We welcome Fr. Alex Nevitt a visiting priest from Notre Dame of Mt Carmel, USA.

Fr Alex will celebrate Mass in St Peter’s Church, Sark from the 21st August to the 23rd August.

Mass times to be confirmed next week.

The Holy Spirit Prayer Group meet on Monday 15th August in St Joseph’s Parish Room.

Tea/coffee from 7:00pm and the prayer group starts at 7:30pm.

Divine Will Prayer Meeting 

Divine Will Prayer meeting on Tuesday 16th August at 7:00pm at the Centre For Peace and Wednesday 17th August at 12noon at Notre Dame Church.

Divine Will Retreat By Maria Hackman & Michael Donahue

The Divine Will Retreat will be at Centre For Peace, Rue De L’Epinel, Forest on Friday 26th August and Sunday 28th August 2022 T.B.C.

Come and find out how to enter in the Divine Will and Live in IT as the Saints live in heaven.

For further details please email divinewill@centreforpeace.tv or contact 02032867115 or Maud on 729445. God Bless all in the Divine Will.

Would you like to find out about becoming a Catholic? Have you been baptised in another faith and wish to be received into the Catholic Church? Have you been baptised a Catholic but have never received the Sacraments of Holy Communion or Confirmation? The RCIA programme will be starting in our Parish at the end of September 2022 and takes place over the equivalent of two academic terms (September through to April) with the aim of receiving the Sacraments at the Easter Vigil Mass. Anyone interested in following the RCIA process is invited to make contact, in the first instance with Canon Chris. More information is on this website under Parish Groups & Ministries.

In September and October this year, the relics of St Bernadette will journey on pilgrimage to England, Scotland and Wales for the very first time. This very special once in a lifetime event will provide an opportunity for people of all ages and backgrounds to experience the special gifts and charisms of Lourdes, in a church or cathedral near them. Visit the St Bernadette Relic Tour website for more information: stbernadette.org.uk or see the posters at back of Church.

“I shall do everything for Heaven, my true home. There I shall find my Mother in all the splendour of her glory. I shall delight with her in the joy of Jesus Himself”

St Bernadette

If you have handed in your box recently, it has been emptied and you can collect from St Joseph’s Sacristy. Thank you.

Farewell and thanksgiving Mass for Fr Gaston on Sunday 28th August at 10:30am in St. Joseph’s Church followed by refreshments after Mass in the Presbytery Gardens.

Please bring a plate to share e.g. cakes, crisps, savoury food etc., the Presbytery will prepare sandwiches & sausage rolls.

Let us come together as a Parish to give appreciation for the wonderful 2 years that Fr Gaston has been with us. All are most welcome to join the Farewell and Thanksgiving Mass.

Prayer for all the Peoples of the Middle East & the Peace of Jerusalem on Sunday 7th August.

Please call Maud for time and venue – 729445

The Holy Spirit Prayer Group meet on Monday 8th August in St Joseph’s Parish Room.

Tea/coffee from 7:00pm and the prayer group starts at 7:30pm

The UCM will be holding their Annual Garden Party on Tuesday 9th August from 2:45pm-4:45pm.

The venue will be at Shelly’s house, GY6 8LP (Perrys Guide P9 F1). Please bring a small plate of food.

A raffle will also take place.

On Monday 22nd August at 7.00pm in St Yves Parish Room (the Old Library in Notre Dame School), Fr Gaston will be giving an illustrated talk to the Laudato Si group about his recent holiday back in Bamenda and the effects of climate change and pollution on his native home, which is twinned with our diocese.

All are welcome to join us for this important talk, given shortly before Fr Gaston’s departure for his new parish in Reading and to discuss how we may be able to help our brothers and sisters in Bamenda.

Le Platon Lottery results of the July draw

1st – 46 – £100

2nd  – 3 – £50

3rd – 25 – £25

Rotas for the period 14th August-2nd October are now available for collection. The Black Folder containing all rotas will be re-positioned to just inside the Sacristy. Please wait until the end of Mass before collecting the rota.

Annual Candlelight Procession in honour of Our Lady, The Assumption of Our Blessed Virgin Mary.

The candlelight procession will take place Monday 15th August at 8:30pm. Meet outside Blanchelande College Reception to process to the Little Chapel.

Please bring a torch. The Little Chapel will be open for a look inside and the lights will be kept on until everyone has left.

As a charity the Chapel relies totally on donations!

Rosary for the Beatification of Edel Quinn (Legion of Mary) on Sunday 31st July at 2:00pm in St Joseph’s Church.

The Holy Spirit Prayer Group meet on Monday 1st August in St. Joseph’s Parish Room. Tea/coffee from 7:00pm and the prayer group starts at 7:30pm.

Divine Will Prayer Meeting 

Tuesday 16th August at 7:00pm at the Centre For Peace and Wednesday 17th August 12noon at Notre Dame Church.

Divine Will Retreat by Maria Hackman & Michael Donahue

Friday 26th August at Centre For Peace, Rue De L’Epinel, Forest and on Sunday 28th August T.B.C. Come and find out how to enter in the Divine Will and Live in IT as the Saints live in heaven. God Bless all in the Divine Will.

By popular request the Parish Befrienders have decided to hold another Guernsey Cream Tea for elderly and housebound parishioners by way of a treat to make up for disappointments due to Covid. As last year this has been made possible by a kind donation. It will take place at Les Cotils on Thursday 18th August from 3.00pm-4:30pm. Invitations have gone out to those already known to us but if you or someone you know would like to come please get in touch with Angela 07781 112221 or Meg Tel 252401 as soon as possible as numbers are limited by space.

Fix the food systems with East Africa facing its worst drought in over 40 years the decades of inadequate action to address the climate crisis can no longer be ignored.

CAFOD is campaigning the UK government to keep the promises it made at the COP26 climate talks last year about the agricultural systems that tackle the climate crisis as well putting local communities first.

At a time of crisis these impacts are mostly felt in low income families at home as well. We can’t influence UK decisions but can make our feelings known to GUERNSEY OVERSEAS AID and DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE to use Guernsey’s overseas aid budget to fund agricultural projects that tackle the climate crisis and put local communities first.

The Shrine of the Sacred Heart, Fort Hommet, Vazon, (Perry’s Guide 13 E1 ) will be open on Saturday 6th, 13th and 27th August from 2:00pm-4:00pm (weather permitting).

Did you know that CAFOD, the Catholic Agency for Overseas Development, helps some of the poorest and most marginalised people across the world? We can reach so many people because we are a member of Caritas Internationalis, the Catholic Church network with a presence in 165 countries. Our local experts work with people over the long-term, helping them to have the right skills, tools and opportunities to live with dignity and support their families. For example, in South Sudan we are helping families learn how to farm better as the climate gets hotter, so that they can cope better in the future when things get even more difficult. Thank you for your support. Why not consider volunteering for CAFOD?

We are looking for school volunteers to deliver assemblies and workshops please contact Jo for more information at portsmouth@cafod.org.uk

Le Platon results of the June draw

1st – 2 – £100

2nd – 73 – £50

3rd – 87 – £25

Fr Gaston who has been with us for two years as assistant priest will be leaving us in September to be the Parish Priest of English Martyrs, Reading. While sad for us in Guernsey, we congratulate Fr Gaston and his promotion. On behalf of all the clergy on the island, it has been a joy working with him. There will be a special collection taken this weekend!

New Appointments from 8th September Bishop Philip writes…

This is the time of the year when we have been planning the deployment of clergy from the autumn. Today in e-News, we announce the new clergy appointments effective from 8th September 2022, the Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary. I would like to express immense gratitude to the priests who are moving for all their hard work for the Lord in their current appointments and to thank them for agreeing to take on these new assignments. It is deeply moving to receive the humble obedience and joyful willingness of these priests. Moving from one appointment and then settling into another is about the hardest thing we do as diocesan priests. It is also a great challenge for our deacons and for all our parishioners. I pray earnestly that the Lord, Who I am convinced has been guiding this whole process, will grant us all the strengthening and refreshing grace we need. There are a few more announcements to come over the next weeks but below you can read the main list. Whilst the appointments become effective on 8th September, the exact changeover dates will vary depending on the schedules of both incoming and outgoing priests.

HERE IS THE LIST SO FAR:

Canon Michael Dennehy is on sabbatical leave this coming year;

Fr. James McAuley moves to Portsmouth to become Dean of St. John’s Cathedral

Fr. Pat Madden is on sabbatical leave this coming year in the Diocese of Galway

Fr. Ansel D’Mello moves to Immaculate Conception and St. Joseph’s Christchurch with Holy Redeemer, Highcliffe as parish priest, assisted pro tem by Fr. John Chadwick

Fr. Leo Odomeja moves to St. John Bosco, Woodley

Fr. Joseph Tangka (Bamenda) goes as assistant to Guernsey

Fr. Anthony Ikhenoba moves to Annunciation and St. Edmund Campion, Bournemouth

Fr. Bill Wilson moves to Our Lady of Lourdes, New Milton

Fr. Anthony Chiatu moves to Immaculate Conception, Portswood

Fr. Gaston Forbah moves to English Martyrs, Reading

Fr. Daniel Agber moves to Christ the King, Reading and becomes Coordinator of the Catholic Chaplaincy to Reading Hospital

Fr. Paul Leonard moves to St. Joseph’s Basingstoke

Fr. Benedict Ndikum (Bamenda) goes as assistant to Winchester

Fr. James Lewis goes as assistant to Waterlooville and Horndean and becomes Coordinator of the QA Hospital Chaplaincy

Rev. Edward Hauschild goes as assistant to Jersey parish.

Fr. Dominic Adeiza moves to English Martyrs’ Didcot with St. John’s Wallingford

Fr. Anthony Fyk to St. John’s Cathedral as Bishop’s Secretary

Fr. John Lee moves to Basingstoke Holy Ghost and St. Bede’s as parish priest and coordinating pastor

Fr. Phillip Harris moves to Sacred Heart, Hook

Deacon Andrew Collins to assist in Stubbington and Lee-on-the-Solent

Deacon Timothy Graham (Ordinariate) to assist in Grayshore and Liphook

WELCOME

We welcome to the Diocese, Fr. Jean-Patrice Coulon, a Franzalian priest, currently the parish priest of Yeovil (Diocese of Clifton) and chaplain to the prison HMP Erlstoke. From 1st August, Fr. Jean-Patrice will be the part-time Catholic chaplain to HMP Winchester. He will also be part-time assistant at Basingstoke Holy Ghost and St. Bede’s.

NEW SALESIAN PARISH PRIEST

The Salesian Provincial has appointed Fr. Michael Hynes SDB as the new parish priest of Our Lady Help of Christians, Farnborough. He will begin his ministry on the weekend of 23rd and 24th July.

CHANGES IN THE DOUAI PARISH

Abbot Paul Gunter OSB has appointed Fr. Alban Hood OSB as the new parish priest of the Douai parish from 1st September, in succession to Fr. Gabriel Wilson.

NEW DEAN AND VICAR GENERAL

Fr. James McAuley becomes a Vicar General and Moderator of the Curia (in succession to Canon Michael Dennehy).

EPISCOPAL VICAR FOR EDUCATION

Canon PJ Smith has kindly agreed to work full-time from September as the Episcopal Vicar for Education. He will be priest in residence St. Edmund’s Horndean.

FAREWELL

This September we will say good-bye to Fr. Bernadine Nsom who returns to the Archdiocese of Bamenda and Fr. George Ngwa who returns to the Archdiocese of Bamenda.

RETIREMENT

Fr. Anthony Gatt, parish priest of Immaculate Conception, Portswood is retiring this autumn, having reached the canonical age. We give many thanks to God for his dedicated ministry.

Would you like to find out about becoming a Catholic? Have you been baptised in another faith and wish to be received into the Catholic Church? Have you been baptised a Catholic but have never received the Sacraments of Holy Communion or Confirmation? The RCIA programme will be starting in our Parish at the end of September 2022 and takes place over the equivalent of two academic terms (September through to April) with the aim of receiving the Sacraments at the Easter Vigil Mass. Anyone interested in following the RCIA process is invited to make contact, in the first instance with Canon Chris. More information on this website under ‘Parish Groups & Ministries’.

The Holy Spirit Prayer Group meet on Monday 18th July in St Joseph’s Parish Room.

Tea/coffee from 7:00pm and the prayer group starts at 7:30pm.

Divine Will Prayer Group meet on Tuesday 19th July at 7:00pm at Centre For Peace.

All welcome – just turn up.

Insects are vital for the pollination of vegetable and food crops BUT the world population of insects, not just bugs and flies but butterflies and bees has declined by 80%. This decline is here in Guernsey too so we must do what we can to encourage insects. We can stop using insecticides and herbicides (weed killers ) such as Roundup, or we can look for natural remedies such as vinegar, or basically let some of those weeds live as the are food and protection for insects. Learn to live with a little untidiness knowing it is providing sustenance for insects.

Pope Francis has decided to institute the Church wide celebration of World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly.

Starting this year, it will be held on the fourth Sunday of July, close to the liturgical memorial of Saints Joachim and Anne, the grandparents of Jesus.

The month of July is dedicated to the Precious Blood. The feast of the Precious Blood of our Lord was instituted in 1849 by Pius IX, but the devotion is as old as Christianity. The early Fathers say that the Church was born from the pierced side of Christ, and that the sacraments were brought forth through His Blood.

“The Precious Blood which we worship is the Blood which the Saviour shed for us on Calvary and reassumed at His glorious Resurrection; it is the Blood which courses through the veins of His risen, glorified, living body at the right hand of God the Father in heaven; it is the Blood made present on our altars by the words of Consecration; it is the Blood which merited sanctifying grace for us and through it washes and beautifies our soul and inaugurates the beginning of eternal life in it.”

www.catholicculture.org

As the last of our schools break up this coming week for the summer holidays, we wish all teachers, staff, pupils and parents a very happy and restful holiday.

If you are having a holiday off Island do try to leave a space for the Lord and join the local community where you are for Mass at the weekend.

The Holy Spirit Prayer Group meet Monday 11th July in St Joseph’s Parish Room.

Tea/coffee from 7:00pm and the prayer group starts at 7:30pm.

The Shine of the Sacred Heart, Fort Hommet, Vazon, will be open on Saturday 9th and 23rd July from 2:00pm – 4:00pm (weather permitting).

We know that insect population is on the decline worldwide and that insects are incredibly important to the health of plants and consequently to ours.

The Union of Catholic Mothers (UCM) are hosting an evening talk about The Guernsey Pollinator Project on Tuesday 12th July in St. Joseph’s Parish Room at 7.30pm.

Barry Wells, one of the founder members of the Project will be talking about Pollinators on what it does and what we can do. The evening is opened to all.

Divine Will Prayer Group meet on Tuesday 19th July at 7:00pm at Centre For Peace.

All welcome – just turn up.

Rotas for the period 15th August 2022 – 13th February 2023 are now available in the folder in the Sacristy.

Orbital Youth Conference

The conference is on Monday 8th-Friday 12th August at Les Maingys Activity Centre. It’s for young people in years 7-13 from churches all across Guernsey to worship together, get to know one another and seek God. There’s BBQs, campfires, seminars, Outdoor Guernsey activities, prayer and much more. Tickets £175 from orbitalyouth.com (If money’s an issue don’t let that stop you from going – contact Tom in confidence 07781 129310 youth@catholic.org.gg)

~oOo~

FLAME

The largest Catholic youth event in England and Wales where 10,000 young people will fill OVO Arena Wembley for an inspiring day of prayer, adoration, catechesis, reflection, celebration and praise. Saturday 4th March 2023 for young people from school Year 9 to university-age. The Guernsey group will travel across on the Friday evening and return to the island on Sunday afternoon. To book or find out more contact Tom 07781 129310 / youth@catholic.org.gg

~oOo~

World Youth Day – Lisbon 2023

Pope Francis invites the young people of the world to meet with him in Lisbon, 1st-6th August 2023. If you’ll be aged 16 by July 2023 then come and join the diocesan pilgrimage led by Bishop Philip. Price tbc, but to be approximately £1,200 (which we’ll subsidise with fundraising). Hurry! Spaces are limited! Sign up at https://tinyurl.com/wyd23 AND tell Tom 07781 129310 youth@catholic.org.gg so that we can prepare and fundraise together as a Guernsey group. To find out more about what happens at WYD (and sample some Portuguese food) come to St Joseph’s Parish Room on Thursday 14th July from 7:30pm-8:30pm.

The refurbishment work has been completed at Notre Dame Church. The small hall has also been refurbished with the addition of a small kitchenette. To mark the occasion the hall is to be blessed and named Salle Lecluze on 24th July at the 6:00pm Mass. There will be cheese and wine provided after Mass. Do please come along for the Mass and Blessing (and a free glass of wine or two).

I am organising a parish pilgrimage to Lourdes 13th-19th May 2023. Please put the date in your diary. More details to follow. Canon Chris

Prayer for all the Peoples of the Middle East & the Peace of Jerusalem on Sunday 3rd July. Please call Maud for time and venue – 729445.

The Holy Spirit Prayer Group – Life in the Spirit Seminars

The Life in the Spirit seminars will continue with session 7 on Monday 4th July in St Joseph’s Parish Rooms starting at 7:30pm with tea and coffee from 7:00pm.

The Shrine of the Sacred Heart, Fort Hommet, Vazon will be open on Saturday 2nd, 9th and 23rd July from 2:00pm-4:00pm (weather permitting). Details at back of Church.

Divine Will Prayer Group meet on on Wednesday 6th July at 12noon at Notre Dame Church and Tuesday 19th July at 7:00pm at Centre For Peace. All welcome -just turn up!

It has long been a tradition to carry prayer intentions on pilgrimage. Be assured that I constantly keep the people and work of our diocese in my prayers. I am often asked to pray for people’s personal intentions when I go on pilgrimage which is why I have arranged with our Lourdes team to help me do this on our Diocesan pilgrimage to Lourdes which takes place from 18th-22nd July. If you would like me to carry a prayer for your intentions or you have a special intention, you’d like me to bring to the Grotto in Lourdes, this July, please email your petitions in confidence to: lourdespetition@portsmouthdiocese.org.uk as soon as possible. At this email address you will also be able to donate to the Lourdes fund and make a donation that will enable a candle to be lit at Lourdes for your intentions. Bishop Philip

Habitat loss, pesticides and climate change are threatening insect populations worldwide. In 2019, Biological Conservation reported that 40% of all insects species are declining globally and that a third of them are endangered.

And while it may sound nice to live in a world with fewer roaches, environmental writer Oliver Milman says that human beings would be in big trouble without insects. That’s because insects play critical roles in pollinating plants we eat, breaking down waste in forest soil and forming the base of a food chain that other, larger animals — including humans — rely upon.

Notre Dame Readers’ Rotas for Summer and Autumn 2022 are now available in the Church.

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

The Holy Spirit Prayer Group – Life in the Spirit Seminars

The Life in the Spirit seminars will continue with session 6 on Monday June 27th in St Joseph’s Parish Rooms starting at 7:30pm with tea and coffee from 7:00pm.

St Padre Pio & St Philomena Prayer Group meet on Thursday 30th June at 7:30pm at the home of Jenny & Bill Trubuil. Lift can be arranged Tel: 255163

Throughout next week, 27th June -2nd July incl, Guernsey Caring for Ex-Offenders will be selling items produced by ex-offenders in the GCFEO workshops, together with some art work produced by Michelle Stringer, GCFEO Activities Manager, at the OSA pop-up shop in Smith Street. This is an excellent opportunity to purchase a unique gift and at the same time support the work of GCFEO. Funds raised will go directly into the running of our workshops which provide meaningful activity together with preparing individuals for employment.

The Shrine of the Sacred Heart, Fort Hommet, Vazon, will be open on Saturday 2nd July from 2:00pm-4:00pm (weather permitting).

Prayer for all the Peoples of the Middle East & the Peace of Jerusalem on Sunday 3rd July. Please call Maud for time and venue – 729445

Divine Will Prayer Group meet on Wednesday 6th July at 12noon at Notre Dame church and Tuesday 19th July at 7:00pm at Centre For Peace.

All welcome – just turn up!

On Saturday 18th June 2022 Canon Chris was invested as an Ecclesiastical Knight of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem (Lieutenancy of England and Wales) at the Metropolitan Cathedral of St George at Southwark. The Order is an ancient institution under the protection of the Holy See. Just how far back it goes is unclear. Some note a historical mention in 1336, while others trace the origin of the order back to 1099 during the Crusades. Once responsible for the defence of the Holy Land, the order was reconstituted under Pope Pius IX who tasked it with providing material and spiritual support to the Latin Patriarchate (similar to a diocese) of Jerusalem.

The EOHSJ has over 30,000 members in nearly 40 countries and at its heart has an individual commitment to personal spiritual development with the collective endeavour of supporting the Church and Christian people across the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem – which includes Cyprus, Jordan and the Holy Land. Every year the assistance given by the Order internationally is in excess of €10,000,000. Knights and Dames of the Order travel regularly as pilgrims to the Holy Land and meet together regularly in solidarity with the Holy Land and to support each other in growing in holiness.

Membership is often by invitation and includes a period of formation with each member being approved by the Grand Magisterium in Rome. Knights and Dames are distinguished by the practice of their Catholic faith, living by high standards of morality, their involvement in the Church at parish and diocesan levels, their willingness to engage in the apostolate of the order, their ecumenical spirit and their active interest in the needs and problems of the Holy Land.

Our Parish now has 2 ecclesiastical Knights, (Canon Hetherington is a Knight Commander), and a further 8 knights and Dames who will be present in their regalia this Sunday at the 10.30am Mass.

The month of June is traditionally dedicated to the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, the feast itself falling on the Friday after Corpus Christi this year on Friday 24th June.

Oh, how good and pleasing a thing it is to dwell in the Heart of Jeus! Who is there that does not love a heart so wounded? Who can refuse a return of love to a heart so loving? (St. Alphonsus)

The Prayer of Perseverance by St. Alphonsus Liguori

O, Sacred Heart of Jesus, living and life-giving fountain of eternal life infinite treasure of the Divinity, and glowing furnace of love, you are my refuge and my sanctuary. O adorable and glorious Savior, consume my heart with that burning fire that ever inflames your Heart. Pour down on my soul those graces which flow from your love. Let my heart be so united with Yours that our wills may be one, and mine may in all things be conformed to yours. May your Will be the rule both of my desires and my actions.

The Holy Spirit Prayer Group – Life in the Spirit Seminars

The Life in the Spirit seminars will continue with session 5 on Monday 20th June in St Joseph’s Parish Rooms starting at 7:30pm with tea and coffee from 7:00pm.

Divine Will Prayer Group meet Tuesday 21st June at 7:00pm at the Centre For Peace. All welcome – just turn up!

First Holy Communion Rehearsal 

There will be a First Holy Communion rehearsal on Thursday 23rd June at 5:00pm in St Joseph’s Church.

First Holy Communion Mass 

Saturday 25th June at 10.00am in St Joseph’s Church.

Flower Pot & Flower Festival at Vale Church on 1st & 2nd July between 10:00am and 4:00pm and on Sunday 3rd July between 12:00pm and 4:00pm. It’s free entry with refreshments available, plus entertainment. Donations gratefully received in aid of Vale Church.

PTFA Summer BBQ/Licensed Raffle on Sunday 3^rd July at 12:00pm-4:00pm at St Mary & St Michael School.

BBQ, Bar, Facepainter, Bouncy Castles, Tombola, Games & More.

Enquiries to jessboscher@hotmail.com

PACE – Practical Assistance In Christian Education Schools’ Work Vacancy

If you have experience working with children or youth, are creative and confident, and passionate about the Bible and its relevance to young people, you could become an important part of our schools’ work team. For further details, please contact hellopace@paceguernsey.com

We have just been made aware of Parishioners in our Diocese being contacted by text by someone pretending to be their Parish Priest. This person asked the Parishioners to buy vouchers or Goods needed urgently by the Parish Priest. Parishioners are reminded to:

Report the text phone number to Action Fraud and send the text number to: report@phishing.gov.uk

Parishioners are advised to ignore any messages coming from a non-saved contact

Le Platon results of the May draw

1st – 66 – £100

2nd – 6 – £50

3rd – 88 – £25

The Shrine of the Sacred Heart, Fort Hommet, Vazon, will be open on Saturday 18th June from 2:00pm-4:00pm (weather permitting).

Children’s Liturgy 

Volunteers needed please to start children’s liturgy. If you feel you could help with this important ministry for our children please contact the Parish office.

Ministry of Welcome

Welcomer’s needed please for this most important ministry. One or two new welcomers are needed for the Sunday 8:00am Mass at St Joseph’s. Please consider it if you are a regular at this Mass. Contact the Parish office for further details. Thank you.

We are pleased to be extending our invitation to the Blanchelande College Summer Fete to our local community. There will be Archery, Art, Bar, BBQ and lots more – see poster at back of Church. It promises to be a fun filled family day for all to enjoy. Please bring along all your friends and family.

The Life in the Spirit seminars will continue with session 4 on Monday 13th June  starting at 7:30pm with tea and coffee from 7:00pm in St Joseph’s Parish Rooms.

The UCM will meet Tuesday 14th June at 7:30pm in St Magloire’s Parish Room. The talk will be about ‘School in the 50’s’. There will be a raffle.

The 60-strong Biberach Symphony Orchestra, which has its roots dating back to 1768, will be visiting the Island next week, and it is hoped that the island’s Church members and many others will be present to give the Orchestra a particularly warm welcome when they perform at St. Stephens Church on Wednesday 15th June at 8:00pm. Concert Sinfonieorchester des Musikvereins Biberach (Conductor Andreas Winter) together with The Guernsey Bel Canto Choir (Conductor Christine Anthony). There will be a Retiring Collection.

Mothers Prayer Group meet on Friday 17th June with tea/coffee at 10:30am (Prayers start at 11:00am). Venue Christine’s house. Tel: 259995

PACE – New Testament Live event on Saturday 18th June at Les Camps Methodist Church, Route Des Camps, St Martin.

Book online at www.Bible.org.uk or contact Sarah Snell – Tel: 07781 122402 / E-mail: hellopace@paceguernsey.com

Arrive from 9:00am. Please bring a packed lunch, cost £14. Free for children 11-17 if accompanied by an adult. This is a great opportunity and Bible teaching event. You will also get a look into what we are teaching in schools!

Workshop for Readers taking place on Saturdays 18^th and 25^th June with Sr Hyacinthe, Op from 10:00am to 1:00pm. All details and registration links are here: https://www.pffm.org.uk/readers

Divine Prayer Group meet Tuesday 21st June at 7:00pm at the Centre For Peace.

All welcome – Just turn up!

To keep up to date with the news of the Diocese and the Bishop please follow us:

Facebook: @PortsmouthRC

Twitter: @PortsmouthRC

LinkedIn: Catholic Diocese of Portsmouth

The Diocese website: https://www.portsmouthdiocese.org.uk/

If you have news that you would like to share with the rest of the Diocese, please contact: communications@portsmouthdiocese.org.uk

Established over 100 years ago, it is the oldest residential home in Guernsey and is now in the final stages of a significant rebuild that will dramatically increase its bed capacity (particularly to care for people with dementia).

Whilst we have been able to cover our build costs to date due to the generous support from a number of benefactors, the ongoing costs to run a large and busy home will require planning and not insignificant fundraising.

We are looking for a special volunteer to help lead, plan and execute our fundraising strategy (and hopefully build a team of motivated volunteers who will ensure the ongoing financial support needed to keep us going).

You will have experience that demonstrates an ability to deliver. And you will have the passion to make sure it is!

If you’d like to learn more about this role and about Le Platon, please contact Jurat Paul Burnard, Tel. 07781 112336.

Rotas for the period 19th June – 7th August are now available for collection. The Black Folder containing all rotas will be re-positioned to just inside the Sacristy.

Note: Please wait until the end of Mass before  collecting.

The Universe Catholic Weekly is thrilled to announce that they have launched their new online newspaper with the full support of their first subscriber none other than His Eminence Cardinal Vincent Nichols. Order your Digital 4 weeks FREE trial supply by calling Michelle on 0743 661 7650 or email: michelle.jones@universecatholicweekly.co.uk

The Shrine of the Sacred Heart, Fort Hommet, Vazon, will be open on Saturday 18th June from 2:00pm-4:00pm (weather permitting). Details at back of Church.

Next week, Her Majesty the Queen will become the first British Monarch to celebrate a Platinum Jubilee after 70 years of service. We pray for the Queen and give thanks for her long service and dedication. A special prayer for the Queen will be recited at the end of all Masses next weekend.

Prayer for the Queen

1. O Lord, save Elizabeth, our Queen.
2. And hear us on the day we call upon you.
3. O Lord, hear my prayer.
4. And let my cry come before you.
5. The Lord be with you.
   R. And with your spirit.

Almighty God, we pray,
that your servant Elizabeth, our Queen,
who, by your providence has received the governance of this realm,
may continue to grow in every virtue,
that, imbued with your heavenly grace,
she may be preserved from all that is harmful and evil
and, being blessed with your favour
may, with the royal family,
come at last into your presence,
through Christ who is the way, the truth and the life
and who lives and reigns with you
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.
Amen

Canon Chris and Deacon Mark will be in attendance at the Queen’s Birthday reception held at Government House on Thursday 2nd June.

You can help the environment little by little by cuffing out plastic. Avoid plastic wrapping when you can. When shopping for fruit and veg buy from the bulk section using your own reusable bag. It’s never a problem at the till.

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

The seminars are a series of 7 weekly sessions designed to give us a greater awareness of the Holy Spirit and His gifts. These will continue with the 2nd session on Monday 30th May in the parish rooms, starting with tea and coffee from 7:00pm and the seminar starting at 7:30pm. If you missed the first session it’s not too late to come along!

Contact numbers for more information –

Frank 07781 108394

Katrina 07781 419826

Judy 07781 461556

Sonia 07781 142287

Prayer for all the Peoples of the Middle East & the Peace of Jerusalem on Sunday 5th June. Please call Maud for time and venue – 729445

Divine Will Prayer Group meet on Thursday 9th June at 12 noon at Notre Dame du Rosaire Church and Tuesday 21st June at 7:00pm at the Centre For Peace.

All welcome -just turn up.

A one day retreat led by Deacon Mark of special interest to those involved in visiting, befriending or involved in caring. On June 11th from 10:00am – 2:45pm at Monnaie Chapel, St Andrews. There are now three places left. If you are interested and would like further details please contact Deacon Mark 07781 416176. Please note he is off Island from 20th May until 22nd May.

Saturday 21st May Bishop Philip will be conferring the Sacrament of Confirmation at 11:00am in St Josephs Church. Please pray for our 18 young parishioners who will be receiving the Sacrament of Confirmation, also for all the catechists, family, sponsors and clergy supporting them. Grateful thanks to all the catechists who have carefully prepared the young people over the course of the last year.

St Padre Pio & St Philomena Prayer Group meet on Thursday 26th May at 7:30pm at the home of Bill & Jenny Trubuil. Please call 07781 425779 if lifts are needed.

The Shrine of the Sacred Heart, Fort Hommet, Vazon, (Perry’s Guide 13 E1 ) will be open on Saturday 28th May from 2:00pm – 4:00pm (weather permitting).

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

It is the intention to start children’s liturgy and we are taking the opportunity to review our procedures. Two of the catechists have attended children’s liturgy course by the Diocese and are fired up to restart. Currently we are reviewing both the safeguarding procedures and teaching resources for Children’s liturgy. The numbers of catechists for children’s liturgy is very small therefore for it to go forward in any meaningful way we need your help. Please contact the Parish office if you feel you could help with this important ministry for our children. Registration forms will soon be available.

Thank you to everyone who contributed in any way to the tea party last Sunday, those who prepared the delicious refreshments, those who gave lifts and to Cathy and Theresa for raising all our spirits with their musical entertainment. For the appreciative guests this had been the first chance to get together for many months and it was a particular joy & blessing that Canon Chris, Father Inna, Deacon Mark and Canon Hetherington came to be with them. People are asking, when is the next one? On Thursday 18^th August we will meet again at Les Cotils for a special treat to help us through these hard times. So put this date in your diaries!

Prayer for all the Peoples of the Middle East & the Peace of Jerusalem on Sunday 5th June.

Please call Maud for time and venue – 729445

Divine Will Prayer Group meet on Thursday 9th June at 12 noon at Notre Dame du Rosaire Church and Tuesday 21st June at 7:00pm at the Centre For Peace.

All welcome -just turn up.

Greenpeace has run a project inviting people to count the amount of plastic they throw away this week. If you have taken part you will, like us be horrified at the amount we throw and if we multiply it by street, town, island it must make us make great effort to cut down individually and even more so as an island, and a world community to rid ourselves of being in thrall to it. If we don’t the future looks frightening.

Confirmation Mass will be celebrated on Saturday 21st May at 11:00am in St Joseph’s Church.

Please pray for our young people who are preparing to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation. Pray that they may be strengthened through the prayers and encouragement of our parish community. Pray also for their parents and sponsors, that the graces they received at their own Confirmation are renewed and strengthened by the Holy Spirit during this time of preparation.

All very welcome to join our young parishioners on this special occasion.

Are you celebrating a 25th, 30th, 40th, 50th, 60th or Anniversary over 60 years? If so Bishop Philip would like to invite you to a Mass of Celebration. This will take place at St Bede’s Church in Basingstoke on Saturday 2nd July at 11:00am. It is a wonderful occasion to celebrate and witness to Marriage.

If you would like to come, please register on Eventbrite below: https://significantweddinganniversary.eventbrite.co.uk or contact the Parish Office who will have a form for you to complete, or email the following address which is anniversaries@portsmouthdiocese.org.uk

Please note this address is not monitored daily and you may have to wait for a reply, so please be patient.

On Sunday 15th May Allegro would like to invite all the congregation to sing along with them. Hymns are chosen to be easily learnt by the children therefore are repetitive in places. Let’s raise the roof with all the congregation joining in with us, wouldn’t that be great. Remember to sing is to pray twice.

The Shrine of the Sacred Heart, Fort Hommet, Vazon, (Perry’s Guide 13 E1) will be open on Saturday 14th & 28th May from 2:00pm-4:00pm (weather permitting).

The Holy Spirit Prayer Group

Meet Monday 16th May in St Joseph’s Parish Room. Tea/coffee from 7:00pm and the prayer group starts at 7:30pm.

Life in the Spirit Seminars

The Holy Spirit Prayer Group will be running the ‘Life in the Spirit Seminars’ starting on Monday 23rd May in St Joseph’s Parish Room. This is a series of 7 weekly sessions designed to give us a greater awareness of the Holy Spirit and His gifts and to deepen our faith and bring it alive. Each session will start with tea and coffee from 7:00pm with the seminars starting at 7:30pm and finishing at 8:30pm. Everyone is welcome – do come and join us!

Contact numbers for more information –

Frank 07781 108394

Katrina 07781 419826

Judy 07781 461556

Sonia 07781 142287

Divine Will Prayer Group meet on Tuesday 17th May at 7:00pm at the Centre For Peace. All welcome.

Mothers Prayer Group meet on Friday 20th May with tea/coffee at 10:30am (prayers start at 11:00am). Venue Christine’s house. Tel: 259995 or email christineguernsey2014@gmail.com. www.mothersprayers.org

PACE on Saturday 18th June at 9:30am-4:00pm at Les Camps Methodist Church, Route Des Camps, St Martin.

Book online at www.Bible.org.uk or contact Sarah Snell on Tel: 07781 122402 / E-mail: hellopace@paceguernsey.com

Arrive from 9:00am. Please bring a packed lunch. Cost £14. Free for children 11-17 if accompanied by an adult.

Plastic produced by the oil companies and big corporations is being dumped in oceans and is poisoning land and killing wildlife. To make matters worse microplastics are building up in the air we breathe, our food, our bodies. We need to wake up to the danger and do what we can to limit our use of plastic.

May is known as the month of Mary. During this, Our Lady’s special month, you may like to consider taking the opportunity to pray the rosary in the community.

Mondays: 11:30am before Mass at Delancey

Wednesdays: 11:45am before Mass at Notre Dame and 7:00pm during Holy Hour at St Joseph’s

Fridays: 7:30pm at Centre for Peace (There is plenty of parking on site and the address is, Rue de L’Epinel, Forest, GY8 0HL. Perry’s Guide ref: 28C4)

Sunday: 5:30pm before the Mass at Notre Dame.

(Please remember to check the Mass schedule)

O Mother of Perpetual Help, Sweetest Mary, I ask you with your divine grace to watch over me, Give me the strength to take one day at a time. (This prayer can be repeated as often as you feel the need)

Wreath Laying

The Bailiff of Guernsey will lay a commemorative wreath at the War Memorial at 9:50am.

People’s Liberation Day Service

People’s Liberation Day Service 10:00am at St Saviour’s Church. All welcome.

Town Church Service 

Canon Chris will be in attendance at the Town Church Service at 11:00am.

The Holy Spirit Prayer Group 

The Holy Spirit Prayer Group meet on Monday 9th May in St Joseph’s Parish Room.

Tea/Coffee from 7:00pm and the prayer group starts at 7:30pm.

Life in the Spirit Seminars 

The Holy Spirit Prayer Group will be running the ‘Life in the Spirit Seminars’ starting on Monday 23rd May in St Joseph’s Parish Room. This is a series of 7 weekly sessions designed to give us a greater awareness of the Holy Spirit and His gifts and to deepen our faith and bring it alive. Each session will start with tea and coffee from 7:00pm with the seminars starting at 7:30pm and finishing at 8:30pm. Everyone is welcome – do come and join us!

Contact numbers for more information –

Frank – 07781 108394

Katrina – 07781 419826

Judy – 07781 461556

Sonia – 07781 142287

UCM meet on Tuesday 10th May at 7:30pm in the St Joseph’s Parish Hall. Come and join us for our Spring Highland Fling (Scottish Dancing). There will be a collection for the Guernsey Welfare instead of the usual raffle. Please bring a plate of your favourite food, nibbles cakes etc. to share.

A tip to save electricity heard on the BBC. Be aware of “vampire” gadgets in your home; the electric plugs we leave on “Stand By” which are using electricity just by being switched on. Apparently microwaves are particularly greedy. It’s worth going around your house and switching off those plugs when they are not in actual use. Save electricity; save money.

Christian Aid to Ukraine, Afghanistan, Zimbabwe and Syria and other places where there is much to be done to protect innocent people.

Sacrament of Confirmation Mass will be celebrated on Saturday 21st May 2022 at 11:00am in St Joseph’s Church. All very welcome to join our young parishioners on this special occasion.

The Tea Party date given last week should have been 15th May not June. So this will be taking place next Sunday from 2:30pm to 4:30pm in the School Hall at St Mary and St Michael. Those who are housebound or have difficulty getting to Mass are especially welcome but if you are in the ‘senior’ age range and yearning for an opportunity to meet up with fellow parishioners you are very welcome too. If you would like to come please contact Angela 07781112 221 or Meg 252401 as soon as possible and tell them if you require a lift or may need a wheelchair taxi.

Le Platon Lottery Results

March:

1st – 19 – £100

2nd – 43 – £50

3rd – 56 – £25

April:

1st – 10 – £100

2nd – 36 – £50

3rd – 4 – £25

Eamonn & Ann Finnerty are doing the 30/30 bike ride for the 8th year in a row, riding 30 hours in the month of May to raise funds for Les Bourgs Hospice. If anyone would care to sponsor them you can donate either by cash/cheque payable to Les Bourgs or I attach a link to the Les Bourgs website: https://www.lesbourgshospice.org.gg/events/sponsor-someone/? id=f83751b2-0217-4dc6-9e8d-125ee45e0ffd&rid=6106

All donations go straight to this amazing charity so any donations would be most welcome.

May is known as the month of Mary. During this, Our Lady’s special month, you may like to consider taking the opportunity to pray the rosary in the community.

Mondays: 11:30am before Mass at Delancey

Wednesdays: 11:45am before Mass at Notre Dame and 7.00pm during Holy Hour at St Joseph’s

Fridays: 7:30pm at Centre for Peace (There is plenty of parking on site and the address is, Rue de L’Epinel, Forest, GY8 0HL. Perry’s Guide ref: 28C4)

Sunday: 5:30pm before the Mass at Notre Dame.

(Please remember to check the Mass schedule)

The safeguarding of our children is paramount and following Diocesans guidelines, Notre Dame School needs to be kept secure. Therefore it is not possible to access the Church through the school grounds during term time.

To attend the 7:30am Mass at Notre Dame please use the footpath at Port Vase– opposite Le Platon or the steps at George Street going up to Burnt Lane.

The top playground car park is only available on Sundays.

Divine Will Prayer Group will meet on Thursday 5th May at 12 noon at Notre Dame du Rosaire Church also on Tuesday 17th May at 7:00pm at the Centre For Peace. All are welcome. Just turn up.

Thank you to everyone at Our Lady and the Saints of Guernsey for your generous support for CAFOD this year and for your latest donation of £4,984 received on the 5th April 2022. Thank you for donating to our Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal. Your parish’s prayers and donation to help our Ukrainian sisters and brothers is so appreciated.

Our local Ukrainian aid workers and volunteers are already reaching families in need who have been forced to leave their homes due to the conflict, especially women and children. We are supporting our Caritas sister agencies to reach communities most needed inside Ukraine, and in the neighbouring countries. Your donation will provide much needed food, water, healthcare and travel onto safe areas or neighbouring countries.

UCM meet on Tuesday 10th May at 7:30pm in St Josephs Parish Hall.

Come and join us for our Spring Highland Fling (Scottish Dancing).

There will be a collection for the Guernsey Welfare instead of the usual raffle.

Tea Party – a chance for a Catch up!

Parish Befrienders are planning the next tea party on Sunday 15th June! This will be at St Mary and St Michael School Hall from 2:30pm-4:30pm.

Invitations will be sent to parishioners we know to be housebound or those who now have difficulty getting to Mass.

We do not necessarily have your contact details so if you feel this is for you and would love to come please phone Angela 07781 112221 or Meg 252401 and we will give you more details and arrange a lift as necessary.

The Shrine of the Sacred Heart, Fort Hommet, Vazon, (Perry’s Guide 13 E1) will be open on Saturday 7th, 14th & 28th May from 2:00pm-4:00pm (weather permitting).

Canon Chris, Fr Gaston and Fr Inna thank you all for the cards and Easter offerings.

Special thanks to ALL who helped prepare the Churches for Easter including the cleaners, musicians, choirs, welcomers, flower arrangers etc.

As the numbers of Covid cases are on the decline we are delighted to announce that face masks are no longer required. However if you wish you may continue to wear them in Church, then please do so. Thank you. Canon Chris

Workshop with Sr Hyacinthe, Op

Where is the Holy Spirit in my life?

In the midst of the various challenges of life, we can feel over­whelmed and alone, with a sense of isolation and lack of direc­tion. Yet we are never alone! In a 6 sessions course, we are going to reflect together on the sacrament of confirmation and on the action of the Holy Spirit in our life. The Holy Spirit is our constant companion, the giver of all the gifts necessary to our life with God and with each other as we grow in holiness and charity each day. Join us to discover who He is and what He does for us. Thursday evenings from 7:00pm to 8:30pm from the 28th April to the 02nd June.

Register here: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/ tZUuceyoqTwjH9cWyP-c-_Vchh-lJrNdNFGI

Readers Rotas beginning 1st May for Our Lady Star of the Sea are now available in the Church porch.

Rotas for the period 24th April-12th June are now available for collection from the folder on the table outside of the Sacristy.

If you are unable to attend on the dates please contact:

Eileen Baird (Readers) – Tel: 244856/ E-mail: eileenb@cwgsy.net

Marie Maclure (Eucharistic Ministers) – Tel: 235251 / E-mail: mtmaclure@cwgsy.net

Guernsey Choral Society Jubilee Concert on Saturday 21st May at 7:30pm at the Guernsey Grammar School and Sixth Form Centre.

Tickets: Adults £10 +£0.65 booking fee

OAP £7.50 + £0.49 booking fee

Please book your ticket online at –  www.ticketsource.co.uk/booking/venueplan/RdiEJKhzXNnT

Life with Christ is a Wonderful Adventure!

Most UK diocese have a tradition of going on pilgrimage to Lourdes and Portsmouth is no exception. Our pilgrimage has various unique aspects, so whether you’ve been many times before or this is your first time, you’re guaranteed an incredible experience. Flying from Bournemouth Airport. The cost of the pilgrimage is £675 per person (based on two people sharing a room) Single rooms are available at a supplement. We will be staying at the hotel La Solitude full board. In previous years our pilgrims have been very pleased with the hotel, its proximity to the Domain meaning they could visit independently when they wanted to and the plentiful and varied food options suited everyone’s needs, with some even making use of the hotel’s indoor swimming pool. As before, the pilgrimage will be supported by the Youth of the Diocese. Those aged 15-35 volunteer to support the pilgrimage by helping with music, the liturgy, companionship for our pilgrims, and physically supporting those in need by pushing wheelchairs etc. The cost for a youth pilgrim is £575 (based on three young people sharing). To get in touch, either call us on 07780 221686 or send an email to lourdes@portsmouthdiocese.org.uk

From Bishop Philip

At the end of our Plenary Assembly, the Bishops of England and Wales issued a statement entitled “Honouring Sunday.” The bishops do not possess the authority to suspend the Sunday obligation. However, since March 2020 the bishops have sought to give guidance to the faithful on the changing conditions in which it is possible to fulfil this obligation. Conditions have clearly moved on since the state of national lockdown last year. Yet, the bishops recognise the uncertainties of the Winter ahead of us and write “At this time, we recognise that for some people there may be certain factors which hinder attendance at Sunday Mass. The pandemic is clearly not over. The risk of infection is still present. For some, there is legitimate fear in gathering together. As your bishops, we recognise that these prevailing circumstances suggest that not everyone is yet in a position to fulfil the absolute duty to attend freely Sunday Mass.” However, the bishops ask every Catholic to honestly review their situation motivated by real love which must be our personal response to Christ’s total self-offering in the Holy Eucharist.

We now encourage all Catholics to look again at the patterns which they have formed in recent months with regard to going to Mass on Sundays. This would include consideration and reflection about what we might do on Sundays, such as sports or shopping, or other leisure and social activities. This review, and the decisions which arise from it, fall to every Catholic and we trust this will be done with honesty, motivated by a real love for the Lord whom we encounter in the Mass. To read the full statement go to www.cbcew.org.uk/bishops-statement-honouring-sunday

From Canon Christopher 

We are following in our three Churches the guidelines regarding COVID. As we move to living with covid we should try to make every effort to come back to Mass. Our Churches are one of the safest environments to be in. Remember LFT, Mask and Hand Hygiene before Mass. (If unwell stay at home)