HRH QUEEN ELIZABETH II The Catholic community of Maidenhead extends it’s heartfelt condolences to the Royal Family on the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth: a beloved Monarch and a woman of deep personal faith.
At this sad time, we keep her family, our nation and the Commonwealth in our thoughts, as we each mourn and remember Her Majesty in our own way.
Almighty God,
You are the author and sustainer of all human life;
grant that your servant, Elizabeth our Queen,
whom you granted a long and happy reign as Monarch of these lands
may be forgiven her sins and rewarded with that eternal life
promised to all those born again
in the water of baptism and power of your Spirit.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
Who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit
God, forever and ever, Amen
Eternal Rest grant unto her, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon her; may she rest in peace. Amen.
Prayer for the King
O God, to whom every human power is subject,
Grant to your servant His Majesty the King, Charles III,
wisdom in the exercise of his high office,
so that, always revering to you and striving to please you,
he may constantly secure and preserve
for the people entrusted to his care
the freedom that comes from unity and peace.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
Who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit
God, forever and ever,
Amen
Fr Kevin Jones RIP
It is with a heavy heart and great sadness that we announce the sudden death of our beloved retired priest, Father Kevin Jones. God called him home during his sleep on the night of 4th/5th September. He was 77 years old. Kevin was a beautiful gift to our parish and was loved for the man and person he was.
He was a disciple of deep faith; was passionate about his love of God and now we rejoice in the confident knowledge that he is at peace. Please pray for the repose of his soul and we also pray for his family and our Christian Community here in Maidenhead.
Arrangements are incomplete at this time. We will send them out as soon as we have them finalised.
Eternal rest grant unto him, 0 Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him.
May his soul and the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.
Education Sunday.
Education Sunday is marked this year on 11 September – just after the new academic year starts.
The theme for 2022 is ‘enlightening the mind’’, taken from Ephesians 1:17-18.
Churches Together in England (CTE) rightly describes teaching and studying as “demanding and privileged callings” and Education Sunday gives us the opportunity to give thanks to God for all who teach and all who study, for all who continually have to find the right words and deliver them with enthusiasm and graciousness.
On 11 September, we pray that God will fortify those working to make our schools places of learning and sanctuary – not just teachers and leaders but all the support staff whose tireless work sometimes goes unnoticed. We pray for all our primary and secondary pupils – particularly school leavers who have had such a difficult journey in recent times – not to mention students in higher education and vocational training.
For more information about this weekend please go to: www.cbcew.org.uk/education-sunday
Readings:
1st. Exodus 32:7-11, 13-14. When the people worshipped idols, Moses won God’s pardon for them.
Responsorial: Psalm 50:3-4, 12-13, 17, 19. R./: I will arise and go to my father.
2nd. 1 Timothy 1:12-17. Paul’s own conversion is a living proof of the mercy of God.
Gospel: Luke 15:1-32. The parables of the Lost Sheep, the Lost Coin, and the Prodigal Son.
DEATH NOTICES We pray for the repose of the souls of those in our community who died recently:
Edgar de Sousa RIP, (Husband of Bernadette).
Fr. Kevin Jones RIP, who died earlier this week. (Funeral arrangements will be shared once dates are confirmed)
BAPTISMS Saturday 10th: Willow Smith; Tatiana Jacqueline Smith-Gil
MASS INTENTIONS Monday 12th September 09.30- Edgar de Sousa RIP Recent
Thursday 15th September 09.30- School Mass
Saturday 17th September 18.15- Mr Desmond Leavy RIP Recent
CLOSER TO CHRIST CAMPAIGN Please see the attached update. There are copies printed in the Church too.
Overwhelmed by Climate Change? Not sure what you can do?
The problems that we face in the world can at times seem insurmountable; droughts, floods, food shortages and the energy crisis dominate the news each day. But we hope you will agree with Pope Francis when he says “Humanity still has the ability to work together in building our common home. … Truly, much can be done!”
Starting on the evening of the 4th of October and running weekly until the 22nd of November (excluding half-term), we will be facilitating seven group discussion sessions that will equip you with greater awareness of the climate impacts of everyday activities, and the ability and motivation to reduce emissions on an individual and community basis. Each week will cover a different topic and you will be able to attend as many sessions as you want. If you attend all seven sessions then you will be eligible to apply for Carbon Literacy Accreditation (https://carbonliteracy.com/). To find out more and register to attend please contact Sarah Bowden or Eric Brutnall (bowden.sarah@googlemail.com, ericbrutnall@gmail.com).
RUBY JUBILEE RUBY JUBILEE CELEBRATION September 2022
Out of respect for the Queen the Parish will be postponing the planned Jubilee celebrations in the Parish. More information will be shared as soon as it is available. A huge thanks to all those involved in the organisation of both the Folk Group Concert and the Jubilee. Apologies to all who are looking forward to the lovely plans.
CHILDREN’S SUNDAY LITURGY The Children’s Liturgy will recommence on 11th September during the 9.30am Mass. It is for children over the age of 4 years.
Ware asking you, as a member of our community and over 18 years of age, to consider the possibility of being a catechist/helper during ‘Sunday School’. For more information, please contact Tricia Opalko on patricia.opalko@st-edmund.org.uk
MOTHER’S PRAYER GROUP The first Mothers’ Prayer Group began three years ago in St. Edmund Campion Church. You are warmly invited to attend, as and when you can. The meetings are held every Friday from 8.50am to 9.45, at the Church, and if you can, stay on for Mass at 10am. Tea/Coffee and chat afterwards!
Meetings begin with a relaxed welcome and greeting. Prayer follows, primarily for our children, Godchildren, children of the parish and children of Maidenhead. The peace it brings is tangible.
If you are interested in joining this group or finding out more, then please contact Noris on 07714990696, or Nancy on 07708094409. Or indeed, just turn up any Friday morning!
SCHOOL MASS The Mass asking for God’s blessing for our school children will take place on Thursday 5th September at 9.30am. The pupils from school will attend.
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 Parishes. The parish offices are situated at St. Joseph’s Church, Cookham Road and St. Edmund Campion, Atwood Road.
Shauna or Sarah can send you a soft copy of the registration form if you so wish, or pick up a hard copy at the church. The parish office details are elsewhere on this newsletter.
FIRST HOLY COMMUNION PROGRAMME: 2022 – 2023 For those families wishing to enrol their children (who are in Year 4 at school or above) for the Sacraments of First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion, applications forms will be available from the beginning of September on the parish website, church table and from the parish office. Please fill in form and return to the Parish Office (not the school) before the 20th September 2022.
Prayer Service and Introduction for Reconciliation and First Holy Communion will take place at St. Edmund Campion Church at 5pm, on Saturday the 24th September, followed by the Vigil Mass. For those applying at St. Joseph’s a similar meeting will be held at 9.45am on Sunday the 25th September, followed by Mass at 11am.
The programme is a ‘3-step-programme’.
Step 1: 14 weekends from initial meeting in September to end of December. The candidate is required to attend at least 10 weekend Masses with family members. This step is called: ‘Come And See’. (John 1: 39-41). An invitation from Jesus.
Step 2: ‘Sat at the feet of Jesus’. (Luke 10:38-42). 10 input/teaching classes between January and April. This will be done on alternative Saturdays/Sundays. Each input will comprise of 80 minutes. Candidates are expected to attend Mass every weekend during this period.
Step 3: ‘Jesus sent them out’. (Luke 10:1). During May, the candidates will do a missionary assignment in the Church and Community.
May 2023 will see the Sacraments being bestowed upon the candidates.
ALPHA COURSE St. Edwards & St. Mark’s parish in Windsor is offering the Alpha Course beginning 20th September from 19:00. After a huge response in 2019, we had to put the programme on hold due to the pandemic, so now we are very excited to be offering Alpha again, in person each week, in the St. Edward's Parish Centre.
Alpha is a 10-week course that explores life’s big questions, in an open, non-judgmental and safe place. We’ll be discussing questions like: Is there more to life than this? Does God exist? Why did Jesus have to die? And, why is there so much suffering in the world?
Millions of people have already tried Alpha in over 100 countries and languages around the world - so why not you? Perhaps you have a friend or family member who has fallen away from the faith during the pandemic, doesn't feel as connected to the church as they once did, or maybe has never truly answered life's big questions for themselves -- please invite them, we'd love to host them too!
To RSVP, please follow this link: https://forms.gle/QYmhMUHvz8jk2JBu7
If you have questions about joining, inviting others, or joining our team of volunteers, please email Ryan Greig at: alphawindsor316@gmail.com
RITE OF CHRISTIAN INITIATION FOR ADULTS (RCIA) We are all on a journey of faith, which is unique and personal, and yet a journey that we know is greatly enriched when we are able to come together and share with others.
Maybe you are a non-Catholic Christian accompanying your family to Church and now feel drawn to become part of this community of faith. Maybe your “roots” are in another religion, or in none. Maybe you are a Baptised Catholic but never received, as a young person, the Sacrament of Confirmation.
This programme is widely used in many parishes throughout the Diocese. RCIA is both a learning and teaching programme that aims to help those who would like to know more about the Christian faith from a catholic perspective and might be thinking about becoming a Catholic.
To be a full member of the Catholic Church you need to complete the process of Christian Initiation, which is when you have been Baptised, Confirmed and have made your First Holy Communion. The RCIA Programme will begin with the completion of the ten-step programme of the Alpha course run at Windsor.
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
FIRST FRIDAY HEALING MASS 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 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.
CLOSER TO CHRIST CAMPAIGN There will be leaflets available in the foyer of the Church. Please help yourself and read more. Please return to the Church and these will be recycled for use in other Parishes.
CAFOD Join us to find out more about CAFOD’s World Food Crisis Appeal On Saturday 10th September there is an online meeting from 10:30 am to 12:30pm at which Catherine Ogolla CAFOD’s Country Representative for Kenya and Uganda will give an update on the desperate situation in East Africa . On Saturday 17th September there is a CAFOD meeting at St Bede’s church hall from 10:30am to 12 noon to hear from Ibrahim Njuguna CAFOD’s Surge Country Representative for Africa about the World Food Crisis and the difficulties facing communities in East Africa . Please book your place for either meeting by contacting Jo Lewry on portsmouth@cafod.org.uk or call 07710 094447
THE MARRIAGE COURSE the church of St. Edwards, Windsor is running ‘the Marriage Course’ for all married couples and couples in long term relationships. It will be held over seven sessions, and it is designed to help couples invest in their relationships and build strong marriages and relationships. It will be held on Zoom. The dates are Tuesdays: September 13, 20, 27, October 4, 18, 25 and November 1. There are catchup video sessions if you need to miss a day. The course is free except for the workbooks.
Please contact Kathy on kathyarundale@hotmail.com for information or to register for the course. We really hope you would like to come!
FIRST FRIDAY ADORATION FROM JANUARY TILL SEPTEMBER 7pm to 7am. St Edmund Campion Church, 1st September. Please contact or text Agnieszka on 07871258181 or email gnieszka@gmail.com
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
CHILDREN’S SUNDAY LITURGY Children from the age of 4 can attend. Please put your child’s name on the register as you go into the church for Safeguarding purposes. Restarts 10th September.
YOGA CLASSES Tuesdays - Yoga classes will recommence on Tuesday the 13th of September at the new time of 11.45. Contact Rachel wellhappyyoga @ gmail.com. Find out more on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/wellhappyyoga) and Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/wellhappyyoga/).
TODDLERS GROUP Restarting on 9th of September. Every Termtime Friday 8.45-10.45 in the Parish Centre.
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.
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 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.
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