1. religion and spirituality
2. christianity
3. catholicism

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latest info. Twitter @BishopEgan & @PortsmouthRC
‘HALL CUPBOARDS SPRING CLEAN’
Sat 14th, Sun 15th & Mon 16th February
The Hall cupboards in the St Margaret Mary Room &
Kitchen in our Hall seems full of things that we don’t
appear to use! Can we please ask for some help at
3.30pm on Sat 14th Feb. to clear these cupboards?
All items from the cupboard will be put in the Hall and
any goods that are wanted / used / claimed can be
identified on Sun 15th Feb. All unclaimed items will be
disposed of on Mon 16th Feb. So, please come along
to help and also to ensure that we don’t bin something
you will want at a later date! Many thanks.
‘LITTLE LOTTO CLUB’ January
Congratulations to S. Donohoe (£30) and Elfi Ip (£10)
CHILD PROTECTION TRAINING
Weds 4th Feb 6.30-9pm ‘Safeguarding’
At Our Lady of Lourdes Church, Bransbury Road,
Portsmouth, PO4 9JY
All Church volunteers with Disclosure and Barring
clearance (ex-CRB) via the Diocese, must attend at
least one training session for their area of clearance
(Children and / or Vulnerable Adults).
Those wishing to attend should book a place with
Soraya Ciccarone, tel: 023 92 836511 or
Email: [email protected]
If you have any queries about your DBS status please
contact our local church Safeguarding Representative,
Christine Millward on 01489-600266 or email:
[email protected].
CHURCH COMMUNITY ALTAR CLOTH
If any Parishioners would like their family names (living
or dead) embroidered on the Altar cloth, please write
them down using capital letters and hand them to the
Office or to Ann Trigg. A donation can be offered for
the Church funds. Many thanks.
The community Altar cloth will be used again at Easter
ROSARY - Mondays & Wednesdays at 10.30am
In the Lady Chapel after Mass. All very welcome.
BETHANY PRAYER GROUP Weds 10.30 - 11.45am
Meets in Paray Rm for prayer, reflection & bible study
EXPOSITION OF THE BLESSED SACRAMENT
Thursdays 6 - 8pm Silent vigil of adoration
An oasis of peace and prayer. Feel free to pop in.
DIOCESAN PILGRIMAGE TO LOURDES
Fri 21st – Fri 28th Aug ‘15
If you wish to join the annual Diocesan Pilgrimage, please
speak with Fr John or Clare .
Flying from Southampton! We take about 120+
‘Portsmouth Pilgrims’ and we are always looking for
Volunteer Adult helpers, Nurses, Doctors & especially
the Young Helpers to join the Pilgrimage. Without
them, we could not take care of our Assisted Pilgrims
who are at the heart of this Pilgrimage to Lourdes.
Please mention the pilgrimage to anyone who would
like to go to Lourdes, but is perhaps worried about
their health or ‘wisdom of years’. All are welcome!
LOURDES REUNION MASS
Celebrated by Bishop Philip Egan
Sat. 14th February 12 Noon.
St Margaret Mary Church, Park Gate
Once again, we are hosting the Annual Reunion
Mass, with the Sacrament of the Anointing of the
Sick. This is for all past, present & potential pilgrims!
We would welcome the support of parishioners and
invite you to join us. There will be a shared lunch in
the Hall afterwards (bring a plate of savoury food to
share - cakes and drinks provided). Come and meet
Bishop Philip. His first time to a celebration here at
our Church and he would love to meet you.
CRAFT GROUP Thurs 5th Feb 2-4pm
In Paray Room. All very welcome.
CATHOLIC MARRIAGE CARE
Experiencing upset or difficulties? Tel. 0118 946 2529
CHURCHES TOGETHER YOUTH EVENT
Due to an admin error at the leisure centre the
churches together youth event last Saturday was
cancelled at very short notice. Apologies to all our
young people and their parents for any inconvenience.
If you are not attending the Flame event we hope to
see you on 7th March for the next gathering.
YOUNG PERSONS’ SEMINAR
‘Following Jesus in Serving my Neighbour’
This weekend is for young people aged 16-23 years
and will be held at Hinskey Hall, Leeds 14-17th July.
The Knights of St Columba are willing to sponsor the
cost of the weekend (and possibly travel too if
required). For information, please contact Robert on
07768 764801 or email: [email protected]
FAREHAM FOOD BANK
Thank you so much for your support.
Donations welcome of: tinned fish/meat,
tinned rice pudding, tinned fruit/veg/soup, squash,
dried pasta, biscuits, custard, cereals, soap, sugar,
coffee, tea, long life milk, jam, pasta sauce, shampoo,
toothpaste, deodorants, razors, toilet rolls, nappies &
wipes. Please leave donations in the box in the Foyer.
The Catholic Parish of
Our Lady Star of the Sea,
Fareham & Gosport
FOURTH SUNDAY OF ORDINARY TIME1ST FEBRUARY 2015
Year: B Weekday: Cycle 1
Prayer of the Church: Psalter Week 4
still’ before the Lord, be present to the Lord, and listen with
an open heart. Blessings will be yours and a loving
‘For my eyes have seen your salvation’
To see something, a person needs to be present to it: in welcome and spiritual communion with Our Lord waits.
Fr. John Cooke
line of sight of it. The psalm today (Psalm 94) is a humble
expression of presence. It is a call to listen, to be quiet and Pope Francis@Pontifex:Practising charity is the best way to
to hope. “Harden not your hearts ...” it says. I heard on evangelize.
the radio the other day that our postmodern culture is Bishop Philip Egan@ BishopEgan:Evangelisation teams becoming ‘hard’, because it is becoming one of expectation great opportunity to make a difference by helping others
and excuse. We believe we have a right to our wants and encounter Christ:https://vimeo.com/114040348 Is God calling
yet we excuse ourselves of what is wanted of us. I wonder you?
if it is because we are afraid of being open to each other
PARISH OF OUR LADY STAR OF THE SEA, FAREHAM & GOSPORT
and to the ‘God of surprises’? Do we offer Him a chance?
HOLY HOUR to pray for the new Evangelising Strategy Teams
Or do we create excuses not to be present to His voice?
initiative, will be at 3pm on Sun 15th Feb in Our Lady of the
As a suggestion, could we strive to be more like Immaculate Conception, Bells Lane, Stubbington.
Simeon in the Temple? When he was in the presence of
the 40-day-old Christ Child, he was open to being
provoked into a new joy, despite the inevitable shadows of FIRST FRIDAY Devotions: 6th Feb in Sacred Heart Church,
life closing in. A baby does not usually say anything, but Fareham. Rosary at 9am followed by Mass at 9.30am. Tea and
just being in His presence, gifted Simeon with an epiphany Coffee in the Hall after Mass. Adoration; Meditation; Devotions;
Sacrament of Reconciliation & Spiritual Guidance. Contact: 01329
of something that completed his life’s waiting for meaning, 318869 or 02392 381802.
for salvation, for peace. (See the Gospel for the Feast of the
SUNDAY THOUGHT:
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Presentation of the Lord on Monday 2nd February).
Lent begins in two & a half weeks’ time and during
this period, the community at St Margaret Mary invites you
all to join us for our 40 Hours vigil of continuous Adoration
of the Blessed Sacrament.
This ancient devotion
traditionally represents the forty hours Jesus spent in the
Tomb from Good Friday until His glorious Resurrection that
Easter Sunday dawn. This Vigil offers you an ideal time
to come in love and praise, and invites you to have the
courage to bring all your worries, anxieties and concerns to
Jesus present in the Blessed Sacrament. Come and be...
Please contact David Walford 01489 481698 for
more information, or if you would like to offer to help our
parish community in keeping this Vigil (from 3pm Friday
13th March, until 7am Sunday 15thMarch). No-one who
sought Jesus was refused help. Just sit or kneel, and ‘be
Parish Priest:
Fr John Cooke:
01489 572797
Associate Parish Priests:
Fr Joe Gruszkiewicz:
01329 318869
Fr Peter Glas:
02392 580119
Fr John Chandler
01329 663435
Q.A. Hospital Chaplain
Fr Joe McNerney:
02392 286 408
FIRST SATURDAY Devotions: 7th Feb in St Mary's, Gosport.
9.30am Mass, Adoration, Rosary. Ministry of Healing available and
Sacrament of Reconciliation at midday. Contact 02392 580119.
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Proclaim '15 is a nationwide evangelisation initiative launched
by the Bishops' Conference of England and Wales, aimed at
supporting, inspiring and encouraging new expressions of parish
evangelisation. It is designed to affirm the good work already
being done by the Catholic community and is providing
resources and events to profile and develop new expressions of
Catholic joy and missionary outreach. It therefore ties in very
well with our desire here in the Diocese of Portsmouth to “Share
the Joy of the Gospel” and, as the initiative aims to support us
who are working on the ground in parishes, I can readily
recommend it to you.
Bishop Philip
For more details: http://www.catholic-ew.org.uk/Home/Special-Events/
Proclaim-15-Building-Missionary-Parishes
Parish Deacon:
Dcn Langford Vincent:
01329 285617
Parish Staff:
Clare Ryan (PG):
Doug Savege (G):
Maria Owen (L&S):
Daniel Russell (F&P):
01489 572797
02392 580119
01329 664260
01329 318869
Our Church Communities
St Mary’s, Gosport; Sacred Heart, Fareham; St John the Evangelist, Lee-on-the-Solent; St Margaret Mary, Park Gate;
St Columba, Bridgemary; Immaculate Conception, Stubbington; St Philip Howard, Fareham; St Mary’s Anglican Church,
Portchester; The Chapel of St Thomas More, Park Place, Wickham
Parish Website: ww.ourladystarofthesea.info
ST. MARGARET MARY CHURCH
Our Lady Star of the Sea Parish: Fareham & Gosport
Middle Road, Park Gate, Southampton, SO31 7GH
Tel: 01489 572797 Priest: Rev. John Cooke
Email: [email protected]
Web Site: www.stmm.org.uk Reg. Charity No. 246871
Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Year of Mark (B)
Sun 1st February 2015
THE WEEK AHEAD Diary - at a glance ...
BAPTISM ‘Welcome to God’s Family!’
Sun 1st
Our next preparation sessions
Mondays 11th & 18th May at 7.30pm (Hall)
Application forms with details of preparation sessions
are available in the Foyer. Why not take part while you
are still expecting? One less thing to worry about!
Mon
Tues
Weds
Thurs
Fri
Sat
Sun 8th
10.15am
4pm
6.30pm
10.30am
12 noon
7pm
11am
7.30pm
7.30pm
8am
Rite of Welcome ‘Baptism families’
Confirmation Session
Presentation of Confirmands
Rosary in Lady Chapel
Clergy Meetings
RCIA ‘Paschal mystery; Eucharist’
House blessing
Pastoral Team meeting
Choir Practice
Mass
Clergy Day
10.30am Bethany Group & Rosary
6pm
Meeting with a parishioner
6pm
Exposition of Blessed Sacrament
1.25pm Mass at St George College
7pm
‘Echoes social’ (starts 7.30pm)
7am
HMP Winchester
10.30am FHC Children’s session
3pm
House blessing
5pm
Confessions
10.15am FHC family celebration
4.30pm HMP Winchester meeting; Dcn Paul
HOLY LAND PILGRIMAGE EXPERIENCE 2016
A 12 Day, all inclusive 3 centred experience
through the Holy Land; Negev, Jerusalem
and Galilee. Fully guided & all fees included.
All pilgrims have a headset to ensure they
hear the local guide and the spiritual guide.
Travelling Sun. 14th - Fri. 25th Feb 2016.
Brochures are available in the Foyer.
CAFOD ‘Sky Dive’ Sponsorship
FIRST EUCHARIST PROGRAMME 2015
Session: ‘We Belong - Baptism’
Children: Sat 7th Feb. 10.30-12.30pm in the Hall.
Family Celebration: Sun 8th Feb at 10.15am Mass.
with presentation of Baptism candles.
Session: ‘God, the Blessed Trinity’
Today Sun 1st Feb 4.30 - 6pm in the Hall
ADULT JOURNEY IN FAITH - R.C.I.A.
Meeting in the Paray Room, the room on
the right as you enter the Foyer.
Mon 2nd Feb. 7pm - 8.30pm
Theme: ‘Paschal mystery; Eucharist’
Our group is an ongoing programme for Adults who
may be considering becoming a Catholic, or would like
to be Confirmed. If you would like to know more
please speak to Suzanne Hogg, Fr. John or Clare.
PRAYER PLEASE
Please hold Samantha, a parishioner’s daughter, in
your prayers. She has been taken into hospital this
week and is very unwell again. Also Susan Forer,
undergoing chemotherapy, and Ian Matthews going
into hospital on Monday for open heart surgery.
C.W.L. Catholic Women’s League
DIARY DATES for 2015
PRAYERS PLEASE
WOMEN'S WORLD DAY OF PRAYER Friday 6th March
CHRISTIAN AID WEEK Sat 10th till Sun 16th May
For Irene Hollywood, Wyn Harfield, Susan Morris, Margaret & Ces
Smith, Cathy Hutley, James Brown, Julia Taylor, Pat Juke, Leila
Kroon, Marion Scott, Abigail & Siobhan Jefferies, Samantha
Donohoe, Paddie Hughes, Tim Healey, May & Bernard Maginn,
Marion Celand, Alan Dixon, Simon Zasc, Florrie Jones, Eileen
Parsons, Shauna Corr, Danny Watts, Joseph Dolan, Ellen
Notley, Stuart Mercer, Jane Savage, Ernest Anthony, John
Marvao, Pat Cooke, Thomas McCartney, Dennis Allen, Kol
Thelis, Pat Elward, Bob Slater, Polly Stansbridge, Joan Jones,
Chris Lane, Susan & John Forer. Thank you.
The responsorial psalm warns us not to harden our
hearts. There are many ways our culture and our
fallen nature can harden our hearts. How would you
describe the things that can harden your heart from
being a disciple and following the Lord?
Bishop Philip writes:
“As you know, the Church in our time is calling us to
the work of new evangelisation. We are Christ’s
missionary disciples, and He has given us many
charisms and talents for this work. Now we want to set
up in every Pastoral Area an Evangelisation Strategy
Team, comprised of clergy and laity, to direct the work
of mission at the local, parish level. In your Pastoral
Area, there will soon be a Holy Hour to pray for
this initiative. (For us this is Sun 15th Feb at 3pm
Immaculate Conception Church, Stubbington.)
The Strategy Team is a new body to replace the
Pastoral Council. It should represent all ages and
types. It’s all about vision! Its purpose is to sponsor
mission-projects across the area. Teams will meet
once a term.
To find out more, go to our diocesan website:
www.portsmouthdiocese.org.uk/evangelisation-teams.
There you will find a video with more info, and details
of what the commitment would be for team members.”
PARISH S.V.P. GROUP ‘St Vincent de Paul’
CONFIRMATION 2016
Julianne White is doing a ‘Skydive’ to
raise money for CAFOD.
If you’d like to sponsor her, please see the forms in the
foyer. Or you can visit her ‘Just Giving’ page:
www.justgiving.com/Julianne-W. Weather permitting,
this is on Fri 20th Feb. We wish her all the very best!
QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION
MESSAGE FROM BISHOP PHILIP
Evangelisation Strategy Teams
Our next meeting will be our A.G.M. on Wed 4th Feb
at St Mary’s Church, Gosport.
Meeting Tues 3rd Feb 7.30pm In the Lady
Chapel. Contact via tel. 572797
Computer Appeal If anyone has an old computer
they don’t need, please let the S.V.P. know.
Sat. 31st Jan 2-4pm 'Vinnies' Drop-in
Paray Room / Hall - for a Cuppa, Chat, Time for you ...
Last Sat of every month (next date 28th Feb)
Poor Box (in the Foyer) All donations in go towards
the charitable work of SVP, tackling poverty and
disadvantage by providing practical assistance to
those in need – irrespective of ideology, faith,
ethnicity, age or gender. The SVP help those who are
suffering poverty in whatever form. Thank you.
HELP WITH LAUNDRY, PLEASE!
Help is needed to wash the Altar Server albs on a
regular basis. If a parishioner feels this is something
they could help with, please speak with Nick in the
sacristy. Any offers of help will be gratefully received!
NATIONAL YOUTH CONGRESS - ‘FLAME 2’
Sat. 7th Mar. 2015 - Wembley Arena. Save the date
This fantastic event is organised by the Catholic Youth
Ministry Federation for those in Year 9 to Young
Adults. Prayer, worship, speakers, 10,000 others,
music & lots more. We have 50 tickets for our parish
youth - with a coach going to / from
Park Gate. See flier & links as you
leave after Mass. Book early ...
SUNDAY COLLECTION Thank you for your generosity.
Sun 25th Jan Loose Plate £297.49 Envelopes £418.80
Bankers Orders c.£470 TOTAL
£1,186.29
2nd Collection Today - for the Catholic Education Service
CATHOLIC EDUCATION SUNDAY
A warm welcome to Eoin Shaw (St Georges’
Catholic College, Southampton) speaking at
all Masses about the mission of our Catholic
Schools and Catholic Education.
ST ANTHONY’S PRIMARY SCHOOL
CONSULTATION ON ADMISSIONS
As required by the Admissions Code, the Governing
Body St Anthony's Primary School is conducting a
consultation on its proposed Admission Arrangements
for the School year 2016/17. A copy of the proposed
arrangements can be provided. Please can you send
any comments about the proposed arrangements to:
Chair of Governors, St Anthony's RC School,
Titchfield Common, PO14 4RP or by email to
[email protected]
Correspondence no later than Fri 20th Feb ‘15
GREEN ‘CINCTURE OF HONOUR’ Feb ‘15
Goes to Altar Server Dan Bonavia for being
awarded most points in January. Congratulations!
HOLY WEEK PALMS ... to Ashes
Please return any palms you may have from
last year, to the Sacristy, for burning to ash.
Service of Preparation & Burning of palms
Friday 13th February 2.45pm (weather permitting!)
at St. Anthony’s School with the children. All welcome.
Mass Times, Services & Intentions
4th Sun Ord Time B
1st Feb ‘15
Dawn Mass
Day Mass
Evening Mass
Mon Pres’n Lord
Tue St Blaise
Wed
Feria
Thur St Agatha
Fri St Paul M &
St George
Sat HMP Winch
Confessions
8am
10.15am
6.30pm
9.45am
12 Noon
8am
9.45am
9.45am
1.25pm
10.30am
5pm
5th Sun Ord Time B
8th Feb ‘15
Dawn Mass
Day Mass
Evening Mass
8am
10.15am
6.30pm
Ordinary Time Week 4 (Yr 1)
Prayer of the Church Week 4
Alan Watts RIP
For the People of the Parish
Nuala McCann RIP (Piper)
Thanksgiving (Armstrong)
Intention available
Holy Souls (Walford)
Liturgy of Word & Eucharist
Intention available
At St George College
Ints. of the prisoners
In the Lady Chapel
Ordinary Time Week 5 (Yr 1)
Prayer of the Church Week 1
For the People of the Parish
Heidi Ringeisen RIP (Jones)
Neide Nobre RIP (Purves)
Sacrament of Reconciliation Saturday 5pm
PPC & Group Reps Chair Mrs Helen Gardner. Tel. 557580
Pastoral Assistant Mrs. Clare Ryan c/o Church Office
Contact tel. 572797 / e-mail: [email protected]
Church Office open: Mon-Fri 9.30-12 Noon
Safeguarding Co-ordinator Mrs. Christine Millward
Concerns & Advice Tel. 023 9281 6396 (Diocesan Office)
St Anthony’s Primary & Pre-School Office Tel. 579100