Thanks
Derek Martin would like to thank everyone for their cards and good wishes during his recent illness.

Stations of the Cross
During his sabbatical, Bishop Crispian wrote some meditations based on the Stations of the Cross that are in the Cathedral. This Lent, the Cathedral, in conjunction with Redemptorist Publications, are producing these meditations. They can be obtained either from the Cathedral Discovery Centre or from the Redemptorists in Alton.

Lent Breakfasts
The Lent Breakfasts begin on Thursday 10th February at 7.30am at the Sacred Heart Hall. The proceeds will go towards our Parish Lent Appeal – more information will appear in next week’s newsletter.

Lent Lunches
The Portchester Churches will be holding Shoppers’ Services and Lent Lunches every Wednesday in Lent, beginning on Ash Wednesday, 9th February. The Services begin at 12.00 noon and take place at Portchester Methodist Church in Castle Street. Do make a note to support these Lunches as all proceeds will be shared between CAFOD and Christian Aid.

Women of Hope
You are invited to a Ladies Evening at Fareham Community Church, West Street, Fareham on Monday 31st January, 7.15pm for 7.30pm. The speaker will be Jennie Evans who was ordained at Liphook as a Curate and has been at St Paul’s Church, Sarisbury Green for the past ten years.

Catholic Bible School - Recommended Books
www.catholic-bible-school.org
“Healing” – by Francis MacNutt - £7.99 published by Hodder & Stoughton - ISBN 0-340-66140-2. Does Healing happen today? Why is there prejudice against the healing ministry? “Prayer for healing is so central to the Gospel,” writes Francis MacNutt, “that it should be an integral part of the life of every community of believers…” Francis MacNutt is founding director of Christian Healing Ministries.

“Landmarks” – an Ignatian Journey – by Margaret Silf, Foreword by Gerard Hughes - £9.95 published by Darton, Longman & Todd – ISBN 0-232-52254-5. “Landmarks” has been inspired by the author’s practical explorations and insights of St Ignatius Loyola and opens up questions which concern us all. The author is a Catholic lay person who has been trained by the Jesuits in accompanying others in prayer.

THE UNION
Thought for the Week
Three Quotes which reflect something of our readings today (from Quotes and Anecdotes, Anthony P. Castle, 1994):

The spirit of poverty is to live in the gladness of today.
(Rule of Taize)

He is rich enough who is poor with Christ.
(St Jerome)

‘Poor in spirit’ refers, not precisely to humility, but to an attitude of dependence on God and detachment from earthly supports.
(Ronald Knox)

Father Andrew Chandler

Homelessness Sunday
Today is Homelessness Sunday. Please remember to pray for all those who find themselves without a home for whatever reason.

Tsunami Appeal and Mass for the Victims
It was wonderful to experience the pouring out of care through your prayers and alms-giving in response to the Tsunami Appeal. In total you raised a magnificent £8882.00 which has been sent to CAFOD to help them in their work in those countries affected. God bless you all for the goodness and kindness you have shown.

On behalf of the whole Parish of Fareham and Portchester, a special Mass will be held on Wednesday 2nd February, the Presentation of the Lord, at 9.30am at Sacred Heart Church for all those who died and whose lives have been so tragically affected by the disaster. It will conclude this Parish’s Appeal so please make a special effort to come to this Mass and pray for our brothers and sisters in that part of our world.

Father Chris

Eric King RIP
Please pray for the repose of the soul of Eric who died recently. Please also pray for Eric’s family and friends. Eric’s Funeral Mass takes place on Thursday 3rd February at 9.30am at the Sacred Heart Church.

Father Sean Murphy, MHM, RIP
Please pray for the repose of the soul of Fr. Sean whose funeral took place recently at East Hendred. Fr. Sean served as University Chaplain in Reading and most recently has been Parish Priest in Lambourn and East Hendred. He retired in 2003 and died at home in Wembley aged 81.

Bamenda
Archbishop Paul has informed the Diocese that Archbishop Cornelius Fontem Esua, Bishop of the Diocese of Kumbo, has been appointed Co-Adjutor Archbishop of Bamenda. Please remember to pray for priests and people of Bamenda and especially Archbishop Paul, who has been unwell.

Crucifixion by Stainer
Portsmouth United Churches Choir sing Stainer’s Crucifixion on Good Friday, 25th March from 4.00pm at St. Mary’s Church, Portsea – cost £3.00 per person. Further details from David Wiseman, 4 Shire Close, Cowplain, Waterlooville, Hants. PO7 8RQ – telephone 023 9225 0717. Please book your place with David Wiseman by Friday 11th March.

Lift to Mass Required
A lady in Holly Grove, Fareham would appreciate a lift to 11.00am Mass at St Philip Howard Church. If you are able to help, please ring the Parish Office.

Calling all Young Parishioners!
The Parish Youth Club is open to all parishioners aged between 11 – 16yrs inclusive. We meet in the St. Philip Howard Hall between 7 – 9pm on Sunday evenings. There is a lot to do in a friendly atmosphere.

St Anne’s, Southampton
Applications to Southampton’s only Catholic Sixth Form College: Any student wishing to apply for a place at St Anne’s Sixth Form College in September 2005 should ring 023 8032 8200 to ask for an application form. Deadline for external applications is 15th February 2005. A copy of St Anne’s January Newsletter is displayed on the notice board.

Quiz Afternoon – date for your diary
It is planned to have a lunchtime Quiz at Our Lady of Walsingham Church on Sunday 27th February beginning at 12 noon – children under 12 years of age, 50p, Adults £2.50. There will be an American Lunch – please bring a dish, savoury/sweet. Please ring Rebecca on 023 9238 1802 with regard to numbers and catering. Bring your own wine.

29th/30th January 2005 4th Sunday of the Year The Year of St Matthew

Diocesan Year Books 2005
Portsmouth Diocesan Year Books are on sale from the church Repositories price £3.50. The Year Book gives details of Mass times throughout the Diocese as well as contact details of the Priests of the Diocese and the various Diocesan Organisations and Catholic Schools. There are also some great photographs, Parish statistics and much more. Get your copy this weekend.

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

Cathedral Day of Prayer for Lent
Bishop Crispian will be leading a Day of Prayer at the Cathedral Discovery Centre on Saturday 19th February, 10.30am for 11.00am to 3.00pm.

Churches Together in Portchester and Churches Together in Fareham

The Churches in Portchester and Fareham are making arrangements for a five session course for Lent 2005. If you would like to take part in Portchester, please fill in your name and telephone number on the list in the porch and indicate which day of the week you would prefer. If you wish to take part in Fareham, please complete one of the leaflets available in the church porch.

Lourdes Pilgrimage
The annual Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes will take place from 26th August to 2nd September 2005. Any person aged 17 years or over who would like to assist the sick at Lourdes, please contact Jane Cadogan on 01329 235987.

Growing Together in Christ – Young People’s Sessions
Bishop Crispian has asked everyone in the diocese to engage with Growing Together in Christ. Meetings have been planned across the diocese where young people can meet and look at how we can best work together to help shape the pastoral strategy of the diocese. The session is for young people aged 11-16 and will run from 10.00am to 4.00pm and the nearest one to this Parish will take place on Saturday 5th February at the Discovery Centre, St John’s Cathedral, Portsmouth. If you intend going, please telephone David Hill on 01329 835583 by Wednesday 2nd February.

House Group
The next meeting of the House Group will be on Wednesday 2nd February (7.45pm for 8.00pm) at 101 The Avenue, Fareham. All are welcome. For more information please ring 01329 847533.

Parish Scout Barn Dance
Saturday 5th March – dancing to the Turk Town Troopers. First dance at 8.00pm. Supper provided – licensed bar. Tickets are available from Graham Stanton on 01329 284057 at £5.00 per head. Come and join fun!

Finance
Thank you for your generosity in giving.
Offertory Collection - £1839.00
Catholic Education Service - £275.20
Tsunami Appeal final total - £8882.00

Forthcoming Collections
6th February – Catholic Children’s Society
Envelopes are now available at the back of each church for this collection. Please return your envelope on the weekend of the 5th/6th February.

6th March – Clergy Assistance Fund

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