Parish News
“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”.
LENT APPEAL www.portsmouthdsa.org PORTSMOUTH DOWN SYNDROME ASSOCIATION Portsmouth DSA is an award-winning charity committed to improving the lives of children and families. We provide a range of some of the best specialist services in the UK supporting development and education and offer training to assist families and professionals in providing effective support from the point of diagnosis, helping to teach children the skills they need to reach their developmental milestones, succeed at school, and become valued and productive members of their communities. When children with Down Syndrome are given opportunities to participate and be fully included, the whole community benefits. We thank you for your support.
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
PARISH ST VINCENT DE PAUL SOCIETY (SVP) The SVP are here to provide help, friendship and comfort. Call us on 07435 880 190 any day between 8am & 6pm
Tuesdays, 10:30am - 12 noon Sacred Heart Church Come & be with Our Lord, even if only for a few moments. Essential for growing in a personal relationship with Christ. HOLY HOUR FOR VOCATIONS - ‘… ask the Lord.’ Mt 9:38 Thursdays, 7pm - 8pm at Sacred Heart Church Please come and pray for workers in the Lord’s vineyard.
‘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
A video series from the Archdiocese of Southwark helping you better understand your faith and confidently answer questions about Jesus and the Church. Every Monday throughout 2026 , a new video answering a question, objection or myth will be posted on Southwark’s YouTube channel: youtube.com/RCSouthwark1 Doctrinal accuracy : Each script draws from a foundation of Scripture, primary Church Father documents, the Catechism and official Papal and Church teachings, to help you deepen your relationship with the Lord Jesus. Subscribe : Each topic is available in audio form on channels such as Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Amazon Music.