St John’s College Politics Society
An invitation to attend meetings arranged for the Autumn Term at St John’s College in Grove Road, Southsea:

Friday 14th October – Crispin Blunt, Conservative MP for Reigate and Sir Malcolm Rifkind’s campaign manager in the party leadership contest.

Tuesday 18th October – Lord Tebbit, formerly Norman Tebbit, Cabinet Minister and Conservative Chairman under Margaret Thatcher, who will be speaking on Europe.

Friday 4th November – ‘Any Questions’: an event which takes the format of the Radio 4 programme. Panellists so far confirmed are: Andrew Tyrie, Conservative MP for Chichester; Dr Evan Harris, Lib Dem MP for Oxford West and Abingdon; Martin Foley, Chief Executive of LIFE.

Friday 25th November – David Willetts, Conservative MP for Havant and Shadow Trade and Industry Secretary.

All events begin at 7.30pm with the exception of the David Willetts meeting, which begins at 7.00pm Refreshments are served during the half hour before the start of the meeting. No charge is made for admission. Contact Dr Graham Goodlad on 023 9281 5118 or email grahg@stjohnscollege.co.uk for details.

Volunteers needed!!
The Parish Youth Club urgently needs more adult helpers…the commitment need not be great - just two hours on a Sunday evening about once a month. The children of today are the Church of tomorrow so helping them keep contact with the Church is worthwhile. It can also be fun. The Club is run on an easy going, casual basis……Volunteers of any age are welcome but it would be particularly helpful if we could have some younger adults, aged 18+. If you can help contact John Monfort on 01489 583629 or Dan Russell on 01329 236779.

Fairtrade
You are invited to a public meeting on Tuesday 22nd November at 7.30pm in Fareham United Reformed Church, Osborn Road South when Simeon Greene from Windwards Bananas will speak about the positive impact of Fairtrade. If you are interested, please contact Rachel Hicks on 01329 312895.

Used Postage Stamps
Thank you to everyone who has contributed used postage stamps. These have been sent to the Scout Association to raise funds for the Trust that provides holiday homes for handicapped Scouts (boys and girls.) Please do continue to put the stamps in the tin in the porch.

Service of Blessing and Intercession for animals
This will take place on Saturday 15th October at 3.30pm at St Margaret Mary Church, Middle Road, Park Gate. All welcome – with your pets. Details from Margaret Harrington on 01329 843205

THE UNION

Thought for the Week
If one goes into a card shop, there is usually a whole section with packets of party invitations. Judging by the number of different occasions, we must like parties. Judging from the number in each packet – usually a minimum of eight to ten – we also like lots of people at our parties. A full house is a sign of friendship, approval, belonging, celebration, etc. How disappointing for us if, for example, a party scheduled for January is not well attended because of ice or a snow storm. All that work, and so few people!

At the level of the narrative in this Sunday’s Gospel, we can well identify with the disappointment and anger (the excuses given by the invited guests are pretty flimsy!) of the king. However, the real issue here isn’t friendship, being good subjects of the king, or graciousness in responding to an invitation. Coupled with the first reading, this parable takes us in an entirely different direction.

The first reading lays out for us the image of the mouth-watering banquet that the “Lord of hosts” provides for “all peoples”: rich, choice, juicy, pure. In order for all peoples to enjoy this banquet, the Lord will “destroy death forever”; “on that day” God saves all the peoples. Their response “rejoice and be glad”. In the gospel the king (the Lord of hosts) has prepared the wedding banquet; the “feast is ready” (“ready” appears twice in the text, giving us a sense of urgency; the time is now). Unlike the first reading in which the guests come willingly and celebrate, the gospel sets up a sharp contrast between the lavishness of God and the guests’ (our) refusal to come to the feast, a chasm that God constantly tries to lessen (when the first guests refuse to come, God re-issues the invitation to other guests). The banquet will go on, no matter what our individual responses. Our response, however, is more than a matter of coming to the banquet. The last part of the gospel includes a judgment: just as the king made the banquet ready by preparing it, the guests must prepare for the banquet as well (“dressed in a wedding garment”). All peoples are invited to God’s banquet. Sinners are invited…..but they must repent of their sinful ways and live good lives. To share in God’s banquet we must do our part. We must live our lives doing God’s will.

From Living Liturgy

Catholic Bible School
www.catholic-bible-school.org
Wednesday 19th October – Healing Service in Nutbourne Chapel - 7.30pm.

Friday evenings 11th and 25th November & 9th December – “Just Listen” – a course to help develop and improve listening skills – 7.30 – 9.30pm.

Contact the Catholic Bible School at Nutbourne House, Farm Lane, Nutbourne, Chichester, W. Sussex PO18 8SD or telephone 01243 371766.

Tourist Information Centre
The Tourist Information Centre in Westbury Manor, Fareham is selling cards for good causes at their multi-charity Christmas card shop from 10th October to 22nd December.

Parish Race Night
Saturday 15th October at St Jude’s School – come and join the fun – tickets £3.00 per head, includes supper, licensed bar – bring your money; bring your kids; bring a friend. The first race takes place at 8.00pm. Tickets are available from Graham Stanton on 01329 284057. Please book early so we can cater for everyone.

Jesus, Light of the World
This is a Borough-wide celebration at Hallowe’en and takes place at Ferneham Hall, Fareham on Monday 31st October at 7.30pm. This is for all Christians, especially children, especially this night. No charge, no tickets – just come.

Parish Bazaar – 19th November 2005
Please put this date in your diaries and start looking out all those unwanted birthday and Christmas gifts. The Bazaar will be in aid of Oasis En-Gadi, as last year.

St Jude's RC Primary School
Current newsletter here

28th Sunday of the Year 08/09 October 2005   The Year of St Matthew

The Blessed Sacrament
It has been brought to our attention that the Blessed Sacrament has been left exposed on the altar with no one in the church. We should all be vigilant to make sure there are at least two people in the church during Exposition. This is our most precious Gift so we should respond to His Presence with our presence.

CAFOD Autumn Fast Day
Family Fast Day offerings will be collected this weekend.

The Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament
“Mary, present on Calvary by the cross, is equally present with the Church and as Mother of the Church, in each of our Eucharistic celebrations (see “Ecclesia de Eucharistia,” No. 57). Because of this, no one better than she can teach us to understand and live with faith the holy Mass, uniting us to Christ’s redeeming sacrifice. When we receive Holy Communion we also, as Mary and united to her, embrace the wood, which Jesus with his love has transformed into the instrument of salvation, and pronounce our ‘Amen’, our ‘yes’ to crucified and risen Love.” (Pope Benedict, 11 September 2005)

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

Thanks
Kathy Potter thanks everyone for their good wishes and is now recovering after her operation.

Oaklands Catholic School and Sixth Form College
There will be an Open Evening on Thursday 20th October between 5.00pm and 8.30pm. All parents are invited to visit the school. The Governors are now considering applications for 11+ entry in September 2006. Please phone immediately on 023 9225 9214. Closing date for 2006 Applications is 21st October 2005.

Admissions Secretary for Oaklands School
Required as soon as possible a CLERICAL ASSISTANT to act as Admissions Secretary (part time), term time only, Monday to Friday (20 hours) 9.00am to 1.00pm. You will be expected to possess good interpersonal skills, together with a high level of keyboard skills and enjoy working with members of the public. A5 stamped addressed envelope for further details and application form by writing to: Mr. C. Whitfield, Headteacher, Oaklands Catholic School, Stakes Hill Road, Waterlooville, Hants. PO7 7BW

Regional and International Food Celebration
A celebration of the cultural diversity of our Parish is to take place at Our Lady of Walsingham Church on Saturday 22nd October, following 6.00pm Mass. More information will be given in next week’s newsletter but, in the meantime, please make a note in your diary.

Christmas Cards
The Catholic Children’s Society Christmas card catalogues are available now. Please take one. All cards illustrate the real Christmas story and there is also a classic Easter card available. As the Society both publishes and distributes the cards, all profits go to support its work and the money makes a valuable contribution to helping children and families in our area.

MacMillan Cancer Relief – World’s Biggest Coffee Morning
“I would like to extend sincere thanks to everyone who supported my coffee morning on Friday 30th – 29 guests raised £201.60. Coupled with very generous efforts by Pauline Jackson and friends at Sacred Heart and St Philip Howard, a further £277.42 was raised giving a grand total of £479.02. Thank you for being so incredibly generous of your time and money for a worthwhile cause. Diolch yn fawr! Elizabeth Evans……Here’s to 2006!”

Churches Homeless Action
Make Christmas special for someone in need - buy gift vouchers from stores such as Tesco, Asda, Sainsbury’s and Argos (not more than £5.00 per voucher) and these are distributed to various agencies – Fareham night shelter; Haslar visitor group; Havant Women’s Aid; Mill House; Portsmouth Area Refugee Support; Portsmouth Foyer; Portsmouth Women’s Refuge; The Roberts Centre. Further details from 023 9289 2332.

Finance
Thank you for your generosity in giving.
Offertory Collection - £1599.69

Forthcoming Collections
CAFOD – 9th October
Mission Sunday – 23rd October

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 Joe 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 Joe, or complete the online form