I wish to thank everyone from the bottom of my heart for organising the most wonderful Mass and reception. I am deeply touched by gifts and kind wishes. Thanks must also go to the choir and organist and for everyone who worked so hard arranging the reception in the garden. I am very grateful for Deacon Mark who organised everything. We are all very blessed to live in “Paradise in the English Channel”.

All praise to Almighty God.

God bless, Fr Chris

Fr Chris will be attending the Ordination Mass for our Diocese next Saturday 31st July at 11:00am at St John’s Cathedral. You can follow online at https://www.portsmouthcatholiccathedral.org.uk/live–mass.php. The annual Ordination Mass is a wonderful celebration of grace.

If you feel that God may be calling you to priesthood and want to know more, contact Cn. John Cooke on 01329 318 869 or vocations@portsmouthdiocese.org.uk.

Rosary for the Beatification of Edel Quinn on Sunday 25th July at 2:00pm at St Joseph’s Church.

The Holy Spirit Prayer Group on Monday 26th July in St Joseph’s Parish Room.

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

St Padre Pio & St Philomena Prayer Group meeting on Thursday 29th July at 7:30pm at Jenny & Bill Trubuil’s home. Lifts can be arranged tel 255163.

Prayer for all peoples of the Holy Land and the Peace of Jerusalem on Sunday 1st August.

Contact Maud for time & venue telephone 729445.

The Annual Candlelight Procession to the Little Chapel in honour of Our Lady will be held on the Vigil of the Solemnity of the Assumption of Our Lady on Saturday 14th August at 8:30pm.

Further details to follow.

This excerpt from a longer prayer for the Assumption, given in St. Alphonsus Liguori’s classic work The Glories of Mary.

O most sweet Lady and our Mother, by the merits of thy happy death obtain for us holy perseverance in the divine friendship, that we may finally quit this life in God’s grace; and unite with the blessed spirits in praising thee and singing thy glories as thou deservest. Amen.

It is so wonderful to be able to enjoy our lovely beaches. We do our best not to leave litter, but sadly not everyone does. As you leave the beach please look out for litter, pick it up and dispose of it in one of the bins at the slipway. You will have done your bit for the environment and to protect our seas.

Mass of Thanksgiving For Fr Chris Silver Jubilee (+ 1 YEAR!)

Thursday 22nd July at 7:00pm in St Joseph’s Church the Feast of St Mary Magdalene.

Followed by a tea party in the hall afterwards. All welcome.

The Holy Spirit Prayer Group on Monday 19th July in St Joseph’s Parish Room.

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

Rotas for the period 2nd August 2021– 31st January 2022 are available for collection from the folder on the table outside of the Sacristy.

Our parish environmental group recently took part in a Beach Clean with Guernsey’s Clean Earth Trust at Longree. It was enlightening to see just how much litter was collected from the bay and impressive to see it being sorted afterwards for recycling. The Trust is working its way round the island to produce the island’s first report on local ocean waste.

Pope Francis announced a new celebration in honour of all grandparents and the elderly, who are so important to our communities and our Church. This new World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly will be celebrated every year on the fourth Sunday in July. Pope Francis has also granted a plenary indulgence to grandparents, the elderly, and all those who participate in a solemn celebration of this day as well as to those who spend time (actually or virtually) with an elderly brother or sister in need on this day.

The month of July is dedicated to the Most Precious Blood of Our Lord. What comes to mind when you hear the word blood? Pain, injury, and death or healing and life? Because of this challenge, the topic of blood makes us feel uncomfortable and therefore isn’t frequently addressed. Unconsciously we endorse the blood dichotomy – sign of suffering and source of life. We know that blood is a necessary element in our physical body, but we may not focus enough on its life-giving image of love. The Bible’s perspective on blood is very clear. Scripture equates blood with life, the life God breathed in Adam’s nostrils! Leviticus 17:11 declares that “life is in the blood.” Jesus, prefigured by the blood sacrifices of the Old Testament, came to restore humanity’s life in his own blood given and shed for all. As individuals rooted in the spirituality of the Blood of Christ, we recognize that Jesus came so that all may have life to the fullest from conception to natural death. Furthermore, we promote life-giving activities like feeding, clothing, sheltering the needy, as well as working for justice, peace, and reconciliation, and caring for mother earth – lessons in mercy, charity, and sanctification that all the ends of the earth may see the saving power of God. The blood of Jesus Christ, with its message of love and brotherhood, has redeeming, forgiving, and reconciling power for a society in need of it like arid ground. But sheepishly we may follow the narrative of our society and even be timid around the table eating and drinking of his body and blood! Humanity needs to be restored in its core element that blood is the source of life in any age and time. As in human fashion, when someone who has lost blood a blood transfusion gives a new chance to life, Christ’s blood gives the faithful new chance of life – life everlasting. We endure trials and tribulations in this life as to run the race to win the crown of glory that the just judge will assign when he will be all in all. For now we live by hope, knowing that the One who made the promise is trustworthy: we are justified and sanctified by the blood of the Lamb.

A Powerful Prayer to be Said Before Praying

“Almighty Father, I place the Precious Blood of Jesus before my lips before I pray, that my prayers may be purified before they ascend to Your divine altar.” – St. Mary Magdalen de Pazzi

Guernsey’s Abortion Law – Back with a Vengeance Legislation due to be approved next week. Fr Chris in his capacity as Dean will be going down to the Royal Court (new building) on Wednesday 14th July at 8:30am. Please try to be there.

We will stand in silence to support THE UNBORN.

It has come to our notice that an unintended consequence of this new law creates a loophole, were a woman can self-abort a survivable child with no medical or health justification between 24 weeks gestation and the time of birth without legal consequence. Please pray that the deputies will have compassion in their hearts and change their minds as to how they voted this law through in June 2020. We need a miracle, please God have mercy on us . Open our hearts to protect the “survivable child”.

Hail, Mary, Full of grace,

The lord is with thee,

Blessed art thou amongst women,

And blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus,

Holy Mary, Mother of God,

Pray for us sinners,

Now and at the hour of our death Amen.

Please make your voices heard and write to each of the 38 Deputies by following these steps. Click on gov.gg/yourdeputies then scroll down and click on Individual Deputies Listed A-Z . Then scroll down and click on You can contact all Deputies by sending them an email. Please go to the following link and read the heart-breaking story of Heidi Carter https://news.sky.com/story/it-makes-me-feel-like-i-shouldnt-be-here-woman-with-downs-syndrome-leads-abortion-law-legal-challenge-12349956

Give us the grace… When the sacredness of life before birth is attacked, to stand up and proclaim that no one ever has the authority to destroy unborn life.

With the opening of our borders we ask that you please be vigilant with your interactions with others. Please sanitise your hands when you come into Church. Should you wish to wear a Face Mask please feel free to do so. The Priests will be wearing a Face Mask when administering Holy Communion. Out of Charity for your Brothers and Sisters would you please consider receiving Holy Communion in your hands.

The Holy Spirit Prayer Group on Monday 12th July in St Joseph’s Parish Room.

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

Eucharistic Ministers & Readers at St Joseph’s Church

Rotas for the period 18^th July – 5^th September 2021 are available for collection from the folder on the table outside of the Sacristy.

The Lottery result for June draw –

1st – 40 – £100

2nd – 35 – £50

3rd – 69 – £25

The Delancey Music Group plays at the 9:15am Mass at Delancey each Sunday. We would really welcome some more instrumentalists, and in particular someone to play the keyboard/ piano, possibly on a rota basis. No need to commit to being there every week. Extra singers are also welcome! If you are able to help please contact: Angela 253019 / Judy 245197 / Tom 07781 129310.

Laudato Si meeting on Thursday 15th July at 7:00pm-9:00pm in St Joseph’s Parish Room.

All welcome!

Mass of Thanksgiving for Fr Chris Silver Jubilee (+ 1 year!)

Thursday 22nd July at 7:00pm at St Joseph’s followed by a tea party in the hall afterwards.

All welcome.

We are very fortunate to have the opportunity for a guided tour of The Priaulx Library next Tuesday 13th July at 7:00pm. This library has a very interesting history and is full of information about the island and local family history.

As we come to the end of this school year, we voice our gratitude for the good things you have done in us, and we praise you for all who have shared in the work of our schools … We praise you, God, through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns forever and ever. Amen. We wish all teachers, staff, pupils and parents a very happy and restful holiday.

Thank you to all who helped with the cheese and wine evening it was a very successful night. We look forward to the next Parish gathering. I have established a working group to discuss the way forward to reinvigorate Notre Dame Church and the Cheese & Wine night was one such initiative. In the meantime I have met with our property manager to refurbish the Church. This will include scaffolding; painting the exterior of the Church and the flats to the side; new exterior lighting; improvements to the lighting inside the Church. The hall will be redecorated with an added addition of a kitchenette; re-sited of the Confessional Box. We will also be looking at raising the Health & Safety at the Church. This is an exciting time for our Parish.

We are aware of the environmental problems of being part of a “Throwaway” society and the need to “Reuse, Repair, Reduce, Recycle”. The Repair Cafe at Health Connections in Smith Street is open Saturday 10th July from 10am to 12 and then onwards for a further 14 Saturdays. It gives free help with repairs to textiles: clothes, toys, soft furnishing that are in need of some TLC. Curious? Go and have a look one Saturday. You may want to use it one Saturday.

Can you wield a duster, broom or hoover and spare 2 hours or so every 4 weeks?

Then St. Joseph’s Church needs you. Please contact the Parish Office in first instance.

Orbital Youth Festival on Saturday 14th August–Wednesday 18th August at Rue Maingy.

For young people currently in school years 7-13.

Contact Tom for more details: Tel: 07781 129310 / E-mail: youth@catholic.org.gg

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 Savior 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.”

The Anima Christi is a prayer from around the 14th century. It is still widely used after receiving the body and blood of Our Lord, Jesus Christ in Holy Communion.

The Anima Christi

Soul of Christ, sanctify me.

Body of Christ, save me.

Blood of Christ, inebriate me.

Water from the side of Christ, wash me.

Passion of Christ, strengthen me.

O Good Jesus, hear me.

Within Your wounds hide me.

Suffer me not to be separated from you.

From the evil one defend me.

In the hour of my death, call me.

And bid me come to You,

That with all Your saints,

I may praise You forever and ever. Amen.

Radio Guernsey Guidelines are presented this week by Luke O’Donnell from Monday 28th June on the early morning show (approx 6.35am and 8.35am).

The Holy Spirit Prayer Group will be meeting again on Monday evenings from Monday June 28th at 7.30pm (tea & coffee from 7:00pm) in the parish room at St Joseph’s. For further information, contact Judy 245197 or Frank 07781 108394. Everyone is welcome.

Mary’s Meals Bingo & Dinner Night on Saturday 3rd July at 7:00pm at St Martins Parish Hall.

Ticket price: £15 per person; Included: *2 course meal buffet style *1 drink (tea/coffee or juice). *1 bingo card (Additional drinks and bingo cards can be purchased at £1 each)

To book please call / text Gloria Dekker 07781 412352 or Mary De Garis on 07781 122175

Or follow the link below to donate. Please add a description of ‘bingo night’ and how many tickets https:// giving.marysmeals.org/en_gb/projects/glow-guernsey-friends-ofmarys-meals-uk.

Raising much needed funds for our sponsored school in Malawi.

The PTFA would like to invite you and your family to their Summer BBQ Sunday 4th July 12 noon – 4.00pm. In order to obtain an idea of numbers or for further information please contact Jess Van der Linden on 07781 192509 or jess_boscher@hotmail.com

Prayer for all peoples of the Holy Land and the Peace of Jerusalem on Sunday 4th July.

Contact Maud for time & venue telephone 729445.

IMPORTANT NOTICE – CHANGE OF VENUE PARISH BEACH CLEAN

Saturday 26th June with Guernsey’s Clean Earth Trust is now meeting at Longree Car Park. It is the next car park along from Fort Le Marchant and there will be a Clean Earth Trust sign on the main road to show the way.

Household tip Bicarbonate of soda is an amazingly useful and environmentally good product. For instance, if you want to avoid using harmful products to clean or clear a grease- blocked kitchen sink drain pour bicarbonate of soda and white vinegar down, watch it fizz and clear that blockage. That is just one of its uses. It can be bought in bigger quantities at places like Valpy’s and Alliance.

FATIMA A beautiful new film has been made about Fatima portraying the events of 1917. The new film on Fatima will be shown on demand and in cinemas in the UK on the 25th June. You can also get a good idea of what the film will be like by visiting: htps://www.fatimafilm.co.uk/ There you can see a trailer which highlights the authentic look and feel of the film for Fatima and Portugal in the early twentieth century. You can see cinemas where the film will be available here: htps://www.fatimafilm.co.uk/tickets/

We give thanks for Canon Michael and his long years of priesthood who has served at various parishes in our Diocese and is fondly remembered here in Guernsey and latterly Alderney. Canon Michael is retiring this week and we wish him a happy Blessed Retirement. Fr Chris.

Last year Father Chris celebrated his Silver Jubilee. Sadly due to lockdown, celebrations were restricted to just a few people behind locked Church doors. The parish would like to acknowledge his Silver Jubilee (+ one year!) with a Mass of thanksgiving at St Joseph’s on July 22nd at 7:00pm, followed by a tea party in the hall afterwards. Details to follow but meanwhile do keep the date free for us all to come together for what will be a very special parish occasion.

Bingo & Dinner night Saturday 3rd July at 7:00pm at St Martins Parish Hall. Ticket price: £15 per person; Included: *2 course meal buffet style *1 drink (tea/coffe or juice) *1 bingo card. Additional drinks and bingo cards can be purchased at £1 each. To book please call / text Gloria Dekker 07781 412352 or Mary De Garis on 07781 122175. Or follow the link below to donate. Please add a description of ‘bingo night’ and how many tickets https://giving.marysmeals.org/en_gb/projects/glow-guernsey-friends-of-marys-meals-uk. Raising much needed funds for our sponsored school in Malawi.

For the first time in many decades Catholic families now have access to full Catholic educational provision from 2½ – 18 for both boys and girls. Blanchelande College offers an outstanding independent education in beautiful surroundings and characterful, well-equipped buildings. For more information or to arrange a visit, please visit www.blanchelande.sch.gg or contact Sonia Hollowell  (hollowells@blanchelande.sch.gg / 232744)

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 Friday 11^th June. Here’s a prayer to say each day… O loving Heart of our Lord Jesus Christ, you move hearts that are harder than rock, you melt spirits that are colder than ice, and you reach souls that are more impenetrable than diamonds. Touch my heart with your sacred wounds and permeate my soul with your precious Blood. Lord Jesus, let my heart never rest until it finds you, who are its centre, its love, and its happiness. By the wound in your heart, pardon the sins that I have committed whether out of malice or out of evil desires. Place my weak heart in your own divine Heart, continually under your protection and guidance, so that I may persevere in doing good and in fleeing evil until my last breath. Heart of Jesus, save me. Heart of my Creator perfect me. Heart of my Saviour deliver me. Heart of my Judge forgive me. Heart of Father govern me. Heart of my Spouse love me. Heart of my Master teach me. Heart of my King crown me. Heart of my Benefactor enrich me. Heart of my Pastor defend me. Heart of my Friend embrace me. Heart of my infant Jesus, draw me. Heart of Jesus, I greet you in all your states. Give yourself to me. Amen

Thanks to your support, CAFOD has been helping communities around the world cope with the pandemic. Just in Zambia, in the past year, our reports show we’ve been able to reach 1,234,200 people with messages on COVID-19, provide 13,312 people with access to safe water, train 392 frontline health workers from Zambia’s 11 dioceses on how to prepare and respond to COVID-19 in their local communities and donate over 1000 hand washing hygiene stations in communities to support hand washing measures. Thank you for standing alongside people in Zambia and for supporting people in more than 30 other countries worldwide. For more information visit our facebook page (1) CAFOD in Portsmouth | Facebook. CAFOD Portsmouth Blog | Updates from CAFOD in the Portsmouth Diocese (wordpress.com) and twitter @CAFODPortsmouth

Sunday 26th June our parish has been invited to join in a beach clean with The Clean Earth Trust. This will be such a good opportunity to show our environmental credentials in what is always a useful and enjoyable event for all. Meet at 2pm at Fort Le Marchant.

Orbital Youth Festival on Saturday 14th August–Wednesday 18th August at Rue Maingy.

For young people currently in school years 7-13.

Contact Tom for more details – Tel: 07781 129310 / E-mail: youth@catholic.org.gg