Parish Events

“Hi. My name is John and I am doing three 5k swims in 6 days during March. I want to help raise funds as my grandad died of skin cancer when I was younger, and I want to help to stop that happening to other people. Last year I swam one 5k and raised about £1,000. This year I want more of a challenge! Thank you for taking the time to read about me. Please come & cheer me on and donate to: https://bit.ly/40xPsg9 . Thank you”.

SYCAMORE ADULT PATHWAY IN FAITH Wednesdays, 7pm Church for time of prayer, then 7.15pm in Sacred Heart Hall for hospitality and topic. 9pm finish. Looking for answers about the Catholic faith? All welcome. Contact Dcn Larry: lmurawski@portsmouthdiocese.org.uk

Every other Monday, 7pm. Sacred Heart Hall Next meeting: 2nd March . From 7pm for coffee/tea. With the meeting starting at 7.30pm. All are very welcome. For more info contact: lornefry1954@hotmail.com

‘What is this ‘good news’, and who is it for?’ The course starts in the week beginning 23rd Feb and runs for 5 weeks. Each aƩendee will receive the course book at the first session which will cost £5.00. If you wish to join a group please contact Liz at: elizdunning@ntlworld.com by Friday 13th February.

Christians Together in Portchester Five Wednesdays commencing 25th February, 12 noon service. Methodist Ch, Castle Street, Portchester. Followed by a light lunch of soup, bread and cheese. Donations to CAFOD and Christian Aid. Christians Together in Fareham Five Thursdays starting 26th February, 12.15 to 1pm. Fareham URC Church, Osborne Road South. Homemade soup, bread, fruit, tea and coffee. Donations to Christian Aid.

Fasting The law of fasting requires that a Catholic between the ages of 18 - 60yrs eats only one full meal in a day, with no food in-between meals. It is understood that two other meals, if one eats three meals a day, should not total one full meal. Suggest one might fast in a more complete way, i.e., eating only a portion of a single meal. (CCC 2043) Abstinence means not to eat meat. Its purpose is to be an act of sacrifice, that helps us grow in freedom to make much bigger sacrifices. It would not make sense to make the sacrifice of not eating meat, and then eat a wonderful meal I might enjoy even more. Lent Devotions Stations of the Cross and Benediction * Wednesday & Friday, 9:15am before Mass * Sundays, 4pm at Sacred Heart Church A physical, mental and spiritual devotion, pondering the sufferings of Christ. 7am Dawn Mass Thursdays in Lent. Sacred Heart Church Starting on Thurs 19th February. A simple Mass followed by a lovely breakfast in the Hall hosted by the UCM supporting our Lent Appeal - Portsmouth Down Syndrome Association. LENT READINGS ‘PRAYING WITH THE PSALMS’ Booklet Daily companion as you walk with the Lord through the season of Lent. In just three meaningful minutes each day, you’ll be invited to lay down your burdens, open your heart to God’s mercy, and prepare your soul for the joy of Easter. Available for you in the foyer of both churches. £2.50 each

CONVERSATION GROUP Every other Thurs, 2pm - 3.30pm, Sacred Heart Hall Next meeting: 5th March  Do you have APHASIA or communication difficulties afer a stroke? Come and join our friendly group. Donation of £2. For info. contact Angela at: amnally65@gmail.com

DIOCESAN PILGRIMAGE WITH BISHOP PHILIP Monday 6th - Friday 10th July ‘26 From Heathrow. £949 per person for a shared room. Youth pilgrims £895 Please contact: Cn. P.J. Smith 07780 221 686 or by post to St. Edmunds House, Bp Crispian Way, Portsmouth. PO1 3QA CATHOLIC ASSOCIATION PILGRIMAGE Friday 21st - Friday 28th August 2026 Visit: www.catholicassociation.co.uk A medically enhanced pilgrimage for Assisted Pilgrims or come as a Young Pilgrim Helper. For over a hundred years the CA’s mission has been to make pilgrimage possible for all, (Cn John is staying at the Hotel Eliseo). Jumbulance travel available too. Chartered flights with Tangney Tours

www.portsmouthvocations.org Contact Canon John at 01329 318 869 or Email: vocations@portsmouthdiocese.org.uk “Seeker Saturdays” Pray, Decide & Don’t Worry Sat 28th Feb. 11am - 3pm at Sacred Heart Presbytery. Fellowship, discussion, Mass, hospitality, adoration.  For those with “that idea about the priesthood or religious life that won’t go away”. Come and see!