Home Mission Sunday
Today is Home Mission Sunday. It is a day of prayer and reflection
for us all to consider how we can fulfil our mission to proclaim the Good
News. The Gospel today calls us all to be people who are marked out by
their ability to forgive, just as we ourselves are forgiven. There will
be a special collection on 22nd September to support the work of the Catholic
Missionary Society.
 Feast
of Our Lady of Walsingham
There will be a Mass to celebrate the Feast Day of Our Lady of Walsingham
on Tuesday 24th September at 6.30pm in Our Lady of Walsingham Church.
Refreshments will follow the Mass and all are very welcome to attend.
Solemn
Latin Mass
A Solemn Latin Mass according to the traditional Catholic liturgy will
be held at St. John's Cathedral, Portsmouth on Sunday 6th October at 3.00pm.
Latin Mass, Gregorian Chant and Sacred Polyphony. Refreshments will be
available afterwards in the hall. Vespers and Benediction at 5.00pm.
Naomi
House
Do you remember our parish project for communication aids? Naomi House
Children's Hospice still keeps in touch, as they promised they would,
and are currently looking for someone to test electrical equipment which
has been donated but cannot be sold until it has been tested. If you can
help, please get in touch with the shop next door to the Post Office in
West Street. Also needed by the Play Therapist:- terracotta plant pots;
wooden-framed mirrors; glitzy clothes for dressing up - all can be dropped
in at the shop. Peter Legate, who tragically died while climbing Everest
in April, was raising money for Naomi House. If you enjoy a special challenge,
why not consider a skydive or parachute jump. Ring 01962 843513 for more
details. The August Newsletter is displayed at St Philip Howard Church,
along with order forms for Christmas cards and Christmas puddings. Please
support in any way you can. Thank you. Marian Kavanagh
Welcome
Ministry
The new roster for the Welcome Ministers at the 9.00am Sunday Mass at
the Sacred Heart Church is available from the back of the church this
weekend.
Parish
Bazaar - 16th November
WANTED - Any unused gifts in your household will shortly be needed as
donations for the Parish Bazaar, so please start digging deep into those
cupboards! Items such as jewellery, books, toys, groceries, cakes and
toiletries are all required but no jumble please. Raffle tickets will
be available in September/October.
APF Boxes
It is coming to the end of the APF financial year, if you have a box that
has not been emptied during the past year, please contact the Fareham
Secretary, Ron Lewis on 01329 847533 or the Portchester Secretary Joan
Hamilton on 02392 385559, by the first weekend in October.
"Beatitudes
are about Attitudes"
Sister Joyce Mary (Prioress Provincial, Servants of Mary) will lead a
Day Retreat, "Beatitudes are about Attitudes" at St. Joseph's
Church, Ann's Hill Road, Gosport on Saturday 21st September from 10.30am
- 3.30pm. Tea and coffee will be available from 10.00am - All are welcome
- please bring your own lunch. For queries or transport please contact
the parish office on 02392 580119.
World's
Biggest Coffee Morning
There will be a coffee morning on Friday 27th September at the Avenue
House Hotel from 10.30am - 12.30pm to raise money for MacMillan Cancer
Relief. Raffle and 'Guess the name of the Teddy'. The Mayoress, Pamela
Bryant and her husband Jim, will be present. Everyone is most welcome.
Society
for the Protection of Unborn Children
On Tuesday 17th September at 7.30pm, the Rev. Paul Finn, of Southampton
Christian Fellowship, is hosting a meeting at the Augustine Centre, Northam
Road, Southampton. The guest speaker will be Peter Smith, SPUC's UN representative
just returned from the 'Earth Summit'. Peter will talk about abortion,
euthanasia and other related issues, plus the work of the Society will
also be explained with a view to forming a local branch. All are welcome
to attend.
Are
You New?
Are you new to this parish? If you have recently moved to this area, please
fill in one of the 'Are you new?' forms to be found at the entrance to
the church and return this to Father Chris or to the Parish Office. Alternatively
complete our online form.
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THE
UNION
Thought for the Week
In today's Gospel, Jesus tells us that we should forgive each
other, not seven times, but seventy-seven times. This past week, as we
have reflected on the terrible events of September 11th last year, and
as we listen to news of preparing for war against Iraq, Jesus' words raise
for us some agonising questions. What do we do when we can't forgive someone?
How do we get rid of the emotional block that chokes off our best efforts
to forgive? When will we begin to have peace in the world?
The first
way to deal with this problem of not being able to forgive someone is
to ask Jesus for the grace to forgive. It was Jesus who prayed on the
cross for his executioners: "Father, forgive them! For they know
not what they are doing." (Luke 23:24). When Jesus commands us
to love our enemies, he gives us along with this command the grace we
will need to forgive them. For, it is not on our own forgiveness that
healing in our world hinges, but on God's.
Another
way of handling this problem is hinted at in today's Gospel reading. We
must try to do what the official failed to do. We must sit ourselves down
in God's presence and recall how much and how often God has forgiven us.
When we come to a realisation of just how much God has forgiven us, then
the very least we can try to do in return is reach out a hand of forgiveness
to our brothers and sisters.
Finally,
we must try to see our enemies in a totally new light. We should try to
see them, not as enemies, but as human beings who are hurting just as
we are. Jesus saw his executioners in a much different light than we see
them. He saw beyond their external appearance. He saw them as children
of His Father who had lost their way. Therefore, if we are looking to
forgive others and hoping for peace in the world, then we must try to
do the same.
Sacred
Heart Notice Board
Due to taking on additional commitments Sheila Richmond is resigning from
her duties as co-ordinator of the Sacred Heart notice board. With immediate
effect Carole Johnson will be taking over these duties. We thank Sheila
for all her hard work and commitment over the last three years and express
our gratitude to Carole for taking over the role. Please note that all
notices and posters should be handed into the Parish Office, for approval
by Fr. Chris, in the first instance.
Diocesan
Schools Building Fund
A vacancy has arisen for an enthusiastic person to promote the Diocesan
Schools Building Fund, and provide information, encouragement and support
to schools in their fund raising activity. We are looking for someone
with an enthusiasm for Catholic Education, preferably with experience
as a teacher or governor. This is a part-time post, 2 days a week. For
an application form please contact Mrs Mary Swaffield, St. Edmund House,
Edinburgh Road, Portsmouth, PO1 3QA - Tel: 02392 825430 or email: mswaffield@portsmouth-dio.org.uk.
Closing date for applications is Wednesday 25th September.
Diocese
of Portsmouth
A vacancy has arisen for an enthusiastic person to assist in the work
of the Department for Schools. A team-worker is needed with excellent
secretarial, admin, computer and people skills. This is a full time post
Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm based at the Department for Schools, Park
Place Pastoral Centre, Winchester Road, Wickham. PO17 5HA. For an application
form, job and remuneration details contact Mrs. Mary Swaffield. St Edmund
House, Edinburgh Road, Portsmouth PO1 3QA - tel. 02392 825430. Closing
date - 23rd September.
Race
Night - St. Jude's School
There will be a race night at St. Jude's School on Saturday 12th October
starting at 7.30pm with the first race at 8.00pm. Licensed bar and children's
bar. For more information please contact Graham Stanton on 01329 284057.
First
Friday Reflections - Dates for the Diary
Following the success of the reflection services held during Lent, a series
of 'First Friday' liturgies has been arranged, each starting at 7.30pm
at Our Lady of Walsingham Church.
4th October
'The month of Our Lady' - Rosary with reflection and prayer on
the 'Joyful Mysteries'.
1st November
'Trust in grief' - A reflection for the month of the Holy Souls.
6th December
'New Year' - An Advent reflection as we start the Church's year.
Fareham
Deanery Adult Formation
The first talk in the series will be held on:
Wednesday 18th September
'Who needs the Catholic Church?'
Speaker -Fr. Paul Townsend.
St. Jude's School Hall
from 7.30pm (Coffee/Tea at 7.00pm)
More details for further talks in 2002/3 can be found on the church
notice boards. |
Finding
New Life in the Spirit
A series of 8 seminars will be facilitated on 'Life in the Spirit' commencing
on Tuesday 1st October at 7.30pm in the Sacred Heart Hall for 8 consecutive
weeks. An introductory evening will be held on 24th September at the same
time/place. This is an important opportunity to deepen your spiritual
life in today's world, so why not come along and see.
St Jude's
RC Primary School
Current newsletter here
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15th
September 2002
24th Sunday of the Year
The
Year of St Matthew
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Collection
for Father Paul Townsend
Father Paul is now on holiday and this is, therefore, an ideal time
to make a collection for his leaving present. Special Collections will
be taken at all Masses this weekend. This is an opportunity to express
our gratitude for all the work that Father Paul has done for the parish
of Fareham and Portchester, so please do give generously. Please also
remember Father Paul in your prayers, so that he may have an enjoyable
and restful holiday before starting his new appointment in Wash Common
later this month.
Service
of Thanksgiving and Farewell Gathering for Father Paul Townsend and
Sr. Mary Moore.
Sunday 22nd September 2002
2.30pm at St. Philip Howard Church
Followed
by a Reception in St. Jude's School Hall.
All are very welcome to attend.
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 Parish
Pilgrimage to Rome & Assisi
No payment is required to the parish for the return coach travel (Fareham/Gatwick)
as this is included in the cost of the pilgrimage. The remaining balance
of payment for the Pilgrimage is due by this Monday 16th September.
All cheques should be made payable to'Anthony R Coles Travel and Conferences'
and sent to the Parish Office. If there are any queries regarding payment,
travel insurance etc. you may either telephone Anthony Coles, direct on
020 7431 3414 or contact the Parish
Office.
Religious
Education Classes
The Religious Education classes at Fareham resume on 17th September.
Opportunity
Knocks!
Would you like to spend a small amount of your time with the young people
of our Parish, in a fun, relaxed way? There are several opportunities
to join the developing team of helpers and you would be most welcome to
join us. We meet at St Philip Howard Church Hall on a Sunday evening between
7-9pm. The commitment is on a rota basis and will only be about once a
month. If you would like to help in any way with our young people please
phone Sue McMullan on 01329 284638. Thank you.
First
Holy Communion Programme
The first meeting of the programme will take place on Saturday 21st September
at St. Jude's School between 10.00am - 11.30am. Parents are asked to stay
for this meeting in order to meet with the catechists. The children will
also have their photographs taken at this session. The initial Dedication
Celebration Mass will be at 11.00am on Sunday 22nd September at St. Philip
Howard Church. For further details please contact Sheelagh Pickard on
01329 318842.
 The
Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament
"I adore thee, Jesus, in the Blessed Sacrament, and with all my
heart I wish to make myself a fitting temple for Thee. Come to me, O loving
Jesus." (St. Thomas Aquinas)
Someone is urgently needed to fill in the hours from 2:00-3:00 pm and
3:00-4:00 pm on Wednesdays as well as 5:00-6:00 pm on Thursdays. If you
are able to help, please kindly call Lily Peach on 01329 825447 or 077
678 98885.
Admission
to St. Edmund's School - 2003
St. Edmund's School request that parents of Year 6 children wishing to
have their sons or daughters educated at St. Edmund's commencing September
2003, apply immediately to the school. St. Edmund's receives substantial
applications including a significant number from other Christian denominations.
However, it is the policy of the school governors for baptised Catholic
children to receive priority. The School will be holding an Open Evening
on Tuesday 1 October 2002 from 6.30pm. Admission forms and the school
prospectus are available on request from the School Admissions Secretary
or may be obtained at the Open Evening.
Finance
Thank you for your generosity in giving.
Fareham - £1989.30 Portchester £127.40
Forthcoming
Special Collections
15th September - Fr. Paul's Leaving Collection
22nd September - Catholic Missionary Society
29th September - Cathedral
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 Chris, or complete the online
form
Father Paul Townsend
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