Fr. Bernard Longley
The Holy Father has appointed Fr. Bernard Longley as an Auxiliary Bishop for Cardinal Cormac in the Archdiocese of Westminster. Many will remember Fr. Bernard's visits to Fareham at weekends to help Fr. Hopgood. In congratulating him on becoming a Bishop we pray that the Lord 'enrich him with the gifts and virtues of a true Apostle.'

The Role of the Church in Society
There will be a lecture given by Rev. Steve Chalke (Director of Oasis Trust, Author, TV Presenter) on 'The Role of the Church in Society' at University College, Chichester on Tuesday 25th February from 7.30pm - 9.30pm. This event will be an introduction to a course in 'The Theology and Practice of Youth and Children's Work starting at University College, Chichester in March 2003. For further details please contact 'The Academy', PO Box 58, Chichester, West Sussex PO19 8UD, telephone 01243 531898 ext. 323 or email: info@theacademyuk.com. Details are also on the website: www.theacademyuk.com.

Hosts for Coeliacs
Gluten-free hosts which are suitable for coeliacs are available in the parish. If there is anyone who requires these type of hosts please speak to Fr. Chris.

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 next course will take place on Monday 13th and 20th January 2003 at the home of Julie and Paul Phillips. If you wish to take part, please call Julie or Paul on 01329 319392. Please arrange the date of the baptism of your child with Father Chris.

Faith and Light
Faith and Light is a Christian organisation for people with learning difficulties and for their families and friends. The next meeting of our Parish Faith and Light Group will take place today at 3.00 p.m. in the St. Philip Howard Hall.

Used Christmas Cards
Please place any used Christmas cards in the box at the back of the church for Sr. Judith at Park Place.

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
Today is the Feast of the Baptism of Our Lord Jesus Christ and it is the real end of the Christmas season. Our Christmas decorations will by now be taken down. With all the excitement of Christmas behind us we need to work out the implication of God coming into our world at Christmas. Christ begins his mission to bring out the Good News of his Father to those who do not know Him or have turned away from Him. Mark tells us that during the Baptism of Jesus a voice came from Heaven 'You are my Son, the beloved, my favour rests on you.

Through our baptism we are welcomed as sons and daughters of God, brothers and sisters in one family that crosses the boundaries of time and space. It is a moment of recognition and joy in relationship that we are forever the children of God. We become part of the ongoing story of God's love and we become tellers of this story in all we say and do. Our mission is to continue taking the Good News to all we come in contact with. When we gather together for the celebration of any liturgical service Christ is present and we are symbols of that presence. Will our lives in the outside world tarnish that symbol and snuff out the light of Christ or will it keep that light burning brightly and bring it to fulfilment?
Langford Vincent

Fr. Michael Peters
Melinda Peters, Fr. Michael Peters' sister, died on Wednesday. Many will remember her making jewellery for sale at the Parish Bazaars. Fr. Michael would very much value everyone's prayers.

Fareham Deanery Adult Formation
Nicky Stevens, Head of Department for Evangelisation & Catechesis, will speak on "Ordinary Time in the Year of Mark" on Wednesday 22nd January at St. Jude's School Hall from 7.30pm (Coffee/Tea at 7.00pm).

Church Parade
Please note that the 11.00am Mass in the St. Philip Howard Church on Sunday 19th January will be a Church Parade.

White Flower Appeal
The Society for the Protection of Unborn Children (SPUC) will be making their annual White Flower Appeal after all Masses on the weekend of 18th/19th January. This will be in support of their vital work to gain legal protection for defenceless unborn children and in their fight against the legalisation of euthanasia. The threat to the sanctity of human life is growing ever greater, so please do give generously to this appeal.

Spirituality in the Workplace
What do we mean by trust and respect in the workplace? How can we recognise and work more effectively with the different gifts and talents others have? Is St. Benedict's teaching on hospitality, compassion relevant in our work lives? Learn how to cope with anger and forgiveness and balance the demands of work with our commitments to spouse, partner, family or friends. A retreat workshop entitled 'Relationships in the Workplace' will take place at Douai Abbey from 17th - 19th January 2003 looking at all these points and more. For further details please contact the Programme Director on 0118 971 5333.

Hospitals and the Data Protection Act
The Patients Charter requires Hospital authorities to care for the religious and spiritual needs of their patients, while the Data Protection Act forbids those authorities to pass sensitive personal data, like religious affiliation of patients, to chaplains unless the individual patient has expressly requested this. Therefore, when parishioners are admitted to hospital they should make sure that they tell the hospital staff taking their details that they are Catholics, and express their wish that this information be passed to the Roman Catholic Chaplain. Those responsible for children or for those who are unconscious when admitted should do likewise.

Mass Intentions
Envelopes are available at the entrance to the church to enable you to arrange for a Mass to be celebrated for a particular intention. These envelopes allow you to write the intention as well as the date and time when you would prefer the Mass to be offered. The usual offering is £5.00. Please return completed envelopes to the parish office. Please note that Masses often are requested weeks in advance and so some notice is needed.

Parish Handbook
The new Parish Handbook is now available - copies will be in all churches this weekend. Please do take a copy home with you as it contains much essential contact information for key areas of parish life. Our thanks go to the Parish Communications Team for all their efforts and hard work in the production of this new updated edition for 2003.

Youth Club
Would members and adult leaders please note that the Youth Club re-opens this evening at 7.00pm at St Philip Howard Hall.

Eucharistic Ministers
There will be a meeting for all Eucharistic Ministers on Thursday 23rd January in the Sacred Heart Church beginning at 7.30pm.

St Jude's RC Primary School
Current newsletter here

12th January 2003 The Baptism of our Lord The Year of St Mark

Are you interested a new way to pray?
Join other women in learning how to do a candle dance as meditation. Led by Sr. Anne Davey on Friday 17th January 2003 7.15 - 9.15pm - Our Lady of Lourdes Church, Bransbury Road, Eastney, Portsmouth. All welcome. No booking necessary. If you would like further information contact: Roisin 023 9273 3766 or Verena (Diocesan Link) 0223 9261 0026.

Choir Members Workshop - Douai Abbey
Saturday 8th February 10.45am - 4.00pm. During this workshop we shall work at singing technique and look at some repertoire for Lent and Holy Week. See the notice board for further details.

The Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament
"In this mystery (the Holy Eucharist), the Son of God satisfies all the wants of our spiritual life." (St. Ambrose). If you are able to help with Adoration, please telephone Lily Peach on 01329 825447 or 077 678 98885.

New Course in Youth and Children's Work
You are warmly invited to an informal presentation and open evening for the new course in 'The Theology and practice of Youth and Children's work' at University College, Chichester on Thursday 6th February from 7.30pm - 9.00pm. There will be an opportunity to hear a brief presentation about the new course starting in March and a chance to meet and chat with staff and course lecturers. A light buffet and drinks will be served before the presentation commences at 7.45pm. Please tel. 01243 816448 for more details.

Churches Together in Portchester
The Curate at St. Mary's Church, Portchester - Reverend Sandy Matheson, is leaving the parish this year. He is to be replaced by Andrew Bridgen who is to be ordained on 28th June and will initially be a non-stipendiary minister. Please remember them in your prayers.

Dealing with Life's Pressures
There is to be a seminar entitled 'Dealing with Life's Pressures' on Saturday 18th January 2003 at Fareham Baptist Church, Gosport Rd, Fareham from 10.00am - 4.00pm (Registration at 9.30am). The seminar with be led by Di Bower (trained counsellor) and Sandy Bower (trained in stress management) and will cost just £5 per person. Please bring along a notebook, pillow or cushion and a packed lunch. For more information contact the Community Church office on 01329 829121 or Fareham Baptist Church Office on 01329 230659.

Finance
Thank you for your generosity in giving.
Fareham - £1550.65
Portchester - £222.55

Forthcoming Collections
18/19 January - White Flower Appeal
25/26 January - Catholic Education 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