Canon Chris will be taking his Annual Retreat from 24th November and returning on 6th December after meeting with his support group. As only Fr Inna will be on Island the following is the schedule.

Mass Times for Sundays 26th November & 3rd December
6:00pm – Vigil Mass (Saturday) – St Joseph’s
8:00am – Sunday Mass – St Joseph’s
10:30am – Sunday Mass – St Joseph’s

The Delancey Music Group accompanied by Andrew Warren will play at the Saturday Vigil Mass.

Please note extra parking provision at Vauvert School will only be available weekend of 2/3 December because of essential works taking place at the school during last weekend of November.

The First Holy Communion classes will be held in St Joseph’s Parish Rooms over these two weekends. Saturday evening at 5:15pm and Sunday morning at 9:45am. Children can attend either session.

RECONCILIATION SERVICE WITH INDIVIDUAL CONFESSIONS

Monday 18th December 
St Joseph’s – 7:00pm

Five priests will be available for confessions including two priests from Jersey. This is the main opportunity for confessions, so please make every effort to attend in Preparation for Christmas.

FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT

Saturday 23rd December
St Joseph – 6:00pm
Sunday 24th December
St Joseph – 9:30am

CHRISTMAS MASS TIMES

Sunday 24th December – THE NATIVITY OF THE LORD
St Joseph – 5:00pm – Christmas Vigil Mass
OLSS – 6:30pm – Christmas Carols
OLSS – 7:00pm – Christmas Vigil Mass
St Joseph – 8:40pm – Christmas Carols
St Joseph – 9:00pm – Mass during the Night

Monday 25th December – THE NATIVITY OF THE LORD
Notre Dame – 8:00am – Mass at Dawn (Quiet Mass)
OLSS – 9:15am – Mass during the Day
St Joseph – 10:30am – Mass during the Day
(No Evening Mass)

Tuesday 26th December – ST STEPHEN
St Joseph – 10:00am – Mass for all Altar Servers

The Way of the Nativity By Candlelight

An Advent service of prayer, reflection and readings on 11th December at 7:00pm at Our Lady Star of the Sea

As the world rushes frantically towards Christmas, Christians are called to walk. Our annual service will help us to slow down, reflect the meaning of the Nativity and accompany Christ to the crib. Do try and make Ɵme to come along.

Rosary for the beatification of Edel Quinn (Legion of Mary) will be on Sunday 26th November at 2:00pm in St Joseph’s Church.

The Holy Spirit Prayer Group will be having an evening of ‘Adoration’ on Monday 27th November from 7:30pm-9:00pm and also on the last Monday of every month. This will include some hymns followed by silent ‘Adoration’.

Prayer ministry will be available for anyone who would like individual prayer. This will take place in in St Joseph’s Parish Room.

Tea/Coffee will be available from 7:00pm. Everyone is welcome to join us for these ‘Adoration’ evenings, even if you do not normally come to the prayer group.

Sts Padre Pio & Philomena Prayer Group meet on Thursday 30th November at 7:30pm at Jenny & Bill Trubuil’s home.

Phone 255163 or 07781 425779

The children and staff at Notre Dame Du Rosaire Catholic Primary School request the pleasure of your company at a special performance of our Christmas play ‘Starlight’ in St Joseph’s Hall on Thursday 7th December at 1:30pm followed by afternoon tea. Please RSVP to office@notredame.sch.gg or on 01481 22241.

The staff and pupils of Notre Dame du Rosaire and St Mary & St Michael school would like you to join them for a joint End of Term Christmas Mass on Tuesday 19th December at 10:00am at St Joseph’s. All family and friends are also invited. Please share the date and time with your family and friends.

A family living on Sark moved to the Bailiwick of Guernsey three years ago with their two sons. The youngest son (14 years old) has been attending Blanchelande College for just over a year. Children from Sark are dependent on host families with whom they can stay during the week so they can attend secondary school in Guernsey. Unfortunately, they have no family connections and know very few people in Guernsey. If any kind Parishioner can help this lovely family out please contact the Parish office for further details.

CAFOD is seeking a volunteer for our Church Parish Community. If you are interested in this vital role please contact your local CAFOD Volunteer Centre.

Jo Lewry – Tel: 07710 094447 / E-mail: portsmouth@cafod.org.uk / Website: www.cafod.org.uk

See posters at back of Church.

“When people are in need, giving money is not the only way to help. With volunteering, you give your time and skills to make a difference.”

Each of the classes at Notre Dame school has produced a beautiful picture of Our Lady and these have been made into a stunning 2024 calendar, which the school is selling to raise funds for the PTFA. They would make lovely Christmas presents for friends and family! The cost is £8 per calendar. Forms are available at the back of St. Joseph’s Church. Please complete and return it to either the Parish office or the school office.

Thank you so much to all who contributed to last weekends retiring collection. This money will be sent to The Holy Family Children’s Home in Bethlehem which has been affected by the Israeli/Palestinian conflict. The sisters of St Vincent de Paul fund the home by also providing a guest house for pilgrims. This has had to close because of the hostilities. So your donations will be especially welcome! A Big Thank You to the children of St Mary and St Michael School who baked cakes and sold them to raise £72.50 for WINGS to send to CAFOD for the Israeli/Palestinian Crisis Appeal. Your hard work and thoughtfulness are very much appreciated. Thank you

The Holy Spirit Prayer Group meet on Monday 20th November at 7:30pm in the St Magloire Parish Room, St Joseph’s.

Teas/Coffee available from 7:00pm.

For more information please call Frank on 07781 108394. All most welcome!

Laudato Si meet on Monday 20th November at 7.00pm in the St Yves Parish Room, St Joseph’s.

All Welcome.

Divine Will Prayer Group meet on Tuesday 21st November at 7:00pm at 2 Mignot Block, Victoria Homes, St Peter Port and on Wednesday 22nd November at 10:45am at Notre Dame Church.

Mothers Prayers meet on Friday 24th November with tea/coffee at 10:30am and prayers start at 11:00am.

Do take this opportunity to come and pray for your children and grandchildren.

For details – Tel: 259995 / E-mail: christineguernsey2014@gmail.com

All are most welcome to come along to the St Mary & St Michael Annual Advent Bazaar taking place on Sunday 26th November from 2:00pm-4:00pm.

Once again this Annual Mass was very well received by those who were invited and attended last weekend. Grateful thanks to Luke for the sensitive choice of hymns and music; also special thanks to the generosity of the band of parish helpers who provided a warm welcome both before the service and afterwards at the reception in the Parish Rooms.

REMEMBRANCE SUNDAY

In 2023 we are remembering and honouring Service Physical, mental or emotional injury or trauma; the absence of time with loved ones; or the pressures that come from serving, highlight why the Remembrance of service is so important. This year we mark significant anniversaries united by the theme of ‘Service’.

WHAT IS THE CATHOLIC LITURGY FOR REMEMBRANCE SUNDAY?

In your Holy Name, O Lord, Amen. As we remember in silence before God those who have made the ultimate sacrifice, let us commend their souls anew to God’s eternal mercy and compassion and let us pray that God would grant us grace to serve faithfully until our life’s end, to the honour and glory of God’s Holy Name.

ANNUAL REMEMBRANCE DAY PARADE AND SERVICE

All Island clergy will be present at the War Memorial at the top of Smith Street on Sunday 12th November at 11:am for this short service and wreath laying which is open to all.

The Holy Spirit Prayer Group meet on Monday 13th November at 7:30pm in St Joseph’s Parish Room.

Teas/Coffee available from 7:00pm.

For more information please call Frank on 07781 108394. All most welcome!

The UCM will meet on Tuesday 14th November at 7:30pm in the St Magloire Parish Room.

Debbie Clarke from the Blind Institute will give a talk/Presentation about ‘ Aids for the Blind’. There will also be a raffle.

The Catholic Diocese of Portsmouth in partnership with the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales is delighted to release details of an online seminar on Tuesday 21st November exploring strategies for all Catholics to fulfil their mission to bring people closer to Christ. Engaging the Disengaged is about how to accompany the non-religious person in daily life. The keynote address will be given by internationally acclaimed and bestselling author Sherry Weddell from the Catherine of Siena Institute. Sherry Weddell has developed numerous unique formation resources that are used around the world; she has trained and helps lead an international team who have worked directly with over 130,000 lay, religious and ordained Catholics in hundreds of parishes in 150 (arch)dioceses on 5 continents. Her book Forming Intentional Disciples has sold in excess of 150,000 copies. Demand for the event has been exceptionally high, but it is not too late to book, but don’t miss out on the few remaining tickets which are priced at £10 per person and can be purchased by following the link on the section of the Portsmouth Diocese e-news.

CAFOD Israeli-Palestinian Crisis Appeal

Donate to CAFOD’s Israeli-Palestinian Crisis Appeal at cafod.org.uk/ipc or call 0303 303 3030 to support those affected and get funds to local trusted experts in Gaza and southern Israel who have been working alongside communities helping those most in need. Your donation will help support aid workers providing urgent humanitarian aid including food, water and emergency shelter to those in need. Thank you for your prayers.

Thank You

A BIG THANK YOU to the parents and children of Notre Dame du Rosaire School who generously donated £525 to WINGS to be sent to CAFOD’S Emergency Appeal for the Israeli/Palestinian Crisis. Thank you for your kindness and please continue to pray for peace.

When your box is full please empty into collection envelopes (available in back of all churches) with your name on it and contact Lisa 07796 892 676 or deliver to parish office. Thank you.

In November, please pray each day for the holy souls in Purgatory, that is, our relatives, friends and benefactors who have died and those with no one to remember or pray for them.

Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May they rest in peace. Amen.

May the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen

Books of the Dead – Are opened in our three churches. Please add the name/s of your dearly departed loved ones, relations and friends if they aren’t already inscribed.

Mass for the Dead – The Annual Mass for the Departed of the Parish and all those whose names are inscribed in the Books of the Dead will be held Saturday 11th November in St Joseph’s Church at 10.00am. All are very welcome to attend this Mass to remember their loved ones who have died.

Prayers for all the Peoples of the Middle East and the Peace of Jerusalem on Sunday 5th November.

Contact Maud for time & venue – Tel: 729445

The Holy Spirit Prayer Group meet on Monday 6th November at 7:30pm in St Joseph’s Parish Room.

Teas/Coffee available from 7:00pm.

For more information please call Frank on 07781 108394. All most welcome!

Divine Will Prayer Group meet on Tuesday 7th November at 7:00pm at the Centre For Peace and Wednesday 8th November at 11:00am at Notre Dame du Rosaire Church.

St Joseph’s Parish Room will be open for coffee/tea, cake and a chat on Wednesday 8th November and on every 2nd Wednesday of the month.

Drop in any time between 9:30am-11:30am. This is a chance to enjoy a cup of coffee and meet up with others. Everyone is welcome!

PACE is holding an interactive day learning the storyline of the Old Testament on Saturday 18th November from 10:00am-4:30pm, arrive from 9:30am.

Cost £14 includes Lunch and workbook – FREE for children age 11-17 if accompanied by an adult.

Venue: Les Camps, Methodist Church, St Martins.

Book online https://www.bible.org.uk/wtb_event_tickets.php

Remembrance Concert on the 11th November starting at 2:30pm at St Saviour’s Church. This is with the ever popular Guernsey Welsh Male Voice Choir. The programme will be tailored around Remembrance and the church, as usual, will be filled with loads of Poppies. Tea and cake in the interval and retiring collection. Refreshments are being made by choir members and their wives/partners. Ravenscroft, as our sponsors, will also be involved funding some of the refreshment side, for which we are immensely grateful. In the side chapel, (as well as, of course, the fabulous Cenotaph made by the Sunday School out of Lego) there will be a display retelling the sinking of HMS Charybdis and HMS Limbourne in 1943. Details of that operation and the funeral on 17th November 1943 at the Foulon Cemetery of 19 ratings will be on display. This is the 80th anniversary of the event.

Come and join us for a monthly social meeting held on the third Tuesday of each month (21st November being the next meeting), at 7:30pm at Castle Douzaine Room – Guest speaker including a 30 minute special exercise session for arthritis sufferers with Donna Rogan. Tea, biscuits & a raffle. All arthritis sufferers, friends and supporters are welcome to attend. December—Christmas Dinner at Les Cotils.

Steve Mauger BEM, of the Guernsey Fairtrade Steering Group, sadly will not be able to supply The Real Advent Calendars this year due to the high costs of freight to Guernsey. Steve has provided us with the following websites currently offering the calendars, but not sure if they deliver to Guernsey or at what cost:

https://meaningfulchocolate.co.uk/pages/real-advent-calendar
https://www.eden.co.uk/christian-gifts/advent-calendars/childrensadvent-calendars/the-real-advent-calendar-2023/
https://www.theleprosymissionshop.com/cards/the-real-adventcalendar
https://www.ethicalsuperstore.com/products/the-meaningfulchocolate-company/the-real-advent-calendar—85g/
Real Advent Calendar

WINGS (World In Need Group) CAFOD has started an appeal to help those affected by the Israeli/Palestine Crisis. WINGS has sent a donation of £564 on behalf of the Parish. Thank you all for your continued support and especially your prayers. CAFOD says Our partner, Caritas Jerusalem, who have about 100 staff in Gaza, said: “Most of our employees have been forced to leave their homes. Some have sought refuge in the Holy Family Compound in Gaza City, others in UNRWA schools and some in the homes of relatives and friends. Several of our employees’ houses have been completely demolished. They’re in shock, confused and perplexed. They don’t have electricity and the internet is sporadic.” CAFOD has worked for many years in both Israel and the occupied Palestinian territory (oPt) with partners who are Christian, Jewish, Muslim and secular and we join Pope Francis’ urgent call for peace and an end to the violence. Please go to the CAFOD website Cafod.org.uk for more information and donations.

Rosary for the beatification of Edel Quinn (Legion of Mary) on Sunday 29th October at 2:00pm in St Joseph’s.

The Holy Spirit Prayer Group will be having an evening of ‘Adoration’ on Monday 30th October from 7:30pm-9:00pm and also on the last Monday of every month. This will include some hymns followed by silent ‘Adoration’. Prayer ministry will be available for anyone who would like individual prayer. This will take place in St Josephs Parish Room. Tea/Coffee will be available from 7:00pm. Everyone is welcome to join us for these ‘Adoration’ evenings, even if you do not normally come to the prayer group

Prayers for all the peoples of the Middle East and the peace of Jerusalem on Sunday 5th November.

Contact Maud for time & venue – Tel: 729445.

Christmas Parish Lunch on Sunday 3rd December at 12:30pm for 1:00pm at Les Rocquettes Hotel.

Three course £28.95; Children 12 and under £15. Booking forms (Gold Paper) are now available at the back of Church or on the website.

Booking forms to be returned no later than 27th November. Donations of raffle prizes gratefully accepted and can be left at the Parish office.

Eucharistic Ministers & Readers rotas for St Josephs for the period 5th November – 24th December are now available for collection just inside the Sacristy can also be viewed on our website.

Please wait until the end of Mass before collecting the rota.

Annual Remembrance Tea Party on Thursday 9th November at 3:00pm at St Saviour’s Church with the Chelsea Pensioners and see their Poppy Display.

For further information please contact Diana Arundale at St Saviour’s Church Office.

Cleaners new and old – new revised rota is available on the website and in the folder in the sacristy.

Are you good with computers and able to spare a couple of hours a month to keep the Laudato Si website up to date. If yes please, contact the Parish office for further details.

This year we celebrate Bamenda Sunday on 5th November, when we give thanks for our link with the Archdiocese of Bamenda in Cameroon and have our annual second collection to raise funds to enable us to give grants to assist the Church in Bamenda with projects in the fields of faith, education and social welfare. Please see this year’s Bamenda News https://www.bamendaandportsmouth.com/2023-Bamenda-News.pdf. There will be a few “Bamenda News” booklets at the back of the Churches, Guernsey features heavily in the booklet – please take one home or ask the Parish office for a copy. Donations can be made via parish collections or online securely: https://www.bamendaandportsmouth.com/donate.php. Please remember in your prayers the five priests from Bamenda serving in the Diocese of Portsmouth: Fr Elijah Fru Nde is Parish Priest of Christ the King & St Colman Bitterne and Hedge End & West End; Fr Emmanuel Rinda is Parish Priest of Corpus Christi & St Joseph’s, Portsmouth; Fr Gaston Forbah Afah is Parish Priest of English Martyrs, Reading; Fr Anthony Chiatu is Parish Priest of Immaculate Conception, Portswood, Southampton; and welcome to Fr Benedict Ndikum, who arrived this year and is serving as Assistant Priest at St Peter and the Winchester Martyrs. We thank them for their ministry to us. Please also pray for the intentions of Archbishop Andrew and our brothers and sisters in Bamenda and for the restoration of peace and justice in Bamenda and the Anglophone regions of Cameroon. Next year, Bishop Philip shall be celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the Bamenda-Portsmouth Link with a Mass at St John’s Cathedral on Saturday 6th July. We hope that Archbishop Andrew, Fr Bernardine Nsom and a delegation from Bamenda will be joining us to celebrate the anniversary. Please save the date in your diary and join us if you can! Thank you for your support!

British Summer Time ends on Sunday 29th October.

Clocks go back one hour!

ALL SAINTS – HOLYDAY OF OBLIGATION

Wednesday 1st November Mass Times:

St. Joseph’s – 7:00am; 9:30am & 6:00pm

Our Lady Star of the Sea – 11:00am

Blanchelande College – 8:45am

FEAST OF ALL SOULS

Thursday 2nd November Mass Times:

St Joseph’s – 9:30am

Our Lady Star of the Sea – 6:00pm

ANNUAL MASS FOR THE FAITHFUL DEPARTED

Saturday 11th November Mass Time:

St Joseph’s – 10:00am

Geomarine will be commencing works on Monday 23rd – Friday 27th October to install a new water service therefore La Couperderie will be closed to vehicular traffic. Access to the Church car parks will be from Vauvert end.

Urgent – please be aware that someone has made a “Gmail account” using Canon Chris’s name this is spam and not from him.

Please only look at emails from an @portsmouthdiocese.org.uk or catholic.org.gg domain.

The Holy Spirit Prayer Group meet on Monday 23rd October at 7:30pm in St Joseph’s Parish Room.

Teas/Coffee available from 7:00pm.

For more information please call Frank on 07781 108394. All most welcome!

Laudato Si next meeting will take place on Monday 23rd October at 7:00pm in St Yves Room, St Joseph’s. All welcome!

Sts Padre & Philomena Prayer Group meet on Thursday 26th October at 7:30pm at the home of Jenny & Bill Trubuil.

Please call 255163/07781 425779.

Mothers Prayers on Friday 27th October with Tea/Coffee at 10:30am and prayers start at 11:00am.

Do take this opportunity to come and pray for your children and grandchildren.

For details – Tel: 259995 / E-mail christineguernsey2014@gmail.com

Rosary for the beatification of Edel Quinn (Legion of Mary) on Sunday 29th October at 2:00pm in St Joseph’s.

Blanchelande College invites Year 6 pupils to our Assessment Morning for Year 7 entry in September 2024 on Saturday 6th November at 9:30am–12:30pm.

Come and show us what you’ve learned so far in Maths and English and enjoy a morning exploring the school, including breakfast, games and explosive Science Experiments!

All current Year 6 pupils wishing to attend who have not yet registered, please contact Mrs Sonia Hollowell for details hollowells@blanchelande.sch.gg

Thank you to everyone who participated in any way to bring the Service of Healing and Blessing to fruition last Saturday. There was a wonderful sense of togetherness and unity as with Canon Chris’s leadership assisted by Fr Inna, those who came for healing and blessing were joined by volunteers from the Legion of Mary, Catenians, Holy Spirit Prayer Group and the Befrienders Inspired by the liturgy and Andrew’s beautiful musical accompaniment we asked Our Lord to heal and bless us as a Parish.

Sarah Kelly has completed her fund raising walk “Camino Frances (778kns) and continued onto Finisterre (86kms).” A few toenails were lost and a blister on her way – not bad considering the mileage walked. She had a wonderful experience walking in nature everyday and attending masses where possible. Prayers said daily for our priests and catholic community in Guernsey. Thank you for all the support and donations raised so far “£2,000” for Guernsey Mind which is wonderful. If anyone else would like to donate this is the link. www.justgiving.com/page/sarah-kelly1693390970747.

Tuesday – St. Joseph’s – After Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament
Wednesday – St Joseph’s – 7:00pm – During Holy Hour
Thursday – St. Joseph’s – After Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament
Friday – Centre for Peace – 7:30pm
Saturday – St Joseph’s – After 10:00am Mass
Sunday – Notre Dame – Before 6:00pm Mass

The Blessed Mother said, “Say the Rosary every day, to obtain peace for the world.” (Our Lady of Fatima, 1917)

You can listen and follow the Rosary with Bishop Philip go the the following link:

https://soundcloud.com/user598098600/sets/holy-rosary-with-bishop-philip-egan

Pope Francis urges Catholics to take up the rosary. He calls on Catholics to pray through the intercession of Mary “for the gift of peace for the many countries of the world marked by war and conflict”.

Please note next Saturday 21st October the St. Joseph’s car park between the Church and the Presbytery will be closed all day for line painting. Please use the main car park in La Coupederie.

Youth Readers and Liturgy for Children on Wednesday 18th October 2023 at 7:00pm-8:00pm. God’s revelation expressed in the Sacred Scriptures is for everyone. This includes children and youth. As baptised members of the Church, they are encouraged to actively participate in the liturgy, for the saving message of Jesus Christ includes them as well. Dorinda Bray will introduce us with some tips on engaging and training youth readers and also provide advice on liturgies directed towards children. To register follow the link https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/804f8fe4-44c9-4386-bad1-63723f784f3c@0f107169-67e0-4eaf-8428-9e9f05e974ab

A taste of Malawi on Friday 27th October at 7:00pm at Capelles Methodist Church, to promote work being done in Malawi through Christian Aid and other charities in Guernsey. The evening is free with food available using Pigeon Pea recipes (which is a staple diet in Malawi) as well as tea and coffee (Fairtrade of course!!). There will be an opportunity to hear Yvonne Penn talking about the work being done by Christian Aid in Malawi and also to meet representatives of other charities also working in that country. Donations on the night split between Solar Aid & Christian Aid Further details on noticeboards at back of church.

Christmas Parish Lunch on Sunday 3rd December at 12:30pm for 1:00pm at Les Rocquettes Hotel

Three course £28.95 / Children 12 and under £15

Booking forms (Gold Paper) are now available at the back of Church or here:

Christmas lunch booking form

Booking forms to be returned no later than 27th November

RAFFLE PRIZES MOST WELCOME!

We are very blessed to have a very healthy tradition of Mass intentions in our parish. However, the book is now full for this year. We can still accept Mass intentions and send them to other parishes in the Diocese. The Masses will be honoured by the receiving Priest, who takes on the responsibility to say that Mass. The donation suggested these days is now £10.

The Divine Mercy Apostolate London is hosting a Pilgrimage to the Shrine of Our Lady of Knock, Co Mayo from 9th-14t November to Pray for the Holy Souls. It will be led by the Marian Fathers. Package includes: Return flights by Aer Lingus from Heathrow Airport, half board, 5 nights, accommodation in en-suite twin rooms, hand-luggage (10 kgs), all transfers and Airport Development fee. The Retreat will include daily Mass and Hour of Mercy and retreats at Glendalough and Kylemore Abbey. Cost £800. All Welcome. Please call Millie on 07957594646 for more information.

Castlerigg Manor (The Lancaster Diocese Retreat Centre) is looking for young Catholics aged 18-25 to join their Internship Programme. The scheme lasts for one or two years and gives participants wide ranging experience, skills, training, and qualifications as well as the opportunity to work with a fantastic team based in the Lake District. For more information contact director@castleriggmanor.co.uk.

As part of our observance of the diocesan year of the Holy Spirit, Deacon Martin McElroy from Winchester, will deliver a series of talks on “The Holy Spirit in Scripture”. There will be 7 sessions (appropriate for the Spirit Who gives “Sevenfold Gifts”); they will run on Friday evenings 7:45pm-9:30pm from 13th October to 24th November inclusive. They will take place using Zoom, to allow as many people as possible across the diocese (and beyond!) to participate. Each session will be a mix of presentations by Deacon Martin, plus discussion groups sharing specific passages of Scripture related to the Spirit. The series will cover how the Holy Spirit is depicted in the Old Testament, Gospels, Acts of the Apostles, the letters of Paul, the “general letters” and even the book of Revelation. Every session is independent of the others, so we encourage you to attend some of them, even if you can’t manage all 7. For further details and to register: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZEtce6ppzMtHtOrCQW_KztHsT1gBhXeJr95.

The Catholic Diocese of Portsmouth in partnership with the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales is delighted to release details of an online seminar on Tuesday 21st November exploring strategies for all Catholics to fulfil their mission to bring people closer to Christ. The keynote address will be given by internationally acclaimed and bestselling author Sherry Anne Weddell from the Catherine of Siena Institute. Sherry has developed numerous unique formation resources that are used around the world and trained and helps lead an international team who have worked directly with over 130,000 lay, religious, and ordained Catholics in hundreds of parishes in 150 (arch) dioceses on 5 continents. Her book Forming Intentional Disciples has sold more than 150,000 copies. Tickets are priced at £10 per person and can be purchased by clicking on the following link: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/engaging-the-disengaged-how-toaccompany-non-religious-persons-tickets-646139539757

Bishop Philip Egan has asked every member of the Diocese to adopt six holy habits.

1. To keep Sunday special, as a family day, by attending Mass, the ‘source and summit’ of the Christian life, supporting your parish community.

2. To resolve to spend at least five minutes a day in prayer, at whatever time you find best, using the Scriptures, maybe the Gospel of the day.

3. To keep Friday as a day of penance in honour of the Lord’s Passion, intentionally serving the poor and needy.

4. At least once a fortnight, to pay a private visit to church for a short period of prayer before the Tabernacle.

5. To go to Confession once a month or so, like a spiritual check-up when you can personally experience God’s love and mercy.

6 . To join a small group for formation, prayer and fellowship, where you can share with others your own faith-experience and in turn hear what God is doing in  the lives of others.