Breviary – The Official Prayer of the Church
The Official Prayer of the Church is called the Liturgy of the Hours. It is also known as the Divine Office or the Breviary. Once the preserve of Priests and Religious, the reforms of the Second Vatican Council encouraged it to be the prayer of the whole Church, not just its “professionals”. Many in our Parish do pray a part of the Office every day, some say the whole Office. If you would like to use this very rich form of prayer but are unfamiliar with how it works, why not come to a short (45 minutes) introductory evening led by Father Joe, on praying the Liturgy of the Hours on 9th May in Sacred Heart Church beginning at 7.30pm.

A Golden Wedding thank you
“Maureen and Fred Porter would like to thank everyone who helped to make their Golden Wedding day Mass such a special occasion. Thank you, Father Joe, for giving us a blessing which meant so much and a big thank you for all the numerous cards, gifts and good wishes. The lovely buffet in the hall after was a complete surprise. Filled with so many friends, it felt like an extended loving family and as we cut the lovely cake, I thought how very blessed we were to have had this wonderful moment. So, thank you again one and all.” Maureen and Fred Porter

Lectio Divina Retreat
Come to Douai Abbey from Friday 4th May to Monday 7th May (includes the Bank Holiday) and experience a way of praying with Scripture, an ancient art at one time practised by all Christians. It is a slow contemplative prayer which enables one to listen to God’s word and to make a prayerful response. There will be time for sharing, silence, solitude and reflection. The fee for the waged is £132.00 (premium for a single occupancy room £30.00) To book send a £30.00 deposit to the Pastoral Programme Director, Douai Abbey, Upper Woolhampton, Berks, RG7 5TQ.

Open Air Mass
Date for your Diary – Open Air Mass Sunday 10th June at St Jude’s School Field.

New Theatre Royal
Thursday 17th May at 7.30pm at the New Theatre Royal, Guildhall Walk, Portsmouth “Believe”, which uses the stories of women in the Old Testament and is inspired and enraged by current political events, an exploration of war and religion from a woman’s perspective. The women portrayed are Rahab, Bathsheba, Judith and Hannah. “Believe” is a one-woman show performed by acclaimed actress Linda Marlowe. Tickets are £8.00 to £14.50 (£5.00 to £12.50 concessions) - Upper Circle tickets include a free drink. For more information please ring 023 9264 9000.

Christian Aid Week 13th – 19th May
If you can help, please contact Alison Ivison on 01329 230049.

Hospitality required
Host UK offers international students the chance to spend a day or a weekend with a British family to help them better understand British culture and further international friendship. Students are over 18 and studying at a UK college or university. Hosts are matched with students on the basis of mutual interests and may invite them occasionally or frequently, singly or with friends and families. Expenses are paid and support given. Contact Carol Hart on 0207 254 3039 for more information.

THE UNION

Thought for the Week
We’ve all seen pictures of the Good Shepherd with a cute little lamb draped over his shoulders. These images may mislead us, steering us toward thinking that following Jesus is a sweet, pious, easy venture. But Jesus is both the Good Shepherd and the Lamb who was slain. As Shepherd, Jesus is the one who cares for us and leads us. As Lamb, Jesus is the one who lays down his life in sacrifice for us. The voice of Jesus calls his disciples to “follow me”. While following the Good Shepherd truly leads to eternal life, the way of discipleship is not easy. Discipleship always takes us through suffering, rejection, and persecution. However, no matter what the cost of following Jesus, we are not alone nor are we abandoned to our own resources. Nothing or no one can take us out of Jesus care.

Good Shepherd Sunday is not about some too-good statues and pictures; it’s all about a God who so deeply cares for us that the only Son became the Lamb who was slain. This is why whatever we may endure in following Jesus as faithful disciples is worth the cost – because God cares for us as our Good Shepherd and leads us to springs of life-giving water.
From Living Liturgy

Father Brian Measures, RIP
Please pray for the repose of the soul of Father Brian Measures who died recently.

Day of Reflection for Adorers of the Blessed Sacrament and Lay Ministers of Communion
On Saturday 12th May from 10.00am to 3.30pm there will be a Day of Reflection for all whose Ministry directly involves the Blessed Sacrament. The Day of Reflection will be given by a Brother of the Franciscan Friars of Atonement at St John’s Cathedral, Portsmouth. At the same time we encourage especially all Ministers of Communion to attend as our Pastoral Area Co-ordinating Pastor, Fr David Adams, will be commissioning all existing and new Ministers of Communion. Please bring a packed lunch.

A Call to Prayer
All are invited to a Day of Reflection on Friday 4th May, from 9.30am to 1.30pm at Our Lady of Walsingham Church, Portchester starting at 9.30am. The Day will be in honour of Our Lady for this month of May. We will be considering her as the icon of faith: an example of how to lead a truly Christian life. What is her spirituality? What can we learn from her? The day will start with Mass at 9.30am followed by Adoration for 45 minutes with rosary and reflection. We will adjourn for tea and coffee and have a discussion from 11.00am to 12.00 noon. We will then have a shared lunch followed by prayer, finishing with the Sacred Heart devotions. Do bring a dish to share. Tea and coffee will be available. For further details of a lift, or if you have any queries please ring 023 9238 1802.

Review of the Year 2006
Copies of the Review of 2006 are available in the church porch, free of charge. Please take one.

Help in Bereavement
“HIB” are a local charity that offers practical and emotional support to those in need of Help in Bereavement. They are looking for more volunteers to train as visitors. All visitors need to maintain confidentiality and have good listening skills. Full training will be given. If interested, please ring 023 9266 8884.

United Service
The Churches Together in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight United Service takes place on Sunday 13th May at 3.00pm in St Thomas’ Cathedral, High Street, Portsmouth. The Preacher is Matthew Reed, Director of Church and Community, Christian Aid. If you would like to sing in the ‘united choir’ please contact David Price by email or 023 9243 9430. Do come to the Service and join other Christians as we celebrate Working Together.

Plant Sales for Adopt Sri Lanka
Plants will be on sale after 11.00am Mass on Sundays 13th and 20th May. All proceeds will go to the Adopt Sri Lanka Appeal. Anyone not at those Masses who would like to buy plants is welcome to call Frankie Lane on 01329 310785 and arrangements can be made to buy the plants from home. If anyone wants to order specific plants – particularly tomatoes as these go very quickly – then contact Frankie as soon as possible.

Day visit to Aylesford and Faversham, the Shrine of St Jude
The Confraternity of the Rosary have also arranged for a day visit to Aylesford and Faversham, the Shrine of St Jude, on Wednesday 30th May beginning with Mass at 12.00 noon. Please ring 023 9282 0744 to book a seat – cost of coach £12.00 – leaving Faversham for the return journey home at 6.00pm. Lunch may be purchased in the cafeteria or a packed lunch may be taken.

St Jude's RC Primary School
Newsletter here

Fourth Sunday of Easter World Day of Prayer for Vocations 28/29 April 2007 The Year of St Luke

Vocations
Each of us has a particular vocation in life. Today is a day of prayer for priesthood and consecrated life. We pray not only for those who are already in these life-states, but also that others will be called by God to these vocations. God calls us all to do something with our lives. We need to be open to the possibility that a call to priesthood or consecrated life might come to one of our own, even to me. As a community of faith, family life and the work we do with our young people should include assisting them in the discernment of their life vocation.

Parish Diary
All group co-ordinators within the Parish are asked to send details of the dates, times and venues of their activities for the period of September 2007 to August 2008. It would be appreciated if these could arrive at the Parish Office by the end of May.

Farewell Social Evening for Father Charles Aylward
As mentioned previously, Fr Charlie has kindly agreed to return to the Parish for a farewell social evening. This has now been arranged and will take place on Thursday 17th May from 6.00pm to 8.00pm (approximately), in Sacred Heart Hall. It will give us an opportunity to give him our good wishes and to thank him for all he has done for us during his time here. A collection for Fr Charlie will be taken after all Masses on the weekend of 5th/6th May.

National Christian Resources Exhibition
This takes place from 15th to 18th May 2007 at Sandown Exhibition Centre, Esher, Surrey entrance £7.00. Discover Europe’s biggest selection of Christian resources under one roof.

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.

Rosary Rally 2007
The annual Rosary Rally takes place on Saturday 19th May at St John’s Cathedral, Portsmouth beginning with Mass at 12.15pm and followed by the rosary, procession, hymns and prayers. At 2.30pm there will be Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament and enrolment into the Brown Scapular of Our Lady of Mount Carmel and the afternoon ends with tea in the Cathedral Centre. This has been arranged by the Confraternity of the Rosary.

Finance
Offertory Collection - £1656.87

Forthcoming Collections
Sunday 28th April – Clergy Training Fund
Sunday 6th May – Father Charlie

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