Coffee Morning:

Coffee Morning on Wednesday 11th February 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.

Let It Be:

A 5 session video series about Mary – Session 3 is on Wednesday 11th February. This Catholic faith exploration (CaFE) course on how Mary helps us to be filled with God will be shown in the St Yves Room at St Joseph’s from 11:00am-12:00am on the coffee morning days (2nd and 4th Wednesdays). Come and have a cup of tea/coffee first at the coffee morning or just come along at 11:00am for the video sessions. Everyone is welcome!

An Invitation to Keeping a Holy Lent Each evening will commence at 7:00pm and finish at 8:00pm.

We are pleased to announce this year’s speakers –

26th February – Deacon Mark – ‘Walking Quietly Through a Noisy World’

11th March – Rt Rev Nick Drayson – ‘The Desert Mothers and Fathers … Heroes of Faith’

26th March – Professor Kevin Bales – ‘Friends of God and Slaves of Men’… Religion and Slavery’

All are welcome do make every effort to come along.

Heartfelt thanks to all who contributed in any way to the magnificent Tea Party at Blanchelande College last Saturday. Guests especially appreciated the caring welcome and enthusiastic service given by pupils, their young hosts and hostesses. They were genuinely amazed to learn that all the lovely delicacies had been made by them as part of their Leith Cookery Course. Special thanks to Fr Inna who gave some of his precious time to be with everyone, some of whom can no longer attend Mass.

The Allegro Choir, our family choir, warmly welcomes new voices and musicians – especially children and parents who would enjoy taking part together. We sing at Mass around 6-9 times a year, with just a couple of relaxed rehearsals after the 10:30am Mass, making it very manageable for family life. Singing together is a lovely way for children to feel involved in the Mass and to grow in confidence and faith. As St Augustine reminds us, to sing is to pray twice and there is something very special about praying together as families through music.

If singing isn’t your family’s thing, we are also looking for helpers with church cleaning. A small team helps keep our church so welcoming and a few more volunteers would really help share the load. Teams of two or three help out about once every two months. If you feel even a gentle nudge to get involved – whether through music, helping hands, or simply finding out more – please speak to me after mass or contact me on E-mail: Mariebanton22@gmail.com or the Parish Office Tel: 720196. You would be very warmly welcomed.

One small Yes can make a Big difference – COME AND JOIN US.

Could you support our donations to the food bank for needy islanders? The Guernsey Welfare are currently in need of washing tablets /pods for clothes. Any non-perishable food such as pasta sauces, tinned sweetcorn and cordial would be so gratefully received. Please leave whatever you can spare in the green tubs at the back of each church each week. Thank you very much.

Confirmation Preparation starts this weekend for young people in Year 8 and above who would like receive the Sacrament of Confirmation this summer, or just want a chance to have real and open conversations about life, faith and purpose. Sessions are weekly and include food, fun, a short film and discussion in small groups.

We start with Alpha Youth: Watch the first episode at Alpha.org.uk/alphayouthseries. This year we have the opportunity to join other Guernsey Churches for a big Alpha Youth at St Martin’s Community Centre on Sunday evenings for 7 weeks starting this Sunday 1st February from 6:30pm-8:30pm.

We will then continue with our own follow-up sessions after Easter. If you miss the first week it’s fine to come along in week 2 – sign up at orbitalyouth.com and contact Tom – Tel: 07781 129310 / E-mail: youth@catholic.org.gg

Blessing of Candles – The Feast of Candelaria

Every year on the 02nd February the faithful gather to Honor Our Lady of Candelaria on the feast of her namesake.

We will be blessing the candles at OLSS at 12:00pm Mass.

The Holy Spirit Prayer Group will be meeting on Monday 02nd February from 7:30pm-8:30pm in St Josephs Parish Room.

Tea/Coffee available from 7:00pm.

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

With great joy, I invite all young people and all parishioners of our parish to join us for a Special Mass for our Young People, with a special invitation extended to our Confirmation candidates, First Holy Communion children, and their families. This joyful celebration is a wonderful opportunity for our parish community to gather in prayer, celebrate our faith and encourage our young people as they continue to grow in the life of the Church.

Following the Holy Mass, everyone is warmly invited to continue the celebration with refreshments and soft drinks in the school hall. Parishioners who would like to bring contributions are welcome to drop them off at the parish office or bring them along on the day. As you know, our young people especially enjoy cakes, biscuits, chocolates and soft drinks. Thank you for your generosity, encouragement, and continued prayers for our young people and our parish community.

Father Inna

Filipino Mass on Sunday 8th February at 10:30am mass in St Josephs.

We warmly welcome ‘The Filipino Choir’ who will sing for us.