2nd Sun Lent B - St. Margaret Mary Church, Park Gate

BAG COLLECTION Today Sun 1st Mar
Money for ‘old rope’! Bag up your old clothes,
shoes, bags, jewellery, and soft toys ... we can
take them! (NB No linen, towels, curtains or duvets) It
is an easy way for us to fundraise. We have raised c.
£2.3k during the last 2 years!
PORTSMOUTH DRAGON BOAT FESTIVAL
Sat 16th May at Lakeside, North Harbour
St Margaret Mary would like to submit a team! We
need 20 young people (16 years and under) to take
part in this fun event.
No previous experience
necessary. Please contact Maggie if you are
interested (tel. 575375) and also watch this space for
date of information meeting. See the website for a
flavour of the fun! www.portsdragonboatfestival.co.uk
LOTTO RESULTS FOR NOV- Congratulations
£30 goes to Mrs Solomon & £10 goes to Mrs Hartle
CHILD PROTECTION TRAINING
Weds 22nd April 6.30-9pm ‘Safeguarding’
in the Church Hall, St Margaret Mary’s.
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].
I
MASS FOR SIGNIFICANT ANNIVERSARIES
The Diocese’s sixth Significant Anniversaries Mass
and Reception will be celebrated at 11am on
Sat 27th June ‘15 at St Bede’s, Basingstoke
for those celebrating their 25th, 40th, 50th, 60th &
60+ wedding anniversaries in 2015. For an invitation,
please fill out the online form available on
www.portsmouthdiocese.org.uk by
clicking ‘Significant Wedding
Anniversaries Mass 2015’ or alternatively
email [email protected].
ST ANTHONY’S PRIMARY SCHOOL
Lent themed Mass Weds 11th Mar 9.30am
All welcome to join us in the Hall for Mass.
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!
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.
Travelling Sun. 14th - Fri. 25th Feb 2016.
Brochures are available in the Foyer.
GREEN ‘CINCTURE OF HONOUR’ Mar ‘15
Goes to Altar Server Grace Ryan for being awarded
most points in February. Congratulations!
WOMEN’S WORLD DAY OF PRAYER
Fri 6th March 2pm at Duncan Road Church
Please join us (men welcome too!)
CRAFT GROUP Thurs 19th March 2-4pm
In Paray Room. All very welcome.
ALPHA VISION & TRAINING
Sat 28th March 10am-2pm
at Bishop Challoner School, Basingstoke
A training day with Michael Roche from Alpha in a
Catholic Context. The day includes an intro to Alpha
in a Catholic Context, Principles of Alpha, Intro to
Small Groups and prayer ministry followed by a lunch
and a concluding session on where do we go from
here. All welcome. To book your place, please email
[email protected].
Fr John would be delighted if parishioners would
consider attending this, with a view to helping start
Alpha (in a Catholic context) for our community. Alpha
is an introduction to a relationship with Jesus, for
those who are at a basic enquiry level. It is a great
tool for Evangelisation, that could be a useful method
of outreach and invitation to sharing our faith. Please
let us know if you’d be interested in attending this day.
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
SECOND SUNDAY OF LENT
Year: B Weekday: Cycle 1
1ST MARCH 2015
Prayer of the Church: Psalter Week 2
SUNDAY THOUGHT: As we continue our pilgrimage through
Lent, we look within ourselves for the strength we need to
follow the way of the cross. Keeping our promises and
deepening prayer. We need a reminder of God's love in
our moments of doubt. Sometimes we lose the ones we
love, sometimes we find ourselves lost, unsure of our next
move in life. Perhaps our plans do not go as we wish. Our
faith tells us that we should rely on God’s Providence, on
Christian hope.
reflecting on The Transfiguration indemnifies us and helps
us to stay on the road to salvation.
When we face problems which discourage us, when things
are difficult, when the haul seems very long, we too need
a vision, a glimpse of the glory to which we are called. I
believe that if we reflect on our lives, and if we are trying to
live lives of quality, then our ‘Tabors’ will be granted to us.
A problem which at ground floor level seems as large as
an elephant, at the top of Mount Tabor will seem no bigger
On Mount Tabor Jesus shows us His true identity. It was a than an ant.
wonderful experience for the three apostles who witnessed
Fr Joe Gruszkiewicz
the transfiguration of Christ. Nevertheless we know that the
faith of each of the disciples was put to the test before WOMEN’S* WORLD DAY OF PRAYER- Friday 6th March
crucifixion of the Lord. Whenever we experience something
This year’s interdenominational service has been
that undermines our faith we need more grace to prepared by Christian women of the Bahamas on the
strengthen us. Could it be that in facing dark times, with
Theme: Jesus said to them:
God on our side, we become more whole? We have a
“Do you know what I have done to you?”
choice: to be alone and embittered, or to walk with Him and Look out for your nearest service which is open to all.
hear that voice of encouragement, the voice that *It is called Women’s World Day of Prayer because it is
transfigures, calls us to be more than we are already; the
prepared by women but is not exclusive to women
voice that calls us His beloved.
Today’s Gospel of the Transfiguration reminds us that in CATHOLIC WOMEN’S LEAGUE [CWL] MEETING –
Jesus we have a mighty intercessor with the Father and He WEDNESDAY 4TH MAR - MARYHOUSE, GOSPORT.
can help us to remain on our Lenten journey which leads
FIRST FRIDAY – 6TH MAR – SACRED HEART, FAREHAM
us to the glory of Easter Sunday.
Jesus is comforted by a voice of assurance, as we hear in
the Gospel, a voice of love that tells Him He is beloved by
His Father. This is a moment of truth, a moment of
transfiguration. This gives Him the strength he needs to
continue a journey that will lead to the cross. In our own
lives too, we need to know the love God has for us, His
saving grace through Jesus, the Son of God, the beloved.
We need to be reminded that we have been created by
Him and chosen in love. We know that God the Father has
given us His Son that we might be free. However, when we
doubt that He is equal to God the Father, ‘consubstantial’,
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 – 7TH MAR – ST MARY’S, GOSPORT
HAVE YOU GOT A COPY OF THE LENT ANCHOR?
PLEASE NOTE: THE RECONCILIATION SERVICE in St
Mary’s, Gosport, will be on W EDS 25TH MARCH after the
7PM MASS(NOT TUES 24TH)
Pope Francis @Pontifex: There is no sin that God
cannot pardon. All we need to do is ask for forgiveness.
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 Email: [email protected]
Web Site: www.stmm.org.uk Reg. Charity No. 246871
Priest: Rev. John Cooke.
Second Sunday of Lent
Year of Mark (B)
Sun 1st March 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
am/pm
3pm
4.30pm
5pm
10.30am
11am
7pm
10am
11.15am
7.30pm
10.30am
11am
7pm
1.30pm
6pm
7pm
11am
4pm
8.15am
5pm
6.30pm
Bag Collection Sunday
Meeting with a wedding couple
Confirmation session
Stations of the Cross & Benediction
Rosary in Lady Chapel
Appointment with a Parishioner
RCIA ‘Eucharist’
Appointment with a Parishioner
Stations of the Cross
Choir Practice
Bethany Group & Rosary
Clergy Meeting (Bishop Agenda)
Lent Reflection Evening (Church)
Gosport - Franciscan Sisters
Exposition of Blessed Sacrament
Vigil Reception - Tony Trigg RIP
Requiem Mass - Tony Trigg RIP
House blessing
Flame 2 - Wembley Arena 10,000!
Stations of the Cross & Benediction
RCIA - Scrutinies
NEW FRANCISCAN SISTERS (Bridgemary)
Tues 24th March (Vigil for the Annunciation)
You are all invited to join us at St Mary’s, Gosport, to
welcome the Sisters who will move into Bridgemary
after Easter. We will have Rosary at 6.30pm and
Mass at 7pm. Mass will be celebrated by Bishop Philip
and there will be some refreshments in the St Mary’s
Hall afterwards. Please join us and meet our new
community, who we hope will be working across the
Parish, in time.
NATIONAL YOUTH CONGRESS - ‘FLAME 2’
Sat. 7th Mar. 2015 - Wembley Arena.
For those travelling with our group to Flame 2, please
ensure you are at the St Margaret Mary Car park by
8.15am sharp for a 8.30am departure! Don’t forget
your packed lunch and snacks for the day
and pocket money, if you wish.
QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION
The second reading from Romans begins with these
words: “If God is for us, who can be against us?” How
would you describe, from the reading, what St. Paul
believes is the Christian's first and final answer in
times of difficulty, despair, suffering, and fear? How
can you apply Paul’s answer to your own life?
FIRST EUCHARIST PROGRAMME 2015
We ask for Forgiveness; Reconciliation
Parents Session: Tues 10th Mar 7.30-9pm in the Hall
Children’s session: Sat 14th Mar 10.30am - 12.30pm
First Reconciliation Family Service: Sat 21st March
3pm in the Church and a tea in the Hall afterwards
REST IN PEACE
Please pray for Tony Trigg RIP who died on
11th Feb. Tony will be received into the Church
for a Vigil on Thurs 5th March at 7pm and his
Requiem Mass will be on Friday 6th March at 11am.
May he rest in peace & rise in glory.
CHILDREN’S LITURGY - HOLY WEEK
Good Friday Stations of the Cross/ Easter Sunday
A brief meeting for those who wish to take part on Sun
18th March after 10.15am Mass, with short rehearsals
the following 2 Sundays. Please take a flier ...
FORTY HOURS VIGIL
This Fri 13th March 3pm to Sun 15th March 7am
Continuous adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. This
ancient devotion represents the forty hours Jesus
spent in the tomb from Good Friday to His glorious
Resurrection. We are looking for volunteers to sign up
and spend an hour or two with Our Lord. Why not
make this your Lenten retreat?
Session: ‘Dignity of the human person’
Today, 1st March 4.30 - 6pm in the Hall
There will be two night vigils over the Friday
and Saturday nights so we are especially
looking for volunteers for these times. Please
sign up on the lists which will go up shortly in
the Foyer. Or telephone David Walford 01489
481698 for more info. and offers of help.
Refreshments available in the Paray Room.
ADULT JOURNEY IN FAITH - R.C.I.A.
LENT Prayer, Fasting and Almsgiving
Meeting in the Paray Room, the room on
the right as you enter the Foyer.
Mon 2nd March. 7pm - 8.30pm
Theme: ‘The 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.
Lent is here! A season of grace in which we
prepare ourselves to celebrate with profound
joy the death and resurrection of Our Lord,
Jesus Christ. During Lent we are called to
fast, to pray and to give alms.
CONFIRMATION 2016
CAFOD
Family Fast Day Fri 27th Feb
With the collection of savings
today, Sun 1st March. To support Lent Fast Day
please pick up an envelope in the Church foyer. For
more information visit cafod.org.uk/fastday
CATHOLIC MARRIAGE CARE
Experiencing upset or difficulties? Tel. 0118 946 2529
PRAYERS PLEASE
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,
Frankie Lane, Sue & John Forer & Joseph Tobin. Thank you.
Stations of the Cross & Benediction Sundays 5pm
Lenten Reflection Evenings
Weds 4th & 18th March 7 - 8pm
Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament
Thursdays from 6 - 8pm
Service of Reconciliation with Confessions
Sun 22nd March 3pm
PARISH S.V.P. GROUP ‘St Vincent de Paul’
Last Saturday of the month 2-4pm
'Vinnies' Drop-in. (Next date 28th March)
Please pop in for a Cuppa, Chat, some time for you
We will either be in the Paray Room or the Hall.
Next Meeting: Sun 8th March 4.45pm, Paray Room
PLANNED GIVING ENVELOPES FOR 2015-16
will be available in the Paray Room on Sun 8th March.
SUNDAY COLLECTION Thank you for your generosity.
Sun 22nd Feb Loose Plate £265.81 Envelopes £398.50
Bankers Orders c.£470 TOTAL
£1,134.31
Last weekend a second collection for the Easter Flowers £175
Today, a CAFOD Family Fast Day collection
MESSAGE FROM BISHOP PHILIP
Evangelisation Strategy Teams
Bishop Philip writes:
“Praying for the Evangelisation Strategy Team. During
Lent, time allowing, Fr John will meet with possible
team members for the Evangelisation Strategy Team.
Please continue to pray during this time, that those
with the gifts and skills to serve on this Team might
come forward, and that the Holy Spirit continues to
guide the process. Thank you.”
To find out more, go to
www.portsmouthdiocese.org.uk /evangelisation-teams
YEARS 7-13 NIGHT OUT Sat 7th Mar 7.30-10pm
Churches Together Event for young people
in Years 7-11. Saturday night special at Fareham
leisure centre. Costs £4.25 for entrance and your
snack money. Come with your friends and enjoy
squash, swimming, football bouncy castle, tuck shop
etc See you there! (Young people can be dropped off
and picked up as adult supervision is provided from
the various Church Youth group leaders)
LENT SOUP LUNCH Sat 28th March at 12 noon
This year’s annual Lent Soup lunch will be organised
by the S.V.P. and monies raised will go toward their
funds assisting those in need. Please join us in the
Hall for a tasty lunch! If you’d like to donate soup or
help with serving, please contact the Parish office.
Mass Times, Services & Intentions
Second Sun of Lent B
Sun 1st Mar ‘15
Lent - Week 2 of 6
Prayer of the Church Week 2
Dawn Mass
8am
Day Mass
10.15am
Lent Devotions
5pm
Evening Mass 6.30pm
For the People of the Parish
Holy Souls - FOSS (Armstrong)
Stations Cross & Benediction
Mary Morrish RIP
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thur
Fri
Sat
Lent
Lent
Lent
Lent
Vigil
Funeral
9.45am
12 noon
9.45am
9.45am
7pm
11am
—
Third Sun of Lent B
Sun 8th Mar ‘15
Dawn Mass
8am
Day Mass
10.15am
Lent Devotions
5pm
Evening Mass 6.30pm
Ints of Ozric & Family (Arm’st)
Holy Souls (Ip)
Holy Souls (Walford)
Liturgy of Word & Eucharist
Reception Tony Trigg RIP
Requiem Tony Trigg RIP
Sorry, no confessions
Lent - Week 3 of 6
Prayer of the Church Week 3
For the People of the Parish
Jean Hoyle RIP
Stations Cross & Benediction
Irene Dallimore RIP
Sacrament of Reconciliation Sorry, no confessions
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: Tues-Thurs 8.30-12.30pm
Safeguarding Co-ordinator Mrs. Christine Millward
Concerns & Advice Tel. 023 9281 6396 (Diocesan Office)
St Anthony’s Primary & Pre-School Office Tel. 579100