God Sees What We Miss.
This Sunday's readings offer two significant narratives—one from the Old Testament and one from the Gospel—that encourage us to reconsider our conventional perspectives.
In 1 Samuel 16, Samuel is tasked with selecting a new king. He initially assumes Jesse’s eldest son, who possesses impressive physical attributes, is the ideal candidate. However, God intervenes, emphasizing the importance of inner character rather than outward appearance. Ultimately, David, the youngest and least expected, is chosen, highlighting that divine selection does not depend on societal standards of strength or prominence. Similarly, the Gospel of John recounts Jesus encountering a man born blind. While others overlook or judge him, Jesus recognizes his inherent value and heals him. Through this act, the man gains insight exceeding even that of religious authorities. The overarching message is clear: God perceives differently. God sees beyond surface-level qualities, recognizing potential where others see inadequacy.
This perspective offers hope to anyone who has experienced judgment based on appearance, felt underestimated, or struggled with societal pressures. God evaluates individuals by their integrity, compassion, bravery, and commitment to goodness—not by external achievements or popularity. Selection by God is not contingent upon conventional measures of excellence, but rather upon authenticity and openness.
Challenge of the Week:
This week, seek the Grace to:
Allow Jesus to address your “blind spots”—assumptions, fears, and uncertainties—so you may flourish.
| First Reading | 1 Samuel 16:1, 6-7, 10-13 | Not the appearance not the status but the heart. | |||
| Responsorial Psalm | Ps 22(23) | The Lord is my shepherd there is nothing I shall want. | |||
| Second Reading | Epehesians 5:8-14 | Step out of the shadows. Walk in goodness, justice and truth. | |||
| Gospel | John 9:1-41 | From blindness to belief. From darkness to sight. |
| Saturday 14th March | 6:15pm | Nuala Murphy | ||||
| Sunday 15th | 9:30am | Daniel Szwajkowski | ||||
| Friday 20th | 10am | Jane Lewis | ||||
| Richard Lega | ||||||
| Thursday 26th | 9:30am | Vivian Curry |
| Friday 27th March | 12:30pm | Funeral of Eddie (Edwin) Ainscough at St Edmund Campion Church |
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:
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
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 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.
SECOND COLLECTION Sunday 15th March 2026 Diocesan Clergy Assistance Fund The Clergy Assistance Fund contributes to the work of the Department for Clergy Team. The Clergy Support Team is responsible for looking after the welfare, ongoing formation and personal support of our clergy, such as the provision of spiritual direction, counselling, appraisal, ongoing formation and practical advice. It organises retreats, ministerial formation days, courses and sabbaticals.
Dear Parish Family of Holy Family Parish.
This week marks an important moment in the life of our parish as we give heartfelt thanks for Fr. Liam’s and Fr. Ephraim’s years of faithful, generous, and dedicated service to our communities. Their ministry has touched many lives, and we remain deeply grateful for the care, prayer, and leadership they offered throughout their time among you. We send them forward with our prayers and affection as they begin the next chapter of their priestly journey. At the same time, I am humbled and delighted to begin my own ministry as your new parish priest with Fr. Elvis as the assistant priest and the priest in charge of SS. Elizabeth and Joseph. Effective 1st March 2026. Holy Family Parish has a rich story, a vibrant faith, and a mission that continues beyond any one priest. My hope is to walk with you, listen to you, and serve alongside you as we build upon the strong foundations already laid. Together, we step into this new season with trust in the Holy Spirit, confident that the Lord who has guided us thus far will continue to lead us forward. May this time of transition be a moment of grace, unity, and renewed purpose for our whole parish family. I want to dedicate our mission among you to the maternal protection and guidance of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Asking her to lead us closer to her son and to keep our parish united in faith, hope, and Charity.
Please keep us in your prayers, as we will keep you in ours.
In Christ,
Fr. Tiberius
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
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
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:
EASTER SERVICES – HELP WANTED!
The Liturgy group are planning the Easter services for this year, and we need your help! We would really appreciate volunteers for the following:
Please let Suzy know at swilliams30034@gmail.com if you can help. There are signup sheets in the back of church for readers, Eucharistic ministers and volunteers for feet washing on Holy Thursday - please sign up if you would like to volunteer
HOLY WEEK Please pick up a Holy Week booklet from the church porch.
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.
CONFIRMATION Session 6 will be on Saturday 21st March at 4:30pm in St Edmund Campion Church
FIRST HOLY COMMUNION Reconciliation will be on Saturday 14th March at 4:30pm St Edmund Campion Church. Session 5 will be on Saturday 21st March at 4:30pm in St Edmund Campion School.
HOT CROSS BUNS & BUTTER DONATIONS for Good Friday. Please leave donations in the Parish Centre by Thursday 2nd April
VISION GROUP - EVERYONE’S A WINNER RAFFLE Huge thanks to everyone who’s donated Dry January bottles and unwanted Christmas gifts - please keep them coming! Date TBC for Our Everyone’s a Winner raffle . Tickets will be £5 and every prize will be worth more than £5, so everyone’s a winner!
LENTEN SOUP LUNCH Wednesday 18th March and Thursday 26th March 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 Kathryn 07708094818. All money donated will go to Widows and Orphans in Rural Kenya (WORK)
The light of St. Patricks.
On this feast of St Patrick—who brought the light of the Gospel to Ireland in the 5th century—may we rise as he did, strengthened by God in a world longing for hope. As St Patrick rose each day in God’s strength, may you too rise with a faith that steadies you in uncertain times. Let his example inspire you to trust in God’s power, drawing courage and resilience from your beliefs. May God’s wisdom guide your choices, and may His loving gaze go before you into a world that longs for light. As St Patrick illuminated Ireland with hope, so may you bring light and guidance wherever you go.
The Strength of Silent Fidelity
This week, we mark the solemnity of St Joseph the husband of Mary, a time to reflect on the profound strength found in silent fidelity. St Joseph’s life is a testament to resilience and unwavering faith. Despite his plans being upended time and again, he never succumbed to bitterness. Instead, he adapted to each new challenge, trusted in God’s purpose, and moved forward with quiet determination. St Joseph’s journey reminds us that God’s most precious gifts often come disguised as disruptions. Rather than resisting change, Joseph welcomed grace even when it overturned his expectations. His example encourages us to embrace the unexpected, recognising that grace can enter our lives in moments of upheaval.
19th MAIDENHEAD (HOLY FAMILY) CUB SCOUTS will be selling knitted chick creme eggs in aid of the Alexander Devine children's hospice after the 9:30 Mass on Sunday 22nd March. Cost £3.
FR LIAM’S FAREWELL Sunday 3rd May 2026 after 11:15am Mass - details to be confirmed.
PARISH OFFICE The parish office will be closed until further notice. Please contact Fr Vuni for any pastoral requests. I would like to thank the amazing community of St Edmund Campion and the Holy Family Parish of Maidenhead and Twyford for all their support over the last 3 years. I have really enjoyed my time working here, and have made wonderful friends. I will miss you all but I will see you at Mass. Ruth.
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.
YOGA CLASSES TUESDAY 17th March, 7th April, 21st April & 28th April 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.
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.
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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