Blessing of the Easter Baskets on Holy Saturday ‘Święconka’ meaning “the blessing of the Easter baskets” is one of the most enduring and beloved Polish traditions on Holy Saturday during Easter with roots dating back to the early history of Poland. Baskets containing a sampling of Easter foods are brought to church to be Blessed on Holy Saturday at 11:00am at St Joseph’s. Please do tell any of your Polish acquaintances and friends about this.

Wednesday 23rd April – 10th Anniversary Afternoon Tea Celebration from 2:00pm-4:00pm at Shiloh Community Church. Raising money for The Tumaini Fund. Bring along some cakes and biscuits to share.

Divine Mercy Sunday 27th April – Devotions at 2:45pm in St Joseph’s Church followed by light refreshments in the Parish Room.

Sunday 18th May – Parish Befrienders Spring Tea Party from 2:30pm-4:30pm at St Mary and St Michael School. Invitations will go out after Easter. If you know anyone who is housebound, elderly or isolated etc who would like to come and catch up with old friends, then please contact Angela on 07781 112 221.

The Liberation 80 Concert will involve local musicians who will perform with the Biberach Youth Orchestra. The performance on Saturday 10th May at 6:00pm in the Sir John Loveridge Hall, Beau Sejour will celebrate the strong relationship that has been formed with Biberach, the town in Germany where more than 800 Islanders were deported during the war. The German Youth Orchestra will perform alongside the Guernsey Choral and Orchestral Society (GCOS), Guernsey Chamber Choir, Bel Canto, Guernsey Music Service students from Cantabile and the Youth Orchestra, and other local singers and musicians. The concert will also feature works by other local composers Lydia Sullivan-Pugh, Martin Cordall and songs written by Len Collins and Ernie Webster who were interned at Laufen Camp. This is a free concert and tickets are available from Beau Sejour.

GOOD FRIDAY COLLECTION

The Pontifical Good Friday Collection supports the Christian community in the Middle East. This last year has been particularly challenging for this small community which seeks ‘to be the salt, light and leaven of the Gospel’ in the region, often living in difficult circumstances. “May this year’s collection pro Terra Sancta be an opportunity for everyone not to ignore the difficult situation of our brothers and sisters of the Holy Places but rather to lighten their burdens.” Leonardo Card. Sandri

EASTER MASS OFFERINGS

Are for the personal use of our priests and form a substantial part of their income. Please remember our priests and if you can give your usual offering for them this will be most gratefully appreciated. You may do so in one of four ways –

• Easter Offering Envelopes (cash/cheque): available in the Churches please bring them along to the Easter Vigil/Sunday Masses.
• DONA machines: ‘Easter Offerings’
• Online Banking: Please reference ‘Easter Offering’
• By Cheque to the Parish Office payee ‘CDP Guernsey’. Please reference ‘Easter Offering’ on back of the cheque.

Thank you for your continued support and generosity.

Sunday 13th April palms will be available in our 3 Churches for blessing. Please pick one upon the way in.

You are also most welcome to bring your own greenery from home if you wish.

This Thursday 10th April we have our final Lenten talk ‘Holy Week; Saving Our Future’ from 7:00pm-8:00pm in St Josephs Church.

It will be given by Abbot Christopher Jamison.

This final evening will commence with Mass at 6:00pm followed by refreshments in Parish Room after.

If you are unable to attend the Mass you are most welcome to still come along to the talk.

The Edel Quinn Rosary is being rescheduled to Sunday 6th April at 2:00pm.

Everyone is welcome please join us.

THE HOLY SPIRIT PRAYER GROUP

The Holy Spirit Prayer Group will be meeting on Monday 7th April at 7:30pm in St Joseph’s Parish Room for praise, prayer and Bible sharing.

Tea/Coffee available from 7:00pm. Everyone is welcome.

LIFE IN THE SPIRIT SEMINARS

After Easter there will be another chance to attend the Life in the Spirit seminars, which have been encouraged by the Pope and supported by our Bishop.

This is a series of 7 weekly sessions designed to increase our awareness of the Holy Spirit and His gifts. More details to follow.

The UCM meet on Tuesday 8th April at 7:00pm in St Josephs Parish Room.

Liz Dene will give a talk on Bamenda. Everyone is welcome!

Coffee Morning on Wednesday 09th April in St Joseph’s Parish Room and on every 2nd and 4th Wednesday of the month.

Drop in any time between 9:30am-11:30am for coffee, cake & a chat.

Everyone is welcome!