Bishop Crispian’s Iraq Statement
“It is with great sadness and alarm that we have seen a marked rise in the violence directed against Iraqi Christians. Within the past few weeks, the murder of Fr Ragheed Aziz Ganni and three sub deacons in Mosul and the kidnapping of Fr Hanni Abdel Ahad along with five young people in Baghdad show the grave risks that Christians face because of their Faith. In these terrible circumstances, I want to express publicly my support for the Christian community and for the heroic witness that priest, laypeople and religious are giving throughout Iraq. The people of Iraq need our prayers and practical support and I commend to you those Catholic agencies working to support the Church within Iraq. I will be asking the people of the Portsmouth diocese to join me in prayer for all those suffering in Iraq and particularly for Christians as they face persecution because of their Faith.” Rt Rev Crispian Hollis, Bishop of Portsmouth and Chairman, International Affairs Dept, CBCEW

Green Fair
South East Hampshire Green Party, Fareham Branch have a Green Fair at Sacred Heart Hall on Saturday 23rd June from 11.00am to 2.00pm – entry is free.

Welcome
A warm welcome to all visitors to Fareham and Portchester and welcome, also, to those who are newcomers to our parish. If you have recently moved to this area, please fill in one of our “Are you new” forms to be found at the entrance to the church and return this to the parish office. Alternatively complete our online form.

Garden open for the British Red Cross
Chris and Frankie Lane are opening their garden in aid of the British Red Cross on Saturday and Sunday 7th and 8th July from 2.00pm to 6.00pm. Both the front and back gardens have won silver medals in the Fareham in Bloom competition in recent years. Home-made cakes and tea/coffee will be served and plants will be on sale. The garden is at 50 Hill Park Road, Fareham. An entrance fee of £1.50 is charged and accompanied children are free.

CAFOD Vacancy
CAFOD Portsmouth will be moving to St Mary’s Church, Belle Vue Road, North Town, Aldershot in the very near future and are now seeking a part-time Diocesan Officer to assist with their work (21 hours per week). The holder of the post will primarily be responsible for maintaining an efficient local base for CAFOD’s work in Portsmouth Diocese and will undertake the management and administration of the office. This will include the supervision of volunteers and help to foster excellent relationships with Catholic parishes and schools. If you think you would be interested, please obtain an application pack by visiting www.cafod.org.uk/jobs. You may also email or phone 020 7095 5601, quoting ref. CDO-PT. The closing date is 22nd June 2007.

Portchester People
What’s happening for children, young people and families in Portchester? Coming soon – Portchester Extended Services and Children’s Centre – to be included in the Community Centre at Westlands Grove. The schools in Portchester are working closely with service providers, children, young people and families to develop a wider range of services and activities. If you are part of a family and would like to find out more and have your say, please contact Scott Hickman on 023 9225 9906 or Email.

THE UNION

Thought for the Week
The gospel and first reading manifest one of the most significant aspects of the relationship between God and human beings: God is the one who forgives sins; human beings are those who sin. The issue is not whether we sin (we do and will) but whether we will open ourselves to the judgement and mercy of God. This woman does; David does (first reading), Simon, however, resists. Simon himself sits in judgement; the woman kneels in repentance. The gospel concludes with Simon being rebuked and the woman being forgiven. Both Simon and the woman are debtors – they both have much to be forgiven. Love brings the forgiveness.

Simon thought that Jesus was unaware of the sort of woman who was lovingly touching him. In response to Simon’s judgement about the woman, Jesus constructed his parable to open Simon’s eyes to see both the great love within the heart of this sinful woman and the debt within his own heart. The woman, who knows only too well how great is her debt, throws herself on Jesus’ mercy and receives forgiveness. We do not know Simon’s response. But we do know what we need to do.
From Living Liturgy

David Starbuck (once of Catisfield Road, Fareham)
David died suddenly at Verwood last weekend. David, Anne and their three boys were active members of the parish for many years until they retired to Verwood a few years ago. Anne had been Secretary at St Jude’s School and David a partner in a firm of local solicitors. He was very generous with his professional advice and time, which he gave frequently to the Parish Priests who sought help, either for the Church or for Fareham parishioners. David fulfilled a long time desire and entered into full Communion with the Church prior to the move west. His Requiem will be at their family church in West Moors on Monday 18th June. May he rest in peace.

Fareham Borough Fairtrade
Afternoon Tea at St John the Evangelist Church Hall, Upper St Michael’s Grove, Fareham – Sunday 8th July 3.00pm to 5.00pm. Fairtrade stall and Fairtrade displays – no entry fee or charge for refreshments.

Oaklands Catholic School, Waterlooville
Present and former students and their parents are warmly invited to attend a special Mass celebrated by Bishop Crispian at Oaklands Catholic School on Friday 6th July 2007 at 6.15pm to mark the retirement of Chris Whitfield as Headteacher. Mass will be followed by refreshments. Those wishing to attend are asked to telephone the school office on 023 9225 9214 to indicate numbers for seating and catering purposes.

First Friday Days of Reflection
There will be no First Friday Days of Reflection in July and August. They will resume in September.

Day of Prayer
Our Lady Queen of Peace invitation to a Day of Prayer on Saturday 30th June at St Edmund’s Church, Southampton from 11.00am to 5.00pm. The day will be led by Fr Ronnie Mitchell and will include Mass at 11.00am, rosary and Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. Please bring a packed lunch and invite your friends. Please ring Heather on 023 8026 9778 for further information.

St Anne’s Catholic School, Southampton
There will be an Admissions Information Evening on Monday 25th June at 6.30pm for entrance to Year 7 in September 2008. Parents with daughters in Year 5 considering applying for admission to St Anne’s are invited to this evening.

Portchester Amnesty Group
Portchester Amnesty Group will be a reading a one act play celebrating the 60th birthday of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, otherwise knows as the Lady of Burma, on Tuesday 19th June at St Peter’s, Titchfield.

Catholic Truth Society Conference
“What place does Christianity have in Britain today?” You are warmly invited to the CTS Conference on Saturday 14th July from 2.00pm to 6.00pm at Westminster Cathedral, London. Admission is free but you do need to book a place by ringing 020 7640 0042 or email.

Portchester Proms and Fireworks Concert
The annual Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra fireworks concert at Portchester Castle takes place on Saturday 7th July beginning at 8.00pm. Tickets cost £20.00 and are available from Ferneham Hall. Why not enjoy a picnic in the castle grounds before the concert begins?

St Jude's RC Primary School
Newsletter here

11th Sunday of the Year 16th/17th June 2007 The Year of St Luke

Open Air Mass
From the feedback I have received so far, the Open Air Mass was a very successful and enjoyable occasion – I am sure the good weather had something to do with that. Thank you to all who worked so hard to ensure that everything went so well and congratulations to the children who made their First Holy Communion. Father Joe

Storm of Hope
Celebrate 25 years of Christian Ecology Link. Saturday 7th July from 10.00am to 5.00pm at All Hallows by the Tower, London EC3. Booking forms from www.christian-ecology.org.uk/stormhope - £12.00 for CEL members in advance, £17.00 for non-members or on the door.

Retreat Weekend led by Fr John Edwards SJ
Yvette Harrington is organising a retreat for the weekend of 31st August to 2nd September, led by Fr John Edwards, SJ, who led our mission last November. The retreat will be held at St Benedict’s Convent in Brighton (transport available) and the cost will be approximately £92.00 inclusive of all meals. Programme will include talks, Morning and Evening Prayer of the Church, Masses, a Reconciliation Service and time for private prayer. Yvette has been organising retreats for five years and the weekends are always blessed occasions. For more information, contact Yvette Harrington on 01329 832781 by 20th June at the latest. If you’ve never been on a retreat before, you will be especially welcome.

His Story
On Saturday 23rd June at 7.30pm in The New Theatre Royal, Guildhall Walk, Portsmouth, Mustard Seed Songs present “His Story”. This tells the story of the Gospel with live music and song. With great music ranging in style from choral, pop, ballad, soul, folk and gospel, His Story features great musicians, singers and actors in a show which has been described as awesome and stunning. Tickets: £7.50 - £12.50, £3.75 -£6.25 concessions available from the Box Office – 023 9264 9000.

UCM visit to Walsingham
There is one seat left on the coach to Walsingham, leaving from Sacred Heart Church on Monday 2nd July and returning on Tuesday 3rd July. The cost is £65.00 (sharing a room) and any lady who is interested is asked to ring Yvonne Byrne on 01329 311911.

Have you ever considered adoption?
The Catholic Children’s Society is seeking to recruit adoptive parents for children needing permanent families. You are invited to attend an information evening on Tuesday 17th July from 7.30 to 9.30pm or Tuesday 2nd October from 7.30 to 9.30pm at 7 Bridge Street, Winchester. If you would like to attend, please contact Paulette Josephs on 01962 842024 to book a place. The Society is recruiting prospective adopters for children aged between 2 and 10 years.

Finance
Offertory Collection - £1580.90

Forthcoming Collections
24th June - Peter's Pence

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