Parish News

MY DEAR PARISHIONERS, As you may have already read in our last newsletter, Bishop Philip has appointed me as Assistant Priest to our Parish. As such I will be supporting Canon John in the priestly ministry to our community. While I have already personally met many of you, I would like to take this opportunity to introduce myself to you. My name is Fr. Benedikt Timpe. I am 36 years old and come from Germany, where I was born one of two children of my parents. As a teenager I began exploring the possibility of a vocation. I joined a religious community of Franciscan Friars in Italy, where I lived for about 7 years, receiving my spiritual formation and seminary training in various houses of study belonging to the community. In 2018 I transferred to England as a member of a new branch of the same Franciscan family. On the 5th July 2019 I was ordained to the priesthood at Portsmouth Cathedral by Bishop Philip. Since then I have served as a priest in the Diocese of Portsmouth. I recently leŌ my previous religious community and am joining the Diocese of Portsmouth as a Secular Priest. In May of the current year the Bishop asked me to come to the Parish of Fareham to assist and enable Canon John to have some necessary rest, as he had suffered an injury. Bishop Philip has now asked me to stay on and to serve in our Parish as an Assistant Priest.  I look forward to get to know you and to assist you with my priestly ministry. In the meanwhile, I entrust myself to your prayer and thank you for all the support that I have already received from so many of you. God bless!

Friday 15th August Holyday of Obligation 10am Mass Sacred Heart Church 7.30pm Mass St Philip Howard Church

LADIES’ GROUP - Second Wednesdays - 7.30pm at St PH Hall Join our Ladies’ Group, getting to know each other, sharing our faith, and growing deeper in our relationship with the Lord. Every woman is so welcome - no age limit applies. Contact Eloise at: eloise@olimcomms.com

A Catholic ministry for marriages in difficulty; helping couples whose relationships 'need a little help' to those with more serious challenges and thus are separated or considering divorce. There is no group therapy or group work. Next date: 17th-19th Oct . www.retrouvaille.org.uk Tel: 0788 7296983

Wed 6th August, 1.30pm at St Philip Howard Church A special Mass with the Anointing of the Sick and celebratory Tea afterwards in the Hall. A big thank you to our wonderful SVP Group who provide confidential and discreet support to many in need in our area.  Would you like to join our team? Please contact the SVP on 07435 880 190 for more information.

Sean finishes his placement on Tues 12th August and leaves for his summer break before returning to the Pontifical Beda College, Rome in September to continue his formation. Thank you to everyone and the various parish groups for your warm welcome and support - it has been wonderful to have Sean with us.

CONVERSATION GROUP Every other Thurs, 2pm - 3.30pm, Sacred Heart Hall Next meeting : 7th August Do you have APHASIA or communication difficulties after a stroke? Come and join our friendly group. DonaƟon of £2. For info. contact Angela at: amnally65@gmail.com

Please visit www.catholicchurchfareham.org.uk/baptism to find out more and to register online. Why not take part while “still expecting”? Next Preparation Pathway dates: Meet & Greet Introduction Saturday 27th Sept Online Session 1 Tuesday 30th Sept, from 8pm Online Session 2 Tuesday, from 8pm The closing date for this Preparation Programme is midday on Friday 12th September 2025 . The following Preparation Pathway commences in November 2025.

MEN’S GROUP First Wednesdays, 7.30pm at St PH Hall A confidential, prayer and fellowship group helping us to be the best husbands, fathers, brothers and sons we can be. Contact Tom at: tom_fairman@yahoo.com