Parish News

The Bishop is asking that the crib offerings be for the Friends of the Holy Land. Christmas this year for families in Bethlehem will be stark. It’s been two years of brokenness for our brothers and sisters in Christ, with much violence, suffering and uncertainty for the future. Life hasn’t got any easier over the past year for Christians in the Holy Land. The repercussions of the war will be felt for years to come. Please use the Dona card reader in the foyer. Thank you!

Every other Monday, 7pm. SH. Hall, commencing 5th Jan. From 7pm for coffee/tea with the meeting starting at 7.30pm and closing at 9pm. All are very welcome. For more info contact: lornefry1954@hotmail.com

We have had a very good year and have collected over £3,287. Many thanks to all who have Red Boxes. Every coin, helps keep the Mission message alive. We need new promoters to deliver the magazine and keep in touch with Red Box Holders and collect donations. If you can help contact John: franciscansolent@outlook.com

Thank you to the Parish UCM for the Dawn Mass Breakfasts raising £681.00 for the Mary’s Meals Appeal www.marysmeals.org.uk

A lot of behind the scenes work and commitment is put into the community throughout the year and more recently for our Advent Services, especially the Carol Service and Christmas celebrations. Thank you to all who have helped in the Church that Christ might be known.  Thank you also for your Christmas Cards and gifts with some really lovely messages. A personal thanks to all who give so generously of their time and their talents for the parish. A very happy Christmas and many blessings for 2026. Cn. John

CHRISTMAS COLLECTION (24th & 25th December) Catholic tradition holds that the Christmas offerings are, if you wish, your opportunity for a personal gift to the priest and is a main source of annual income for him. Offerings can be via BACS, cash or cheque with the reference “Christmas Offering” or you can use the Dona plates in both church foyers. Thank you!

Saturday 17 Jan, St Margaret Mary, Park Gate 10am - 1pm This covers both Adult & Child Safeguarding Training Safeguarding Training is mandatory for anyone who DBS holds volunteers. Training must be refreshed every 3 years. The training can be done online or face to face.  For enquiries/to book email Stephanie. Parish Safeguarding: safeguarding.fare@portsmouthdiocese.org.uk

The prayer walks have started. One from Sacred Heart Church on a Sunday afternoon and the other from St Philip Howard on a Tuesday afternoon. Deacon Larry was on the first two walks and can attest to a warm, friendly and prayerful atmosphere, especially when specific prayers were made, whether it be for a person living nearby or for others in school, in a care home, etc. Please join us. Prayer like this is known to bear fruit! Next walks: Tuesday 6th January, 2pm from St Philip Howard Sunday 11th January, 2pm from Sacred Heart  Please get in touch with Dcn Larry and David Cockshoot. lmurawski@portsmouthdiocese.org.uk or 01329 318 869 David on davidcockshoot@gmail.com or 07881 956 644 We do need to know contact information for those aiming to walk, in case of cancellation.

CHRISTMAS MASS TIMES Christmas Eve - Wednesday 24th December 5pm at St Philip Howard Church Vigil Mass 9pm at Sacred Heart Church (Midnight Mass) Christmas Day - Thursday 25th December Dawn Mass - 9am at Sacred Heart Church Day Mass - 11am at St Philip Howard Church