Our Dear Sisters & Brothers in Christ, my Friends, my Dear Parishioners and warmly welcomed visitors,

My heart overflows with thanksgiving for each one of you: for our Parish Family, for the gift of faith that unites us and above all for the Lord Jesus, truly present among us in the Holy Sacraments, especially in the Most Holy Eucharist, the source and summit of our Christian life. This past week brought many moments of grace and I would like to share some of them with You (I wish I will have space to tell you everything). One of the greatest joys was meeting the parents and children who are beginning their journey towards the Sacraments of Reconciliation and First Holy Communion. It was a profound privilege to spend time with these families and to witness something the Church has always taught: that parents are the first, the best and most important teachers of the faith. I often think of parents as the first gardeners of the soul. The Church and our Catholic schools provide guidance, support and nourishment, but it is within the home that the seeds of faith are first planted and lovingly nurtured. It is there that children learn to pray, to trust in God and to recognise His presence in their lives. It is there that they begin to discover that Jesus did not simply leave us a teaching, but gave us Himself in the Holy Eucharist. I was deeply moved by the openness, generosity and enthusiasm of the parents. The response to our gathering has been extraordinary. Many families have written to express their gratitude and their commitment to this sacred journey. This fills me with hope. The promises made at Baptism were never meant to be a burden but a beautiful calling: to lead children towards Christ, who waits for them with love in Confession and at the altar. May the Holy Spirit strengthen these families and may Our Lady watch over every child preparing to receive her Son and our every catechist, who dedicate their time and skills to lead them.

We also give thanks for the beautiful Rosary Procession on the final Saturday of October. Walking together from the Little Chapel to Blanchelande Cemetery beneath an unexpected autumn sun was a wonderful way to conclude the Month of the Rosary and to enter November, the month in which we remember and pray especially for the Holy Souls. On All Souls’ Day (last Monday), Fr Benedict and I were privileged to celebrate three Holy Masses each for the faithful departed. This special permission, granted by the Church on that day alone, reflects her deep maternal desire that the fruits of Christ’s sacrifice may be applied abundantly to those undergoing purification. From the earliest centuries, Christians have entrusted their beloved dead to the prayer of the Church and above all, to the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. There is no greater gift we can offer them than to place them into the merciful heart of Christ, who alone saves and sanctifies. We are equally grateful for the people who gathered at Le Foulon Cemetery to pray for the deceased. Together we blessed graves, remembered loved ones, prayed for priests who served the Church in Guernsey before us and honoured the Sisters of Our Lady of Mercy who rest there. It was a moving reminder that death does not break the bonds of Christ’s family. We remain united in Him: one Church in heaven, on earth and awaiting glory. After a full and busy day, it was a grace simply to rest in the presence of the Holy Spirit and to allow the Lord to renew our hearts through prayer and song, with our Holy Spirit Group, who gather every Monday evening. I would also like to express my sincere gratitude for the many Mass cards, prayers and messages I have received since my installation as your Parish Priest. Knowing that Holy Mass is being offered for me in churches and chapels across the world is a gift beyond measure. In the Eucharist there are no distances. We are joined together in the one sacrifice of Christ and in the communion of His Church. Thank You for praying that I may always strive to be a faithful and holy priest according to the Sacred Heart of Christ.

Finally for this time, last week we welcomed the Diocesan Estates Team for a three-day visit to our Parish. Together we reviewed our churches, presbyteries, schools, halls, meeting rooms and all the buildings entrusted to our care. They assessed their condition, identified future priorities and helped us gain a clearer understanding of the work that lies ahead. As they walked through our Parish properties, I found myself reflecting on the image of the faithful steward from the Gospel. A wise steward does not think only of today; he prepares for tomorrow. Our buildings are far more than bricks and mortar. They are places where children learn the faith, where families gather, where the Sacraments are celebrated, where the lonely find comfort and where countless souls encounter Christ. This visit has given us a clearer picture of both our blessings and our responsibilities. In the coming weeks, our Finance Committee will present a fuller report so that together we can understand our situation and discern the next steps. Yet none of this is simply about buildings. It is about people. It is about you, dear friends. For you are the living stones of this Parish. You are the ones who pray, who serve, who give, who sacrifice, and who keep the faith alive from generation to generation. The Diocese offers its expertise, the Estates Team their professionalism and the Finance Committee its guidance, but it is the whole Parish Family that shares in this sacred responsibility. We care for these buildings not for their own sake, but because they are instruments of God’s work among us. We preserve them so that future generations may find here what we ourselves have found: a home in Christ, a place of prayer, a community of love and a pathway to Heaven through the Holy Sacraments.

These coming weeks we’ll commend to God’s mercy beloved parishioners who have been called from this life during this time. Their places in our pews may seem empty and their voices may be silent among us, yet they remain close to our hearts and present in our prayers. As Christians, we do not simply say “goodbye” rather we say, “Until we meet again.” In Christ, who conquered death and opened the gates of eternal life, every farewell is transformed into a hope-filled promise. We entrust our dear Valerie De La Fosse RIP and our dear Helen Dyke RIP to the loving embrace of the Father.

With our love, our prayers and our gratitude – Fr Marcin & Fr Benedict

The Holy Spirit Prayer Group will be meeting on Monday 9th November from 7:30pm-8:30pm in St Josephs Parish Room.

Tea/Coffee available from 7:00pm.

For more information contact Frank on 07781 108394. Everyone is welcome!

UCM will be meeting on Tuesday 10th November at 7:00pm in St Josephs Parish Room.

They are having a greener Christmas with ‘The Greenings’ you need to wear your Christmas Jumpers. P lease bring any colourful material bits and scissors.

There will also be a raffle.

Coffee Morning on Wednesday 11th November in St Josephs Parish Room and on every 2nd and 4th Wednesday of the month.

Drop in any time between 9:30am-11:30am. Everyone is welcome.

Blanchelande Nursery and Infant department are hosting an afternoon called Little Lantern Walk on Sunday 15th November from 3:30pm to 5:00pm at Blanchelande College and would like to extend the invitation to the Parish.

Booking is essential to reserve your free space email Scarlett – lepages@blanchelande.sch.gg

Prayer Vigil with Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament on Saturday 21st November from 7:00pm-10:00pm at Delancey Church.

Praying for our Catholic Parish Community, especially the youth. Join us for Hymns, Prayer and Times of Silence.

Come for a short time or for the whole evening.

The Lay Leaders Conference will take place on Saturday 21st November at the Solent Hotel, Whiteley. It will offer an opportunity to share experiences, explore fresh ideas and consider how clergy and laity can work together to strengthen our parishes and bring more people to know Jesus Christ. Whether you are involved with liturgy, catechesis, pastoral councils, outreach or any other aspect of parish life, this conference is for you. Please speak to the Parish Office for more information on how to book your place.

Inspired by our ten-year Mission Plan, You Will Be My Witnesses

Mass for the faithful departed on Saturday 28th November at 10:00am at St Josephs Church.

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

The Way of the Nativity by Candlelight on the 30th November at 7:00pm at Our Lady Star of the Sea.

An advent service of prayer, readings and reflection.

The Parish Christmas Lunch on Sunday 06th December at 12:30pm at Les Rocquettes Hotel.

We ask that all those attending have their menus handed into the Parish Office by Sunday 22nd November latest please.

A raffle will also take place. Please if anyone can donate a prize it would be very much appreciated, these can be left at the Parish Office.

Menus are available in all three churches.

Please do come and celebrate with Our Parish Family

We are very grateful to all our musicians, but we are now desperate for players to join a rota for the Saturday Mass at 6:00pm at OLSS.

Perhaps you could help us once a month? Hymns are already chosen so can be given for practice in advance.

Please if you can help contact the Parish Office or see Cathy Greening after Mass. Thank you

CAFOD Partners Caritas Jerusalem work in the camps supporting vulnerable families such as Yasmine, a mother with a small baby with essential supplies and mobile medical clinics. Yasmine’s family have been forced to flee more than once and now live in a camp in Gaza. Without the supplies they need to stay warm, or access to proper medical care, many families are at real risk from serious illness in the winter months. You can see more on this appeal on CAFOD.org.uk. Thank you again for your generous support and your essential prayers for all those working in dangerous situations to support our brothers and sisters. Thank you for your continued generosity!

Dear Parishioners,

The children of Notre Dame du Rosaire have created a beautiful Our Lady of the Rosary calendar for 2027. As you can see from the accompanying images, they have worked so hard on their artwork and we are very proud of the results! If you would like to purchase a calendar, please follow the link below and complete the order form. We will then arrange to get your calendar to you.

Order here: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/e/m5fuX0NdN3

We may also sell some calendars at the back of the church later in the year, but ordering in advance will guarantee you a copy. All money raised will go towards supporting our school.

Thank you for your generosity and continued support.

If you, or any of your family or friends are in hospital or due to go to hospital, please let the parish office know.

This is currently the only way that the clergy are aware of a Catholic being admitted.