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 Christian
Unity
The Octave of Prayer for Christian Unity begins on Tuesday 18th January.
Tsunami
Tragedy
Please continue to pray for all the victims of the Tsunami and their families
and friends. A message from Bishop Crispian about the Tsunami tragedy
is included below.
A MESSAGE
FROM BISHOP CRISPIAN on THE TSUNAMI TRAGEDY
“There can be scarcely anyone in the whole world that has not been
deeply shocked and saddened by the scenes that we have witnessed on television
and the press in the last few days.
It would
be easy to have been totally overwhelmed by the scale of the tragedy that
unfolded before our eyes. But that’s not been the response of the
human family, sharing, perhaps for the first time in history, in a disaster
of unimaginable proportions. Nobody has been untouched by what we have
witnessed and the generous and selfless response has been staggering.
Last week,
when I forwarded to our parishes details of the CAFOD appeal for help,
I knew that the response would be generous. You have all been absolutely
magnificent. It’s too early to be able to tell you how much has
been given by our parishes. All I can say is that an average sized parish
in the Portsmouth area collected over £6000 at its Masses last weekend
- and the collection was taken without any warning.
I am humbled
and staggered, but not surprised, by this generosity, which, I know, will
be replicated all over the diocese. I can only speak for those who are
suffering or who are bereaved when I say a huge ‘thank you’
to you all.
But we
help not simply by our gifts of money. Our prayers too are with those
who have died, those who mourn them and with those who survive but in
the most desperate of circumstances.”
(Bishop
Crispian Hollis, 5th January 2005)
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THE UNION
Thought for the Week
Jesus comes to the Jordan to be baptised by John. John urges the people
to repentance, a new beginning, because the promised Messiah is at hand.
Jesus is that Messiah. He knows it. He began His mission by accepting
John’s baptism. He is one of the people, a son of man.
But there is mystery
here, the showing of something hidden. The voice of God reveals that Jesus
is not only son of man. He, the promised Messiah, is none other than the
Son of God Himself.
Immediately
after His baptism, Jesus is led by the Spirit into the wilderness. There
He is tested. The devil starts each temptation with “If you are
the Son of God……..” Jesus has to make the choice: as
Son of God I can “do it my way.” I can proclaim the Kingdom
of God by showing my power – turning stones into bread, making a
dramatic appearance from the temple top, wielding authority over the world;
or I can do it God’s way which is the way of the Suffering Servant
of Isaiah (taken from the Catholic (Parish) Diary 2005) .
Father
Charles Aylward
Your
prayers are requested
Please pray for the repose of the souls of Joan Odey, Edith Smith and
Theresa Reilly who died recently. Please also remember to pray for their
families and friends.
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Thank
You
Father
Chris, Father Andrew, Father Charles, Father Richard, Father Tony
and Deacon Langford 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.” |
St
Jude's RC Primary School
Current newsletter here
Listening
2004
The responses to Listening 2004 are now on our Parish Web-Site
here
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| 8th/9th
January 2005
The Baptism of the Lord
The
Year of St Matthew |
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GIFT
The next Growing in Faith Together session takes place on Wednesday of
this week, 12th January, at St Jude’s School beginning at 7.30pm
(tea/coffee 7.00pm). Father Andrew Chandler will speak on the theme “Mission
to the Sick and Dying”.
Day of
Reflection
Bishop Crispian will be leading a day of prayer and reflection at Park
Place, for the Clergy of the diocese on Thursday 13th January. Please
pray for all the diocesan priests at this time.
 Adoration
Please note that the Adoration Co-ordinator for Fareham, Lily Peach, will
be unavailable from the 9th – 21st January. Maria Kelly will be
acting as Co-ordinator during this time and may be contacted on 01329
511370. If you are unable to undertake your hour and require assistance
in replacement or substitution, please contact Tony Brennan on 01329 825315.
Newsletter
Due to the extended holiday arrangements, this weekend’s newsletter
is an abridged edition. Normal service will be resumed next week!!
House
Group
The next meeting will be on Wednesday 12th January (7.45 for 8.00pm) at
101 the Avenue, Fareham. All welcome. For more details please telephone
01329 847533.
Finance
Thank you for your generosity in giving.
Tsunami Appeal to date - £4564.81
Forthcoming
Collections
23rd January – Catholic Education Service
6th February – Catholic Children’s Society
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.
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
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