Lenten Appeal
This year’s Lenten Appeal is to “Build a School Classroom” in the Galle District of southern Sri Lanka, an area devastated by the recent Tsunami waves. Education is vital for all children and as a caring community we must ensure these children are given all the help they need. The ‘Red Collection Buckets’ will be used for this appeal and they can be found at the back of each church after all Sunday Masses during Lent. Please be as generous as you possibly can.

Stations of the Cross
During Lent there will be Stations of the Cross on Fridays at 7.00pm at the Sacred Heart Church and on Sundays at 5.00pm at Our Lady of Walsingham Church.

Lent Breakfasts
Every Thursday morning, during LENT, breakfast will be served in the Sacred Heart Hall following the 7.00am Mass. An ideal way to start the morning, so do something different during LENT and join us at the Sacred Heart Church. Everyone most welcome. All proceeds to the Lenten Appeal.

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.

Lent Reflection
You are invited to make a reflective journey to the cross using Scripture and the inspired artwork of Sieger Koder, on Friday 25th February, 7.00pm at the Sacred Heart Church. Seiger Koder’s work, though seeming harsh at first, is rich with symbolism. The series of paintings used for this meditation cause us to be challenged by the mystery of the cross and the unconditional love of God, who spares nothing, not even his only Son, to save us from sin.

Journey into Easter with Steve Murray
A visit to Gosport of the international mime artist who uses his Art to portray the Gospel message in a refreshing and inspiring way – Saturday 12th March at 7.30pm at St Mary’s Hall, Minnitt Road (off Mumby Road), Gosport. Tickets £3.00 adults, £1.50 children – ring 023 9258 0119.

Diocesan Year Books 2005
Portsmouth Diocesan Year Books are on sale from the church Repositories price £3.50.

Child Protection
All voluntary helpers who work with young people, children and vulnerable adults must complete a CRB form and return it with the necessary documentation to a Child Protection Liaison Officer.

Many volunteers have already received these forms but have not yet returned them for initial checking and then forwarding then to the Diocesan Authorities. There will be two evening opportunities for completed forms to be checked on Monday 21st February and Monday 28th February from 7.00pm to 9.00pm both days, at St Jude’s School, or completed forms and documentation can be left at the school to be returned at a mutually convenient time. Volunteers who have not yet completed a form can collect a form on either of those two evening or from the office at St Jude’s School during school hours.

All volunteers working with young people, children or vulnerable adults must have a CRB clearance by December 2005 or they will not be able to continue with this important ministry.

Park Place Pilgrimage to France
From 2nd to 8th October 2005 the Friends of Park Place Pilgrimage will visit Angers, in the Loire Valley, and Vezelay in Burgundy. In Angers the Transitus of St Francis will be celebrated in the Sisters’ Mother House. Mass will be celebrated daily. Travel will be by ferry and coach staying in 3 star hotels. The cost, £525.00 includes all travel and hotel costs, travel insurance, offerings and gratuities. Fr. Andrew McMahon is the Spiritual Director and all 7 Park Place Sisters will take part. There are a few places left for couples able to share a twin bedded room. More information from Derek Black on 01489 890933.

THE UNION
Thought for the Week
In our first reading God calls Abram to leave his country and follow Him while in the Gospel four of the disciples are called to go with Jesus up a high mountain where they see Jesus transfigured before them. Both Abram and the disciples are given promises, one of blessings in the case of Abram and the other the promise of seeing the risen Lord. All will be eventually called to share what they have heard and seen, but for all at this time it is enough for them to have been called and to follow with faith that their eyes might be opened.

In the season of Lent we ask the Lord to open our eyes anew as we make our journey mindful of the blessings and promises Christ calls us to if we but let Him walk with us.

Father Andrew Chandler

Ronald Griffin RIP
Please pray for the repose of the soul of Ronald Griffin who died recently. Please also remember all Ronald’s family and friends in your prayers.

Good News Van Portchester Visit
The next visit of the Good News travelling library takes place on Thursday 24th February at 22 Castle Street, Portchester from 7.00pm to 8.30pm. There is a wealth of religious cards, books, tapes and videos available.

Lenten Family Fast Day
“I have to see my children educated because those who aren’t educated have no future.” (Juliet Rukanga, mother of 13 year old Agnes Nandawule, Uganda). Thanks to CAFOD’s support Juliet can now afford to buy school uniforms and books so that her daughter can go to school. A volunteer from CAFOD will speak at all Masses this weekend and Fast Day envelopes will be collected after Mass.

Women’s World Day of Prayer
This year’s Ecumenical Women’s World Day of Prayer, prepared by women from Poland, takes place on Friday 4th March – details as follows:-

Portchester
St. Mary’s Church, Portchester Castle at 2.15pm (Rehearsal on 25th February at 10.00am). The Speaker will be Mrs. Lesley Cooper. Tea and coffee will be served after the Service. All are welcome.

Fareham
St John’s Church, St Michael’s Grove at 1.30pm – Speaker Maureen Homer and 7.30pm – Speaker Jill Rattle. Creche available at the 1.30pm session.

Gospel Choir Concert
The London Community Gospel Choir will be in concert at Ferneham Hall, Fareham on Friday 27th May at 7.30pm Tickers: £10.00 or £8.00 for concessions. For ticket information please contact The Kings Centre on 01329 829121.

Gospel Singing Workshop
Karen Gibson of The Kingdom Choir will be leading a Gospel Singing Workshop on Saturday 26th February at Springhill School, Southampton - £10.00. Contact Nicky Manning on 023 8067 2863 for further details.

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.

First Holy Communion
The next meeting for Parents takes place on Wednesday 23rd February at St. Jude’s School beginning at 7.30pm.

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!

19/20th February 2005 2nd Sunday of Lent The Year of St Matthew

Growing Together in Christ
The remaining dates for the Second Session of Part 2 of Growing Together in Christ are:-

St Jude’s School – Thursday 3rd March at 7.30pm

Sacred Heart Hall – Thursday 24th February at 7.30pm and on Friday 25th February at 10.30am

Adoration
“Jesus is ‘a man who knows suffering’. In this year consecrated to the Eucharist, I invite you to unite yourselves in your thoughts and in your heart to the sacrifice of the Mass, an endless source of hope for all of life’s trials.” (Pope John Paul II, 12th February 2005). Contacts: Fareham - Lily Peach on 077 678 98885, Portchester - Veronica Reeves on 023 9237 2864 or Rose Andrews on 023 9238 8494.

Thanks from the Rainbow Centre
“It was lovely to receive a cheque for £1,003.00 which was collected during Advent. Everyone at Rainbow would like to thank all of your parishioners for their ongoing support. We have to raise £200,000 each year to keep the Centre running and the help we receive from the community is very important to us.”

Volunteers required!
Hampshire Association for the Blind have 22 branches across Hampshire. The Havant Branch runs a social club for visually impaired members and meets at the Emsworth Centre, South Street, Emsworth on the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of the month. The Branch needs volunteer drivers, living in or near the Havant area, to transport members to and from the local Club meetings on a regular basis. They also need volunteers to serve on the Branch Committee and help at the Club meetings. If you feel able to help please contact Jackie Lait on 023 8064 1244.

Hosanna House are looking to recruit up to a maximum of 50 Helpers and Guests from the Joint Services for their annual pilgrimage from 27th May to 3rd June 2005. Hosanna House is affiliated to The Pilgrimage Trust and primarily enables ex-Service personnel with special needs and their families to enjoy a week of fun, sightseeing and reflection in and around the home of St. Bernadette. For more information, contact David Cunningham on 023 9258 1062.

Lourdes Buffet Lunch
The next Lourdes Lunch will take place on Saturday 5th March 2005 in St Jude’s School Hall at 12.30pm Tickets are priced at £5.00 per person.

All proceeds raised from the lunch go to the Lourdes Fund. This Fund enables young people to care for the sick pilgrims during the Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes from 26th August to 2nd September.

Tickets on sale now from Ann Corr on 01329 236575 or Pauline Jackson on 01329 236275. Everyone most welcome and if you are new to the Parish, a chance to make new friends.

Catholic Bible School
www.catholic-bible-school.org
Forthcoming events at the Catholic Bible School at Nutbourne House, Farm Lane, Nutbourne, Chichester.

Fridays 25th February, 4th March, 11th March, 18th March from 10.00am to 11.30am – The Lenten Challenge (preparing for Easter in a new way)

Saturday 5th March from 10.00am to 3.30pm –The God of the Covenant (Fr. Michael Gwinnell)

Monday 21st March at 7.30pm in Nutbourne Chapel – The Passion and Cross of Jesus (Fr. Bob Faricy SJ)
Contact the Bible School on 01243 371766 to book a place or for further details.

A Thought for Lent
The measure of greatness is not the number of servants you have but the number of people you serve. (from the Catholic Bible School web-site)

Finance
Thank you for your generosity in giving.
Offertory Collection - £1783.50
Lenten Appeal - £478.60

Forthcoming Collections
20th February is Lenten Family Fast Day
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