The presence and importance of the Holy Spirit in the Church has been increasingly prominent in recent decades. The Second Vatican Council began with little awareness of the Spirit but this was much greater by the end. This has been developed much further by Pope Francis. The aim and purpose of synodality is to enable us to listen to what the Holy Spirit has to say to the Churches, as the Apocalypse reminds us seven times.
“Paraclete” is the Greek word which is also used in English- Advocate, Encourager, Comforter, Helper all of which help to reflect on the role of the Spirit. The Paraclete is the Spirit of truth, sent by the Father “in my name”. In the early stages of Christianity, the Spirit is seen as the continuing presence of Jesus in the Church, complementing the emphasis in the Gospel on remaining with Jesus which is an important theme in the Gospel. He is the Spirit of Truth, the Truth which is Jesus. Through the presence of the Spirit we are not left as orphans.
Reflection: Do we really believe that God is with us, that the Father and Son dwell in each of us through the power of the Spirit? Do we really believe that the way to love God is to keep his commandments rather than pouring out lots of pious declarations of love? And to love our neighbour is to love God? Do we acknowledge we are one because we all share in the presence of God dwelling in us?
"Lord Jesus, prepare our hearts to receive your Holy Spirit by forming our will to submit to you in loving obedience. Amen.”
| First Reading | Acts 6:1-7 | They laid their hands on them and they recieved the Holy Spirit. | |||
| Responsorial Psalm | Ps 33 | Cry out with joy to God all the Earth. | |||
| Second Reading | 1 Pet 2:4-9 | Being put to death in the flesh but made alive in spirit. | |||
| Gospel | John 14:1-12 | I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper. |
| Fri 8th May |
10:00 20:00 |
Mass Quiz Night @SJ |
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| Sat 9th May |
16:30 17:30 18:15 |
FHC Class @SEC Confessions Mass |
MI: Marie O'Meara |
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| Sun 10th May |
9:30 11:15 |
Mass Mass |
MI: Kathleen Murphy
Rohan De Mel, Stanislawa Suwala, Tadeusz Suwala, Alicja Wiszniewska, Stanislaw Wiszniewska Fr Agnieszka All GCSE and A-level exam candidates |
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| Thurs 14th May |
9:30 19:00 |
Ascension of the Lord | ||||
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Sat 16th May |
11:00 17:30 18:15 |
FHC service Confessions Mass |
MI: Luigi Didoni |
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| Sun 17th May |
9:30
11:15 |
Mass
Mass |
MI: Stanislawa Suwala, Tadeusz Suwala, Alicja Wiszniewska, Stanislaw Wiszniewska |
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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 5th June 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 meeting is:
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 Vuni or Father Elvis are 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 Vuni or telephone the Parish Office.
Contact: If you wish to speak to Father Vuni in confidence on any matter, please contact him for an appointment. He is always happy to visit your home if so desired. Email: tvuni@portsmouthdiocese.org.uk Telephone: 07888627223
Hospital: If you are going into hospital or know or someone that is, please inform the hospital chaplain on arrival. Please also let Father Vuni 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 Carina (Parish Office) or Father Vuni 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 Father Vuni or Father 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.
24 May – HOLY FAMILY 1ST ANNIVERSARY
You are warmly invited to celebrate the First Anniversary of our Holy Family Parish. Please join us to mark this special occasion at St. Edmund Campion. We’ll begin with a thanksgiving mass at 11:15am, followed by refreshments at the Parish Centre. We hope that you can join us as we come together in unity and gratitude to Thanks God for a year filled with faith, fellowship and blessings
St Edmund Campion Pilgrimage: on the 10th May @ 11:15am, John Lynn is organising a free bus trip to Lyford Grange - Fr. Kevin O'Driscoll will be the main celebrant. The bus will leave from outside St Edmund Campion. The group will stop for lunch near Abingdon (pack own lunch or enjoy a carvery meal). Mass will be at 4pm. The bus will arive back in Maidenhead at 6:45pm. Contact John for more information: 07931292934/01628636668
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
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, St. Thomas More 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.
Maidenhead SVP Quiz on Friday 8th May 2026
Maidenhead SVP will be holding an evening quiz at St Joseph's Parish Hall on Friday 8th May 2026 with doors opening at 7:30pm for a 8:00pm start until 10:30 pm. Tickets are £7 per person and team sizes will be maximum 8. There will be prizes for the winning team plus a raffle and other games to participate in. All welcome.
If you are interested, there are tickets still available from Peter 07976625813 (St Edmund Campion) or Siobhan (St Joseph's) on 07816445416.
GIFT AID If you are a UK taxpayer, please consider signing up for Gift Aid. If you have not completed a form in the last 12-18 months, we will no longer be able to claim gift aid on your donations. Please make sure you complete the form in the link below ASAP or use the QR code attached. You can get paper copies in the church porch. Please return completed forms to the office and please email the office if you complete the online form. Thank you for your ongoing support and generosity.
Catholic Diocese of Portsmouth - Gift Aid Declaration Form
CAN YOU HELP?
We are excited about the future of our church and the opportunity to grow into an even more welcoming, vibrant community. As we open our doors wider, we’re looking for passionate volunteers who want to make a real difference. Whether it’s through hospitality after mass, setting up mass as a representative, an alter server or reader, every act of service, big or small, helps create a space where people feel inspired. There are also groups that would love the extra support, such as the Liturgy Group, and the Vision Group who work so hard and would appreciate all the helping hands that are available.
Please contact the parish office or Fr. Vuni/Fr. Elvis if you would like to be a part of our volunteers and sacristans.
SACRISTANS - We have had a couple of our Sacristans step back from their role after many years in 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 Carina know if this is a role you can help with.
ALTER SERVERS & READERS - Our parish is always growing and it has been lovely to see so many children help in the church. If any child would like to part of a mass as an alter server or a reader, please email Carina (office) or speak to Fr. Vuni.
CONFIRMATION: Let us pray for the 80 young people of Holy Family Parish getting confirmed in St Joseph's Church this Saturday 9th May!
FIRST HOLY COMMUNION: The next session will be on Saturday 9th May at 4:45pm in St Edmund Campion School.
Thank you message from Fr Liam
Dear Friends, I would like to take this opportunity to express my deepest appreciation and thanks for the kindness you have shown to me during my time as Parish Priest of St. Edmund Campion, and latterly, of Holy Family Parish, Maidenhead & Twyford.
As I embark on this next part of my journey, I am beyond grateful for the gift of being your pastor and for the opportunity to get to know you and build relationships with you in the midst of life’s joys and sorrows. It has been a privilege to walk the way of Christ with you.
On a personal level, thank you for your friendship, encouragement, gifts and prayers. Thank you for your love. We worked together and navigated through some good times and through some challenges in creating the parish of Holy Family. God will continue to guide the church according to his plan, come what may.
Now we’ve come to a fork in the road, and the time has come for me to take one way while you continue along the other. It is hard to say goodbye, but I do so knowing that my farewell means you get to say hello to new ministry leaders, in Fr. Vuni and Fr. Elvis who with Fr. Kevin, Dcn. Peter, Dcn. Mike, Sr. Veronica (Kiln Green), Parish Council and lots of other people, will continue to create new possibilities to grow as a community in Christ. Change is hard but it also necessary, nothing stays the same or else things would be stagnant and get awful boring! We may grumble about the cold of winter but without it, there wouldn’t be the glorious blooming of spring. It is the cycle of life, the cycle that makes it possible for new growth to happen in us and our world.
Although I won’t be there for weddings, funerals, special events and celebrations in the future, know that I am praying for you and you will always have a special place in my heart.
So I say goodbye, a word that originally meant “God be with ye!” God will indeed be with us, with you and with me, present every step of the way as we start this new step of our journeys. May we make space for the new growth God is planting in our lives and trust God’s abiding presence every step of the way.
Peace & Blessings,
Father Liam.
SUMMER FUN DAY - SAVE THE DATE: Sunday 14th June at 12:15 - There will be a mass at 11:15. (There is a lot of prep and organisation that happens behind the scenes before the big day. PLEASE support this amazing team and join in the fun!
*New* Sewing circle in SJ Hall. Bring your projects (alteration, pattern cutting, etc) and learn from each other. Free 1st session on 5 May 10-12pm .
YOGA CLASSES TUESDAY: 2nd June is the next class. 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.
THURSDAYS ZOOM www.tinyurl.com/2hz5axvp 2pm Rosary; 6pm Journey together through Holy scriptures
Union of Catholic Mothers (UCM) 1st & 3rd Tuesdays 2.30 – 4.30pm in St Joseph’s, St Elizabeth’s Room
RED BOX HOLDERS Copies of Missio Spring edition are available outside the church Office.
Talkin’ Tables by the Catenians
Every second Thur of the month starting 14 May 10.30-11.30am The Bardo Lounge, High Street, Maidenhead, SL6 1QJ. Everyone is welcome. Let us build our community one table at a time — come along, buy your own refreshments, and enjoy relaxed conversation with fellow parishioners.
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 - 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.
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 Vuni or Fr Elvis 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 Carina (Parish Office), Fr Vuni or Fr Elvis 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 Vuni will be the ‘link person’ for the parish of St. Edmund Campion and will be chaplain to St. Edmund Campion school.
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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