Parish News

The next prayer walk from St Philip Howard church is scheduled for Monday 13th April setting off at 10am. All are welcome. The walks from St Philip Howard church are going to be on the second Monday of each month, at 10am. This new time and date each month was chosen by regular walkers. Details from David ( davidcockshoot@gmail.com )

Please note that there is an error in the most recent newsletter distributed on 2nd April: Divine Mercy Chaplet will take place at 3pm at Sacred Heart Church and not at St Philip Howard church. 6pm Mass will take place at St Philip Howard church as usual and not Sacred Heart church.

A warm welcome to all family and friends visiting our community for the Easter holidays. Wishing you all a very Happy and Holy Easter. You are all welcome here! Whether you are joining us for the first time or returning after some time away, we are glad you are here. Your presence is a reminder that the Church is always a place of invitation, encounter, and belonging. We hope you feel at home among us. You will see from this Newsletter there are lots of groups in our Parish and ways to get involved and we pray you find a place of belonging here. As we reflect this week on the Resurrection, we are drawn again to the heart of our faith: that life triumphs over death, light over darkness, and hope over despair. The Resurrection is not only an event we remember, but a living reality that continues to shape our lives. It speaks to us in our own moments of uncertainty and struggle, reminding us that no situation is beyond God’s power to renew. The risen Christ meets us where we are - often quietly, gently - and invites us to see with new eyes. Just as the disciples moved from fear to faith, we too are called to trust that even in the most ordinary or difficult circumstances, new life is possible. May this week be an opportunity to notice signs of resurrection around you: in acts of kindness, in reconciliation, in small beginnings, and in renewed hope. And may we each carry that hope to others, becoming witnesses of the joy and promise of the risen Lord. Our Church celebrations these last few days would not be possible without the commitment and hard work of a lot of people. A big thank you to all who have prepared and given so much for our Triduum celebrations.  I hope and pray that our Lent and Holy Week services have brought you blessings in some way and may God bless you all in the days ahead. Cn. John

REST IN PEACE ‘Life is changed not ended’ Please pray for Zita Falstein RIP who died recently. Her Requiem will be Fri 17th April at 10.30am, St P.Howard Ch. Please pray for members of our community who have died since Easter last year: Teresa Bevis RIP, Veronica Gaoua RIP, Peter Aspin RIP, Linda Taylor RIP, Susan Griffiths RIP, Julie Nally RIP, Jasmine Ward RIP, Marguerita Fothergill RIP, Rose Harrison RIP, Margaret McMahon RIP, Stephen Young RIP, Jim McGiveron RIP, Ken Burrows RIP, David Kelly RIP, Alan Taylor RIP.  May they rest in peace and enjoy resurrection glory! You may wish to use this farewell chant; May Saints and Angels lead you on escorting you where Christ has gone. Now He has called to you, come to Him who sits above the seraphim. Come to the peace of Abraham. Come to the supper of the Lamb. Come to the glory of the blessed and perpetual light and rest. Amen.

EASTER JOY! Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist After a long time of discussion, discernment and prayer we look forward to welcoming Harry, Tom, Jackie, Rob, Tom, Kerry, Rob, Rebecca, and David into full communion and the sacramental life of the Church at the Easter Vigil! We also welcome Ron who will be Confirmed at the Vigil. We also have the joy of the baptism of Charlie who has been on the RCIC journey of faith for the last few months. And we welcome with joy Freya and Oliver who are being baptised on Divine Mercy Sunday. A big thank you to the RCIA team, Confirmation, Baptism and RCIC team who have been journeying with them. 

Message from Bishop Philip Egan to the Clergy and Laity of the Diocese on the House of Lords vote on the Crime and Policing Bill, March 2026

SYCAMORE ADULT PATHWAY IN FAITH Wednesdays 7pm Church for time of prayer, then 7.15pm in Sacred Heart Hall for hospitality and topic. Finish c. 9pm 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: 30th March . From 7pm for coffee/tea. With the meeting starting at 7.30pm. All are very welcome. For more info contact: lornefry1954@hotmail.com

LADIES’ GROUP - Second Weds 7.30pm. St P. Howard Hall  Come and see! 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