‘What is this ‘good news’, and who is it for?’ The course starts in the week beginning 23rd Feb and runs for 5 weeks. Each aƩendee will receive the course book at the first session which will cost £5.00. If you wish to join a group please contact Liz at: elizdunning@ntlworld.com by Friday 13th February.

Christians Together in Portchester Five Wednesdays commencing 25th February, 12 noon service. Methodist Ch, Castle Street, Portchester. Followed by a light lunch of soup, bread and cheese. Donations to CAFOD and Christian Aid. Christians Together in Fareham Five Thursdays starting 26th February, 12.15 to 1pm. Fareham URC Church, Osborne Road South. Homemade soup, bread, fruit, tea and coffee. Donations to Christian Aid.

Fasting The law of fasting requires that a Catholic between the ages of 18 - 60yrs eats only one full meal in a day, with no food in-between meals. It is understood that two other meals, if one eats three meals a day, should not total one full meal. Suggest one might fast in a more complete way, i.e., eating only a portion of a single meal. (CCC 2043) Abstinence means not to eat meat. Its purpose is to be an act of sacrifice, that helps us grow in freedom to make much bigger sacrifices. It would not make sense to make the sacrifice of not eating meat, and then eat a wonderful meal I might enjoy even more. Lent Devotions Stations of the Cross and Benediction * Wednesday & Friday, 9:15am before Mass * Sundays, 4pm at Sacred Heart Church A physical, mental and spiritual devotion, pondering the sufferings of Christ. 7am Dawn Mass Thursdays in Lent. Sacred Heart Church Starting on Thurs 19th February. A simple Mass followed by a lovely breakfast in the Hall hosted by the UCM supporting our Lent Appeal - Portsmouth Down Syndrome Association. LENT READINGS ‘PRAYING WITH THE PSALMS’ Booklet Daily companion as you walk with the Lord through the season of Lent. In just three meaningful minutes each day, you’ll be invited to lay down your burdens, open your heart to God’s mercy, and prepare your soul for the joy of Easter. Available for you in the foyer of both churches. £2.50 each

Tuesdays, 10:30am - 12 noon Sacred Heart Church Come & be with Our Lord, even if only for a few moments. Essential for growing in a personal relationship with Christ. HOLY HOUR FOR VOCATIONS - ‘… ask the Lord.’ Mt 9:38 Thursdays, 7pm - 8pm at Sacred Heart Church  Please come and pray for workers in the Lord’s vineyard.

Well done to Sancta C ., who has been awarded the Green Cincture of Honour for the coming month (February). Above all, thank you to our wonderful team of servers.

Please visit www.catholicchurchfareham.org.uk/baptism Please visit the parish website for details and to register online. Why not take part while “still expecting”? Next Preparation Pathway dates: Meet & Greet - in person Saturday 14th Feb, 10am Online Session 1 Tuesday 17th Feb, from 8pm Online Session 2 Tuesday 24th Feb, from 8pm The closing date for this Preparation Pathway is on Friday 30th January, by Midday.

ADORE SPIRITUAL MINI-RETREAT 24th January, 10.00-1.00 on Zoom. "GOD IS LOVE" – Jesus taught that God is a loving and merciful Father. Mini retreat morning including Mass, AdoraƟon, Praise, Prophecy, Prayer for the giŌs of the Holy Spirit and inspiring talk from guest speaker Fr. Chris Thomas, founder of the Irenaeus Community in Liverpool. Register in advance at bit.ly/ADOREJAN2026 More informaƟon at www.altonrenewal.com

I hope you have been blessed with an enjoyable Christmas and New Year. Your cards, kind messages and gifts to me have been so generous. Thank you too for your very kind gift of the Christmas offering. Thank you to the team for your huge effort with the extra celebrations for New Year, Altar Servers and Epiphany - AMDG.  Cn John. (Cn John’s Christmas break is 26th - 30th January)

Saturday 17 Jan, St Margaret Mary, Park Gate 10am - 1pm This covers both Adult & Child Safeguarding Training Safeguarding Training is mandatory for anyone who DBS holds volunteers. Training must be refreshed every 3 years. The training can be done online or face to face.  For enquiries/to book email Stephanie. Parish Safeguarding: safeguarding.fare@portsmouthdiocese.org.uk