9.30am. also at Our Lady of Walsingham Church.

St. Philip Howard Church
Discussions took place last week about a possible future extension and development at St. Philip Howard Church. No firm decisions were reached, but the Diocesan Surveyor and the Advisor on Church Buildings felt that we should continue to explore the possibility of making the most of the facilities and space that we have. (PJT)

Together 4 Fareham - Ferneham Hall
On Thursday 16th May at 7.30pm people from over 40 churches across the borough of Fareham are coming together for an evening of Prayer and Praise. We will be praying for our borough, for fruit from the Gospel, for the needs of our borough, and for the ongoing work of our churches.

15th Fareham Scout Group
The AGM for the 15th Fareham Scout Group is on Wednesday 8th May at St. Philip Howard Church Hall at 7.15pm. Will a representative for each Beaver, Cub and Scout please try to attend this important meeting. The Scout group is also actively seeking nominations for the position of Chairman. If you are interested please contact Andrea Barnes on 01329 283620.

Day for New Catholics
Bishop Crispian will lead this day of prayer and reflection for all new Catholics on Saturday 11th May 2002. The day will include a celebration of Mass and opportunities to share experiences with others. A light buffet lunch will be provided. Venue: Cathedral Discovery Centre, Portsmouth. Time: 10.30am - 3.00pm. To assist with catering please contact Rose Marr at the Diocesan Offices at Park Place on 01329 835583 if you wish to attend.

Portchester Pentecost Celebration and Picnic at the Castle
On Pentecost Sunday, 19th May, Churches Together in Portchester are holding their second Pentecost celebration of witness. The procession will begin at 12.30pm outside Portchester Methodist Church and will arrive at the Castle for a picnic at 1.00pm. A Pentecost liturgy will close the celebration after the picnic. Everyone from Fareham and Portchester is welcome and encouraged to attend.

Christian Aid Week
This year Christian Aid week is from the 12th - 16th May. As yet we do not have any roads covered in the parish and would very much appreciate some volunteers. If you would like help in Fareham please tel. Alison or Helen Ivison on 01329 230049 or in Portchester please tel. Joan Hamilton on 02392 385559.

Kool Dudes of St Jude's
Kool Dudes of St Jude's (breakfast and after school club) currently has a job vacancy for the position of play worker. Hours of work will be 0715-0900 and 1445-1815 daily, term time only with possible holiday overtime. For more information and an information pack, contact Morag Parkins (supervisor) on 01329 235131.

St Jude's Craft Club
would be grateful for pieces of fur fabric, unfinished tapestries, wool or any craft/sewing materials. Please bring to school or church, marked ''Craft Club'. Thank you.

St Jude's RC Primary School
Current newsletter here

5th May 2002 6th Sunday of Easter The Year of St Matthew

Solemn Vespers and Benediction - St. John's Cathedral, Portsmouth
Latin Vespers and Benediction will be sung in St. John's Cathedral by a Gregorian Chant Schola on the first Sundays of May, June and August and the second Sunday of July, at 5pm.

Fareham Readers
Would Fareham Readers please ignore details shown in the Readers List for the Feast of Corpus Christi.

Welcome
We welcome Callum and Ryan Hockaday, Emma Wright and Grace Lewis who are baptised this weekend.

Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes 2002
Booking Forms for the 2002 Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes (23 - 30 August) are now available from the Parish Office. The pilgrimage will be under the leadership of Bishop Declan Lang and both air and rail travel options are scheduled. If you are sick and wish to join the pilgrimage please contact Pauline Jackson on 01329 236275. If there is any young person (18 yrs +) who wishes to go to Lourdes as a 'helper' please contact Jane Cadogan on 01329 235987.

The Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament
"From the Eucharistic throne, streams of light and power, joy and peace, comfort and blessings pour into countless human hearts that come to Him with confidence, humility and love….Even though we cannot see Him….we grow spiritually, warmed by the rays of His invisible graces like a plant absorbing sunlight. You cannot see the plant grow, but you can see that it has grown; in like manner, you cannot see your soul progressing spiritually, yet experience proves it does! Our Lord said: 'Blessed are they who do not see and believe'." (From Hidden Treasures by Louis Kaczmarek).
Please note that there will be no Adoration on Monday of this week as this is a Bank Holiday. If you would like to join in adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, please contact Lily Peach on 01329 825447.

Christian Ecology Link
A celebration of God's Creation - songs of praise, readings and prayer will take place on Sunday 12th May 2002 at 3.00pm in the Sacred Heart Church. Refreshments will follow - all are welcome to attend.

Diocesan Day for Women
"Enfolded in Love" - a day with Julian of Norwich, led by Ann Lewin: Saturday 11th May 10am - 4pm at the Church of the Immaculate Conception, 346 Portswood Road, Southampton. The day will include quiet time, discussion and liturgy. Bring lunch to share, drinks provided. Registration £2.00. All are welcome. Contact Dinah Mclaughlin (National Board of Catholic Women, Portsmouth) tel. 01962 627494 email: dinahmcl@interalpha.co.uk

Finance
Thank you for your generosity in giving
Amounts will be given shortly

Forthcoming Special Collections
12th May 2002 - World Communications

Interested in Becoming a Catholic?
A series of meetings and talks takes place each year for those interested in becoming a member of our Church. If you would like to know more, please contact Father Paul, or complete the online form

Father Paul Townsend