Thank You
Father Richard, Father Charles, Father Andrew and Father Chris send their warm thanks for the many cards, gifts and good wishes given to them over the Christmas season. Father Chris writes: 'Thank you to all those people who contributed in any way to our celebration this Christmas and a special ‘thank you’ for the very generous Christmas offering this year.’

Peace Sunday - 18th January 2004
This Sunday is Peace Sunday. “Humanity is faced with a crucial challenge: if it does not succeed in giving itself institutions that are really effective in eliminating the scourge of war, the risk is that the law of force will prevail…” (Holy See, World Peace Message for 2004). ‘Pax Christi’ is an international Catholic movement for peace. We are encouraged to respond to the teaching of Jesus about peace by experiencing it in our own lives, by offering this peace to others through witness and non-violence and by transforming our communities through action and advocacy for justice and working for the abolition of war and an end to all forms of violence. To find out more about the work of ‘Pax Christi’ please write to: Pax Christi, St Joseph’s, Watford Way, Hendon, London N4 4TY or make contact via the website on www.paxchristi.org.uk A collection will be taken after all masses this weekend in aid of the work of ‘Pax Christi.’

Saturday Night Special
The next Saturday Night Special will be held at Fareham Leisure Centre on Saturday 24th January from 7.30pm–10.00pm. Ages 11-17 yrs. Cost £2.80.

GIFT – Growing in Faith Together
The next talk in the 2004 programme will take place on Wednesday 11th February at St Jude’s School Hall, Bishopsfield Rd in Fareham at 7.30pm (Coffee/Tea 7.00pm). The theme is “The Eucharist – the Real Presence, a Witness” and the speaker will be Father James Boyle. All are very welcome.

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’s story of the Wedding Feast at Cana in Galilee is brilliant and easily memorable. It contains several homely stunning events that tend to somewhat distract us from its overall significance. We have to wait till the last sentence in this short extract from St. John to pull ourselves up and study and ponder prayerfully the rich bursting bulb of truth and faith that lies within it. St. John says about Jesus and His miracle: “It was the first of His signs…He let His Glory be seen and His Disciples believed in Him.” Sign, Revelation, Truth, Faith.

So the story is a Sign. A Sacrament is a Sign. We know and believe the Sacramental Sign of the Bread and Wine in the Eucharist. In this story and action of Christ, God the Father is revealed. How many of us are comfortable with the revealed truth that God is our Wedded Lover? Too daring, too bold? The Scriptures are not shy in their repeated presentations of God in that role and relation to His people. That is why the Liturgy today prefaces the Gospel with the previous exultant imagery of Isaiah.

The Revelation is of God the Father and of Jesus, God made man, and of ourselves as individuals in a community of believers (assembly, church) who are wedded to our Covenant God. Jesus is, for St John, the Word made Flesh and here among us. He is so embodied, so solidly incarnated in the flesh of humanity that it is true to say that God in Christ has wedded His human family. And in the tell-tale manner of all God’s dealings with His people – He is extravagant and bounteous in His liberality and supplies the wine in abundance. Do we still fail to get the picture?

So liberal and extreme is this LOVER God that He will pay all it takes to safeguard this union with His people. It will cost Him the atoning death of His Beloved Son on Calvary.
Father Charles Aylward

Neil Peffers RIP
Your prayers are requested for the repose of the soul of Neil Peffers who died recently. Please remember his wife, Bridget, and his family and friends in your prayers.

Quiz Night
All members of our parish are invited to a Quiz Night and American Supper at Our Lady of Walsingham Church on Friday 30th January 7.00-9.30pm. You are invited to donate items of food for the supper. There is a list in Our Lady of Walsingham church where you can sign your name against the items you are able to contribute. Please bring your own wine. Tickets will be on sale after all masses from this weekend onwards priced at £2 adults, 50p children and £1.50 for the retired or unwaged.

Marriage, Life and Love
The Dept. of Evangelisation and Catechesis has arranged two courses on the subject of marriage and sexuality at Park Place Pastoral Centre, Wickham.

‘Preparation for Marriage’-Wednesday 18th February from 7.45pm – 9.30pm, cost £5.

‘A Communion of life and love: an exploration of marriage and sexuality’-Thursday 19th February from 10.30am – 4.00pm. Cost £10 (bring packed lunch) or £32 (including lunch). Both courses will be led by Dr Jack Dominian. To book, tel. 01329 835583.

Cleaner Required
Cleaner required in north Fareham – three hours per week. Call 01329 310785 for details. (Apologies for the incorrect number given in last week’s newsletter!)

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 on Sunday 8th February at 3.00pm in St Philip Howard Church Hall.

St Jude's RC Primary School
Current newsletter here

18th January 2004 2nd Sunday of Ordinary Time The Year of St Luke

Eucharistic Ministers
There will be a meeting for all Eucharistic Ministers on Friday 23rd January at 7.30pm in the Sacred Heart Church Hall. This is an annual meeting which provides an opportunity for Eucharistic Ministers to pray together and discuss any questions or concerns that individuals may have about their work in this ministry. If you are a Eucharistic Minister, please do make a special effort to attend this important meeting.

The Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament
“Jesus in the Tabernacle is my God and my All! He is my heaven on earth.” (St. Ignatius)

If you are able to help with Adoration in Fareham please contact Lily Peach on 077 678 98885, or to help with Adoration at Portchester, please contact Veronica Reeves on 023 9237 2864 or Rose Andrews on 023 9238 8494.

Due to so many Adorers suffering from the ‘flu virus, Adoration in Portchester will cease until further notice.

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 January course has been re-scheduled to Monday 26th January and Monday 2nd February at the home of Anne and Kevin Tarling. If you wish to take part please contact Anne or Kevin on 01329 829549. Future courses will take place on 10th & 17th March and 11th & 18th May. Please arrange the date of the baptism with Father Chris.

House Group
The next meeting of the House Group will be on Wednesday 21st January at 101 The Avenue, Fareham (7.30pm for 8.00pm). For more information please telephone 01329 847533.

Sponsored Skydive for Charity
John Paul Lyttle; in his second year of Seminary at Oscott, Birmingham, is planning to skydive strapped to an instructor. He is raising money for various charities. If you would like to sponsor John Paul please contact him at johnpaullyttle@hotmail.com or at Oscott College, Chester Road, Sutton Coldfield, West Midlands B73 5AA.

First Holy Communion Programme
The next meeting for children preparing for their First Holy Communion will take place on Saturday 31st January from 10.00am at St Jude’s School. The 11.00am Mass on Sunday 1st February at St Philip Howard Church will be a First Holy Communion Celebration Mass.

Lent 2004 – “Face to Face”
Christmas is over and Lent is fast approaching. This year, for five consecutive weeks during Lent, home-based ecumenical groups will be discussing the Lent course “Face to Face”. Catholic participation in these groups has been growing, but more people taking part would enable Catholics to be amongst all the participating groups. The course has been prepared jointly by Churches Together in Britain & Ireland and the Bible Society and promises to be stimulating and thought provoking, exploring how we can grow into the image and likeness of God. Application forms are available at the back of the church and these may be returned to either the named people on the forms or to the Parish Office. Please do take a form and fill it in as soon as possible.

Lent 2004 – Lent Lunches
The Portchester Churches will be holding Shoppers’ Services and Lent lunches every Wednesday in Lent beginning at 12 noon. Catholics will be organising the lunches on the 10th March and the 7th April. Do make a note in your diary and support these ecumenical lunches. All proceeds are shared between CAFOD and Christian Aid.

Finance
Thank you for your generosity in giving.
Offertory Collection - £1514.90
White Flower Appeal - £104.83

Forthcoming Collections
18th January - Pax Christi

25th January - St Francis Leprosy Guild

8th February - 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