UCM Family Quiz Day
Sunday 4th March is the UCM Quiz Day in aid of the Hampshire Air Ambulance, which is the UCM charity for this year. Bring a plate to share and everyone have an enjoyable time from 12.00noon to 3.00pm at Sacred Heart Hall.

Pilgrimages:
to Medjugorje - 20th to 27th September 2007, flying from Bournemouth. Cost £429.00 per person, shared room basis: £70.00 supplement for single room. Full services of Medjugorje Peace Tours. Direct flight to Split, coach transfer to Medjugorje. Seven nights’ accommodation, half board, travel insurance. To reserve a place, please give £60.00 deposit payable to “Medjugorje Peace Tours”, to Barry or Jo Henwood tel. 01202 398216. More details are available from them.

to Fatima - 90th anniversary of the apparitions – by air from London 11th to 15th May (£350) – 5 days; 11th to 18th May £395) – 8 days. Other dates are available. Contact Fr. John Doran on 0118 940 6766 for more information.

to Rome, Assisi and Palazzola - 10th to 19th September – inclusive of flights (Gatwick), taxes, transfers, twin bed accommodation, most meals, excursions, entry charges, full programme throughout cost £875. Contact Fr Tom Grufferty, 134 West Street, Havant, Hants. PO9 1LP or ring 023 9248 4520 for further details.

THE UNION

Thought for the Week
Whatever Lenten practices we undertake, it is important to remember their purpose. Lenten practices are not about losing weight or finally stopping smoking, but they are about deepening our baptismal identity as children of God and members of the Body of Christ. This is the identity out of which we enter into our own Lenten desert. This is the identity out of which we face our own worst temptations. By remaining faithful to who we are – God’s children, members of the Body of Christ – we can resist temptations and grow in our relationships with God, self and others.
From Living Liturgy

Your prayers are requested for:
Mary Saunders, who died recently and for Jeanne, Michel and all Mary’s family and friends. James O’Dea who died recently and for Sheila and all James’ family and friends.

CRB and Lay Ministers of Communion
The following is an extract from Bishop Crispian’s letter to all Parish Priests. “You are probably aware that we are asking all of our ministers of Communion in the parishes and schools of our diocese to be CRB checked. Some questions have been raised regarding this, and I should like to make the following clarifications. As well as the issue of child protection, these checks are also concerned with the protection of vulnerable adults. The COPCA guidelines ask every diocese to be covered in this area too. In our diocese, the policy is for lay ministers of Holy Communion to be commissioned for all aspects of this ministry within the parish or pastoral area. Therefore it is assumed that all commissioned ministers are potentially among those who take Holy Communion to the sick and housebound. Even if a minister does not normally undertake this aspect of the ministry on a regular basis, or does not do so very often, there is always the possibility that she or he may be asked to do so in exceptional circumstances when other ministers are not available. It is for this reason that we are asking all ministers of Holy Communion to be CRB checked as soon as possible…..The only exception to the requirement that all ministers be checked is those under the age of 18, who are not able to receive a CRB clearance until they reach that age.”

All parish volunteers who work with young people or vulnerable adults must have a Diocesan CRB check, even if they have clearance for their own professional work. CRB forms are available from Christine McGrew at St Jude’s School.

Fairtrade Fortnight 2007
26th February to 11th March is Fairtrade Fortnight.
There will be a Fairtrade Stand in Fareham Shopping Centre, outside the Body Shop, on Saturday 10th March 9.00am to 4.00pm with Mark Hoban, MP and Cllr. John Bryant, Mayor of Fareham (between 11am and 12 noon). There is a display in Fareham Library – Fareham is a Fairtrade Borough – on Monday 26th February to Saturday 10th March. Fairtrade goods are always available at The Well, West Street, Fareham. For more details about Fairtrade in Fareham Borough, visit www.fftb.org.uk.

St John’s College Politics Society – 30th anniversary
The Politics Society at St John’s College, Southsea are celebrating with an ‘Any Questions?’ on Wednesday 14th November. Tickets are already in great demand and details may be obtained from Bernard Black, PO Box 1, Waterlooville or 023 9257 1979. Frank Judd, Peter Walker and Shirley Williams are panellists.

Oaklands Catholic School – Invigilators
Exam Invigilators required for invigilating the external exams during the period of 15th May until 29th June 2007. The work involves the issuing and collection of exam papers and scripts, walking the hall to ensure that all students are working well and providing additional materials where requested. Training will be provided - £8.50 per hour when required. For further details please contact Mrs Kendrick on 023 9224 8050.

Can you develop Youth Ministry?
The City of Portsmouth Catholic Parishes wish to increase support for younger members and intend to employ a person to develop youth ministry. They are seeking a committed member of the Church with experience of working with young people and an understanding of their personal faith journey within the Catholic Community. This two year contract will be for 25 hours per week, mostly in the evenings and at weekends. JNC points 4-9 £14,538-£17,379 pro rata) according to experience. Enhanced CRB disclosure is a condition of employment. Contact Mary Swaffield for details and an application form – tel. 023 9282 5430 or email – applications to arrive by 30th March 2007.

St Jude's RC Primary School
Newsletter here

First Sunday of Lent 24/25 February 2007 The Year of St Luke

Rite of Election
Please pray for the members of our Parish who attended the Rite of Election at St John’s Cathedral. Vanessa, Felicity, Candice and Penny will be presented to our community this weekend at the 11.00am Mass at St Philip Howard Church.

Fire Drill at Sacred Heart Church
Following changes in the fire regulations concerning places of worship, we have been advised that we should have a fire drill as soon as possible at Sacred Heart Church. This will be held prior to 9.00am Mass on one of the next few Sundays. A full explanation of what is required will be given immediately prior to the drill taking place, including the evacuation routes that should be used. Whilst it may seem to be an inconvenience, this is for our own benefit. Please note that, for the time being, this drill will be at Sacred Heart Church only.

Day of Prayer
Bishop Crispian will be leading a day of prayer in the Cathedral on Saturday 3rd March from 10.30am to 3.00pm. There will be Mass and exposition of the Blessed Sacrament. There is no charge but please bring a packed lunch – refreshments will be available.

The Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament
Contacts: Fareham (and Tuesday evenings) - Lily Peach on 077 678 98885 Portchester – Veronica Reeves on 023 9237 2864 (Monday Adoration at Our Lady of Walsingham Church only).

Church Keys
If you have a key to any of our churches would you please notify Joan at the Parish Office as we need to make an up-to-date list. Also, if you no longer regularly use your church key, would you please return it to the Parish Office? Many thanks.

Home Made Cakes Appeal
“Our Lady of Walsingham Church is hosting the Woman’s World Day of Prayer on Friday 2nd March. To ensure everyone has a nice homely welcome, may I have volunteers to bake some cakes, sponges or tea breads etc? I would be very happy to collect them the night before or on the morning of 2nd March. If you can help please contact Elizabeth Evans, Portchester’s WWDP Co-ordinator, on 01329 231448. Many thanks! Elizabeth”

The Life of Christ by Eric Petrossian
Eric Petrossian performs the Gospels entirely from memory playing the narrator and over 30 roles, when he presents the Life of Christ at St Mary’s Church, High Street, Gosport. This will take place on Sunday 4th March at 7.30pm. Tickets, including refreshments, are £4.00 and are available by ringing Doug on 023 9258 0119.

Finance
Offertory Collection - £1617.50
Catholic Children’s Society - £329.17

Forthcoming Collections
4th March – CAFOD Family Fast Day
18th 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 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