Fareham Deanery Adult Formation
The Christian year concerns the birth, death and resurrection of Our Lord, Jesus Christ, and this year the readings at our masses generally come from St. Mark's gospel. So do come to hear how St. Mark, who wrote the earliest account of Our Lord's life, depicts this core belief of our faith. Our speaker will be Nicky Stevens, who will talk about 'Ordinary Time in the Year of Mark' this Wednesday 22nd January at St. Jude's School from 7.30pm. (Tea/Coffee at 7.00pm).

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.

Advent Appeal
The St. Martin de Porres Group would like to thank members of the parish for all the contributions made to the Parish Advent Appeal. The total raised for 'Wells for India' is £2276.93 plus another £1000 from the proceeds of the Bazaar.

Fareham Information Network Conference
Would you like a better understanding of best practice in communication with people in Fareham including accessibility, removing barriers to inclusion, new techniques and planning for the future. Then why not come along to the 'Message Movers - reaching and involving everyone' conference on Wednesday 12th March from 1.30pm - 5.00pm at Fareham College, Bishopsfield Rd. Representatives such as Glenn Barham, the Police Link Officer for Deaf People, Nick Coe from the Hampshire Library Service and David Perry from Fareham Borough Council will all be contributing and sharing their development plans, so that information is distributed to anyone who needs it as effectively as possible.

Fareham Community Action
The Volunteer Bureau in Fareham is entirely voluntarily supported; as such it is the only volunteer bureau in Hampshire which does not receive funding for its activities. At present, extra staff are needed who can help input information about volunteering opportunities onto computer; all training given. If you could give half a day a week or more to assist in our Bureau please email: volunteering@farehamaction.org.uk.

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
Some time ago, an old man was admitted to hospital for treatment. After the nurse made him comfortable, she asked the man a few routine questions in order to fill out one of those hospital forms. One question she asked the old man was, "What is your religious preference?" The old man looked at the nurse and said, "I'm glad you asked me that. I've always wanted to be a Catholic, but nobody has ever asked me before. You're the first one." This true story raises an embarrassing question: Why do so many of us hesitate to share our faith with others? In today's Scripture readings, the first reading presents Eli sharing his faith with the young boy Samuel; the second reading presents Paul sharing his faith with the Corinthians; and the Gospel reading presents John sharing his faith with two disciples, and Andrew sharing his faith with his brother, Peter.

Significantly, John mentions Andrew three times in his Gospel and each time Andrew is sharing his faith, trying to bring others to Jesus. In today's Gospel, Andrew brings his brother Peter to Jesus. Eventually, Jesus picks Peter to be the rock on which He builds His Church. Later on, Andrew brings a boy with five loaves and two fish to Jesus, (John 6:8) and Jesus uses the loaves and fish to feed a great crowd of hungry people. Finally, Andrew brings some Greek people to Jesus, (John 12:20-22), and Jesus uses the occasion to teach the people some important things. So, why is it that we are so reluctant to share our faith? One answer we often hear is that other people aren't interested in Jesus. Many people thought the old man I mentioned earlier wasn't interested in Jesus either.

Ian Lappage RIP
Hester and family would like to thank Fr. Chris and parishioners for their prayers, cards, Mass cards and beautiful floral tributes received during their recent sad loss. We have been very touched by the kindness and very generous support. (Lappage family.)

Tony & Lena Meagher
Tony and Lena Meagher would like to thank their friends in the parish for the cards, gifts and best wishes, and they send their love to all.

Ian McCormack Dinner - Ferneham Hall
Ian McCormack is coming to Fareham to give a talk at a dinner evening on Thursday 20th February. The talk will recount his experience of being certified dead in hospital after being stung by the deadly Box Jellyfish, and then 'coming back to life', much to the surprise of the doctor attending him! Since this experience Ian has devoted his "new life" to sharing the good news of God's love. The evening will be a great occasion to invite non-church friends to and includes a 3 course meal. Tickets are just £10 a head and can be obtained through Fareham Community Church (01329 829121) or email: office@fareham-cc.org.uk. Early booking essential.

White Flower Appeal
The Society for the Protection of Unborn Children (SPUC) will be making their annual White Flower Appeal after all Masses this weekend. 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.

Church Cleaning - Sacred Heart
Help is urgently needed with the cleaning at the Sacred Heart Church on Tuesday mornings after the 9.30am Mass. No need to book - just turn up on the day!

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.

Homelessness Sunday - 26th January
Homelessness Sunday is the day each year when we concentrate our thoughts on the plight of those who have nowhere to live. Being without a home is something that most of us can't imagine, but for some it is all too real. A real alternative to homelessness is EMMAUS. There are no handouts at EMMAUS. EMMAUS sets up communities throughout the UK, which house formerly homeless people. All Companions (as residents are called) are required to 'sign off' Job Seeker's Allowance and commit to working 40 hours a week, in the Community business of recycling and then re-selling donated furniture and household goods. The Communities aim to become self-supporting within a few years. For information on how to make donations, to obtain details of the nearest Community group, or simply to request a newsletter please e-mail: contact@emmaus.org.uk, or contact Emmaus, 48 Kingston Street, Cambridge CB1 2NU

Alpha Course
A new Alpha course will commence on Thursday 30th January at Fareham Baptist Church at 7.00pm - everyone is very welcome. For more information please contact either Mandy Hyde on 01329 230659 or Claire on 02392 326787.

St. Jude's 50/50 Draw
The draw results for February are as follows:

1. M Loman
2. T Partington
3. J Donnelly

St Jude's RC Primary School
Current newsletter here

19th January 2003 2nd Sunday of the Year The Year of St Mark

Congratulations
Congratulations to Eddie and Celestine Holmes on the occasion of their 57th Wedding Anniversary which was on Friday 17th January.

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 the tabernacle as in the crib, it is the same God full of power, the same Saviour full of tender mercy" (Bl. Columba Marmion). 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.

Christian Ecology Link (CEL)
Fareham Christian Ecology Link group extend an invitation to all members of the parish to attend their next CEL meeting. This will take place in the Sacred Heart Church Hall on Thursday 30th January from 7.30pm. The meeting will include prayer for Ecology, a report about the work of Christian Ecology Link including Operation Noah and programme planning for 2003.

Praying with Francis
This will take place on the 1st February at 2.00pm in the Sacred Heart Hall.

Summer Flowering Bulbs
15th Fareham Scout Group are offering you the chance to order from a wide selection of summer flowering bulbs and to help the group raise funds at the same time. To view a current brochure, please contact your nearest member of the 15th Fareham Scout Group who will be delighted to take your order, or contact Anna Dalrymple on 01329 230426 or any uniform leader. Last orders for bulbs will be Tuesday 28th January with delivery in early March ready for planting.

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

Fareham Baptist Church - New Minister
The induction of the new minister will take place on Saturday 15th February at 3.00pm at the Fareham Baptist Church. All are welcome.

Room to Rent?
A professional person is looking to rent a room in Fareham town centre. If you can help please telephone 07932 965554.

Finance
Thank you for your generosity in giving.
Fareham - £1506.50
Portchester - £160.00
Advent Appeal - £2276.93 (+ £1000 from the proceeds of the Parish Bazaar)

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