FAIRTRADE FORTNIGHT

This event will run from 27 February -11 March. As a Fairtrade church we are committed to give our support on the various events and initiatives here and in the city. Please visit the Fairtrade page on the diocesan website.

CONFIRMATION 2012

If you are in school year 8 or above and would like to prepare for Confirmation please collect an application form from your church after Mass
today and return it to the priest upon completion. Then come to the Introductory Evening for Parents and Candidates on Friday 23 March at 1900 in the Cathedral Discovery Centre.  Preparation for candidates will begin immediately after Easter.

CAFOD LENT FAST DAY

Please support CAFOD’s Lent Fast Day on Friday 2 March. The theme is water and sanitation. This year, under the UK Aid Match scheme, the UK government will be matching pound for pound all donations made to CAFOD’s Lenten appeal from 17 February until 17 May – which will include the Fast Day collection. This is a unique and unmissable opportunity to help thousands of people living in poverty throughout the world, so please support the appeal if you can. Thank you very much for your support and prayers.

MASS IN EXTRAORDINARY FORM

Mass in Extraordinary Form will be celebrated on Tuesday 21 February at 1900 in the Blessed Sacrament Chapel of St John’s Cathedral. All welcome.

GIFT AID

Please consider Gift Aid for your Sunday offerings. It is of tremendous financial aid to the Parish. Take home a handout on display atthe back ofthe Church.

UNIVERSITY OF PORTSMOUTH STUDENTS

The Catholic Society invites you to join them in celebrating Shrove Tuesday with pancakes at 1830 in 24 Lion House, Lion Terrace (Angela’s flat). Further information Angela.ODonoghue@port.ac.uk

DIVINE MERCY DAY OF PRAYER

A warm invitation is extended to all parishioners in surrounding parishes to a Day of Prayer on Saturday 17 March in St John’s Cathedral led by Marian Fathers.

• 1030 Praise and Worship
• 1100 Talk
• 1200 Holy Mass
• 1300 Lunch (packed lunch)
• 1400 Talk
• 1500 Holy Hour, Exposition, Chaplet to the Divine
  Mercy, Benediction, Veneration of St Faustina’s Relics

Further  information info@divinemercy.org.uk

LENT QUIET DAY FINDING GOD IN THE DESERT

Following the pattern of Christ’s preparation in the wilderness for His Life’s Ministry, you are invited to spend time in being still and quiet in the presence of your God. This is a day for reflection and an opportunity to be inwardly nourished.  Contact Wisdom House Centre Romsey SO51 8EL. Tel 01794 830 206 email: reception@wisdomhouseromsey.co.uk  website: www.wisdomhouseromsey.co.uk

QUIET SPACE

Time is set aside in St Paul’s Church on a Friday afternoon from 1400 onwards for prayer and quiet meditation. Please do come along and spend some time with the Lord.

CATHOLICS - THE SERIES

A new three part BBC Four series on Catholic lives starts on Thursday 23 February at 2100.  3 x 60 minutes for BBC Four www.catholicnews.org.uk/bbc4-catholics

PRAYING WITH OTHERS

Following thesuccess of recent Healing Masses, Fr Ronnie Mitchell has offered to run a training programme for anyone wishing to learn more about ‘praying with others’.  This will be at St Joseph’s, Lyndhurst Road, Ashurst, SO40 &DU for three consecutive Tuesdays beginning on 21 February at 1930.  A group of 9 or 10 people is needed.

CAFOD GOLF DAY

As part of CAFOD's 50th year celebrations, a Golf Day is being organised at Royal Winchester Golf Club, Sarum Road, Winchester SO22 5QE, on Tuesday 29 May 2012. The competition is for teams of four persons. Please support CAFOD by entering this event. Full details and applications forms can be obtained from CAFOD Portsmouth, 01252 329385 or portsmouth@cafod.org.uk.

VACANCY AT OAKLANDS CATHOLIC SCHOOL

A full time teacher of Religious Education is required for Sept 2012. For information pack please contact Mrs Kay Hopkins 023 9224 8043 or
headteacher@oaklands.hants.sch.uk

CHILD PROTECTION TRAINING

There are new training dates listed on church notice boards for all volunteers involved with children and/or vulnerable adults. It is obligatory to attend a session in order to perform your role as part of our safeguarding work inthe Church:

• 3 March Safeguarding Children
• 10 March Safeguarding Vulnerable Adults

Both sessions are to be held from 1000-1230 at St Colman’s Church, Cosham PO6 2JJ. To book a place please contact Soraya on 023  9281
6396.