On the mountain
The hours on the mountain were a huge experience for Peter, James and John, who would always be with him. They saw him in his glory, the beloved son of the Father. There was more to him than meets the eye.You climb a mountain and you see new views, you see the city from a new vantage point. You see the countryside in its beauty. We need times to climb mountains and get away from the ordinary. Lent is a time like that - as we give something up, we take something on. From the mountain, we now return home with a good seed: the seed of the Word of God. The Lord will send rain and that seed will grow. It will grow and it will bear fruit. We thank the Lord for the seed, but we also want to thank the sower because you were that sower and you know how to do it. (Pope Francis, 2014)
Whenever we climb the mountain of the Lord or make any journey with him, we are changed. As every mountain is different, so every moment with him is well worth while! We receive this word of God and we receive our call to share it. The apostles would spend their lives sharing what they got on the mountain, and how it changed them.
Is there a word or line of scripture that you like and which helps you?
Repeat it to yourself as a prayer.
Lord, make me a listener to your word.
| First Reading | Genesis 12:1-4 | Abraham shows complete obedience to God, prepared even to sacrifice Isaac. | |||
| Responsorial Psalm | Psalm 32 | R./: Lord, let your mercy be on us, as we place our trust in you. | |||
| Second Reading | 2 Timothy 1:8-10 | Suffering for the gospel will be repaid by our Saviour Jesus Christ. | |||
| Gospel | Matthew 17:1-9 | Jesus transfigured on Mount Tabor prepares his apostles for his passion. |
| Saturday 28th February | 6:15pm | Margaret O'Donnell | ||||
| Sunday 1st March | 9:30am | Eddie Ainscough | ||||
| People of Wales | ||||||
| 11:15am | Eddie Ainscough | |||||
| People of Wales | ||||||
| Monday 2nd March | 9:30am | Graham Pringle | ||||
| Linda Holloway | ||||||
| Saturday 7th | 6:15pm | Marion Rogers | ||||
| Sunday 8th | 9:30am | Stanislawa & Tadeusz | ||||
| Stanislaw & Alicja | ||||||
| 11:15am | Johan Hirth | |||||
| Kevin McGarry |
HOUSE BLESSING: House blessings (also known as house healings, house clearings, house cleansings and space clearing) are rites intended to protect the inhabitants of a house or apartment. It is also there asking God’s protection and blessing upon each member of the family. In Christianity, house blessing is an ancient tradition dating back to the early days, that is usually performed by a priest who sprinkles holy water and blessed salt as he walks through every room of the house, accompanied by the occupants of the house, whilst praying for the occupants. If you would like your home/apartment/room blessed, then please contact one of the priests and a time and date can be arranged. The blessing ritual takes about 20 minutes, and it is lovely if all occupants of the home are present.
ARE YOU NEW TO OUR PARISH? Thank you for your interest in our parish. Whether you're just visiting us for a brief time, looking for a new parish home, returning to the practice of your Catholic faith or are interested in finding out more about the Catholic Church, we are happy to answer your questions, listen to your comments and help you in any way that we can. We are a parish of the Diocese of Portsmouth, and are a very vibrant community, made up of ‘old’ Maidenhead families and relative “newcomers” from all walks of life. We hope that you find our Catholic parish a caring community that is loving, welcoming and supportive of all. Our mission is to grow in the image of Christ through the Holy Spirit, to be formed by the Word and our prayer, to use our gifts to welcome those who are here and reach out to those who are not. We invite you to join us as partners in the mission. Together, let us get to know Christ better and to make Him better known. May God Bless you wherever you are and thank you for exploring our website and newsletter. Please stop by the parish office to introduce yourself! We would love to meet you.
FIRST FRIDAY: The First Friday of the month is traditionally a time when a priest visits a home to anoint anyone who is house bound, with holy oil, and to administer the sacrament of Holy Communion. The parish has several people on this list. If indeed, you or someone you know would like a visit from a priest, then please contact Fr. Vuni or Fr Elvis.
FIRST FRIDAY HEALING MASS These special Masses will take place on:
Friday 6th March 10am at St. Joseph’s; 7pm at St. Edmund Campion Church; 10am St Thomas More, Twyford
There will be no healing Mass in April as it is Good Friday.
Friday 1st May 10am at St. Joseph’s; 7pm at St. Edmund Campion Church; 10am St Thomas More, Twyford
WHAT IS A HEALING MASS?
Healing Masses are opportunities to directly seek physical, emotional, psychological, and spiritual healing. These Masses include a homily that is focused on healing, prayers of the faithful that are directly asking God to heal us, and prayers after communion that are prayed by the Priest to help facilitate greater healing in our lives.
The Mass is the most powerful way that we can seek healing as Christians. Jesus is present in the Mass through the Scriptures, through giving Himself to us in His Body and His Blood, and through our worship of Him. He is the one who heals us. The Mass helps to facilitate the healing that Jesus wants to give to all of us.
BAPTISMAL COURSE The Baptismal Course is available for all Parents whose child is being Baptised at either St Joseph’s, St Elizabeth’s or St Edmund Campion. The course is a 90 minute preparation and guidance. It is held at St Joseph’s the first Tuesday of the month at 7pm. The next meetings are:
DIOCESAN NEWSLETTER: The Diocesan Mailing is produced every week and contains news, training opportunities and events from around the diocese and wider Catholic Church. The weekly newsletter is designed to bring you the latest information and events, straight to your email inbox. We try to keep it short and sweet (though, occasionally we can't help but get carried away with a great story or a brilliant opportunity). Click or go to the following site to sign up: www.portsmouthdiocese.org.uk
House Masses/Blessings: Father Liam is more than happy to celebrate a House Mass or a House Blessing for any family or group of families who would like it. If you are interested, then please email Father Liam or telephone the Parish Office.
Contact: If you wish to speak to Father Liam in confidence on any matter, please contact him for an appointment. He is always happy to visit your home if so desired. Email: lcummins@portsmouthdiocese.org.uk Telephone: 07776580596
Hospital: If you are going into hospital or know or someone that is, please inform the hospital chaplain on arrival. Please also let Father Liam know so that arrangements can be made for a visit. Please note that under the Data Protection Act, hospital staff cannot disclose patient information. We rely on Parishioners to keep us in the loop.
Housebound: If you know of anyone who is sick and/or housebound please let Ruth (Parish Office) or Father Liam know so that a visit can be arranged.
FIRST FRIDAY: The First Friday of the month is traditionally a time when a priest visits a home to anoint anyone who is house bound, with holy oil, and to administer the sacrament of Holy Communion. The parish has several people on this list. If indeed, you or someone you know would like a visit from a priest, then please contact Fr. Vuni or Fr Elvis.
MASS INTENTIONS: There is a long and venerable tradition in the Catholic Church that the faithful ask their priests to celebrate Holy Mass for particular, specified intentions. An individual may ask a priest to offer a Mass for several reasons: for example, in thanksgiving, for the intentions of another person (such as on a birthday, good health, peace in family life), or as is most common, for the repose of the soul of someone who has died or on their anniversary. This custom, which was well-understood in generations past, is increasingly being forgotten. Since the practice is of immense spiritual benefit to both the living and the dead, and because it also helps to support your clergy and parish, we would encourage you to request that Masses be offered for your intentions. Please contact Ruth in the Parish Office, if you wish to have a Mass celebrated for your intentions. Pope Paul VI said, “The Mass is the most perfect form of prayer!” It has immense power and countless miracles and conversions have occurred throughout the centuries by offering Masses for a specific intention or person. Mass intentions are a great treasure of the Church and have a spiritual weight that is incalculable.
LENTEN PENITENTIAL SERVICES FOR THE PASTORAL AREA: As part of our spiritual preparation for Easter it is customary for all of us to celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Our Lenten Season is a Journey, leading us through the Sacred Scriptures to understand who Jesus is and why he came into our world. As we enter into the most sacred week of the church liturgical year in a few weeks’ time (Holy Week), we have the opportunity to walk side by side with the Lord and receive this beautiful sacrament of God’s desire to be always united to us; he recognises our human frailty and weakness, and like the Father in the Parable of the Prodigal Son, he sees us “while we are a long way off”; he comes out to meet us and embraces us in his loving forgiveness!
The sacrament of Reconciliation will be celebrated at the following days at times in our Pastoral Area:
Wonderful opportunity to avail of this healing sacrament.
PARISH COLLECTION Please continue to support your parish, its activities and outreach programmes by contributing to the weekly collection via the 'baskets' and/or Contactless. It is very positive that a lot of our parishioners, over the course of the pandemic, switched their contribution from cash to Bank Transfer.
NB: If you want to set up a direct debit or standing order (or even make a one-off donation) the account details are:
Account name: CDP MAIDENHEAD ST EDMUND CAMPION
Sort code: 30-93-04
Account number: 00882551
A MESSAGE FROM FR LIAM:
Sadly, after three years working alongside me as a Parish Administrator, Ruth has decided to leave on 13th March. The good news is that she isn’t leaving the parish, just the role (and wonderful ministry) that she has performed, both pastorally and administratively, with such professionalism and grace. Clearly Ruth leaves “big shoes to fill”, so we will be putting interim measures in place, while we decide on the best way (and the right person) to support administration in the Holy Family Parish into the future. I know that you will join me in my grateful thanks to Ruth for everything she has done for St. Edmund Campion church – and latterly, the Holy Family Parish – and wish Ruth and her family, every blessing in the future as they continue to be part of our community. Fr Liam.
PARISHIONER REGISTRATION
Adult HFP Mhead Twyford Parishioner Registration Form
Child HFP Mhead Twyford Child Registration Form
CAN YOU HELP?
SACRISTANS - We have had a couple of our Sacristans step back from their role after many years of this ministry. We especially need a volunteer to help on Friday mornings, to prepare for 10am Mass and First Friday 7pm Mass. Please speak to one of our priests, or let Ruth know if this is a role you can help with.
EASTER LITURGY - Preparing the church for the Easter services in the period from Palm Sunday to Easter Sunday and liaising with the Liturgy Group. We also need volunteers to help the liturgy group prepare the Easter services. Please contact the office if you can volunteer.
MOTHERING SUNDAY: 15th March 2026. This is a day to celebrate all the people in our lives who have been like mothers to us. This may be birth mothers, adopted mothers, carers, mentors, other family members or even friends. For many this is a difficult day, so we are also aware of those who may find this day, not an easy one.
LENTEN PROJECT 2026 The following local charities have been chosen for the Lenten Project:
There will be second collection each weekend at the end of Mass and other concerts and activities throughout this season. Please support such good charities and causes.
CAFOD Lent Appeal – Family Fast Day 27th February This Lent, live out the Gospel call to love your neighbour. By fasting and giving what you save, you join in Christ’s compassion and help another family put food on the table. Your donation can help families around the world grow food in difficult conditions. Collect a CAFOD envelope or donate online at cafod.org.uk/envelope or call 0303 303 3030. Text CAFODLENT to 70085 to donate £10 or join SECOND COLLECTION for CAFOD Sunday 1st March.
ST. DAVID DAY March 1st: We wish all our parishioners who have a connection to Wales or carry the name David (Davina) a wonderful and blessed day as we celebrate the feast of St. David on Sunday the 1st March. Mass will be offered for your intentions and the peoples of Wales.
God our Father,
You called your servant David to uphold the Christian faith amongst the people of Wales,
to encourage them by his observance of fasting and obedience,
and to show them compassion through small acts of great love.
As light is poured onto the mountain-tops and as fresh rain is sprinkled on the hills,
help us to be good carers of one another and of Your great and glorious Creation. Amen.
CONFIRMATION Session 4 will be on Saturday 28th February at 4:30pm in St Thomas More, Twyford. Session 5 will be on Saturday 7th March at 4:30pm in St Joseph’s
FIRST HOLY COMMUNION Session 4 will be on Saturday 28th February at 4:30pm St Edmund Campion school. Reconciliation will be on Saturday 14th March at 4:30pm St Edmund Campion Church.
WELCOME FR VUNI & FR ELVIS Sunday 1st March 12:30pm-2:30pm Parishioners are invited to officially welcome Fr Vuni & Fr Elvis to St Edmund Campion after 11:15am Mass. We would appreciate some offers of home baking for this event.
QUENCH BOOKSHOP 7th/8th March Quench bookshop will be here after all Masses
VISION GROUP - EVERYONE’S A WINNER RAFFLE 7th and 8th March the Vision Group will be holding its annual “Every one is a winner Tombola” after every Mass. Tickets are £5 (please bring cash) and every ticket will win a prize. We have some wonderful prizes. All proceeds will go towards St Edmund Campion church refurbishment.
LENTEN SOUP LUNCH every Thursday during Lent 12pm-2pm in the Parish Centre. £6 for soup, bread, cakes, tea/coffee. If you are able to contribute a pot of soup, home baking, bread or butter, please contact Ruth in the Parish Office. All money donated will go to WORK
19th MAIDENHEAD (HOLY FAMILY) SCOUT GROUP Our very active parish Scout Group provides fun and exciting activities for young people. We are currently in need of some more adults to join our volunteer leadership team for our youngest section. Squirrels are 4 and 5 year olds and enjoy the outdoors, stories, craft and many other activities. If you would enjoy working with young children and would like to know more about this opportunity please contact group@19thmaidenheadscouts.org.uk
LENTEN PROJECT CONCERT Saturday 14th March 7.30pm in the school hall. The 9.30am musicians will perform a wide range of music from pop to classical. Tickets £12 each includes a bread and cheese supper. Bring your own drinks and nibbles. To buy tickets, see the group after Mass, buy via the contactless machine in the porch or email mary@bluestring.co.uk.
Formation Morning for Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communication Fr Anthony Fyk, Director of Liturgical Formation and the Liturgy Formation team invite you to a formation morning at St Peter’s Pastoral Centre, Winchester on Saturday 9th May 2026 commencing with Mass at 9 am. There will be a welcome session from Fr Anthony, a talk focussing on the Eucharist in the sacred scriptures as well as a session on Lectio Divina: “Living a Eucharistic life – what does it mean to live out the eucharist?”. All Eucharistic Ministers, experienced and new, are very welcome to attend. If you wish to attend, please register via liturgy@portsmouthdiocese.org.uk.
WORLD DAY OF PRAYER Friday 6th March 2pm at United Reform Church, West Street (behind M&S) Maidenhead, SL6 1RL
THE PORTSMOUTH DIOCESE COMMUNION & LIBERATION GROUP invites you to a holiday to share our Christian faith and friendship. Facing the stunning scenery of Dartmoor, the holiday will include stunning walks, engaging activities for all ages, dedicated time for prayer, reflection, community building and much more! WHERE The Manor House Hotel, Fowley Cross, Okehampton, Devon, EX20 4NA WHEN From 5 pm on Friday 22nd May to 2 pm on Monday 25th May PRICES Inclusive of VAT, full board (breakfast, lunch, dinner), bedding and towels: • Children under 2 (sleeping in cots): free • Children under 16: £145 • Adults: £290sharing; £360 single All rooms are ensuite. TO BOOK Secure your place by 10th March by scanning the QR code (see poster) or by sending an email to portsmouthdiocesecl@gmail.com
YOGA CLASSES TUESDAY 3rd, 10th & 17th MARCH at 11am. Everyone is welcome. No charge for the class, just a small donation to charity if able. For more information contact Rachel: wellhappyyoga@gmail.com or the parish office.
TODDLER GROUP Every Friday in termtime, 8:45am-10:45am in the Parish Centre.
ST EDMUND CAMPION FINANCE MEETING Wednesday 4th March 2pm
ST EDMUND CAMPION PASTORAL COUNCIL MEETING Wednesday 4th March 7pm
Union of Catholic Mothers (UCM) 1st & 3rd Tuesdays 2.30 – 4.30pm in St Joseph’s St Elizabeth’s Room
GIFT AID: If you have a standing order or direct debit donation to the Parish and gift aid your donation, please complete a new Gift Aid form. These will need to be completed for all existing Gift Aid Declarations. New Direct Debit and Gift Aid forms are available in the church porch and in the drawers outside the Parish Office. Please return all completed forms to the Parish Office. Thank you to everyone who has completed a form over the last few months.
DONA CONTACTLESS PAYMENTS are now available in the church porch. You can Gift Aid your donation to the church and Second Collections. You only need to put your details in once and all future donations using the same card will be Gift Aided. Donations, Repository, Candles, Mass Intentions can all be paid for using the machine– just select the option on the screen.
WELCOME A very warm welcome to all parishioners and visitors who join us, whether in our Churches of St. Joseph’s, St. Elizabeth’s, St. Edmund Campion or via the live-stream. If you are new to the area, please register as a member of our Parish New Parishioners - The Holy Family Parish. The parish offices are situated at St. Joseph’s Church, Cookham Road and St. Edmund Campion, Altwood Road. The parish office details are available on the website and in the church porch.
REPOSITORY Please see our repository for cards & Mass cards for all occasions. Cash payments in the box on the wall or via the Dona contactless machine (minimum £1 payments).
SCHOOL PLAYGROUND The Reception area playground is not for use at the weekends. Please make sure that children are not entering this area before or after weekend Masses. The staff prepare the area on Friday afternoon so that it is ready for learning on Monday morning. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.
FOODSHARE Are you an NHS, Emergency services or a Blue Light worker. Foodshare is now operating a shop, so if you're struggling to make ends meet, for a cost of £10 per visit you can "buy" a trolley of food. Call 01628 262711 for fast and fuss free support.
VACANCIES - For job vacancies in the Diocese please see Diocese website https://www.portsmouthdiocese.org.uk/
We have activities planned for later this year and would be happy to hear from you if you would like to get involved or have an idea of your own. Please contact Sarah Bowden (bowden.sarah@googlemail.com).
LIBRARY We have a parish library located in the foyer of the Parish Centre. One bookcase is dedicated to Theology/Religious books, another bookcase to Fiction/Non-Fiction and a third smaller bookcase to children's Bibles/Bible stories etc. Please feel free to borrow/swap.
If you would like to donate, we can only accept books that are in excellent and clean condition. Thank you and enjoy.
FOODSHARE We are a collection point for Foodshare. Our collection area is just inside the porch doors, but if you leave food outside, out of hours (in a bag or other covering) the building is regularly checked. Foodshare are currently really in need of tinned vegetables and tinned meat, amongst all the regular donations.
APPOINTMENTS If you wish to speak to Fr Liam, Fr Ephraim, Fr Kevin or Fr Tom in confidence on any matter, please contact either one for an appointment. They are happy to visit your home if so desired, adhering to social distancing guidelines.
HOUSEBOUND If you know of anyone who is sick and/or housebound, please let Ruth (Parish Office), Fr Liam or Fr Ephraim know so that a visit can be arranged.
FOR PRACTICAL PURPOSES, FOR THE COMING MONTHS
Father Vuni & Fr Elvis are the ‘link people’ for pastoral matters concerning the parish of St. Joseph’s and St. Elizabeth’s. They are also chaplains to St. Mary’s school.
Father Liam will be the ‘link person’ for the parish of St. Edmund Campion and will be chaplain to St. Edmund Campion school.
Fr. Liam, Fr Elvis & Fr Vuni are on call each day and will serve our community as best they can. You can call either of them on their mobile numbers, contact them via email or visit them at St. Joseph’s Presbytery.
THE WELCOMING MINISTRY (Mass Rep) is dedicated to helping all parishioners and visitors enhance their worship experience at Mass by making them feel welcome and included in our Eucharistic celebration, helping them connect with our parish, and participating in the numerous ministry opportunities offered at St. Edmund Campion. The Mass Rep is the ‘overseer’ in ensuring that the various ministries during Mass are fulfilled. Further, they are there to help you with any queries.
We thank our mass reps:
6:15pm Saturday: Reena K. 9:30am Sunday: Elvira E-M 11:15am Sunday: Julie C.
ADMISSION INTO ST EDMUND CAMPION SCHOOL AND NURSERY is based on Mass attendance for some categories. In our parish, we have an attendance card available from the table in the church lobby. Every time you come to Sunday Mass please get your card stamped. For information on the current Admissions Policy see the school's website, www.st-edmund.org.uk.
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