Newsletter 379 16th July 2023

PARISH NEWSLETTER FOR ST. JOSEPH’S (MAIDENHEAD)
& ST. ELIZABETH’S (COOKHAM)

15th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year A

New Pastoral Area

Churches of St. Joseph, St. Elizabeth, St. Edmund Campion, St. Thomas More & Our Lady Queen of Peace.

Joining of our new Pastoral Area needs a name, and we need your help to find one. Ideally, the name should reflect our common Catholic heritage and faith, the shared environment, communities and history of the Thames Valley area which unites us and recognise our different histories and traditions, all under the five patrons of our churches, between Maidenhead, Cookham, Twyford and Wargrave.

Please give us your suggestions and let our parish offices know.

In the coming weeks, the clergy of these parishes will meet for an initial contact.  There are three priests in the Maidenhead area, one in Twyford along with two deacons.  So, six in total.  In that meeting we hope to discuss and agree on the following:

  • Provide a structure for the Pastoral Area to meet,
  • Develop a roadmap for the new Pastoral Area to come together
  • Create a focus and momentum for bringing people together
  • Expand the number of people who influence, direct, and build the new Pastoral area

We hope to develop five ‘working groups’ that will reach out into our parishes to look at –  

  • Evangelisation – reaching out, being reliant, sharing the Good News, Sacraments, retreats etc.
  • Finance – one Finance Committee, charities, maintenances, upkeep, fund-raising
  • Communication – Mass times, one newsletter, website, twitter, info- outreach etc
  • Growing Together – UCM, SVP, Knights, and other groups in the parish
  • Youth, – employing a Youth worker, outreach programmes, events, Confirmation

Over time, sub-groups will be developed to expand the reach of the Pastoral Area.

Over the coming weeks there will be an update to share how the Pastoral Area Council is working, and how we can all grow closer to Christ in prayer and mission.

We have had our initial meetings and sent the outcome of that to the Bishop’s House.

Our hope is that we will have a working Council comprised of four members from St. Joseph’s and St. Elizabeth’s, four from St. Edmund Campion, and four from St. Thomas More and Our Lady, Queen of Peace.  In addition to that, the six Clergymen.  So, this Council will comprise of about 18 people and will propel us into the next stage of amalgamation.

Readings:

1st Reading: Isaiah 55:10-11.  God’s word is like rain which fertilises the earth.

Psalm: 64:10-14 R./: Some seed fell into rich soil and yielded a rich harvest.

2nd Reading: Romans 8:18-23.  All creation eagerly waits for God to reveal his glory in us.

Acclamation: Alleluia, alleluia! The seed is the word of God, Christ the sower; whoever finds this seed will remain for ever. Alleluia!

Gospel: Matthew 13:1-23.  The Sower and the seed. The good soil of the receptive heart

URGENTLY NEEDED

St Mary’s is looking for a Pastoral Support Assistant. See here

Contact the Parish office if you would like to sign up for (Training provided!):

– altar servers (see more here)

– readers for Sat 6.30pm and Sun 8.00am mass

– 1 volunteer to help with alter linen, 4x/year

– children’s liturgy helpers

This Week:

PLEASE SIGN the LETTER to THE WORLD BANK this weekend, 15/16 July, in Solidarity with Salina and thousands of small-scale farmers around the world. They are fighting for the rights to sow and share their own seeds. Large International Suppliers, supported by the World Bank, have introduced restrictions on their use making it financially and environmentally difficult for the farmers to feed their families. These Farmers want the opportunity to sow their seeds, as in today’s Parable, “on good ground and bring forth grain, some a hundredfold, some sixty and some thirty. Let anyone with care listen! Please support the farmers by signing today. Letters will be available at ALL MASSES. Thank you

Sunday 3pm Filipino mass: Food and drinks after. All are welcome!  

Sunday 2.30pm-5pm Parish Support Bereavement Groupin 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.

Wed 19th July 1.30pm Y6 Leavers Mass: As we find ourselves at the end of the school year, we are extremely proud of all our pupils and our dedicated staff in our school of St. Mary’s. We also thank our committed Governing Body for the wonderful job they do in ensuring our school continues to thrive. This week, we say goodbye to our Year 6 pupils. Our Year 6 group this year have been outstanding; not just in their academic achievements but in the progress they have demonstrated around our core values of respect, tolerance, understanding and responsibility. They have also shown themselves to be people who are committed to God and that God is at the centre of everything they do. They are a credit to themselves, their families and our school and we wish each of them every success in the future as they head off for new adventures in their new schools. Well done, Year 6! We are so very proud of you!

Tickets on sale for 6th Oct SVP musical evening fundraiser – look for Siobhan and Jean-Marc! See more under Dates for your Diary. £7 each

Baptisms:

15 July: Sienna, daughter of Gregory & Sasha

Thank You:

Oh my goodness, what an amazing send-off I received last Sunday. A big thank you for all the wonderful gifts I have received and to the organisers and contributors to the party.” Shauna 

Here’s the link to the very emotional mass if you have missed it, on Youtube.

Thank you for giving to Stella Maris on Sea Sunday.  Our parish raised £553.99. Your generous gifts will ensure that Stella Maris Chaplains and volunteers can continue to be a friend for seafarers and fishers in times of need.  To find out more about how your support helps those who live and work at sea, please visit https://www.stellamaris.org.uk/

Announcements:

Please note that the office will be closed from 24th July – 13th August. Please submit newsletter announcements and mass intentions as soon as you can. The mass intention book will be placed in the Sacristy during that period if you would like to add your requests.

Please also note the change in office hours on the website and outside the office door.

The Charles Davis Trust is awarding supermarket vouchers to any persons over the age of 70, who are resident in the Old Borough of Maidenhead and whose savings do not exceed £23,250. Please apply or apply on their behalf via:

PILGRIMAGES/ WALKS

The Knights of St Columba’s, National Relic Tour 2023 of the Scottish relics has visited the lower part of Portsmouth Diocese this week and will be in our area in the near future.

 
The relics on display encompass a diverse array of saints, each with their own compelling story and heavenly intercession. Among the treasures to be showcased are relics of Saint Andrew, Apostle and Martyr, who was the brother of Saint Peter the First Pope; relics of Saint Margaret of Scotland, whose charity and piety was well known throughout her realm; and relics of Saint Columba of Iona, the patron saint of The Order of the Knights of Saint Columba, renowned for his missionary work and founding of monasteries. 
 

Dates for your diaries are as shown below:

 

St Edwards, Windsor           Weds 27th July        10.00am Mass

St Josephs, Maidenhead        Saturday 29th July    10.00am Mass

Corpus Christi, Wokingham     Sat 29th July           4.00pm Vigi9l Mass

St Joseph, Bracknell          Sat 29th July           6.00pm Mass

St Francis, Ascot             Sunday 30th July        8.30am and 10.00am Mass

 

                         

The is not only an opportunity for personal spiritual growth but also a chance to strengthen the bond within the Catholic community. Through this event, the Order of the Knights of Saint Columba seeks to promote unity, encourage dialogue, and foster a sense of belonging among the faithful across the dioceses. 

 

Any queries contact 07931-292934 or 07377-168356

Bishop David Oakley of Northampton will preach at the Mass at 2.30pm at The Bridgettine Convent, Fulmer Common Road, Iver, SL0 0NR. Please send prayer requests to  [email protected] or text them to 07795205114. Details of the many different ways in which you can be involved on the day, as well as printable GKC prayercards can be found on our website.

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:

  • 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].

 

90th anniversary of the Apparitions, 70th Anniversary of ‘Pilgrimage GB’) and for the Feast of the Assumption.  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 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!

Watch video: Our Lady of Banneux: The Blessed Virgin of the poor – YouTube

 

£699.00 per person sharing. Price includes flights (LHR-NOC-LHR), all transfers, 4 nights’ in Knock House Hotel with full board. All entertainment and excursions included. Day trips to Westport, Ballintubber Abbey, Croagh Patrick, Fr. Peyton Centre & National Museum. Single supplement £150.00. Contact Patricia 01268 762 278 or Natali  07740 175557 or email [email protected]

Dates for your Diary

Tickets at £25 each, available now! Ticket includes a 3 course meal, with meat from the BBQ. Vegetarian options will also be provided. Please bring your own drinks. It will be held at Colby Gardens, Maidenhead. All proceeds to our new mission in Chhattisgarh, North India. Please call Millie on 07957594646 for ticket sales or for further information.

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.

1st September: 10am at St Joseph’s and  7pm at St Edmund Campion’s

 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.

Philippe Mougin CAFOD’s Emergency Response Leader will talk about our work in Pakistan after last years floods. St Bedes Church hall Popley Way, Basingstoke RG24 9DX. Please book by emailing Jo Lewry  [email protected]

Sara Moreno from CAFOD’s Partner SIEMBRA from Colombia will speak about her work with human and environmental rights defenders. St Michael & All Angels Church hall , Dunsbury Way , Leigh Park PO9 5BD (lunch is provided). Please book by emailing Jo Lewry  [email protected]

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 are available now at £7 per person.

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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.

Courses

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

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.

This year, we are going to offer the course both online and in-person. Many people find it difficult to secure childcare, or prefer to meet others whilst in the comfort of their own home, so by offering an online version, we hope you will give it a try. If meeting in-person is your preference, that is still a great option too.

Start dates are as follows:

Monday, 18 September, Alpha Online, 19:30 – 21:00

Tuesday, 19 September, Alpha In-Person at St Edwards Parish Centre, 19:00 – 21:00.

Alpha is a 10-week course that explores life’s big questions, in an open, non-judgmental and safe place. We’ll be discussing questions like: Is there more to life than this? Does God exist? Why did Jesus have to die? and, why is there so much suffering in the world? Millions of people have already tried Alpha in over 100 countries and languages around the world – so why not you? Perhaps you have a friend or family member who has fallen away from the faith during the pandemic, doesn’t feel as connected to the church as they once did, or maybe has never truly answered life’s big questions for themselves – please invite them, we’d love to host them too! If you have questions about joining, inviting others, or joining our team of volunteers, please email Ryan Greig at: [email protected]

6-week Zoom course following the Ignatian Way of prayer.  It is an ideal opportunity for those who desire to deepen their prayer life and attend from home.  It is free of charge and only 20 participants for each course. See An Introduction to Ways of Praying (epiphanygroup.org.uk)

Our Parishioners

Female student studying in Maidenhead is looking for food and lodging for one year. If you have a room, please contact Cecilia on 01628 676559

is running the Windsor Women’s 10k on 23rd Sept 2023 in support of Uganda Hands for Hope Charity. If you would like to support, please see: https://www.globalgiving.org/fundraisers/46580/

together with her best friend, Caron, are doing a fundraising road rally trip driving from Cape Town to Zambia to raise funds for a home for people with profound physical and learning disabilities in South Africa.  Claire’s mum Helen and her Dad Carl used to take all the catholic residents to church every Sunday and Helen eventually ran the home for 14 years whilst living in SA.  There are 84 residents (a number of whom are HIV orphans), many of whom have been abandoned as a result of their profound disabilities and they desperately need funds not just for basic necessities but for disability equipment (many of the residents are sitting in wheelchairs without wheels).   Any support would be greatly appreciated and the funds will go directly to the parents association to ensure all money is spent directly on meeting the residents needs.

https://gofund.me/7f53a5ba

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 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.

 

Are you a budding journalist? Or someone with some time to spare?
We are looking to relaunch the biannual Parish Magazine. 
Please contact the Parish office for more details!

Vacancies: We currently have some exciting opportunities across the Diocese for an Estate Manager, IT Manager, Choral Director, and Parish Administrators. 

St Mary’s is looking for a Pastoral Support Assistant. We are looking for a caring and compassionate person, who has experience of working with SEND, SEMH and vulnerable children.

All vacancies posted 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

We would like to get the newsletter distributed on time and are grateful for understanding in the deadline for submissions of announcements and mass intentions. Please send all contributions no later than Thursday 10am.