The fourth Sunday of Lent is sometimes called Laetare Sunday. Laetare is a Latin word that means “rejoice”. It is the hope of Easter just around the corner. We are on the way, but not there yet.
What Saint Paul is saying about reconciliation is explained in the gospel for today not by concepts or ideas but in the story of the Prodigal Son. If the season of Lent were to come and go without us giving time to thinking about reconciliation, then something would indeed be missing. It would be tragic if we came to Easter without being moved by the overwhelming compassion of our God who seeks out the lost and celebrates our return to him. It would also be tragic if we were to forget that if we welcome God's forgiveness for ourselves then we automatically become ambassadors of that forgiveness to others.
We must be careful not to end up like the older brother who is resentful of God's generosity to the undeserving.
To help us on our journey, the parishes of Maidenhead are offering you the opportunity to attend a Penitential Service with the Sacrament of Reconciliation. This is in preparation for Easter and Holy Week.
Wednesday 30th March, from 7pm: St. Joseph’s Church
Saturday 2nd April, from 10am: St. Edmund Campion Church.
Lord have mercy, on me and on all, today and every day. Amen.
1st Joshua 5:9-12. The Israelites, free at last from slavery and humiliation in Egypt, enter the land of promise and partake of its produce
Psalm (from Psalm 33). Response: Taste and see the goodness of the Lord
2nd 2 Corinthians 5:17-21. Christ’s aim and mission was to reconcile us with God. The Church’s task is to bring the benefits of this to all people
Gospel Luke 15:1-2, 11-32. The vivid parable of the Prodigal Son, on the Father’s patient love, and God delights in showing mercy to repentant sinners
BAPTISMS
CHILDREN’S LITURGY Anyone who’s child attends Children’s Liturgy at 9:30am Sunday Mass. From this Sunday you need to put your child’s name on the register as you go into the church. It’s so we have an accurate list of first and surnames for safeguarding of those attending.
EASTER VOLUNTEERS needed for Readers and Eucharistic Ministers to cover Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, the Vigil and Easter Sunday. Please sign up as soon as you are able to. Thank you. The sign-up sheets will be in the church porch from this weekend.
MASS VIA YOUTUBE Mass is streamed live on Wednesday (9.30am) and Sunday (11.15am). To join, just click on the YouTube icon on the parish website shortly before Mass starts. Due to demand, this service will continue for the foreseeable future.
STATIONS OF THE CROSS Each Friday from 11th of March, the Stations of the Cross will be prayed in our parish via Zoom. The Stations of the Cross have formed part of Christian devotion at Passiontide for many centuries because they enable us to engage actively with the path of suffering walked by Jesus. They originated when early Christians visited Jerusalem and wanted to follow literally in the footsteps of Jesus, tracing the path from Pilate’s house to Calvary. They would pause for prayer and devotion at various points. Eventually, those pilgrims brought the practice back to their home countries and ever since then Christians of differing traditions have used this form of devotion.
Please join us on the Zoom link each Friday at 6pm. Each week the Stations will be prayed from a different perspective. Please note the updated Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87402848519?pwd=Y3BnNEFOWS9sblhrMmhKVkg4d05mQT09.
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 and times in our Pastoral Area:
Wonderful opportunity to avail of this healing sacrament.
FIRST FRIDAY Each First Friday will see a ‘Healing Mass’ being celebrated alternately at St. Joseph’s Church and St. Edmund Campion Church for 2022. We bring together all our needs and especially asking God’s healing spirit upon people and situations in our parish. You are very welcome.
The First Friday of the month is also 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 you, or someone you know would like a visit from a priest, then please contact Fr. Liam or Fr. Ephraim.
FACE COVERINGS AND SOCIAL DISTANCING Please, It is encouraged, from a moral and respectful point of view, to continue wearing face masks during Public Worship. This indeed, is not a legal requirement, and several of our parishioners have an exemption from wearing masks.
If you wish to continue adhering to social distancing in the Church, then please arrive at least 10 minutes before Mass, and a section in the church will be reserved for you. Please, please respect the distancing in this area so that people can worship in peace and comfort. If you do not arrive before the Mass starts it will not be possible to guarantee a place in this area.
“SHIELDING” for those in our community who continue to join at the Eucharist via YouTube on a regular basis, but for one reason or another, cannot physically come to the Church, and would like to receive the Sacrament of Holy Communion, please let Fr. Liam or the parish office know. Fr. Liam will bring the Holy Sacrament to you whilst adhering to social distancing and a safe environment.
SVP In common with many other organisations, the Saint Vincent de Paul Society have a way for supporters to donate to SVP efforts in relation to the crisis in Ukraine. The link below is to the SVP International Disaster Fund, should any individuals wish to donate through this channel. www.svp.org.uk/news/ukraine-crisis-–-how-help.
LENTEN APPEAL for W.O.R.K. and THAMES VALLEY HOSPICE Parishioners will be given a jam jar to collect money in, and supplementary details of the WORK project during Lent. Jam jars can be the returned to the Parish Office, or John Lynn after each of the weekday / weekend masses. Any queries please contact John Lynn on 07931 292934 who is a member of the Knights of St Columba (KSC) who are coordinating the appeal.
CLERGY ASSISTANCE FUND The Second Collection this Sunday is for the Clergy Assistance Fund, which supports the invaluable work of the Department for Clergy Team. The Department for Clergy, which has four members of staff, exists to provide care and support for the ordained in our Diocese. If you would like to give to the collection, please donate online at: https://donate.giveasyoulive.com/campaign/clergy-assistance-fund. Many thanks and God bless.
SIF FORMS FOR SCHOOL APPLICATION Fr Liam is available by appointment to sign SIF Forms, please remember to bring your stamp cards showing Mass attendance.
CONFIRMATION CLASS Saturday 26th March at 4:45pm followed by Mass at St. Edmund Campion Parish Centre.
Saturday 2nd April at 4:45pm followed by Mass at St. Joseph's Centre.
FIRST HOLY COMMUNION CLASS Saturday 2nd April at 4:45pm followed by Mass at St. Edmund Campion Parish Centre. Sunday 3rd April ay 9:45am followed by Mass at St. Joseph's Centre.
RCIA Saturday 26th March Retreat day at Iver Convent from 10:30am to 3:30pm, as part of the Baptism and Reception Programme. Thursday, 31st March at 7:15pm.
QUENCH BOOKSHOP at St Edmund Campion parish centre over the weekend of 26th/27th March, before and after Masses.
MOTHERING SUNDAY 27th March 2022. 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.
STUDYING, REFLECTING and PRAYING WITH THE NICENE CREED Every Sunday we proclaim our faith at the Eucharist. This short course is to help us understand what we believe. We will be studying, reflecting and praying with the Nicene Creed. The sessions will be on Wednesdays at 7pm, starting on 16th March for four weeks. Please see the poster. (Duration: 60 minutes).
FIRST FRIDAY ADORATIONS FROM JANUARY TILL SEPTEMBER St Edmund Campion Church Ruby Jubilee Celebrations are taking place in September 2022. In order to prepare for this, we are hosting a novena of 9 first fridays to pray, to meditate, to fast and to give joy for everything to all that our church community has offered us over 40 years of service and the faith and support it has given to our families. If you can come for an hour or 2 hours or even whole evening starting on the first Friday of January (7th) from 7pm until 8am Saturday morning. We would love to start a rota, where a number of people could do this on the first Friday of each month from January through to September in preparation for prayer and our celebration. During this time the church will be open through the night and everyone is welcomed to come and stay with the Lord. Please contact or text Agnieszka on 07871 258181 or email gnieszka@gmail.com.
THE COWSHED The Cowshed is a new charity which provides support to people of all backgrounds in Berkshire experiencing hardship. The aim of The Cowshed is to provide good quality clothes and other essentials to anyone in need. They offer their services to people from all faiths and none.
We would like to ask you to look at their website and donate whatever you can from their list: www.thecowshed.org.
PILGRIMAGES A pilgrimage is a journey that has religious or spiritual significance. The journey is usually taken to an important religious place. There are many sites of Christian pilgrimage and our parishes are offering a number of opportunities for you to go pilgrimage and a great spiritual journey.
The Hospitalité is very spacious and can accommodate all pilgrims, especially those who are sick, disabled or elderly. It also includes a full catering and medical staff.
Fr. Liam (St. Edmund Campion Parish) will be the Spiritual Director for this pilgrimage and has been going to Banneux since 1996. If you are interested and you would like more information or to reserve a place before June 30th, please contact the pilgrimage director Lisa Pirie on 07500 288384 (banneuxndgb@gmail.com) or Father Liam, on 07776 580596 (lcummins@portsmouthdiocese.org.uk). Also, Google 'Our Lady's Shrine, Banneux', for history and more detail.
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: St. Edmund Campion Maidenhead
Sort code: 30-93-04
Account number: 00882551
JOHN PAUL II AWARD This is a faith achievement award for young people between the age of 16 and 18. It is non-competitive, inclusive, flexible and voluntary.
The Award enables participants to take an active part both in the life of their Church and in the life of their community and society. For further details, contact Jonathan on manorcott@outlook.com or 01628 626527.
WEDNESDAY BRIDGE CLUB All past bridge players and parishioners who would like to learn the game are invited. Please contact John Lynn for more information.
THURSDAY CLUB Meets every other Thursday (next is 20th March). Open to everyone, of all ages. A chance to meet up, have a coffee and a chat. We also organise occasional speakers and days out. Please contact Angela for more information.
ST VINCENT DE PAUL SOCIETY If you, or anyone you know, are in need, or would appreciate a friendly chat, in person or over the phone, from one of our number, please call 07749 917134 for further details.
YOGA CLASSES Rachel is having a wee break and the classes have stopped for the moment. Classes restart Tuesday 26th April in the parish centre at noon. Looking forward to seeing you then!
YOGA FOR MEN Saturday 2nd April at 9am in the parish centre. There is no charge for the class and yoga mats are available. Come and try yoga!
Contact Rachel wellhappyyoga@gmail.com, and look on Facebook or Instagram.
COX GREEN LUNCHEON CLUB For more information contact Ruby Doughty on 01628630703 or rubydoughty@yahoo.co.uk.
TODDLERS GROUP Every Friday from 8:45 to 10:45am in the Parish Centre. Contact Jenny on jennyoliver51@hotmail.com for more information.
PARISH HALL The Parish Hall is available to hire, for parties, celebrations, meetings, training, classes and anything else you can think of. It’s a great community space, and is available for £25 per hour.
To celebrate National Bird Box week we heard from Órlagh and Vincent about the work they are doing to care for God’s creation and in particular how they are making the land around the church more wildlife friendly. You were invited to do the same at home and many of you placed an order for your own homes for bees, birds, hedgehogs and bats. You can still do so by going to www.BNBG.org.uk.
This is part of the Eco-Church scheme we have signed up to which asks us to look at five areas: our church buildings, the land around it, how we include looking after our planet in our worship, supporting other communities impacted by climate change, and making changes in our own lives.
We have other 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 or Fr Ephraim 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 Sarah (Parish Office), Fr Liam or Fr Ephraim know so that a visit can be arranged.
FOR PRACTICAL PURPOSES, FOR THE COMING MONTHS
Father Ephraim will be the ‘link person’ for pastoral matters concerning the parish of St. Joseph’s and St. Elizabeth’s. He will also be chaplain 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. Ephraim and Fr. Liam 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. As we enter a new liturgical year, the four or five weekends of a month will see the same priest celebrating Mass in that particular parish. So, for January, Fr. Liam will preside at weekend Masses at St Joseph’s & St. Elizabeth’s and Fr. Ephraim at St. Edmund Campion. The following month they will swap around.
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 & Shirley F. 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.
FOUNDATION GOVERNORS REQUEST St Mary’s Catholic Primary School in Maidenhead part of the Frassati Catholic Academy Trust, is looking for 3 new Foundation Governors. The positions are open to any practicing Catholics who will form part of the Local Governing Body which holds strategic responsibility for the school. You will be expected to attend approximately 12 regular meetings per year. No experience of education or governance is required as training will be provided. All applications are welcome, however applicants with legal, finance or HR backgrounds would be extremely helpful, though this is not an essential requirement. Please contact the Chair of Governors, Marius Hopley at: gov.mariushopley@stmarys-maidenhead.org.uk.
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