Gunpowder, Treason and Plot
Would you like to know the truth about Guy Fawkes and the plot to blow up the Houses of Parliament in 1605? Get a copy of Catholic Life, on sale in the Sacred Heart Repository. There is also an illuminating article on Cardinal Newman’s progress to sainthood. There are many other interesting articles too. A good buy for only £2.50.

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

The Sacred Heart Messenger 2006 - £8.40 annual subscription

Living Prayer 2006 (Apostleship of Prayer) - £1.20

Sacred Heart Calendar 2006 - £1.80 plus p.p.

Please contact Anna Chandler 01329 234436 by Wednesday 30th November.

Christmas Card problem solved!
It is increasingly difficult to find Christian Christmas cards in local shops to make it possible to send appropriate greetings to celebrate Jesus’ birth. The good news is that this problem has been solved. The travelling Good News Library comes to Portchester on Thursday 24th November at 22 Castle Street from7.00pm to 8.30pm. The travelling library always carries a supply of Christian greetings cards – good quality, moderate prices – together with videos, CD’s and DVD’s.

Christmas is coming, the choir’s getting thin!
As you are probably aware, our parish choir, Fareham Section, has reduced in size during recent years. Unfortunately, a number of members have left for a variety of reasons. For some time now we have been unable to provide a choir to lead the music at 9.00am Mass. A major impact of this was felt last Christmas when there was no choir available for the midnight Mass – although an organist was able to provide music for the congregation. What a shame to have one of the two major events in the Church year with no choir to help lead the music!

We would dearly love to avoid the same situation this year. As we are about to start practising carols and Christmas music, we would like to invite you to consider joining us at choir practice. Even if you only want to be involved in the preparations for Christmas and make no commitment to Sunday services, we would be delighted to see you. No previous musical training or expertise is required (you don’t even have to read music) but an enthusiasm for singing and praising God is essential! We meet at St Philip Howard Church on Tuesdays for a 7.45pm start – ring Chris Lane on 01329 310785 for more information.

A Taste of India
This takes place at Park Placed Pastoral Centre on Sunday 18th December at 12.30pm. Come with family and friends and enjoy a Christmas Meal – cost £12.00 (£6.00 for children). The proceeds will be donated to the Franciscan Projects for Street Children in Brazil. Please contact Sr Judith, fsma. Park Place Pastoral Centre – tel: 01329 833043 if you wish to go.

THE UNION

Thought for the Week
We proclaim and celebrate today the feast of Christ the King. What does the kingship of Christ mean to us in the current world situation and how does it impact us here today? Jesus gives us a clue in the gospel reading when he separates the goats from the sheep at the last judgement. The criteria are the deeds of mercy that we have done to the least of our brethren in whom Jesus is truly present.

If we are to be counted as sheep, then we must actively love every person irrespective of the response we get from our actions. Just fulfilling obligations whether it be religious or otherwise will not be enough. We are expected to go out of our way and reach out in love especially to those in need. It does not matter how they have got into these situations. They need to be loved in order to turn their lives around.

The picture of the last judgement is not meant to fill us with fear and trembling but to challenge us to take action today. The surest way to be numbered among the sheep is to become a loving, caring, tolerant, accepting person.

Langford Vincent

Father Paul Townsend
Father Paul is to be installed as a Canon on Tuesday 22nd November at St John’s Cathedral Portsmouth at the 12.15pm Mass.

John Edwin New RIP
Please pray for the repose of the soul of John New who died recently. John’s funeral service takes place on Friday 25th November at Our Lady of Walsingham Church at 1.15pm.

Fr Tony Day’s Silver Jubilee
On Saturday 10th December after the 6.00pm Mass at Our Lady of Walsingham, there will be a simple two course meal to celebrate this joyous occasion. So that we know how many to cater for would you please sign your name on the lists at the back of the church against your choice of food – chilli, vegetable chilli or chicken in white sauce; jacket or rice. There will be a choice of sweets.

Catholic Bible School
www.catholic-bible-school.org
The following will be taking place at the Catholic Bible School, Nutbourne House, Farm Lane, Chichester:-

Wednesday 14th December at 7.30pm in Nutbourne Chapel Building – MASS OF THANKSGIVING for all the blessings of 2005 – celebrated by Father Michael Gwinnell. This will be followed by seasonal refreshments in Nutbourne House.

Friday 16th December at 7.30pm in Nutbourne Chapel Building – TAIZE STYLE HEALING SERVICE.

Concert at Our Lady of Walsingham
On Friday 2nd December at 7.30pm there will be a concert in aid of Caritas Romania – Street children. Anyone interested in taking part or helping in any way, please telephone Rose Andrews on 023 9238 8494.

Traditional Latin Mass
Mass according to this Rite will take place at St John’s Cathedral, Portsmouth at 1.30pm on Sunday 27th November. All welcome.

Youth News
Copies of the Diocesan Youth News are available this weekend.

Concert at Our Lady of Walsingham
On Friday 2nd December at 7.30pm there will be a concert in aid of Caritas Romania – Street children. Anyone interested in taking part or helping in any way, please telephone Rose Andrews on 023 9238 8494.

Advent Breakfasts
Everyone is welcome to share in the Advent Breakfasts which will be served on Thursday mornings during Advent in the Sacred Heart Hall, following 7.00am Mass. Proceeds will go to the Parish Advent Appeal.

Portsmouth Chorus
The Portsmouth Chorus present a Charity Concert at St Michael and All Angels Church, Dunsbury Way, Leigh Park at 7.30pm on Saturday 17th December. Tickets: £5.00 including a glass of wine.

The Well
The Well is now taking bookings for Christmas parties on Tuesdays and Thursdays beginning Tuesday 29th November at a cost of £12.95 per person. All meals are freshly prepared and include the usual seasonal trimmings. There is a total capacity of 20 people per day, so please book early.

St Jude's RC Primary School
Current newsletter here

Our Lord Jesus Christ 19/20 November 2005 National Youth Sunday The Year of St Matthew

Confirmation
Bishop Crispian will confer the Sacrament of Confirmation in our Parish on Friday 9th June 2006 at 7.00pm in St Philip Howard Church. Prospective Candidates and parents are invited to learn more about this important Sacrament at the following Information Evening:

Wednesday 11th January 2006 at 7.00pm in St Philip Howard Church

Candidates should be at least in their third year of secondary education (Year 9 and above). Other young people – or not so young – who, for one reason or another, might have ‘missed out’ are also invited to consider preparing for this important Sacrament. Volunteers are also still required to help with the delivery of this course. If you are interested in becoming a helper please contact Ric Burch on 01329 319825.

Blessing of Graves
Prayers will be said at Portchester Crematorium and Portchester Memorial Gardens at 3.00pm this Sunday, 20th November.

The Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament
“Acts of private devotion [adoration] are quite necessary if we are to receive in abundance the supernatural treasures in which the Eucharist is so rich, and to pour them out upon others, according to our powers, in order that Christ our Lord may reach the fullness of His power in the souls of all” (Pope Pius XII, Mediator Dei.)

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

Advent
Next Sunday is the first Sunday of Advent. The Lectionary Cycle for Sundays and Feasts will be Year B.

Life Quiz
Christmas Quizzes will be on sale this weekend after Mass. Proceeds in aid of LIFE.

St Swithun’s Catholic Primary School, Southsea
Required for April/September 2006 a suitably qualified, experienced, committed practising Catholic to the Headship of this school. Application forms and job details are available from Education Human Resources Team, Civic Offices, Guildhall Square, Portsmouth PO1 2EA. Closing date – noon on Friday 25th November for interviews on 10th and 11th January 2006.

Parish Social
3rd December – 8.00pm at St Philip Howard Hall – disco, licensed bar, children’s bar, Father Christmas, whisky roll, American Supper. Come and join the fun and bring a friend. Tickets £2.00 a head, £5.00 per family, are available from Graham Stanton on 01329 284057, Sarah Smith and Janet Saliba.

Finance
Offertory Collection - £1658.36

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 fill in the form and return it to Father Joe, or complete the online form