UCM Family Quiz Day
This Sunday 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.

Trek the Himalayas or Cycle Israel
March 2008: trekking in Nepal, widely acknowledged as one of the most spectacular trekking destinations in the world. The Poon Hill trail is a popular and beautiful trek, offering a spectacular 360 degree view of the Himalaya giants such as the Annapurnas, the holy mountains of Machapuchere and Dhaulagiri. The maximum height of the trek is 3,200m. All sponsorship funds will help the TB and Leprosy Clinic at Surkhet expand its programme of treatment and rehabilitation. November 2007: cycling in Israel from Dan to Jerusalem, exploring the lands of the Bible beginning at Dan, stopping at the Nazareth Hospital, cycling by the shores of the Sea of Galilee and ending with a day’s tour around Jerusalem. This supports the work of Nazareth Hospital in its ministry of healing and its attempts to bring peace and reconciliation to a divided land. For an application pack for either event, please contact Joe Cooney on 0131 313 3828 or email.

THE UNION

Thought for the Week
Jesus went up the mountain to pray and was transformed. Lent is not only a desert (as in last Sunday) but is also our “mountain” that we go up to pray in order to be transformed. Jesus talks about his exodus, his passing through suffering and death to the glory of resurrected life. Our salvation is to follow Jesus into his passion and death so that we, too, might attain the glory of new life. On the mountain of transfiguration the disciples witnessed the glory of Jesus’ identity as the chosen Son. We too, are destined for glory when Christ will “change our lowly body to conform to his glorified body.”
From Living Liturgy

St Philip Howard Car Park
This is a reminder that the St Philip Howard Car Park is used during the week from 10.00am to 2.30pm but it should be available for dropping off for school and for picking up from St Jude’s. Between 10.00am and 2.30pm it is reserved for the Motor Cycle Training. However, if you need to park during these times, a few places are left around the back of the church. Please keep the rest of the car park free.

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.

House Group
The next House Group will be re-starting on Wednesday 7th March, 7.45pm for 8.00pm at 101 The Avenue, Fareham. The meeting is made up of both prayer and Bible Study. Why don’t you give it a try? For more information ring 01329 847533.

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.

What do you know about Islam?
On Sunday 11th March at 7.30pm in Holy Trinity Church, Mr Yasin Rahim from the Wickham Mosque will be speaking about his Islamic Faith and will answer questions. All are welcome.

Mrs Mary Knight
All are invited to come to Sacred Heart Hall after 9.30am Mass on Tuesday 13th March, to celebrate Mrs Mary Knight’s 90th birthday.

Thank you from Anna Grundy
“Thank you to Fr Joe and Fr Charles for your prayers. Thank you to all the parishioners for their cards and prayers after my recent operation.” Anna Grundy

St Jude's RC Primary School
Newsletter here

Second Sunday of Lent 03/04 March 2007 The Year of St Luke

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.

Visit from the Orthodox Monastery at Minsk
Sister Tatiana from St Elisabeth’s Convent in Belarus will be visiting us on Tuesday 6th March bringing with her items for sale from her convent in Belarus. These will be on display in the hall after 9.30am Mass at Sacred Heart Church that day. Please come along.

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.

Table Top Sale
17th March, St Patrick’s Day, 11.00am to 1.00pm and 18th March 10.00am to 11.30am in Sacred Heart Hall. Proceeds to the Parish Lenten Appeal supporting Adopt Sri Lanka. Light refreshments provided with a taste of Irish baking. Everyone most welcome.

Gift Aid
Envelopes will be available after all Masses on the weekends of 10th and 17th March. Members of the Finance Committee will be available for new Gift Aid and to answer any questions.

Finance
Offertory Collection - £1659.66
Lenten Appeal – Sri Lanka Rainbow Centre - £490.22

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