PORTSMOUTH DRAGON BOAT FESTIVAL
Information Meeting Fri 27th March 7pm
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 would like
more information (tel. 575375).
Please join us for our information meeting on 27th
March at 7pm in the hall including a video about the
race.
See the website for a flavour of the fun!
www.portsdragonboatfestival.co.uk
DIOCESAN PILGRIMAGE TO LOURDES
Fri 21st – Fri 28th Aug ‘15
FUNDRAISING COMMITTEE MEETING
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!
Helper applications must be in by 1st June
All other pilgrims by 31st July.
Thurs 19th March. 7.30pm. All very welcome.
At 39 Greenaway Lane, Warsash.
HOLY LAND PILGRIMAGE EXPERIENCE 2016
CATHOLIC MARRIAGE CARE
Experiencing upset or difficulties? Tel. 0118 946 2529
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].
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.
SHARING THE JOY OF THE GOSPEL
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].
CRAFT GROUP Thurs 19th March 2-4pm
In Paray Room. All very welcome.
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.
The Dominican Sisters of St Joseph are leading 6
evenings for those handing on the faith to others.
This would be perfect for parents, grandparents,
teachers & catechists. We are hosting a series of
these, on a Tuesday evening, in our Hall from 7.309pm. Dates will be:- 28th April, 30th June, 28th July,
29th Sept, 27th Oct and 24th Nov. All 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
15THMARCH 2015
FORTH SUNDAY OF LENT
Year: B Weekday: Cycle 1
Prayer of the Church: Psalter Week 4
SUNDAY THOUGHT: ‘God loved the world so much that restores the sanctifying grace we lose through our
he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes deliberate turning away from God.
in him may not be lost but may have eternal life.’
So let us not be content with merely ‘getting by’ in life, let‘s
How do you define love? Whatever your definition is, as live the life God intended us to live. Let us focus on the
Catholics we are called to love God above all things. He treasures of Heaven, not on worldly success, and look
forward to the day that God will welcome us home as
has to come first.
‘good and faithful servants’.
It is possible to get by in life without God. We see many
Father John Chandler
atheists who are successful and appear to be doing well.
Many have beautiful homes, flash cars, high-profile jobs
EVANGELISATION STRATEGY TEAM:
and responsibilities. The treasures of the world are theirs
Could God be calling you to help the Evangelisation
for the taking; but what about the treasures of Heaven?
Strategy Team? Do you have a passion for others to come
We sometimes think that those who are doing well in life to know Jesus? Do you have basic skills in organisation,
are blessed by God and those who are struggling have collaboration and communication? Are you keen to find
been neglected by Him, but this is not true.
new and creative ways to help others discover Christ and
build a relationship with him? You could be just the person
There is only one kind of success in life and that is our
we need for our Pastoral Area’s Evangelisation Strategy
ability to stand before God as a ‘good and faithful servant’.
Team! The commitment is one meeting a term, in addition
‘It is through grace that you have been saved’, St. Paul
to assisting with simple, realistic evangelisation projects.
tells us in our second reading. It is only by our co-operation
Please contact Fr John Cooke on 01489 572797.
with the grace of God that we will be a ‘good and faithful
servant’.
PLEASE PRAY FOR THE EVANGELISATION STRATEGY TEAM
God freely offers to us the way to our Salvation, but we Pope Francis @Pontifex: In the roughest moments
have to freely accept it. Every human being has been remember: God is our Father; God does not abandon his
saved through the merits of Christ‘s death on the Cross. children.
But those merits have to be applied to us individually.
Bishop Philip @BishopEgan: My soul is thirsting for God,
When St. Paul talks about us being ‘saved’ he is talking the God of my life: when can I enter and see the face of
about the past action of Christ, not our present state or God?Ps:41
future destination. The treasure of Heaven on earth is
Grace. We are sanctified by God through the grace
PORTSMOUTH DIOCESE E-NEWS - SIGN UP
received through baptism, and this grace is maintained
Keep in touch with the news!
through our prayer life, the sacraments, works of charity
The
Diocese
of Portsmouth issues a weekly e-news with
and our participation in the life of the Church.
photos, news, & information.
We can, of course, fall from a state of grace, and when we Go to www.portsmouthdiocese.org.uk and add your email
do Jesus has given us the remedy; the Sacrament of address to receive these updates. Are you on Facebook?
Confession, which restores our relationship with God and Like ‘Diocese of Portsmouth’ to get all the latest info.
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
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.
Fourth Sunday of Lent
Year of Mark (B)
Sun 15th March 2015
THE WEEK AHEAD Diary - at a glance ...
BAPTISM ‘Welcome to God’s Family!’
Sun 15th
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
6.30am
Masses
4.30pm
5pm
10.30am
11am
7pm
11.15am
1.30pm
7.30pm
7.45pm
7.45pm
8am
7pm
2pm
7.30pm
8am
7am
3pm
Sun 22nd 3pm
Closing liturgy - 40 Hours devotion
Mothers day blessing
Confirmation session ‘Prayer’ (Hall)
Stations of the Cross & Benediction
Rosary in Lady Chapel
Meeting re Funtime pre-school
RCIA - What is the Triduum & Vigil?
Stations of the Cross
St Anthony’s - Reconciliation (Y4-6)
Choir Practice
SVP meeting - Hall
KSC mtg - Paray Rm (after service)
Mass
Fr John meeting in London
Lent Reflection Evening (Church)
Craft group
Fundraising committee meeting
Mass
Funeral, Fr Walne -Northampton
HMP Winchester
FHC - First Confession Service
Clocks go forward 1 hr
Parish reconciliation service
Note:- No Station of the Cross today
THANK YOU from Ann
Ann Trigg & family have been overwhelmed with the
prayers, Mass cards and offers of help at this very
difficult time. A special thanks to Fathers John and
James. Mass will be offered for the intentions of the
people of the Parish on 22nd April
MOTHER’S DAY BLESSING ‘Latarae Sunday’
Wishing all the Mums in our Church family
a very relaxing and enjoyable ‘Happy
Mother’s Day’. We especially remember
and celebrate you today, but we
appreciate you all year round!
QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION
In the 2nd reading, St. Paul states that God "raised us
up with him, and seated us with him in the heavens in
Christ Jesus, that in the ages to come He might show
the immeasurable riches of his grace in his kindness
to us in Christ Jesus.” In what way is your life an
example to others of God’s “immeasurable riches of
his grace in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus”?
Are your Lenten observances helping to make your life
an even greater witness of Christ to others?
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.
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
today after 10.15am Mass, with short rehearsals the
next 2 Sundays. Please take a flier ...
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
KNIGHTS OF ST COLUMBA Council 620.
LOURDES CAKE SALE Today - Sun 15th March
Meeting in the Paray Room - Tues 17th March
after our 7.45pm Liturgy of the Word & Eucharist.
FIRST EUCHARIST PROGRAMME 2015
LENT REFLECTION EVENING - Wed 18th Mar
Helena is back today to support our
Lourdes fund with a sale for ‘Mothering
Sunday’ when we can indulge with some
mid-Lent treats in celebration of the day.
We ask for Forgiveness; Reconciliation
Come and spend a while in quiet contemplation in this
busy run-up to Easter. An hour of quiet reflection on
scripture and our role in God’s plan. An ideal
opportunity to prepare for the sacrament of
reconciliation during Lent.
This Wednesday (18th) 7pm in the Church
HELP NEEDED PLEASE
Ronnie Gaoua will be dismantling the Altar of Repose
in the Hall at 10.30am on Sat 4th April and needs
some assistance as some of the items are very heavy.
Please ring Ronnie on 01489 570328 if you can help.
First Reconciliation Family Service: Sat 21st March
3pm in the Church and a tea in the Hall afterwards.
Please remember the party food you have offered to
bring with you for the gathering.
CONFIRMATION 2016
Session: ‘Prayer’
Today,15th March 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 16th March. 7.30pm - 9pm - Hall
Theme: ‘What is the Triduum?’
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.
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.
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.
LENT Prayer, Fasting and Almsgiving
Lent – 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.
Stations of the Cross & Benediction Sundays 5pm
Lenten Reflection Evening
This Weds 18th March 7 - 8pm
Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament
Thursdays from 6 - 8pm
Service of Reconciliation with Confessions
Next Sunday 22nd March 3pm
PARISH S.V.P. GROUP ‘St Vincent de Paul’
Last Saturday of the month 2-4pm
the SVP group are holding 'Vinnies'
A Drop-in session. (Next date 28th March)
Please pop in to meet the team, share a cuppa, enjoy
some company, and take some time for yourself.
We will either be in the Paray Room or the Hall.
SVP Council Meetings
Next Meeting: Tue 17th March 7.30pm, Paray Room
Future meeting: Sun 29th Mar 4.45pm, Paray Room
SVP Income and expenditure for the last two years is
displayed on the notice board for your information.
Many thanks for your continued support.
SUNDAY COLLECTION Thank you for your generosity.
Sun 8th March Loose Plate £284.55 Envelopes £366.73
Bankers Orders c.£470 TOTAL
£1,121.28
Today - special collection for Clergy Assistance Fund
CLOCK CHANGING
Don’t forget to change your clocks on Sat 28th March
- they go forward one hour.
Mass Times, Services & Intentions
Fourth Sun of Lent B
Sun 15th March ‘15
Dawn Mass
8am
Day Mass
10.15am
Lent Devotions 4.30pm
Evening Mass 6.30pm
Mon 9.45am
Lent
Tue 12 noon St Patrick
7.45pm
KSC
Wed
8am
Lent
Thur 9.45am St Joseph
Fri
8am
Lent
Sat
7am
HMP Winch
Confessions
—
Fifth Sun of Lent B
Sun 22th March ‘15
Dawn Mass
Day Mass
Confessions
Evening Mass
8am
10.15am
3pm
6.30pm
Lent Week 4 of 6
Prayer of the Church Week 4
Ints. Hayward family
Tony Trigg RIP (Raymont)
Stations Cross & Benediction
For the People of the Parish
Mrs De Knock RIP (Fdn)
Tony Trigg RIP (O’Mahony)
Liturgy of Word & Eucharist
Tony Trigg RIP
Liturgy of Word & Eucharist
Brian Jones RIP
Intentions of the prisoners
See Sunday 3pm
Lent - Week 5 of 6
Prayer of the Church Week 1
Deceased of Morrish family
William Heaney RIP
Parish Reconciliation Service
For the People of the Parish
Service of Reconciliation & Confessions Sunday 3pm
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