Dennis Gillen
Please pray for Dennis Gillen who is ill, and for all parishioners who may be unwell at this time.

Fareham Deanery Adult Formation
The next talk in the Adult Formation Series will be held this Wednesday 13th November
in St. Jude's School Hall
at 7.30pm (Coffee/Tea at 7.00pm).

'Liturgical Overview with the emphasis on Advent' Speaker - Paul Inwood.

Everyone is most welcome to attend
Crèche facilities will be made available if interest is shown, please telephone 01329 284638 for details.

Parish Pilgrimage to Rome & Assisi
There will now be a second departure point for the coach to Gatwick on the 18th November. This will be at 11.30am at Our Lady of Walsingham Church in Portchester. If there is anyone who would prefer to join the coach in Portchester (other than those people who have already been contacted by the Parish Office) please telephone either Joan or Michele as soon as possible on 01329 318869. It is important that we know who is joining from which departure point, in order to ensure that no-one is left behind!

Calling All Youth between 11-16 Years Old!
In June 2002 we had the 'Dare 2B Different' Youth Event for those aged 15-25 years, when young adults explored the challenges of living as a young Christian in today's world. Now it's the turn of those aged 11-16 to enjoy the Diocesan Youth Sunday, which will be celebrated on Sunday 17th November at St. Edmund's School and St. John's Cathedral. This will be a fun day, from 10.00am - 8.30pm, exploring faith and life choices. There will be workshops, discussions and games, plus opportunities for Art, Drama, Music and Prayer. Refreshments will be available and Bishop Crispian will join you during the day so you can ask him your questions and he will later celebrate Mass. Please let Fr. Chris know if you would like to go, or ring Sue McMullan on 01329 284638. The cost is £5 per person. Travel will be arranged and paid for by the parish.

Christmas Social
There will be a Christmas Social at St. Philip Howard on the 7th December from 7.30pm till late. There will be a licensed bar, children's bar, raffle and an American Supper. Father Christmas will also be attending! For more information please contact Graham Stanton on 01329 284057.

Piano Recital - Hedge End
There will be a piano recital given by Stephen Walford in aid of Church funds at Our Lady of the Assumption RC Church, Hedge End on Saturday 23rd November at 7.30pm. Stephen is the organist at Our Lady of the Assumption and he has managed to obtain sponsorship for the hire of a grand piano for the occasion. Tickets are priced at £6 or £2.50 for under 14's. Please see the noticeboard for programme listings or telephone Mary Barker for further details on 01489 781202.

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.

THE UNION
Thought for the Week
There are two themes in today's readings: The first is that of the suddenness with which the end of the world and the Second Coming will take place. These events will come without warning, "as a thief comes at night." 1 Thessalonians 5:2. The second theme is our preparedness for the end. Will death find us prepared for the end, like the wise bridesmaids? Or will it find us unprepared like the foolish bridesmaids? These are not themes we can listen to in a detached way. These are not themes we can dismiss casually. They are the same two themes that Jesus set before His disciples at the end of His life. They invite us to ask ourselves if our present situation in life is more like the wise or foolish bridesmaids. If it is more like the foolish bridesmaids, let us not lose heart, for there is still time to correct the situation. If it is more like the wise bridesmaids, let us thank God for the grace and wisdom to follow His word.

These themes of suddenness and preparedness are fitting themes for the Church to set before us at the end of the liturgical year. These themes are also fitting for this Remembrance Sunday (Poppy Day), when we remember all those who have gone before us, especially those who suffered and died in conflict and in the service of their country. Many countries have a special day to remember those that fell in their wars: America has Veterans' Day, France has Armistice Day, we in Britain have Remembrance Sunday, which falls on the nearest Sunday that the armistice was signed in 1918 in Compiegne, six hours before the first World War ended on the 11th day of the 11th month at 11am. May all those who died find in God's presence light, happiness and peace.

European Day of Remembrance for Road Victims
RoadPeace is the national charity for Road Traffic Victims. The European Day of Remembrance for Road Crash Victims is on the 17th November this year. Each year at least 10 people die on Britain's roads and 1300+ are injured. The price in terms of human loss, grief and care is immeasurable. Let us remember and pray for all those who have been lost or injured, their family and friends and also acknowledge all those who came to their rescue, such as fire, police and ambulance personnel, doctors, nurses and counsellors.

Bishop Crispian
will lead an Advent Day of Prayer
on Saturday 7th December
10.30am - 4.00pm
St. John's Cathedral, Portsmouth

Free - No need to book - just come along! Food and drinks may be bought at the Cathedral Discovery Centre or you may bring a packed lunch.

It's Back! Christmas 'Connected'!
Why not save money on Christmas cards? Write your Christmas greeting now for publication in the bumper issue of 'Connected'. Place your message, together with a donation, in the boxes at the back of the church. Closing date: 1st December.

St Jude's RC Primary School
Current newsletter here

10th November 2002 32nd Sunday of the Year The Year of St Matthew

Prisoners' Week
9th - 15th November is Prisoner's Week when we are asked to pray for those in prison and their families.

The Sacrament of Reconciliation
How do we bring our hurts and failings to God? Do we still need this Sacrament? How do we experience healing and reconciliation. A day on the Sacrament of Inner Healing and Renewal of God's Love will be held on Saturday 23rd November beginning with coffee at 10.00am and ending at 4.00pm, at The English Martyrs, Tilehurst Road, Reading. Once again, you are asked to bring a packed lunch but other refreshments will be provided. To book a place, please contact The Secretary, Portsmouth Diocesan Offices, Park Place Pastoral Centre, Wickham, by Friday 15th November. The telephone number is 01329 835583.

The Compassionate Friends
'No death so sad'; that is how many bereaved parents describe the devastating loss of their son or daughter. No one expects to attend their own child's funeral, yet every year thousands of newly bereaved families face a future in which their lives have been changed forever. The Compassionate Friends (TCF) is a nationwide organisation which is open to everyone, regardless of religious or spiritual beliefs, and aims to offer understanding, friendship and encouragement to bereaved parents and their families, including grandparents and siblings. The local support group of Compassionate Friends will be holding a Memorial Service on Sunday 1st December at 7.30pm at Park Place Pastoral Centre, Winchester Rd Wickham. All welcome to commemorate the life of your child or children by lighting a candle in their memory. For more information please ring Helen and Dave on 01329 829665 or see the leaflet on the noticeboard for details including helpful publications.

The Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament
"With the Blessed Sacrament and the Holy Rosary we have inconceivable and unlimited power at our beckoning. The Blessed Sacrament is God; the Holy Rosary is the power of God channelled through His Mother" (From Louis Kaczmarek's new book The Eucharistic and the Rosary: The Power to Change the World).

Someone is needed to fill in the hours from 6:00-7:00 pm on Tuesdays, 3:00-4:00 pm on Wednesdays, 4:00-5:00 pm on Thursdays, and 12:00-1:00 pm on Fridays. If you are able to help, please telephone Lily Peach on 01329 825447 or 077 678 98885.

Adoration
Please note that there will be no Adoration in Portchester on Monday 18th and 25th November due to several adorers travelling to Rome & Assisi with the parish pilgrimage.

Bethany Group Mass
This takes place on Thursday 14th November at Sacred Heart Church, beginning at 7.30pm.

First Friday Reflections
6th December
'New Year' - An Advent reflection as we start the Church's year.

Finance
Thank you for your generosity in giving.
Fareham - £1461.73 Portchester £216.64
Bamenda - £633.14

Forthcoming Special Collections
24th November - National Catholic Youth Service

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

Fr Chris Whelan