CYCLE OF PRAYER  -  LENT

During Lent, we are asked to pray for these intentions: Candidates for the Sacraments; Women; the Needy & the Hungry of the World; Penitents &  Wanderers

FIRST HOLY COMMUNIONS

This weekend the children  are leading us in our Sorry Prayers as part of their preparation for their First Holy Communion. Their programme continues on Wednesday evening at 6pm in the Social Centre Lounge., at the same time there is a meeting for all First Communion parents in church.

The children will celebrate First Forgiveness when they lead our Parish Reconciliation on Saturday 31st March at 10.30am. Please remember the children and their parents in your prayers.

CHURCH CLEANING FOR EASTER

Volunteers are required to help with cleaning the church for Easter. We would like to clean the church on Wednesday 4th April after 9.10am Mass. Refreshments will be provided to all who come and help.

PASSION SUNDAY

Next Sunday is  Passion Sunday. Both Masses will start outside of church (weather permitting) with the Blessing of Palms. There is an Indian Orthodox Service from 2pm so Stations of the Cross will be celebrated at 4pm in St Cuthbert’s Chapel. There will be a retiring collection at both Masses for the Catholic Community in the Holy Land (Holy Places). [Holy Places planned giving envelope-in new box.]

LENTEN DEVOTIONS

Lent is a time of prayer fasting and almsgiving and  we have a number of aids to help us all. There are a number of prayer groups in the parish to which all are welcome. Stations of the Cross are celebrated on Tuesday at 2pm, Friday afternoons at 3pm and on Sundays at 4pm.

Our Parish Lenten Reconciliation Service begins at 10.30am on Saturday 31st March led by the First Holy Communion children.

There are two lists at the back of church for VOLUNTEERS to have their feet washed and for watching after the Mass of the Lord’s Supper on Holy Thursday. Please sign up as soon as possible.

LENTEN RETREAT

A Lenten Retreat entitled Journeying into Holy Week will take place at St Mary’s Cathedral on Friday 30^th March from 9.30am – 12.45pm.  The day begins with Morning Prayer, continuing with a reflection led by Fr John Farrell O.P, silent prayer time and the celebration of the Eucharist at 12.05pm.  A donation of £4.00 is suggested and tea and coffee will be provided.  Tickets are available from Pauline Books and Media (tel. 0191 239 5702).

PROPOSED PROGRAMME OF EVENTS FOR CENTENARY

St Joseph’s Feast Day Celebrations

Sunday 25th March is our Parish Lunch in the Hall—a shared table– bring your own contribution after Mass or when you arrive at noon. Our last parish lunch was a great success, please help make this one as successful.

Sun 6th May—1pm Panto and Party for children in hall

Sat 19th May—11am Mass for sick and elderly; lunch in hall

Sat 7th July—Pilgrimage to Holy Island

Fri 28th Sept– Concert in Church with the Cobweb Orchestra and Music Makers.

Thurs 11th –14th October—Flower Festival

Sun 14th Oct– 3pm Centenary Mass

Centenary Window collection to date is £869.15  Thank you!

Certificate IN PASTORAL THEOLOGY

The Diocese are offering the above course which involves 4 Saturdays in the year and 4 tutorials. It aims to give a deeper understanding of our faith, make the connection between our faith and parish ministry, develop a more reflective way of working in the parish. Two parishioners did this course last year and found it extremely good and beneficial. For more information contact either Fr. Gordon or Diane English.

WALKIN ’ HOPE

Walkin’ Hope (The Weekend) 2007—A Family Catholic Gathering for all ages, all faiths.  ALL WELCOME April 28th –29th “Love one another”. Blackfriars Hall, New Bridge Street, Newcastle upon Tyne. www.walkinhope.org.uk (. See Notice at the back of church.   

IN NEED OF A GOOD HOME

A parishioner has a 4ft circular dinning table and 4 chairs which are in need of a good home. If you know of anyone who needs a table and 4 chairs please contact Diane in the Presbytery.

PLANNED GIVING ENVELOPES

The new envelopes for the year starting in April are available at the back of church, they are in alphabetical order (by Surname). Please check you have the right box before leaving church. There are a limited number of spare sets of envelopes also available, if you take one please complete the address card and return in the offertory basket as soon as possible.

The Parish will receive £5692.00 from the Taxman for the Gift Aid claim for 2005/2006 if you are a tax payer and would like to consider being in the gift aid scheme contact Louis Dale on (.

Planned Giving Rotas for 2007-2008

Would counters please pick up a Rota from the back of church.

GOOD FRIDAY

On Good Friday the Procession of Witness leaves Tunstall Farm at 10am and culminates on Tunstall Hill at 10.30am



FORTHCOMING EVENTS

Today: 5th Sunday of  Lent

12 noon Shared Lunch

4pm Sunday Stations of the Cross

Tuesday:

Church open 1.30-3.30pm, 2pm Stations of the Cross,

7pm Prayer Meeting

Wednesday:

6pm -7pm 1st Communion Children & Parents

Friday:

5pm Indian Prayer Group

Saturday:

10.30am Reconciliation Service;

2pm El Shaddai;

5pm Prayer Group

Next Saturday & Sunday  Passion (Palm) Sunday

Blessing of the Palms outside at both Masses;

Retiring collection;

2pm Indian Orthodox Service;

4pm Sunday Stations of the Cross

Rotas week ending 31st Mar/1st Apr 2007

Eucharistic Ministers