A Message from the Finance Committee
It is our usual custom that the collection taken at the Easter Masses is our personal gift to Father Joe. Please be generous.

Coffee at St Philip Howard Church
There will be no coffee served at St Philip Howard Church on Easter Sunday.

Piano for sale
An upright (Army and Navy) piano in reasonable condition, ideal for a beginner, is for sale - £150.00 or near offer. Please ring 01329 280075.

The Great Exhibition
Betty Davison, aged 87 years, a very well known and loved parishioner, has finally agreed to exhibit her outstanding art work. Betty has been painting, mainly oils on canvas, for 40 years. Now, for the very first time, we have the privilege to view her work. Along with Betty, Helma Jackson and Janet Adkins will exhibit their fine works of cross stitch and needlework. Janet has kindly donated a quilt which will be raffled during the exhibition which takes place at Sacred Heart Hall on Saturday 14th April 2007 from11.00am to 1.00pm and Sunday 15th April 2007 following the 9.00am Mass. All proceeds to the Lenten Appeal.

THE UNION

Thought for the Week
Though Jesus is facing his own death, his gaze and concern are always directed to those around him: affirming his disciples, healing the man with the severed ear, comforting the women of Jerusalem, forgiving his executioners, saving the repentant thief. In his darkest hour, Jesus’ identity as compassionate saviour shines most brightly.
From Living Liturgy

Spanish Speaker Required
“I am a final year student studying for a Spanish degree. I would like to practise conversation skills with a Spanish speaker while at home for the month of April. Please call Clare on 07835 014369.”

Oaklands Catholic School Teaching Vacancies
Religious Education TLR 2 Level 2
Required for September 2007 suitably qualified and experienced graduate teacher to be Second in the R.E. Department to join a team of enthusiastic and committed full time members of staff to teach R.E. up to GCSE and ‘A’ level. Candidates must be practising Catholics.

Teacher of Science
Suitably qualified graduate teacher to join a team of enthusiastic and committed full time members of staff to teach Science to students of all abilities up to GCSE. The ability to teach one science subject to ‘A’ level is desirable but not essential. Newly qualified teachers are welcome to apply. Scale: Main Scale.
Please contact the Head, Mr Chris Whitfield, B.A. M.Ed. immediately on 023 9224 8043. Further details and an application form available on request. Closing date: Monday 2nd April 2007.

St John’s College Politics Society
Three meetings are scheduled for the Summer Term. At 7.00pm on Wednesday 18th April, come and hear Sir John Nott, Defence Secretary at the time of the Falklands War, as we commemorate the 25th anniversary of the conflict. He will also be signing copies of his latest book, "Haven’t we been here before?"

At 7.30pm on Thursday 10th May the guest speaker will be Lord McNally, Leader of the Liberal Democrat Party in the House of Lords.

On Monday 21st May at 7.00pm the speaker will be Baroness (Estelle) Morris, formerly Education Secretary in the Blair government.

Admission to all meetings is free. Plenty of parking space at the College on Grove Road South, Southsea. Refreshments are served in the half hour before the start of each meeting. For further details please contact Dr Graham Goodlad on 023 9238 1802 or via email

May Concert
All are invited to a May Concert on Sunday 13th May at St Philip Howard Church starting at 7.30pm. There will be light refreshments after the Sunday evening Mass prior to the concert. Father John Glynn is Parish Priest at Wickford in Essex. He is a musician and hymn writer. He has been performing locally for some years and is coming with his group Aquila, to share his love of spiritual song with us. Among his more well-known hymns are ‘Where are you bound, Mary?’ and ‘Peace is the gift of Christ to the World.’ This concert should be of special interest to all involved in music ministry. He also writes very thoughtful and contemporary lyrics, which will be of interest to liturgists and those who enjoy spiritual reflection.

Easter Newsletter
The Easter Sunday newsletter will be printed on Wednesday 4thApril. Any items for publication should be sent to the Parish Office by 12.00 noon on Tuesday 3rd April. This also applies to Biddings for Holy Thursday, Easter Vigil and Easter Sunday and also for 15th April.

Easter Flowers
The gift wrapped plants which decorate Sacred Heart Church for Easter may be taken away by parishioners after the 9.00am Mass on Easter Sunday. Please make a donation to the Parish Lenten Appeal of at least £1.00 per pot.

Easter Vigil
The Easter Vigil takes place at St Philip Howard Church on Saturday 7th April at 8.30pm. It is the high point of the Church’s Year because it is the central proclamation and celebration of Jesus’ resurrection, with baptism at its heart. Please come and support Vanessa, Simon, Felicity, Candice and Penny who are to be received into the full communion of the Catholic Church.

Party after the Easter Vigil
Following the Easter Vigil Mass on Saturday 7th April there will be a party to welcome Vanessa, Simon, Felicity, Candice and Penny into the Church. You are invited to donate items of food for the finger buffet. In the entrance hall of each church is a list of food. Please sign your name against your contribution. Please bring your donations on that Saturday to St Philip Howard Church between 2.00pm and 3.00pm.

St Jude's RC Primary School
Newsletter here

Palm Sunday 31 March/01 April 2007 The Year of St Luke

Father Charles Aylward
Father Charlie’s new address is: St Mary’s Care Home, 14 Westbrooke, Worthing, West Sussex. BN11 1RF. We send our love and good wishes to him in his new home.

St Edmund’s School Reunion
A school reunion is being held on Saturday 5th May 2007 for St Edmund’s pupils who attended from 1969 to 1973. Please contact Helen Wright (nee Collins) on 023 9279 0207 for details.

The Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament

Solemn Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament
After the Evening Mass of the Lord’s Supper, 7.30pm to midnight Thursday 5th April 2007. Please come and spend an hour with the Lord. Sign-up sheet at the back of the Sacred Heart Church.
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).

From the Latin Mass Society
Traditional Rite Ceremonies of Holy Week and Easter at the Church of Christ the King, Northumberland Avenue, Reading
All liturgies are in Latin and Sung according to the classical Roman Rite.
Details are on the notice board.

Divine Mercy
Come and experience ‘God’s inconceivable Mercy’ – Saturday and Sunday 14th/15th April – St Michael and All Angels Catholic Church, Leigh Park led by Fr Richard Maniak and guest priests. See the poster for full details.

Farewell Day of Prayer
On Wednesday 4th April at Park Gate church, there will be a farewell day of Prayer for all who have participated in the First Friday Days of Prayer over the last year. The Day will start with Mass at 10.00am with the customary devotions. There will be an ‘agape’ (love feast) meal at mid-day. Please bring a dish to share. At this meal there will be a presentation to Fr James. If you wish to make a donation to the gift, please ring Rebecca on 023 9238 1802. All are invited.

Finance
Offertory Collection - £1838.50
Lenten Appeal – Sri Lanka Rainbow Centre - £2578.32 to date

Forthcoming Collections
6th April – Good Friday – Holy Places

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