FIRST EUCHARIST - 2024 We welcome our children & their families to various Masses over the next few weeks when they will make their First Holy Communion. Many thanks to Tom Fairman and the Team for the preparation they have received bringing them to this wonderful gift of Divine Life in the Lord’s Eucharist at the Altar, their Altar

CN GERARD HETHERINGTON -  60 YEARS ORDAINED Parishioners who lived in Fareham in the 1970’s will remember Cn. Gerry who was Parish Priest for most of that decade and his reordering of the Sanctuary and its unusual but beautiful square altar. He celebrate the Diamond Jubilee of his ordination on 23rd May this year. He is now living in Guernsey. There will be a card for anyone who wishes to sign it in the Hall after Mass this weekend.

ASCENSION - Why 40 days?  The number 40 has enormous significance in the history of salvation. The rabbinic interpretation connects the number 40 with the time it takes for something to go from its beginning to its fruition. 40 is the number of weeks between the conception and birth of a human being. In some cases, there are 40 days between planting and harvesting. In the Church’s calendar there are 40 days between Christmas and the Presentation of the Lord when Jesus was brought by Mary and Joseph to the Temple. Jesus spent 40 days in the desert. 40 days was the length of time a pupil would spend learning from a Rabbi. Jesus' 40 days of appearance and teaching after his Resurrection (Acts 1,3) seems to follow this pattern. Apart from marking the importance of the feast, celebrating the Ascension of Christ into Heaven 40 days after Easter Sunday also reinstates the possibility of practising the ancient “Novena of the Holy Spirit” devotion, preparing for Pentecost. Celebrating the sacred Liturgy on particular days linked to the mysteries of the great feasts marks another form of love that we can show for God as we praise him for all the wonders he has done for us.

CHOSEN’ CONFIRMATION GROUP Session: Fri 10th May, 7pm at SPH Hall Topic; “ Servant leadership = a life lived”

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

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.