Please take the time to read an important update from the Bishop ‘You Will Be My Witnesses : The Ten-Year Plan’ - Next steps in delivering the Bishop’s Vision As many of you will be aware, over the past two years, the Diocese has engaged in a wide- ranging consultation process, with both clergy and laity, to develop the bishop’s 10-year plan to deliver his vision for a renewed Diocese by 2032. At the same time, it has conducted an in-depth analysis of its financial, structural and organisational situation. The findings of this analysis and the vision for the future have been published as the Mission Plan: “You Will Be My Witnesses: The Ten-Year Plan” (YWBMW). The Plan can be accessed online at: www.portsmouthdiocese.org.uk/our-mission/planning/ten-year-plan/ Read the document below for more information View Here

THANK YOU To everyone who donated and supported our Chocolate Tombola which raised £357 for CAFOD and the Lent Appeal

Pope Francis has asked that this year, 2024, be a Year of Prayer in preparation for the Jubilee Year, 2025. He has asked that there be a particular focus on the Our Father. We pray this prayer so often and there's always the risk of it becoming dry or remaining superficial. Why not come and join us on Friday 4th May (evening) and Saturday 5th May (all day) as Allegra Mutanda leads us in a time of prayer and recollection, helping us to explore what it means to pray 'Our Father in heaven'? All are welcome. All our missionary efforts are dependent upon this intimate relationship between us and 'Abba', who wishes to bless and heal all His beloved sons and daughters. For registration to this free event, visit https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/year-of-prayer-our-father -in-heaven-retreat-days-fri-3-pm-and-sat-4-may-tickets877957062207?aff=oddtdtcreator Once you have registered, you will receive further details nearer to the date of the event. Please confirm your attendance by Mon 29th April.

FIRST EUCHARIST - 2024 Children’s & Parent’s Session Parents “Do this in memory of Me” and “Body of Christ, to love and serve” Children: Sat 27th Apr, 9:30am - 11am at St PH Hall Parents: Sat 27th Apr, 9:45am - 10:45am Sacred Heart Hall

SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION  Please note that after Easter, to help with the flow, confessions on a Thursday after Mass will be in the Confessional. Confessions in the Day Room will be on the 1st Thursday of the month only. 1st Thursday of the Month; 10am, Day Room … remaining Thursdays; 10am, SH Confessional 1st Saturday of the Month; 10am - 11am, SH Church … remaining Saturdays; 5pm - 6pm, SH Confessional

‘CHOSEN’ CONFIRMATION GROUP Session: Fri 12th Apr, 7pm at SH Hall Topic; “Our active love builds the Kingdom of God”  Previous Sessions Session: Fri 23rd Feb, 7pm at St Philip Howard Hall Topic; “Time to catch up” Session: Fri 8th Mar, 7pm at Sacred Heart Hall Topic; “Our active love builds the Kingdom of God - Part 1”

YOUR FUNERAL AND YOUR FAMILY … We understand this is not an easy topic to discuss with your family, but can we suggest you make your wishes very clear; plan your funeral and let your family know that when you die you would like the Catholic Rites of a Requiem Mass to be offered for you. We are finding even if you practice your faith; Sunday Mass, devotions, et al, do not presume your family will follow your wishes. Sadly, we are finding the faith of Mass going Catholics is not being respected by the family who do not see the need. The parish is here to help them.

MASS INTENTIONS To avoid disappointment please book your Mass intentions a couple of months in advance if you are wanting a specific date. Next available dates are in May.

‘Welcome to God’s Family!’ BAPTISM Why not take part while “still expecting”? Please contact the Parish Office for details. Next Preparation Session 1 - Tues 13th Feb, c.8pm via Zoom Session 2 - Tues 20th Feb, c.8pm via Zoom Meet & Greet - Sat 24th Feb, 2pm at St Philip Howard Ch Rite of Welcome & Anointing - Sun 25th Feb, 11am at SPH ---------------------------------------------------- Next Preparation BAPTISM Why not take part while “still expecting”? Please contact the Parish Office for details. Next Preparation Session 1 - Tues 13th Feb, c.8pm via Zoom Session 2 - Tues 20th Feb, c.8pm via Zoom Meet & Greet - Sat 24th Feb, 2pm at St Philip Howard Ch Rite of Welcome & Anointing - Sun 25th Feb, 11am at SPH Why not take part while “still expecting”? One less thing to worry about … please contact the parish office for details.