PARISH NEWSLETTER FOR ST. JOSEPH’S (MAIDENHEAD)
& ST. ELIZABETH’S (COOKHAM)
16th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year A
Small Beginnings
Everything starts small. The mustard seed was a tiny seed that grew into a flowering bush; it was not mustard as we know it, but only a bush to give beauty and shelter. It can remind us of the beauty of creation, and of the caring shelter we can give to others. It is also a reminder that each of us began as a seed in the mother’s body and grew with the plan of God. The love of God grows like that – it begins small with birth and with baptism, and then grows wide so that we share our love of God.
It is the same with marriage – love begins and then grows so that children and grandchildren and others may shelter in love. Love grows when love is given, in our immediate circle, and in our care for the wider world. Good friendship and love spread out to many.
We want the kingdom of God on earth and God is saying that it grows slowly. It grows as we try to grow love, peace, justice and compassion. The shelter of the mustard bush is the mercy of God, encouraging our parish to be ‘an oasis of mercy’ (Pope Francis). It is not easy, as love and care for the really needy often meets with opposition. The kingdom of God grows with the help of God, and without this help, our efforts are in vain.
give thanks Lord, may your kingdom come among us.
Readings:
1st Reading: 1st. Wisdom 12:13, 16-19. Because God is all-powerful he governs the world with patience, allowing time for repentance..
Psalm: 85:5-6, 9-10, 15-16 R./: Lord, you are good and forgiving.
2nd Reading: Romans 8:26-27. God understands our ill-expressed wishes better than we do ourselves.
Acclamation: Alleluia, alleluia! May the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ enlighten the eyes of our mind, so that we can see what hope his call holds for us. Alleluia!
Gospel: Matthew 13:24-43. God will judge all justly at the end of time.
A Summer Blessing
May you walk with God this summer in whatever you do, wherever you go.
Walking with God means… Walking with honesty and with courage,
Walking with love and respect and concern for the feelings of others.
May you talk to God this summer and every day and in every situation.
Talking with God means… Praying words of praise for the beauty of creation,
Saying prayers of thanks for friends and good times,
Asking God’s help in all your decisions, expressing sorrow when you have failed.
May you talk with God every day. Amen.
– Author unknown
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 altar linen, 4x/year
– children’s liturgy helpers
HELP NEEDED
Joshy Carmu is looking for a 2 or 3 BR house. If you have a property available, please contact him via email [email protected] or his mobile 07775 719886
This Week:
28th July from 6.00 pm We would like to
thank all of you who have bought tickets for this event. We would like to inform you that we have sold all our tickets and that no more are available. Well done! For those of you who are coming – could you please bring your own drinks? Glasses – wine-glasses – will be provided. We have a limited number of parking places. Parking will be provided for those of you who have mobility issues. Otherwise, could you please park in the car park of St Joseph’s? It’s a 3 minutes’ walk to the house.
Many thanks for your support! We look forward to seeing you on the 28th!
29th July: The Knights of St Columba’s National Relic Tour of the Scottish relics
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
Thank You:
SOLIDARITY with SALINA
On behalf of Salina and CAFOD, thank you very much for your amazing support by signing copies of Salina’s Letter to the President of The World Bank last weekend. Our children, from Years 5 and 6 at St Mary’s School, and Parishioners at all Masses responded enthusiastically in their dozens to the invitation; “Imagine! A sower went out to sow, but could not afford the seed to sow”! Copies of Salina’s letter were available at all Masses over the weekend and 288 signatures were collected in solidarity with the plight of small-scale farmers like Salina.
Father Ephraim is seen with St Joseph’s and St Elizabeth’s parishioners during a couple of the Letter Signing opportunities. Thank you once again!
Announcements:
This is the last printed newsletter until 2nd/3rd Sept. From time to time, updates may go up on the website.
Tickets on sale for 6th Oct SVP musical evening fundraiser – look for Siobhan (07816 445416) and Jean-Marc! See more under Dates for your Diary. £7 each
The Children’s Liturgy Team hope that all the children and their families have a wonderful summer break. There are no sessions during the summer holiday as we know that many of you are away, but we look forward to seeing you all for the new term which starts on 10th September during the 11 a.m. Mass. We shall be preparing the leaders and register takers rota for the autumn term next week, so if there are any parishioners willing to help with either the younger (3-7ish) or older group (8ish and over) we would be really grateful. Contact Tricia Weeks on 01628 627265 or email [email protected]
Please note that the office will be closed from 24th July – 13th August.The mass intention book will be placed in the Sacristy during that period if you would like to add your requests.
The next printed newsletter will be on 2nd/3rd Sept. From time to time, updates may go up on the website.
No Mother’s Prayers or Zoom Rosary in August.
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 forms left at church entrances
Prayer for the Children
Dear God,
As they start nursery or school for the first time – give them joy in new experiences.
As they move to new classes – give them confidence in growing friendships.
As they move to new schools – give them strength in their growing independence.
And for all the teachers, assistants, helpers, carers and volunteers of St. Edmund Campion school and St. Mary’s school, who teach and nurture our children and young people, we ask for your blessing, your joy, your wisdom and your patience as they re-charge their batteries over the summer break, ready for the new term! We make our prayer through Christ our Lord. Amen
Dates for your Diary
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.
Drinks, dance & nibbles to follow at St Piran’s School Hall.
Food and drinks after. All are welcome!
The theme this year is, “A Mighty River” – “Let Justice and Peace Flow”. Weekly events that will celebrate God’s Creation and for us to Care for Our Common Home. 24th Sept Please bring along your home-made produce, preserves, plants and promises to sell and exchange. You can reserve your table nearer the date but, in the meantime, please plan your participation.
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.
PILGRIMAGES/ WALKS
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:
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]
Courses & Talks
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]
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
“Laudato Si” Encyclical Letter by Pope Francis (2015) was a bid to help humanity to love the earth, to glimpse its sacredness and to be moved by its plight. ” (Austen Ivereigh)
With news headlines full of disastrous, soaring temperatures world wide, how do we now view Creation? What mental shift has corrupted our relationship with the living world? What issues need to be addressed if we are to move forward? How are science and religion reaching out to each other in concern?
Dr. Judith Thomas will be presenting this Talk as follows:
Saturday 2nd September at 10.00 am at St. Edward’s Parish Centre, Windsor
Monday 4th September at 10.00 am at St. Edmund Campion Church, Maidenhead (after 9.30 am Mass)
Wednesday 6th September at 6.30 pm St. Joseph’s Parish Centre, Maidenhead
All welcome. The Talk lasts for 1 hour and there is no charge – just come along, listen, be encouraged and inspired!
The Monthly Talks presented either by Fr. Kevin Hughes MHM or Dr. Judith Thomas started last November and the 8 Talks to date have covered the following topics:
Advent
Christmas
The Gospel of Matthew
Lent
Eastertide
The Holy Spirit
Mary
Love the Stranger
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.
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]
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
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.
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.
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.