PARISH NEWSLETTER FOR ST. JOSEPH’S (MAIDENHEAD)
& ST. ELIZABETH’S (COOKHAM)
12th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year A
Train your mind to hear what God whispers, and not what the enemy may be shouting.
Our lives are lightened by people we can trust. We need to trust so much in life. We know the great pain when our trust is shaken by people we thought we could trust — parents/ teachers/ religious superiors/ the church/ friends and more.
In the gospel today Jesus addresses that need and grace in our lives. He encourages us to place our trust in those who care for us, and to trust in God who does not want destruction, but development, who wants peace among people in all sorts of ways. In what do we trust? Jesus tells us to trust in God, who would not harm even a hair of our head. He asks and urges us to be people who would not harm another. We are worth this care and love just by being created. Like a parent or grandparent, or an aunt or uncle, totally loving a new child before the child is even seen, so God loves each of us. The sight of a starving child brings out our love and a desire to care.
This is linked to the care of God: in this care and trust of each other we find the trust and care of God, given and received for ‘where there is love, there is God (1 John 3:7).
Just echo the word ‘trust’ as you sit in silence;
let this gift and call of trust fill your being.
Sacred heart of Jesus, I place all my trust in you
Readings:
1st. Jeremiah 20:10-13. Jeremiah is under stress from enemies, yet holds to his confidence in God.
Responsorial: Ps 68:8-10.14.17.33-35 R/ In your great love, answer me O God
2nd. Romans 5:12-15. The effects of Adam’s sin are cancelled by the death of Christ.
Acclamation: Alleluia, alleluia! The Word was made flesh and lived among us; to all who did accept him, he gave power to become children of God. Alleluia!
Gospel: Matthew 10:26-33. Jesus forewarns his disciples to be prepared for trials and suffering.
URGENTLY NEEDED (Training provided!)
Contact the Parish office if you would like to sign up for:
– 4 volunteers to run the tea/coffee service after the 11am Sunday mass, once every 4-6 weeks.
– 1 volunteer to help with alter linen, 4x/year
– We would like to thank the outgoing members of the Parish Centre committee. We would also like to invite applicants to fill the spaces now available. Please apply only if you’re not already a member of another committee.
THIS WEEKEND:
Living Word End Times, Sat 24th June 9.30a.m. https://coretlumenchristi.churchsuite.com/events/idekzdsb
Lyford Grange Mass, Sun June 25th. Coach leaves 11.30am from outside Altwood School (John Lynn 07931-292934).
Children’s Choir Meeting Sun 25th June at 10.30am. Sign up : https://stjosephsparish.co.uk/music-2/
Talk: HSBC FRAUD AWARENESS and DIGITAL BANKING talk on Sun 25th June after 11am Mass
Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA)
This programme is widely used in many parishes throughout the Diocese. RCIA is both a learning and teaching programme that aims to help those who would like to know more about the Christian faith from a catholic perspective and might be
thinking about becoming a Catholic. To be a full member of the Catholic Church you need to complete the process of Christian Initiation, which is when you have been Baptised, Confirmed and made your First Holy Communion.
The RCIA Programme will begin with the completion of the ten-step programme of the Alpha course run at Windsor. (Sept-Nov 2023). RCIA (Jan – April 2024). Talk to one of our priests. More information is online and on leaflets found at the entrance of the church. See also: here
PILGRIMAGES/ WALKS
Sunday Pilgrim Walks: The Vision Groups of St Edmund Campion and St Joseph’s are offering opportunities for all in the Maidenhead area to meet those who pray in the various churches of St. Edmund Campion, St Joseph’s or St. Elizabeth’s:
- 9th July with a walk from St Joseph’s Church after the 11am Mass. There will be an opportunity to meet over refreshment and for those of you who would like to, to join us for a walk to St Elizabeth’s. Refreshments on 9th will before the walk and is very special as it is also Shauna’s farewell party before leaving the parish and moving to Ireland.
- 30th July. After the 9.15am Mass at St. Elizabeth’s, to walk to St. Edmund Campion church. Hospitality from 12.15pm onwards.
- 3rd September. After the 11.15am Mass at St. Edmund Campion Church, walk to St. Joseph’s.
You are welcome to attend Mass in your own church or join in the Mass of the hosting Community. Details of the walk can be obtained from Carolyn Foster: [email protected].
Calling Youth pilgrims! Portsmouth Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes 17-21st July 2023
We are looking for young people aged 16+ who would be able to dedicate their participation in the pilgrimage to supporting some of our less agile pilgrims. Our support team each year assists some of our pilgrims by pushing wheelchairs, extending a supporting hand, assisting at mealtimes by carrying plates to tables from the buffet once the pilgrim has chosen their meal, and by extending the ministry of welcome to all our pilgrims. No assistance with personal care is required at any time. The pilgrimage is a rare opportunity to immerse yourself in your faith whilst serving others and enjoying the social aspects of a holiday. Those who have joined us in the past have said that they found the experience inspiring, their faith deepen and the ability to be in a place of peace awesome. Our pilgrimage will cost Youth Pilgrims £699. On 17th July, we will fly direct from Bournemouth airport to Tarbes Lourdes and return on 21st July. There is a familiarisation day for youth pilgrims followed by a pre-pilgrimage gathering for all pilgrims on 24th of June at Milner Hall, Winchester Hall.
Nurse needed. Are you a nurse? Would you be available to travel to Lourdes for the 17-21st July 2023 if so, we would love to hear from you. We need a nurse to support our pilgrim team during our Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes this year.
To join or find out more, please contact Canon PJ Smith (pilgrimage director): [email protected] or call 07780 221686.
Our Lady’s Shrine, Banneux, Belgium, for the 90th anniversary of the Apparitions, 70th Anniversary of ‘Pilgrimage GB’) and for the Feast of the Assumption, 11th-16th August 2023. A coach will leave from St. Edmund Campion Church, Maidenhead SL6 4PY. Accommodation and full board (including travel and excursions): staying at the Hospitalité is £420. (Single room supplement +£100).
The Hospitalité is very spacious and can accommodate all pilgrims, especially those who are sick, disabled or elderly. It also includes a full catering and medical staff. (There is a hotel next door for £650 sharing and single room supplement +£200). Fr. Liam Cummins (St. Edmund Campion Parish) will be the Spiritual Director for this pilgrimage and has been going to Banneux since 1996.
If you are interested and you would like more information or to reserve a place before June 30th, please contact Lisa Pirie, pilgrimage director, on 07500288384; [email protected] or Father Liam, on 07776580596 (email [email protected] ). The GB pilgrimage has been going for 70 years and it looks like this will be the last official trip from England, so get on board!
Dates for your Diary
Baptismal Course:
Available for all Parents whose child is being Baptised at either St Joseph’s, St Elizabeth’s or St Edmund Campion. The course is a 90-minute preparation and guidance. It is held at St Joseph’s the first Tuesday of the month at 7pm. The next meetings are: Tuesday 4th July, Tues 5th September
Parish Support Bereavement Group: meeting on 16th July 2.30 pm – 5 pm in the parish hall, St Edmund Campion with tea and cake. This is a further opportunity to meet others who are grieving after a bereavement, to share with one another and to consider whether you feel the need for individual or small group support.
Filipino mass: 16th July 3p.m. Food and drinks after. All are welcome!
MILL HILL MISSIONARY FUNDRAISING BBQ In light of last year’s highly successful BBQ, we have decided to have another one this summer. It will be held at Colby Gardens, Maidenhead on Friday 28th July from 6.00 pm. Tickets will be available for sale this coming weekend after each mass. The cost of each ticket is £25 and includes a 3 course meal, with meat from the BBQ. Vegetarian options will also be provided. Please bring. your own drinks. All proceeds will go to our new mission in Chhattisgarh , North India. Please call Millie on 07957594646 for ticket sales or for further information.
First Friday Healing Mass
Each First Friday will see a ‘Healing Mass’ being celebrated alternatively at St. Joseph’s Church and St. Edmund Campion Church for 2023. We bring together all our needs and especially asking God’s healing spirit upon people and situations in our parish. You are very welcome. Sacrament of Reconciliation and Anointing with Holy Oil will be available.
7th July: 10am & 7.30pm masses celebrated in St Joseph’s Church
4th August: 10am & 7.30pm masses celebrated in St. Edmund Campion
Maidenhead Catholic Community Retreat on 5th August 1000h-1530h A peaceful guided retreat day for anyone who needs a break. Retreat directed by Dr Judith Thomas. St Katherine’s Retreat House, Henley-on-Thames RG9 6NN. Maximum of 50 people. For booking and more information contact: 01628 628274 or email [email protected]. Full details here and in flyers in the church.
SVP Friday 6th October 2023 Musical Evening Fundraiser
SVP Maidenhead will be holding a musical
evening on Friday 6th October from 7.30pm at St Edmund Campion. Proceeds from the evening will be split equally between the local branch of Care4Calais, a volunteer-run asylum seeker charity and SVP Maidenhead – to help sustain and expand the support given by SVP to those in need, including local people who are lonely, sick, housebound or just struggling to cope.
Tickets will be £7 per person and available from July.
This is a cash only event and drinks and snacks will be available to buy from a Donations Bar
In the meantime, we would love to hear from anyone who would like to take part, whether you’re a singer or if you play an instrument, solo or part of a group – this informal event is about getting local people involved and giving those who are interested a chance to perform while raising funds for a worthwhile cause.
For event planning, interested musicians (instrumentalists or singers) who get in touch will have a place reserved in the programme and we’ll need to do this on a first come first served basis until we have a full programme (likely to be around one hour each half plus interval).
If you would like to take part, please contact Peter (St Edmund Campion) on 07976 625 813 or Siobhan (St Joseph’s) on 07816 445 416. Thank you for your support.
RESOURCES
Magnificat: This is one of the best publications around for following scripture readings for daily Mass and every Sunday. There are also many interesting articles to help you in your spiritual life. If you would like a copy please get in touch with Shauna in the Parish Office to arrange. We can leave in the sacristy or post out to you. The Magnificat is only £5 per month.
Day by Day: Available in the church at all times. Please leave the £1 in the candle box.
Library: We have a parish library located in the corridor of the Parish Centre. This is dedicated to Theology/Religious books. Please feel free to borrow/swap.
St Joseph’s Church Repository: is open after 11am every Sunday. We have lots of cards, candles, rosary beads, statues and many more religious gifts on sale. If a Sunday does not suit to visit, then please phone the office on 01628 783988 and we can arrange a time that best suits.
Vacancies – We currently have some exciting opportunities across the Diocese for an Estate Manager, IT Manager, Choral Director, and Parish Administrators. See here
Other information and links
Missio If you have a Red Box which is ready to be emptied, please bring it in over the coming weeks.
If you’re away from your church or the Diocese, you can still keep in contact with all the latest news from the Bishop or the Diocese via: E- News (subscription service available)
Twitter @PortsmouthRC
Facebook @PortsmouthRC @StJoMaidenhead
Are You New To Our Parish?
Thank you for your interest in our parish. Whether you’re just visiting us for a brief time, looking for a new parish home, returning to the practice of your Catholic faith or are interested in finding out more about the Catholic Church, we are happy to answer your questions, listen to your comments and help you in any way that we can. We are a parish of the Diocese of Portsmouth, and are a very vibrant community, made up of ‘old’ Maidenhead families and relative “newcomers” from all walks of life.
We hope that you find our Catholic parish a caring community that is loving, welcoming and supportive of all. Our mission is to grow in the image of Christ through the Holy Spirit, to be formed by the Word and our prayer, to use our gifts to welcome those who are here and reach out to those who are not. We invite you to join us as partners in the mission. Together, let us get to know Christ better and to make Him better known. May God Bless you wherever you are and thank you for exploring our website and newsletter. Please stop by the parish office to introduce yourself! We would love to meet you.
Code: SI: Special Intention, RIP: Rest in Peace, A: Anniversary, FM: Foundation