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
CRAFT GROUP Thurs 26th March 2-4pm
In Paray Room. All very welcome.
BETHANY PRAYER GROUP Weds 10.30 - 11.45am
Meets in Paray Rm for prayer, reflection & bible study
THE SACRED TRIDUUM ‘Three Days’
The Triduum (Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, & the
Easter Vigil) is observed by the Church as a single,
three-day-long Liturgy. Visually, try to hold that in mind
and note the continuity i.e. Holy Thursday’s Eucharist
has no dismissal rite; Good Friday’s Liturgy has no
greeting or dismissal rite, and the Easter Vigil does not
have an entrance rite. Blessing at the end!
HOLY WEEK & TRIDUUM
Palm Sunday Blessing of the Palms & Procession
We invite you to gather in the Church Hall.
Maundy Thursday
7.30pm Mass of the Last Supper
Washing of the Feet, Eucharist,
stripping of the Altar & procession to
the Altar of Repose in the Hall.
‘Watching’ until Night Prayer 11.30pm
Good Friday
10.30am Stations of the Cross
led by the Children’s Liturgy.
3pm Passion of Our Lord
Holy Saturday ‘Sepulchre’ in the Lady Chapel.
9.30am Office of Readings & Morning Prayer
and blessing of Easter food
Easter Vigil Sat 8pm
Liturgy of Light, Scripture readings,
Blessing of Water, Renewal of Baptismal
Promises, Initiations & Confirmation
Followed by Refreshments in the Hall.
Easter Sunday
8am Dawn Mass
10.15am Day Mass
HOLY WEEEK & EASTER SERVICE CARDS
Small packs of cards with details of Easter Services
are available in the Foyer. Please take some of these
and pass them on to friends family and neighbours.
HOLY WEEK MASS OF THE SACRED OILS
Tues 31st Mar 11am - Cathedral, Portsmouth
All are v. welcome for this important gathering of the
Diocese in the Cathedral, with the Bishop and his
Clergy renewing their Ordination promises.
Also the solemn blessing of the Oil of Catechumens,
the Oil of the Sick and the solemn consecration of the
Oil of Chrism. These Holy Oils are an important part
in the Sacramental Life of our Community.
EXPOSITION OF THE BLESSED SACRAMENT
Thursdays 6 - 8pm Silent vigil of adoration oasis of
peace and prayer. Feel free to pop in.
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.
SHARING THE JOY OF THE GOSPEL
The Dominican Sisters of St Joseph are
leading six evenings for those handing on
the faith to others. Perfect for Parents,
Grandparents, Teachers & Catechists.
Tuesday evenings in our Hall from 7.30 - 9pm.
Dates: 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.
LOURDES CAKE STALL £215! Thank you v. much.
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
22NDMARCH 2015
FIFTH SUNDAY OF LENT
Year: B Weekday: Cycle 1
Prayer of the Church: Psalter Week 1
SUNDAY THOUGHT: In this the fifth week of Lent we are ourselves up. To help us we have the Sacrament of
rapidly approaching Holy Week. Our spiritual reading, prayer
and meditation makes us aware that the climax of Jesus'
ministry is fast approaching. The cost of his mission here on
earth points to his ultimate sacrifice on the altar of wood, the
Cross. As He solemnly declared – ‘unless a wheat grain falls
on the ground and dies it remains only a single grain; but if it
dies it yields a rich harvest’. Without the cross we cannot
have the resurrection.
Reconciliation. In this coming week there will be FOUR
Reconciliation Services (see Lent Anchor & Mass Times
page) in our local larger Parish Area.
Let us take advantage of these Services to receive the grace
we need to continue our spiritual struggle and make our
peace with the Lord.
people would prefer to do whatever they want, rather than
abstaining or sacrificing self. We could so easily follow the
ways of the world - pursuing wealth; pleasures of the flesh;
addictions; fame; excitement…!To not follow the behaviour of
the world, but let our behaviour change, modelled by our new
mind takes sacrifice and determination: strengthened by
grace and the power of the Holy Spirit, to follow the Way, the
Truth and the Life who is Jesus. In this modern culture of
ours it is not easy to follow Jesus and being human we fall
many, many times. On the road to Calvary Jesus fell three
times but picked himself up every time. We too need to pick
‘The Sisters live very simply, as is the Franciscan charism, and
have a strict vow of poverty. I hope that we, as a community, will
welcome them and assist them in their vocation and help provide
for their daily needs.’
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
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
Christ loved the world and died to save us. He died for the
very least of us as well as for the greatest, there is no
Each one of us could be considered as a single grain and we distinction. Evangelisation is the responsibility of each and
need to die spiritually to self in order to reap a rich harvest. every-one of us. We pray for strength to bring a rich harvest
We know this is the path of life that Jesus calls us to follow, to our suffering world. Deacon Langford Vincent
for He trod it before and died for us. Lent is an opportune
time, when listening to the Word of God and through WELCOME MASS
meditation, to make an important choice: to stay as we are or On Tuesday we will formally welcome the new community of
change. Are we so in love with the life that the world offers us Franciscan Sisters who are moving into our Parish. The Mass
that we run the risk of losing the final goal? Or do we dare let of Welcome and Dedication, on Tuesday 24th March at 7pm,
go of who we are, what we have and love in the world in order will be celebrated by Bishop Philip in St Mary’s Church,
to have life as Jesus promised us? Following Jesus is a Gosport (Rosary at 6.30pm). The community will be moving
matter of spiritual death in order to come to full life, a life that into the Presbytery at Bridgemary sometime after Easter. Do
you have a wardrobe or set of drawers you could donate to
will bear a rich harvest.
To follow Jesus in the way that he asks is not easy. Human the Sisters? They would also greatly appreciate the use of a
nature always seeks to avoid suffering and takes the easy car so they can visit and minister within the Parish, and of
road which embraces having a good time. But our spiritual course attend daily Mass (preferably a six seater). If you
nature draws us to sacrifice of self for the sake of those in have a car you no longer use/need and could either lend, or
need. So human nature and spiritual nature are in conflict. gift, this to the community, please contact Fr John Cooke:
How we deal with this conflict makes us who we are. Most 01489 572797 or email [email protected]
Q.A. Hospital Chaplain
Fr Joe McNerney:
02392 286 408
Please speak to your local Priest if you are interested in
volunteering for the new Evangelisation Strategy Team that
Bishop Philip is requesting of every pastoral area/parish in
the Diocese. Your name and details will be forwarded to
Fr John Cooke so that a discernment conversation can be
arranged shortly after Easter.
Many thanks, Fr John Cooke
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.
Fifth Sunday of Lent
Year of Mark (B)
Sun 22th March 2015
THE WEEK AHEAD Diary - at a glance …
BAPTISM ‘Welcome to God’s Family!’
Sun 22nd 3pm
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 29th
Parish Reconciliation service
Note:- No Stations/Benediction
10.30am Rosary in Lady Chapel
7pm
RCIA - Rehearsal for Easter
7.30pm Reconciliations - St. Philip Howard
11.15am Stations of the Cross
6pm
St. Anthony’s Full Governing Body
6.30pm Rosary at St. Mary’s Gosport
7pm
Welcome Mass at St. Mary’s for our new Franciscan community
7.30pm Choir Practice
10.30am Bethany Group / Rosary Group
7pm
Reconciliations - St. Mary’s Gosport
Retreat day - Dominicans, Sway
2pm
Craft group
2pm
Reconciliations - St. John’s, Lee
6-8pm
Exposition of Bl. Sacrament
9.30pm Palm Mass - St. Anthony’s
7pm
Holy week prep with MC
7pm
Dragon Boat meeting - Hall
7am
HMP Winchester
12noon SVP soup lunch - in the Hall
2pm
‘Vinnies’ drop in Café
5pm
Confessions
Clocks go forward 1 hr
4.45pm SVP meeting - Paray Room
8pm
Padre Pio Prayer group - Chapel
ALTAR SERVERS’ HOLY WEEK PRACTICES
Training during Holy Week, to prepare for the Triduum, will
take place in the church as follows:Holy Thursday Mon 30th March 6.30 - 7.45pm
Good Friday
Wed 1st April
6.30 - 7.15pm
Easter Vigil
Wed 1st April
7.30 - 8.30pm
If you wish to serve it is important to attend the practices.
Newsletters are available in the sacristy for you to sign up!
ST ANTHONY’S PRIMARY SCHOOL
th
Palm Mass Friday 27 March 9.30am
All welcome to join us in the Hall for Mass.
QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION
In the Gospel reading, we hear these words of Jesus:
“Unless a grain of wheat falls on the ground and dies,
it remains only a single grain; but if it dies, it yields a
rich harvest.” With Good Friday and Easter fast
approaching, what additional steps can you take to
fulfil these words of Jesus, and produce “a rich
harvest” in the remaining days of Lent?
FIRST EUCHARIST PROGRAMME 2015
Session: ‘Feasting on God’s Word’
Parents: Tue 21st April 7.30 - 9pm
Children: Sat 25th April 10.30 - 12.30pm
Parents Info & Practicalities
Sat 25th April 11.30 - 12.30pm (Paray Rm)
Family Celebration Mass with presentation of Bibles
Sun 26th April at 10.15am.
CONFIRMATION 2016
Next Session: ‘Sin & Mercy’
Sunday 26th April 4.30 - 6pm in the Hall
ADULT JOURNEY IN FAITH - R.C.I.A.
Mon 23rd March 7pm, Paray Room
‘Prayer & Easter Vigil practice’
The sessions normally take place in the Paray Room
& are for anyone who would like to know more about
the gift of faith, Confirmation / or becoming a Catholic.
PRAYERS PLEASE FOR OUR ELECT
During Lent, please pray for those in our Community
who are on our Adult Journey of Faith (R.C.I.A.) and
are preparing for confirmation this Easter.
Please pray for: Emma and John
RED BOX HOLDERS
The Spring ‘Mission Today’ has now
arrived. If your Red Box needs emptying
there are envelopes available in the foyer. Or put your
box in a named bag & pass to one of the Repository
helpers. For more info or to arrange collection please
phone Marguerite Boulter on 01489 575663
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.
MESSAGE FROM BISHOP PHILIP
Evangelisation Strategy Teams
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.
HELP NEEDED PLEASE - Altar of Repose
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.
FORTY HOURS VIGIL from David Walford
Many thanks to all those who came along last
weekend or signed up for the rota. It was a
great success and I’m sure the Lord will pour
out His blessings on our parish and beyond. A special
thank you to Fr. John for all the Liturgies and prayers
during the weekend and to Clare for producing the
fantastic booklet we were able to use.
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
Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament
Thursdays from 6 - 8pm
Services of Reconciliation with Confessions
Today 22nd Mar 3pm - St Margaret Mary
Tomorrow 23rd March 7.30pm
St Philip Howard, Fareham
Wed. 25th March St Mary’s, Gosport
Thurs. 26th March 2pm
St John’s, Lee on the Solent
HAPPY BIRTHDAY
Our love & prayers to Nick, our wonderful, M.C. as he
reaches the big ‘THREE O’ next Tuesday.
PARISH S.V.P. GROUP ‘St Vincent de Paul’
‘Vinnies Cafe’ Next Sat, 28th March 2 - 4pm
A drop-in session. Please pop in to meet the team,
share a cuppa, enjoy some company, and take some
time for yourself. We will be either in the Paray Room
or the Hall.
SVP Council Mtg. Sun 29th Mar 4.45pm, Paray Rm
SVP Income & 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 15th March
Loose Plate £287.50 Envelopes £247.31
Bankers Orders c.£470 TOTAL
£1,004.81
Special collection for Clergy Assistance Fund - £147.27
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.”
To find out more, go to
www.portsmouthdiocese.org.uk/evangelisation-teams
Would you like to be part of the Team for our area?
please contact the Office for an appointment
CALLING ALL CHILDREN & YOUNG PEOPLE!
Children’s Stations of the Cross on Good Friday
10.30am & Easter Sunday Children’s Mass 10.15am
If you would like to take part or help with these
services, please talk to Maggie (Children’s Liturgy).
There are some fliers in the Foyer with more details.
There will be rehearsals after 10.15am Mass today and
on Palm Sunday. All welcome.
ROSARY - Mondays & Wednesdays at 10.30am
In the Lady Chapel after Mass. All very welcome.
ST GEORGE COLLEGE, SOUTHAMPTON
R.E. Teacher vacancy - see the Notice board
CLOCK CHANGING Sat 28th Mar = forward 1 hour.
Mass Times, Services & Intentions
Fifth Sun of Lent B
Sun 22th March ‘15
Dawn Mass
Day Mass
Confessions
Evening Mass
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thur
Fri
Sat
8am
10.15am
3pm
6.30pm
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
9.45am
Lent
Intentions of J. Monfort
12 noon
Lent
Holy Souls (Ip)
9.45am Annunciation Intentions of J. Pettett
Lent
9.45am
Eucharistic service
9.45am
Private Intention - (Eccles)
Lent
10.30am HMP Winch Intentions of the prisoners
5pm
Confessions In the Lady Chapel
Palm Sunday - B
Sun 29th March ‘15
Dawn Mass
8am
Day Mass
10.15am
Lent Devotions
5pm
Evening Mass 6.30pm
Holy Week
Prayer of the Church Week 2
Philip Kilbride RIP
Bennet Thelis RIP
Stations Cross & Benediction
For the People of the Parish
Confessions Today, 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