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 9th May at 3.00pm in St Philip Howard Hall.

Benedictine Monasticism Today
A day-school entitled ‘Benedictine Monasticism Today’ will run on Saturday 15th May from 10.00am – 4.30pm at Douai Abbey, led by Gervase Holdaway OSB. The nature and influence of the Rule of St Benedict in the contemporary world will be explored giving an overview from both within and beyond monasteries. This will include the work of monks in monastic schools and universities, the role of oblates (people committed to Benedictine ideals who live outside the monastery) and the influence of the Rule of St Benedict in work places and homes. Cost: £23 Concessions - £17, Lunch - £7 (optional). To book, please telephone 0118 971 8347.

Ordinary People can be Special!
Home-Start Gosport & Fareham needs ordinary folk to work as volunteers with families under stress. No qualifications needed, just love of children and the ability to listen. Full support and training provided and all expenses re-imbursed. The work involves befriending families, giving them encouragement and breathing space to deal with the problems of everyday life. If you would like to help or need support please telephone 023 9258 2498.

Date for the Diary - St Jude’s May Fayre
St Jude’s May Fayre will be held on Saturday 15th May from 10.30am–2.30pm at St Jude’s School. Side stalls, tombolas, BBQ, raffle and refreshments available. All proceeds to go towards the school. If anyone is able to help on the day, please contact the school on 01329 235131. Items for donation will only be accepted after the 10th May due to restricted storage space.

Used Postage Stamps
Please bring your used postage stamps to church and leave in the tin provided; these are sent to the Scout Association to raise funds for the Trust that provides holiday homes for handicapped scouts (boys and girls).

Teaching at Oaklands Catholic School
Oaklands Catholic School, Waterlooville is looking to fill the following posts for September 2004:
Head of Maths (MPS +4 management points); 2nd in Maths Department (MPS + 2 management points); Teacher of PE (mainly boys) and Teacher of Maths. We are also looking to increase our pool of Cover Assistants who look after classes when a teacher is absent. If you are interested in any of the above please contact Chris Whitfield, Headteacher or Martin Lewis, Deputy Head at the school on 02392 259214. Vacancies arise across the curriculum every year, so please do contact the Headteacher if you are interested in changing schools.

‘Godspell’ – Ferneham Hall
South Downe Musical Society is bringing to the stage the musical ‘Godspell’. The show opens on Tuesday 18th May at the Ferneham Hall in Fareham and runs until Saturday 22nd May with daily performances at 7.30pm. There is also a matinee performance at 2.30pm on the Saturday. All tickets are £7.00 and can be purchased directly from the Fernham Hall by calling the Box Office on 01329 231942.

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
One thing I remember about the various parish churches that I attended in my youth was the warmth and kindness of the priests who served there. Although I can’t remember one homily that was preached, I knew that these were men who were kind above everything else. Each had their own eccentricities and character faults but it was quite obvious that they were men who had given their lives for others and who, each in their own way, were trying to imitate The Good Shepherd. Those men certainly played their part in my own vocation and I only hope I can live up to the example they gave me.

The priests, however, did not play the most important role; it was the people of the parishes who played the most crucial part in the development of my priestly vocation. Just sitting in the church, week after week, among so many good people who were devoted to the faith was a tremendously formative experience. To see around me people praying in the pews, serving on the altar and singing in the choir: to see ordinary people giving up their time to build up the Church was adequate testimony to how much they valued the faith they professed. This is the living community of the Church. This is how the faith is handed on, not by the preaching of sermons but the living sermon of our faith lived out in our communal celebration of the Mass every week. Each person is vital; each person is a living part of the Body of Christ here on earth; each person giving an example to the next generation that being part of the Church, and having the opportunity of serving others is a great privilege.

This Sunday, the Church wants us to reflect on the need for local shepherds and we are invited to pray for vocations to the priesthood and religious life. Let us also remember to pray for our existing priests and religious, people who have already answered the call and dedicated their lives to caring for the flock, especially our own Fr. Charles who celebrates his 80th birthday this weekend.

Father Chris Whelan

Francis Payne RIP
Please pray for the repose of the soul of Francis Payne, who died recently. Francis’s funeral will take place on Tuesday 4th May at 11.00am at Portchester Crematorium. Please also remember the family and friends of Francis in your prayers.

Sheila Raggett RIP
Please pray for the repose of the soul of Sheila Raggett, who died recently. Sheila’s funeral will take place on Thursday 6th May at 9.30am in the Sacred Heart Church. Please also remember the family and friends of Sheila in

First Holy Communion
Parents who have children preparing for their first Holy Communion are reminded that there is a parents’ meeting on Wednesday 5th May at St Jude’s School at 7.30pm. The next meeting for children preparing for their first Holy Communion will be on Saturday 8th May from 10.00 – 11.30am at St Jude’s School. The 11.00am Mass at St Philip Howard Church on Sunday 9th May will be a First Holy Communion Celebration Mass.

Men’s Meeting
Wednesday 5th May 7.30pm at The King’s Centre, Fareham – “Dealing with Temptation”. We are constantly bombarded with temptations; in society, the media and on the internet. Guest speaker Andy Faye addresses the subject in an honest way and offers some practical advice on how, as Christians, we can deal with temptation. Although not an issue for every Christian, this is a subject of importance to us all. For further details please telephone Martin Doyle, 01329 230581. A donation of £3.00 towards drinks/nibbles would be welcomed. Sign up at the Information Point.

The Wintershall “Life of Christ”
Limited tickets are still available for this open-air play in three acts, lasting about five hours, which will take place on Saturday 26th June from 10.00am. Price £22 all inclusive - play and transport. The coach will pick up at Park Gate, Stubbington, St Philip Howard Church, Fareham and Our Lady of Walsingham, Portchester. Please contact the Parish Office or Deacon Langford Vincent if you are interested.

2nd May 2004 4th Sunday of Easter The Year of St Luke

World Day of Prayer for Vocations – 2nd May 2004
This Sunday, we are asked to pray especially for Vocations. The following is an extract from the message of His Holiness Pope John Paul II for the 41st World Day of Prayer for Vocations: “My heartfelt wish is that prayer for vocations be intensified ever more; prayer that is adoration of the mystery of God and thanksgiving for the ‘great things’ that he has accomplished and does not cease to carry out, despite human weakness. The full transcription of the Pope’s message is on the separate insert here.

Borough Prayer Walk – Saturday 22nd May
This event is being organised by Fareham Borough Church Leaders. The idea is to walk across the borough of Fareham praying for it as we go. We will be starting at Lower Swanwick at 10.00am and hopefully finishing at Portchester Castle at about 3.00pm. There will be various places where people can join in, either walking and praying or just to pray in one location. For further details please contact either Graham Bower on 01329 829121 or Martin Lloyd on 01489 581009.

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 such course will take place on Tuesdays 11th & 18th May at the home of Jayne and Philip O’Riordan. If you would like to take part please contact Jayne or Philip on 01329 515991. Godparents are also very welcome to attend. Please arrange the date of baptism of your child with Father Chris.

The Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament
“No other Sacrament so inflames souls with Divine Love as the Sacrament of the Eucharist, in which Jesus Christ gives us His whole self, so to unite us all to Him through holy love.” (St Alphonsus Liguori).

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.

Mobile Phone Recycling
Fareham Community Action now has a recycling point for old mobile phones. If you have a mobile that you no longer need, please take it along the offices (5 Osborn Rd South) and dispose of it - you will be helping to raise funds at the same time.

Biddings Writers
There will be a meeting for all Biddings Writers on Tuesday 11th May at 7.30pm in the Presbytery. This is an annual meeting which provides an opportunity for discussion about all aspects of this ministry. If you are a Biddings Writer, please do make a special effort to attend this important get-together.

‘Amalthea’
Helen Andrews is the lead singer of ‘Amalthea’ and a member of Our Lady of Walsingham Choir. Amalthea’s debut album, ‘Dancing a different Dream’ is now available to buy from our church Repositories, priced at £7.00.

New Thurible for the Sacred Heart Church
The Sacred Heart Church is in need of a new Thurible which will cost approximately £275.00. The style chosen is a 3 chain Jerusalem Thurible which will be hand pierced in polished brass and 5 inches in diameter. If there is anyone who would be willing to finance this, please contact Father Chris.

LIFE Quiz
Thanks to all those who took part and contributed to the LIFE quiz, a total of £110.00 was raised. Many thanks also to Dr. Goodlad for compiling the quiz.

Plant Sales – St Philip Howard Church
A Plant Sale will take place after the 11.00am Sunday Mass at St Philip Howard Church on 16th and 23rd May in aid of CAFOD. All welcome. If there is anyone who cannot attend on these dates but would like to buy some plants, please contact Frankie Lane on 01329 310785. Herbaceous perennials are available now!

National Christian Resources Exhibition
The National Christian Resource exhibition is celebrating 20 years! This year’s exhibition will take place at Sandown Park, Esher in Surrey from the 11 – 14 May 2004. 350 exhibitors, 80 seminars and music, worship, drama and entertainment to choose from. The 2004 UK Christian Book Awards for the best in Christian Literature will take place on 12th May, presented by Ann Widdecombe MP. Adult tickets £6, Concessions £4.50, under 16’s free. Registration and payment can be made on arrival. For more details please go to www.creonline.co.uk, maps can be downloaded from this site for travel directions. Courtesy minibuses will be provided from Esher Railway Station.

Finance
Thank you for your generosity in giving.
Offertory Collection - £1573.16

Forthcoming Collections
2nd May – Clergy Training Fund
23rd May – World Communications

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