Book of Remembrance
The Book of Remembrance will be open in our three churches during November to enable parishioners to enter the names of all the deceased for whom prayers are asked.

Blessing of Graves
Prayers will be said at Portchester Crematorium at 3.00pm today. We will also bless graves and memorial as requested.

St Faustina and Divine Mercy
Fr. Peter Prusakiewicz , Congregation of St. Michael the Archangel and spiritual director in St. Faustina’s convent in Poland, will celebrate Mass, speak about Divine Mercy and lead an evening of prayer at Christ the King and St. Colman Church, Bitterne at 7.00pm on Tuesday 23rd November.

Catholic Bible School
www.catholic-bible-school.org
Saturday 4th December from 10.00am to 3.30pm – The Way of the Biblical Hero – this day will be led by Dwight Longenecker who will be using excerpts from Lord of the Rings and Biblical Stories as a help to our spiritual growth. Telephone the Bible School to book on 01243 371766.

A newcomer to our parish requires a lift to and from the 11.00am Sunday Mass at St Philip Howard Church on a regular basis. If you are able to assist, please telephone 01329 235869.

THE UNION
Thought for the Week
Today is Remembrance Sunday when we remember all those who lost their lives in the wars of the last century, and those who continue to lose their lives in the wars of this century so that others might live in freedom. We are saddened to remember the lives that were and are still lost and the cost that so many have paid and are still paying so that the world might not live in fear of oppression and violence. Today, we remember and we are thankful for the sacrifices that our army, navy and air force have made and are still making so that we and the generations that follow us, both here and in other countries can live in peace. We remember those who served and continue to serve in places far from home, and for those serving in the Middle East at the moment; we pray that God will keep them safe and bring them home soon.

Let us remember them by pledging ourselves to the struggle for true peace. True peace doesn’t come with victory or defeat, but with justice throughout the world. Let us pledge ourselves to fight the evil that drives nations and peoples to war: poverty, hunger, racial and religious hatreds and persecutions, ambition, greed, and the oppression of the weak by the powerful. Let us remember today those who made the supreme sacrifice for the sake of true peace – and pledge ourselves to their cause. Let us remember to pray especially today that all people on earth will learn to live together as one family; to share, that none will be hungry or homeless; to care, so that none will be oppressed or afflicted by violence; to love and to respect one another despite our differences, so that freedom might be more than a word and life be more than a struggle to survive.

Father Chris

Fr. Joe McAllister, RIP
Please pray for the repose of the soul of Fr. Joe McAllister who died recently at the age of 83. He had not been well for some time. Fr. Joe was incardinated into the Diocese in 1975 and served faithfully in Gosport, Chandlers Ford, Winchester, Havant and Shanklin, from whence he retired. His funeral took place in Dublin.

Emily Fowler RIP
Please also pray for the repose of the soul of Emily Fowler who died recently. Please also remember all of Emily’s family and friends. Emily’s funeral will take place at Our Lady of Walsingham Church on Tuesday 16th November at 11.15am.

Welcomers
On Thursday 18th November at 7.30pm in Sacred Heart Hall, there will be a meeting for all welcomers and ushers. It is hoped that as many as possible will attend.

Children’s Liturgy
On Tuesday 16th November at 7.30pm in Sacred Heart Hall, there will be a meeting for all Children’s Liturgists in the Parish and anyone who would like to attend or consider helping. After all, what could be more important than the children – the future of our Church - to discuss our joys, needs and concerns and the Bishop’s initiative. The meeting will end no later than 9.30pm. Anyone requiring a lift, please ring me, Yvonne Hart on 023 9237 5553.

Bishop Crispian's Pastoral Letter - Growing Together in Christ here

Growing Together in Christ - the way forward
Anyone who would like to come and have their say is welcome to attend the following sessions:

Daytime 9.30 – 10.30am – Our Lady of Walsingham:

Saturday 20th November 2004

Daytime 10.00am to 12.00pm – Sacred Heart Hall:

Friday 26th November 2004

Evening 7.00 - 8.30pm - Sacred Heart Hall:

Friday 19th November 2004

If anyone needs a lift to come in the evening, or can offer a lift, then please give your name to Lily Peach on 07767 898885 or Maria Kelly on 01329 511370.

Extract from the Message of the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue to the Hindus
“On behalf of the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue, entrusted by His Holiness Pope John Paul II with the task of promoting harmonious and friendly relations with people of all religions, I wish you happy Diwali. During this season, as you strive to overcome darkness through light, evil through goodness and hatred through love, I would like to propose to you, as one of your Christian friends, that we focus attention on the evils in our society that afflict children. Could not the dialogue between Hindus and Christians take concrete form by working together in support of underprivileged children, who are often the innocent victims……..of the many forms of injustice present in today’s world? Archbishop Michael L. Fitzgerald, President”

14th November 2004 33rd Sunday of the Year The Year of St Luke

Prisons Sunday
Next Sunday is Prisons Sunday when we pray especially for prisoners, their families, victims of crime and all who work in our criminal justice system.

Churches Together in Fareham
The united Service for Advent 2004 will be held at the United Reformed Church on Sunday 28th November at 6.30pm. The theme will be ‘Looking Forward in Hope’.

The Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament
“Eucharist and Mission are inseparable…The Eucharist builds the Church and the Church makes the Eucharist. The mission of the Church is a continuity of the Mission of Christ and draws spiritual energy from communion with his Body and Blood” (taken from Pope John Paul II’s message for Mission Sunday).

Contacts: Lily Peach on 077 678 98885, Veronica Reeves on 023 9237 2864 or Rose Andrews on 023 9238 8494.

Apostleship of the Sea
The Apostleship of the Sea would like to recruit more Volunteer Ships’ Visitors to enable all ships who come into Portsmouth to receive a visit. Filipino volunteers would be particularly welcome as many of the crews are from the Philippines. Volunteers are also needed to knit woolly hats – a pattern is available – and donations of warm winter clothing such as pullovers and jackets in good clean condition would also be welcome. If you are interested, please contact Mary Edwards on 023 9273 5790.

Sacred Heart Messenger
Orders are now being taken for the following publications:

The Sacred Heart Messenger - £7.80 annual subscription: Sacred Heart Calendar - £1.50 + pp: Apostleship of Prayer - £1.10. Please contact Anna Chandler on 01329 234436 by 30th November.

Quiz Night
The next Quiz Night at Our Lady of Walsingham Church will take place on Saturday 18th December. More details to follow.

Portchester in Living Memory
Portchester Civic Society’s Oral History Project invites you to a special open meeting on Wednesday 17th November at 2.30pm in Portchester Library, to meet members of the Society who will be recording the memories of Portchester people. Do YOU have a story to tell about living in Portchester? Register your interest – all ages welcome – you do not have to be born in Portchester – hear how you can help. Tea and biscuits provided. For further details please telephone 01329 236274 or 023 9238 2778.

Women of Hope
Ladies and Partners evening at Fareham Community Church, Fareham on Monday 6th December 7.15pm for 7.30pm – Speaker – Maureen Elmes.

Thank You to UCM
“It was very kind of you to visit our home with your group. I hope that they enjoyed their visit to Turkey. Everybody must be tired after going around. It was my pleasure to have them in our home. I want to say a BIG THANK YOU to all the members of the Union of Catholic Mothers who contributed to help the poor and for thinking of us here in Istanbul. We are very grateful to each one of you who came and those who were not able to come. So once more, thank you for the donation of £800.00. We assure you of our humble prayers for all your intentions and may the Lord bless you all. With best regards Sister Mary Ignatius, Bomonti Rest Home, Istanbul, Turkey.”

Finance
Thank you for your generosity in giving.
Offertory Collection - £1218.00 (partial total)
Bamenda - £378.22 (partial total)

Forthcoming Collections
14th November – ‘Unite’ – supporting Romanian children in need

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