CONFIRMATION - 2018

Fri 11th May 7- 8.30pm Session 10

In the St Joseph Centre (for the whole Avon & Stour Pastoral Area).

BAPTISM ‘Welcome to God’s Family!’

Please contact the Christchurch parish office to arrange for the preparation for the Sacrament of Baptism.

FIRST EUCHARIST PROGRAMME ‘18

The first & most important stage toward the process for requesting the Sacraments is to join your community for the celebration of the Eucharist on a Sunday. St Joseph’s prep:- Rehearsal Thurs 10th May 6-7pm FHC main celebration - Sat 12th May 11am

EXPOSITION OF THE BLESSED SACRAMENT Silent vigil of Adoration, an oasis of peace and prayer before the Blessed Sacrament.

Holy Redeemer Church: Monday 10.30am - 3pm

Immaculate Conception & St Joseph Church: Mon, Weds, Thurs., 9am - 10am Friday 9am - 6.30pm

CHRISTCHURCH FOOD BANK

Stocks are slowly building up, but we know there'll be significant demand in the summer. In particular we still need UHT milk, fruit squash, 'smash', tinned fruit and veg, tinned tuna, crisps, ketchup, instant coffee and biscuits.

Thank you from all the Team & those that need the Foodbank+

SCRIPTURE EVENINGS - Weds/Thurs

Highcliffe Parish Meets every Wednesday from 7.15pm in the Annexe at Holy Redeemer Church, Highcliffe.

Christchurch Parish Home Group Meets every Thursday from 7.30pm in Mudeford. Please contact Moira 01425 279467 / 07722 170 117

All are welcome to come together to ‘unpack’ the Word.

The Bible Society has a great new resource specifically to help Catholics get started

‘WELCOME TO WORSHIP’

Tues 15th May 6.15pm for 7-9pm

You are invited to join us first for a meal of PIZZA & SALAD, DOUGHNUTS & FRUIT in St Joseph’s Parish Centre from 6.15pm . Then we move into the Church for the main event from 7 - 8.45pm , followed by refreshments and another chance to mingle.

Welcome to Worship is our termly evening of uplifting singing, music, Scripture, a short talk and choice of ways to respond quietly in prayer / reflection.

Our theme this time is “You will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit” (Acts 2:38), preparing us to celebrate the great feast of Pentecost the following Sunday.

This is a great event for anyone aged 10-100 and an ideal opportunity to invite someone from another Christian church, a teenager or a friend who is struggling with their faith to come with you.

For more information contact Richard rmartin@portsmouthdiocese.org.uk 07990 826 934

ESSENTIAL TRAINING FOR CATECHISTS

At Sacred Heart Church, Bournemouth

Friday’s 4th May - 1st June 7.30 - 9pm

The Diocesan Formation for Mission Team is offering 5 sessions of training for those interested in catechesis & faith formation. This includes children & adult groups.

YOUTH Come to the FeastCome to the FeastCome to the FeastCome to the Feast 11th May & 8th June 7-8.30pm Anyone in School Years 7-10, is invited to this special version of Come to the Feast being held at St Joseph’s, Christchurch, on Friday evenings– focusing on understanding the Mass through activities, games, teaching, discussion and prayer/worship. To find out more, download a parental consent form and to sign up, please visit the Come to the Feast website: https://rmartin236.wixsite.com/feast/youth-event For more information contact Richard rmartin@portsmouthdiocese.org.uk 07990 826934

EUCHARISTIC MINISTERS & LECTORS

St Joseph’s Parish - Feast of Corpus Christi

Please note that Ministers will be re-commissioned during the Masses on the weekend of 2nd/3rd June.

If any parishioner would like to be considered in becoming a Eucharistic Minister, please have a chat to Fr. John, Clare or Mike Cooper.

EUCHARISTIC MINISTERS

Tues 22nd May 7-9pm Reflection & Formation Day We invite all ministers to put the date in the diary to join us in the St Joseph’s Centre for some time reflecting on this privileged ministry. Thank you.

‘I WANT TO MAKE MY HOME IN YOU’ New FHC resource-training. Thurs 24th May

7.30pm at the Annunciation Church Hall

Inviting new & experienced catechists, helpers or anyone who may be interested to learn more.

Dominican Sr. Hyacinthe will give a presentation on ‘I want to make my Home in you’ (Redemptorist publications). If you would like to attend please phone their parish office on 01202 513 369

HOME ROSARY GROUP - St Joseph's

2nd & 4th Monday’s of the month at 11am.

Please contact Eileen on 01202 474 024 or Gerardine 01425 672 100 for further

information. All very welcome to join us as we ask Our Lady for her intercession.

Fifth Sunday of Easter Year of Mark (B) 29th April 2018

HIGHCLIFFE & CHRISTCHURCH CATHOLIC CHURCHES

Holy Redeemer Parish

13-15 Kilmington Way, Highcliffe, BH23 5BL

Tel: 01425 274 838 Email holyredeemer@portsmouthdiocese.org.uk

Other useful contacts/info Christchurch Parish Office - opening times Tues, Weds, Thurs 10am-12 noon (leave a message if closed)

Dcn. Hugh Parry Tel: 07971 071 571 hparry@portsmouthdiocese.org.uk

Safeguarding Co-ordinators Highcliffe: Amanda Pillinger c/o Highcliffe Parish office Christchurch: Reena Kelleher 07802 954 936 Any concerns / advice, tel. 023 9281 6396 (Diocesan Office)

St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School Head teacher: Miss Louise Buxton Tel. 01202 485 976

St Peter’s Catholic Secondary School Head teacher: Mr David Todd Tel. 01202 421 141

Director of Lay Formation for Pastoral Area - Richard Martin Tel. 07990 826 934 rmartin@portsmouthdiocese.org.uk

Hospital Chaplains

Bournemouth & Christchurch: Fr Darryl Jordan Contact 01202 704 221 Urgent / out of hours 01202 303 626

Poole: Dcn. Declan McConville 01202 442 167 / 665 511

Avon Stour Pastoral Area Website: www.avonstourpastoralarea.org

Catholic Diocese of Portsmouth Bishop: Rt. Rev. Philip Egan

Reg. Charity No. 246871

The Immaculate Conception & St Joseph Parish

67 Purewell, Christchurch, BH23 1EH

Tel: 01202 483 340 Email icsjoffice@portsmouthdiocese.org.uk

Parish Priest: Rev. John Cooke Deacon: Rev. Hugh Parry Pastoral Assistant: Mrs. Clare Ryan Administrators: Mrs Mary Tolfree (HC), Mrs Bridget Brien (CC)

Avon Stour Pastoral Area:

Other Priests in the Pastoral Area:

Cn. Paul Townsend 01425 653 131 Fr. Darryl Jordan: 01202 485 588

Fr. Kevin Hoiles: 01202 424 960

Our neighbouring Church communities

Fordingbridge, Iford, Ringwood & Southbourne

Our Pastoral Area is in the Deanery of St. John XXIII, West Solent

Dean & Coordinating Pastor: Cn. Paul Townsend

CUTTING BACK...

Jesus, the vine, is rooted & stable and will always bring us all the nourishment we need. We are the dependent branches. However, there is the small matter, of our being pruned. To prune a plant is to cut parts of it off. If we bring forth no fruit, we “will be thrown out like a branch and wither.” If we bear some, we have to be pruned. We lose either way! And we can think it is all our fault: if only I were a better person, if only I had done the right thing, if only the world were different, if only I had been dealt a better hand in the game of life, or.... if I weren’t so full of guilt I wouldn’t have to be pruned. But guilt is a major feature of human life. There could be a better way to deal with guilt.

First, decide whether you are bearing no fruit at all. None? If that is really and actually true, then ask for help from someone, because spiritually you may be dying. But most of us do bear good fruit - it is just that we don’t recognize that we do. The Diocesan ‘Called & Gifted’ process may help you discern this. Do speak to Richard Martin is you’re interested in finding out more.

Second, with that settled, look at what pruning is. It is a way to make things better, make a better plant, a better tree, a better orchard. Pruning encourages new growth and the overall health of the plant or tree.

Third, seen in that way, you & I do need to be trimmed regularly. Maybe unconsciously we have been thinking that we ourselves are the vine, independent of Christ, not just a branch. The reason pruning would help is not that we should be punished, but that pruning promotes health of the whole person, the whole garden, the whole orchard - the mystical body of Christ.

Can you trust the steadiness of Jesus’ gardener hand. Trust even while suffering? Drink in your overflowing

THE WEEK AHEAD Diary - at a glance ...

Sun 29th 1pm Baptism Thurs 5.30pm Vigil reception - Paul Hastrop RIP Fri 1pm Requiem Mass - Paul Hastrop RIP Sat 8am HMP Winchester

share of trust at the Altar. Let the Word instruct you, let the Body and Blood of Christ, which was pruned to almost nothing, fill you and shape you. Then you can say to the Lord with the rest of us, go ahead, trim whatever gets in the way! I am not the vine, I am a branch. My job is not to be perfect, it is to remain in you, Jesus and to let you do good within me and through me & us.

Please continue to pray these last few weeks of Eastertide for an outpouring of the Holy Spirit on our community this Pentecost. Pray that we may all seek to discover how we can attach ourselves to the vine (the Church) & help produce a healthy plant, with healthy fruit in the vineyard (our community).

FEAST OF THE ASCENSION OF OUR LORD

Next Thursday 10th May - Holy Day

10am Mass - Holy Redeemer, Highcliffe

7.30pm Mass - St Joseph’s, Christchurch

DO YOU WANT TO HELP REFUGEES?

The Diocesan Refugee Response Working Group is looking for new members. If you would like to help or find out more, please contact Fr. Peter Hollins on 01730 262 290, email pcs@portsmouthdiocese.org.uk, see our webpage at www.portsmouthdiocese.org.uk/rrwg/ The Diocese are seeking to employ someone to assist

with this work see: www.portsmouthdiocese.org.uk

MISSIONARY DISCIPLES ...!

Sherry Weddell Forming Intentional Disciples is going to be spending two days in our Diocese.

Fri 18th May 2-7pm & Sat 19th May 9.30am - 4.30pm Basingstoke Country Hotel

Sherry will be sharing the fruit of her experience and research and giving examples of how parishes can develop plans that foster the emergence of an attitude that looks beyond the parish walls, where prayer is the foundation of parish life, and with parishioners that have an alive relationship with God.

In addition, members of various parishes around the Diocese will be sharing their experience of developing parish plans, of revitalising their Sacramental programmes, working with parents & families, of prayer groups and finding multiple ways of evangelising.

If you’d like to attend, please book via www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/parish-renewal-in-the-portsmouth-diocese-with-sherry-weddell-tickets-42527602203

ST PETER’S SCHOOL Friday 8am Morning Mass

All are welcome to join the staff & pupils in the School Chapel for their weekly celebration of the Eucharist.

PRAYER MINISTRY 6th May - St Joseph’s

First Sunday of the month after the 9am Mass

A few members of our community will be available to pray with you and over you, should you wish to approach them (in confidence). Prayer is, of course, the calling of everyone, since Baptism initiates us into the one Body of Christ and commissions us as a priestly people to care for one another by prayer as well as action, but this is a specific purposeful and powerful way of praying together in a small group.

ROSARY ON THE COAST Sun 29th April 3pm

For Faith, Life & Peace in the British Isles

Rosary on the Coast is an initiative of the Lay Faithful across the British Isles inviting the faithful, to a Day of Prayer for Faith, Life & Peace which will surely be pleasing to the Holy Spirit, and to Our Blessed Mother.

Christchurch & Highcliffe

We have a group to be led by Jane meeting at the cliff top car park outside the Cliffhanger Cafe. If it is wet, meeting at the Holy Redeemer Church. Also, a group led by Gerardine meeting at the Stanpit Recreation Ground to walk & pray near the estuary (if wet, meeting at St Joseph’s Church).

Everyone is welcome to join us today and don’t forget your Rosary!

OPEN DAY - COME & MEET THE SISTERS!

Bank Holiday Mon. 7th May 10am - 2pm St Dominic's Priory Sway SO41 8NH.

Food, stalls, games and activities.

A great chance to see the Sisters in action - families welcome too. Might be a good chance to encourage youngsters to consider the summer camp:-

FAN THE FLAME SUMMER CAMP 20-24th Aug A week of camping, faith & fun (fully catered) in Sway and led by the Dominican Sisters . For those aged 10- 25yrs who will be in streams according to age. For further details and booking info please see www.ftfcmsplash.com/summer-camp

Book early to avoid disappointment! Cost £100.

VINTAGE TEA PARTY Sun 3rd June 3-5pm At St Joseph Church

Music, entertainment and a raffle - for a ticket costing £6

Appeal for Tea sets : to assist with this popular event, we are looking for donations of unwanted tea sets - cups, saucers, sugar bowls, milk jugs, tea pots, cake stands etc. The donation does not have to be a complete set either - odds are welcome!

Please contact Ann-Marie on 01202 463 488 if you have anything that can help us. Thank you!

‘RIGHT ROYAL WEDDING TEA PARTY’ Holy Redeemer - Sat 12th May 2 - 5pm

Tickets are £5 to include 'royal' tea and cakes, plus a glass of Prosecco for the 'Royal toast'! There will be a 'Best Wedding hat' competition, a Raffle for a 'Royal hamper' plus other entertainment.

Tickets will be on sale after Mass at Highcliffe today and over the next two Sundays. Or to reserve a ticket, please leave a message for Stevie on 0777 958 4948

Do come & join our 'pre-Royal wedding' celebration!

TRAIDCRAFT STALL St Joseph’s Centre

Next Sat & S un 5th / 6th May Our monthly ‘Traidcraft’ stall will be in the Parish Centre after both Masses, please come in and support us. Thank you.

THE SECURITY OF OUR CHURCH - St Joseph

Volunteers kindly lock up the Church on a Sunday and Monday evening (Fr John’s normal day off). Just five parishioners currently share this rota. It would help if the burden were shared by a few more. All that is required is to come down to the Church about 7pm and lock the Church doors. Please speak to Tony Groom or contact the office if you can assist. Thanks!

MARYVALE COURSES - AUTUMN 2018

Are you a Catechist or thinking about becoming one? Or perhaps you wish you knew more about your faith? Or had a qualification relating to something you already may deliver in a Parish setting?

We are now accepting applications for the Maryvale courses due to start in October 2018. If you are interested please contact Sr. Veronica OP via the following email maryvale@portsmouthdiocese.org.uk for further info on the two options offered:-

A Certificate in Parish Mission and Ministry & The Maryvale Certificate in Catechesis

Christchurch

Christchurch Highcliffe

Easter Proper

Prayer of the Church - Wk 5 Fifth Sunday of Easter Yr B

28th April / 29th April 2018 Mass Book Page 264

‘Sunday’s Scripture Musings’

John 15:1-8

Questions for reflection

You (the branches) remain in Jesus (the vine), whose life runs through you. How does his life running through you relate to your asking God for whatever you want and it being done for you? “And every one that [bears fruit] he prunes so that it bears more fruit.” Have you ever felt like you were being “pruned?”

‘ALL ARE WELCOME’ A Day on the Eucharist Sat 5th May. At the Theatre Royale, Portsmouth

A day with Bp Philip focusing on the Eucharist, in preparation for the National Congress.

All ages & families welcome. There will be speakers, workshops, Adoration & Mass. To book call 0778 0221 686 or email congress@portsmouthdiocese.org.uk

Mass & Service Times & Locations

For the People of the Parish Still available Joan Gunnett RIP

Sat 28th Sun 29th Sun 29th

6.30pm

9am 11am

DIOCESAN DAY FOR READERS Sat 16th June

St Bede’s Church, Basingstoke from 9.30am - 3pm All readers or potential readers are welcome to attend. You can find more details about the day via www.portsmouthdiocese.org.uk/readers

For the People of the Parish Kevin & Margaret Batten RIP Ints of Christine Symes

Christchurch Christchurch Highcliffe

Easter Proper

Prayer of the Church - Wk 6 Sixth Sunday of Easter Yr B

5th May / 6th May 2018 Mass Book Page 266

Liturgy of the Word & Eucharist Intention still available

Liturgy of the Word & Eucharist Sorry, no confessions

Liturgy of the Word & Eucharist

Liturgy of the Word & Eucharist Vigil - Paul Hastrop RIP

Liturgy of the Word & Eucharist Requiem - Paul Hastrop RIP

All day adoration - until 6.30pm

Ints. of the prisoners

Mon

Tues

Wed

Thur

Fri

Sat

Eastertide

Eastertide

St Athanasius

Ss Philip & James Funeral

English Martyrs Funeral

HMP Winch

10am 10am

10am -

10am

10am 5.30pm

10am 1pm 9am

10am

Highcliffe Christchurch

Highcliffe Highcliffe

Christchurch

Christchurch Christchurch

Highcliffe Christchurch Christchurch

Winchester

REST IN PEACE

Please pray Paul Hastrop RIP who died on Holy Saturday. His Vigil is on Thurs 3rd May 5.30pm at St Joseph’s. And his Requiem - Fri 4th May 1pm.

Please pray for Carol Rochester RIP who died recently. Her Requiem will be at St Joseph’s on Fri 11th May at 12 noon.

May they rest in peace & rise in glory.

DATA PROTECTION REGULATION

Data protection in the UK is changing in May. The new law gives individuals more rights over how information about them is stored and used by the parish/diocese..

If you work or volunteer in a ministry group and collect, use and store info about people this DOES apply to you. Training is being offered NOW in the Diocese to ensure we comply. Please contact the office for info

HOLY LAND PILGRIMAGE EXPERIENCE 2020

A 12 day, 3 centred experience through the Holy Land; starting in the Negev desert, then onto Jerusalem and finishing by Galilee.

Travelling Sun 1st March - 12th March 2020 Led by Fr John, Clare & v. experienced Guide ‘Oliver’.

Enjoying 4* full board accommodation. All entrance fees, lunches, tips, headsets, booklets etc. included. For brochures please contact the St Joseph Office.

The trip seems to be filling up fast, so if you want to secure a place please return your form & deposit asap. It is first come, first served - then we’ll operate a waiting list.

Sat 5th Sun 6th Sun 6th

6.30pm 9am 11am

AN INVITATION: to Fr John’s Silver Jubilee Mass Tues 19th June 7pm at St Joseph’s Church .

For catering purposes, we need to have an idea of numbers by 18th May. Please can you add your

names to the lists in the foyer if you wish to attend. All friends & parishioners are very welcome.