Christians in Iraq
Archbishop Casmoussa of Mosul, Iraq, has asked for prayers for the Christians in Iraq and for Fr Ishoa and Fr Afas, who have been kidnapped from his Archdiocese.

Holy Spirit Seminar
We are running a six week Holy Spirit Seminar at Yvette Harrington’s in North Boarhunt from 14th November, every Wednesday evening at 7.30pm. The final session will be on 19th December. It is called “This Promise is for You” and features Charles Whitehead and Sheila Moran. Please ring Rebecca on 023 9238 1802 if you are interested as places are limited.

Garden of Remembrance
On the 1st November, we will be opening yet again the Book of Remembrance. It is, of course, a sad time for many but also a time to reflect on the ‘happy times’ spent with our loved ones now departed. The book is not designed to be sad – many people have, over the last few months, sent me photos of their loved ones and also flowers and scenes together with pictures that are favourites of theirs – all making, I hope, a book for you to look through and enjoy. I do hope you will sit and spend time reading through them all.

This year the book will be placed on a table at the foot of the ‘reredos of the Sacred Heart’ where you will be able to sit and sign. Also there will be a place set aside for you to light candles in remembrance of your loved ones. Let us pray then, that all our friends and family have found tranquillity and peace. Janet Rooney

Department for Pastoral Formation –
Receive the Power of the spirit!
A Diocesan Day on Confirmation takes place on Saturday 3rd November at St Bede’s Church, Popley Way, Basingstoke from 10.00am to 3.30pm This will be of particular interest to catechists and others involved in the preparation for the Sacrament of Confirmation. To book a place, please ring 01329 835583.

The Gospel of Matthew
This day will be especially relevant for all who work with the Word of God e.g. Readers, Liturgy of the Word with Children, RCIA Teams, Catechists, Scripture sharing Groups, musicians etc. It takes place on Saturday 10th November at St Peter’s School, Olivers Battery Road, Winchester from 10.30am to 3.30pm – cost £7.00. A light lunch will be provided. Once again, to book a place please ring 01329 835583.

Welcome
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.

THE UNION

Thought for the Week
The obvious connexion between the first reading and gospel is that both Moses and the widow persist in their petitions. The first reading also suggests that, in order to be persistent, sometimes we need the support of others.

Persistence requires discipline, and rests on the hope that the desired outcome of our efforts will be achieved. For example, we are persistent in exercise routines, athletic training, musical practice – so it is with prayer: we persist because of our hope that God will hear us.

This raises the important question about what we pray for. If our prayer is simply about getting what we want, then our focus may only be upon ourselves. If, instead, our focus is on justice being done…speedily, then persistence will get us that justice and, ultimately, salvation. The key is to remember that the answer to our prayers is not getting what we want now, but justice, that is, right relationship with God. Ultimately, then, our persistence in prayer leads to receiving more than we could possibly want or imagine. It leads to favourable judgement when Christ comes and our entering into eternal glory with him.
From Living Liturgy

Parish Office Vacancy
There is a vacancy for an Administrator and/or Bookkeeper at St Margaret Mary Church, Park Gate. If you have sound administrative skills, accounting experience, infinite patience and a sense of humour (!!) then please send your CV to Fr John Cooke, The Catholic Presbytery, Middle Road, Park Gate, Southampton, SO31 7GH. Hours and salary to be discussed.

Day Retreat
Saturday 3rd November at St Joseph’s Church, Ann’s Hill, Gosport beginning with tea and coffee at 10.00am – theme “Waiting on God” led by Sister Joyce Mary OSM. There will be Mass at Mid-day.

Sponsorship for the Great South Run
David Ryan is running the forthcoming Great South Run on behalf of the Stroke Association and is looking for people to sponsor him. He will be outside church after every Mass next weekend, so if you feel you can sponsor him, he will be delighted to take your pledge. You can also sponsor him online, if you prefer, by going to www.Justgiving.com/DavidRyan

The Well
Why not call in at The Well in West Street, Fareham? The café and bookshop provide a very friendly and efficient service. Call in, browse and buy your Christmas cards and gifts over a cup of coffee. Details of their Christmas menu are also available – please see the poster on the notice board in the church porch.

UCM Quiz Lunch
This takes place on Sunday 4th November beginning at 12.30pm in Sacred Heart Hall and is in aid of UCM charities.

LIFE – “40 years on”
On Saturday 27th October there will be a Rally in London to mark 40 years since the abortion law was passed. There will be a coach leaving Chandlers Ford at 11.00am. For further details, please contact Carol Lindsey on 01329 315995.

Day of Reflection
All are invited to a day of reflection on Friday 2nd November at the church of St Margaret Mary, Park Gate starting at 8.45a.m. The day will start with Rosary at 8.45am followed by Mass at 9.15am. After a break for coffee there will be Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. Fr John will be available for the Sacrament of Reconciliation and for spiritual direction. This will be followed by Bible Study (which will be about the Holy Souls and praying for the dead) and discussion. We will end with a shared lunch (bring a dish) tea and coffee. For further details or a lift, ring 023 9238 1802.

St Jude's RC Primary School
Website here

29th Sunday of the Year 20/21 October 2007 The Year of St Luke

World Mission Sunday
Today we are asked to join all the Catholic communities and parishes around the world by offering our prayers and material help to our brothers and sisters in countries where the Church is new, young or poor. They, in turn, will care for others, sharing God’s love and compassion. Your support on World Mission Sunday will help them grow strong and share the Good News of Jesus with all peoples. Your support today will help every mission diocese in the whole world! Please support the retiring collection today; the money will go directly to those most in need. If possible, please use the Gift Aid envelopes provided, which will increase the value of your donation by 28%.

PFA Fundraising – Family Photographic Session
Why not book a photographic session for the whole family? Appointments available at 10 minute intervals between 9.00am and 12.00noon and 1.00pm to 3.00pm on Saturday 10th November at St Jude’s School. To book, contact St Jude’s School Office on 01329 235131. Proofs and order form will be sent to your home address after the event. Photos priced at £7.50 (medium) and £12.00 (large). On the day, please enter the school by the main entrance and proceed to the hall.

Dates for your Diary
1st November – All Saints – Holyday of Obligation – Mass at 9.30am and 7.00pm at Sacred Heart Church.

2nd November – All Souls – Mass 9.30am at Our Lady of Walsingham Church – Bereavement Mass at 7.30pm at Sacred Heart Church.

4th November – Blessing of Graves at Fareham Cemetery and Roman Grove Cemetery – 3.00pm.

18th November – Blessing of Graves at Portchester Crematorium – 3.00pm.

24th November – Parish Bazaar – St Jude’s School beginning at 11.00am.

1st December - Parish Christmas Dinner, at 7.30pm in St Jude’s School Hall, in aid of the Advent Appeal.

APF (Red Boxes)
It is the end of the APF financial year, so Promoters should have emptied or be in the process of emptying your Red Box. If yours has not been emptied for over a year, please ring 01329 847533 for Fareham members or 023 9238 5559 for Portchester members.

Christmas Quizzes
Quizzes will be on sale on 27th/28th October and 3rd/4th November after all the Masses in aid of LIFE.

Used Postage Stamps
Please bring your used postage stamps to the church and put them in the box in the porch. These raise funds for the Trust that provides holiday homes for handicapped scouts (boys and girls).

Finance
Offertory Collection - £1582.90

Forthcoming Collections
21st October – Foreign Missions
4th November – Bamenda

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