THANK YOU MESSAGE

2nd Sunday of Lent ~ (B) ~ 1st March 2015 ~ Issue:1074

READING PASTORAL AREA

St. John Bosco Church 56 Western Avenue,

Woodley, Reading RG5 3BH Tel: 0118 969 3423

Priest: Fr Bonaventure Ndong

Email: stjohnbosco

@portsmouthdiocese.org.uk Website:

stjohnbosco.co.uk

Part of the PORTSMOUTH DIOCESAN TRUST

Registered Charity Number 246871

Administrator: Catherine Ledgard

Church Office is closed to mid March ~ date to be

confirmed.

WEEKLY COLLECTION Envelopes: £ 307.50 Loose: £ 308.45 Standing orders: £ 317.00 Total : £932.95p

Thank you for your generous contributions. Your donations make the life and work of the parish possible.

Next Collection: For: CAFOD Lent Family Fast Day On: 28th Feb & 1st March 2015

For: Clergy Assistance Fund On: 14th & 15th March 2015

Psalm Response: Year B Sunday 1st March

“I will walk in the presence of the Lord in the land of the living”.

Sunday 8th March

“You Lord, have the message of eternal life”.

Sunday 15th March

“Let my tongue cleave to my mouth if I remember you not!”.

Sunday 22nd March

“A pure heart create for me, O God”.

Confession : Confessions are on a Saturday from 5.30-6.00pm

PASTORAL AREA LENT TALKS This Lents focus is on Marriage & Family.

Thank you to those who came to the first talk last Wednesday evening. The next two talks are:

All at 7.30pm on Wednesday evenings: Please see the poster on the church notice board.

Even if you are not married we are all members of God’s Family, so everyone is

encouraged to attend.

24 HOURS FOR THE LORD Pope Francis has proposed again the 24 HOURS FOR THE LORD initiative for Friday, 13th March, Saturday, 14th March. The theme is ‘GOD IS RICH IN MERCY’ He has suggested opening up the churches during this time for prayer, reflection, Eucharistic Adoration, Confessions, Mass etc. St John Bosco is the nominated church for ourselves, Our Lady of Peace and Christ the King parishes. Our 24 HOURS FOR THE LORD will run from 10am Fri 13th March. You are invited to volunteer for one of the SJB hourly slots on the form on the notice board, where you will also find further details. If any of our church groups would like to host a Holy Hour, rosary or prayers please speak to Fr Bon ASAP.

Dear Parishioners, I would like to thank you all for your help support over the last few years at St John Bosco. It has been a pleasure to work with so many wonderful people. I have loved my time here and feel that it has been a pleasure serving you all in my role as parish administrator. Thank you for your donations to my leaving collection and for attending my leaving Mass and party last weekend. I was tearful afterwards as it is very hard to leave behind so many people who have become good friends, but I know that this is the right move for me. I am looking forward to the challenges in my new role at St James. I know that you will all offer Gina the same support and guidance you have given me and I am very confident that I am leaving you all in her very capable hands. I will still be attending

Mass here at St John Bosco and seeing all my friends. Thank you all again, Catherine.Catherine.Catherine.Catherine.

ROMANIA GROUP QUIZ NIGHT SATURDAY, 28 MARCH

AT 7.30 P.M. IN THE PARISH CENTRE The Romania Group will be holding a fun Quiz Night which promises to be a very enjoyable evening for everyone, no specialist knowledge

required! It will also include a delicious ploughman’s supper (vegetarian and special diets catered for, just mention your request when buying the ticket). Please support this new venture which

should be a lot of fun, and all proceeds will help support the orphanage and Poor Project in

Cluj Napoca, Romania. Tickets are just £5 each, including the supper. Because of space

tickets are limited so it is advisable to buy early. Look out for ticket sellers after weekend

Masses from 7/8 March.

4th March Our Lady of Peace

11th March

Christ the King

Emergency numbers for the Sacramental Ministry of a priest: Fr Bon 969 3423 Fr. Pat 931 4469 Fr. Emmanuel 966 3711 Cannon Michael 957 2149 Fr George 957 2149 Fr John O 957 4171 Please call your own priest first.

READING CHURCHES WEEKEND MASS TIMES:

CHRIST THE KING Sat 6.30pm & Sun 10am

ENGLISH MARTYRS Sat 6.30pm, Sun 9.30am, 11.30am & 5pm

OUR LADY OF PEACE Sun 9am, 11am & 5pm

ST JAMES Sat 6pm, Sun 11am

ST JOHN BOSCO Sat 6.30pm & Sun 10am

ST WILLIAM OF YORK Sun 9am, 11am & 6pm

COFFEE & CAKES The next date for the Parish Coffee & Cakes fundraising is Sunday 1st March. If you can bake a cake or help on the day, please contact Cathy 9272419.

QUICK NEWS:

WOMEN’S WORLD DAY OF PRAYER; This year the service is prepared by the Christian women of The Bahamas, on Friday March 6th at 10.30am in St James’s Church, Kingfisher Drive, Woodley. Men are invited to join us. This is an ecumenical service in which most of the Woodley churches participate; If you would like more info please inquire at the Parish Office, Tel. 969 3423. CAFOD & UK Aid Match Funding: The UK government will match every pound and penny you give to CAFOD’s Lenten appeal up to the value of £5M. CAFOD Lent Fast Day is this Friday 27.02.15 CATHOLIC FOOTBALL SESSIONS Wednesdays, 7.15pm – 8.45pm at Prospect School Sports Hall. It is for males over 18. Enjoyable kick about. All abilities are welcome. Information from Ian on 07799 838959.

NEXT MEETING DATES:

SJB Prayer Group Please see parish diary page 2

RCIA (Journey in Faith) Please see parish diary page 2

First Holy Communion Please see parish diary page 2

Over 60’s Club Please see parish diary page 2

Confirmation Please see parish diary page 2

3rd Woodley St John Bosco Scout Group: Beavers: Mon 6.00-7.00pm Cubs: Thu 6.30-8.30pm Scouts: Mon 7.30-9.30pm Term time only.

ST JOHN BOSCO BOOK OF REMEMBRANCE

Please keep in your prayers all those with March anniversaries:

Louis Martin+ Stefan Niedzwiedzki+ Nic Morganti+

Teresa Niedzwiedzka+George Young+ Carol Soden+

Lesley Wapshott+ Gerry Whelan+

Marian Wojtaszek+ Alan Michael Fitzgerald+

“LIGHT” YOUR LOVE FOR JESUS IN THE

SANCTUARY LAMP. In this Year of Faith in Action, we encourage members of our parish to mark special periods in their lives by requesting to “light” the sanctuary lamp. This is an opportunity to draw close to the Lord in the Eucharist, to express your love for Him, and to let his light shine in your life. Please fill

in the lilac form from the porch and return it to the

church office asap.

DIVINE MERCY HOLY HOUR The next Divine Mercy Holy Hour is Sunday 1st March at

Our Lady & St Anne 2.30 - 3.30pm

ST PATRICK’S DAY CELEBRATIONS Tuesday 17th March 2015

Following the 7pm Mass celebrating the Feast of St Patrick, there will be a parish social in the parish Centre.

Please join us for friendship, laughter, Irish music, singing and Irish coffees. Everyone is most welcome. Please let Pia, Barry or Catherine know if you would like to attend.

WOODLEY CHURCHES TOGETHER

Fr Bon is looking for one or two of our parishioners to become our representatives at the Woodley Churches Together meetings. There are 4 meetings a year. If

you feel called to take up this role please speak to Fr Bon or phone or email the church office as soon

as possible.

WALKING THE CAMINO DE SANTIAGO PILGRIMAGE

FROM READING Wednesday, 9th – 16th September

2015. 30 people. Flight from Stanstead to Santiago, 20 - 25 kilometres per day. 200,000+

people do the Camino every year. Cost: £200 inc flights and

coaches. Closing date 10th March. Application forms from

stjames@portsmouthdiocese.org.uk

A CLOSE SHAVE? Parishioner Maeve Chappell will be having her head shaved on 11 March to

raise funds for Macmillan. If anyone would like to support Maeve's fundraising efforts you can visit her donation website or pass any donations directly to Maeve. Every £1 raised will be matched by National Grid. https://www.justgiving.com/National-Grid-DaretoBare-Headshave-Challenge-2015

LENT 2015 Lenten Challenge Mass. Fr Bon has a challenge for everyone this Lent: To attend the 6am every Monday morning during Lent ! Stations of the Cross will be held at 7.30pm each Friday during Lent and will be led by some of our church groups. Lenten Almsgiving will be in aid of the Woodley Jumbulance Group.

Our Repository has stock of St Patrick’s day, Easter cards,

First Holy Communion & Confirmation items ~

please pop in and have a look.

YEAR OF PRAYER FOR MARRIAGE & THE FAMILY Following the last Synod on

the Family we would like to

pray for our families leading

up to the next Synod.

At all masses we shall be using

the prayer cards with a family

prayer.

GOOD NEWS FROM BLESSED HUGH FARINGDON Our local state Catholic Secondary School. Over 40 6th formers have applied and been accepted for University places this year, the highest there has ever been. The highlight is Amy Hudson, who has been

accepted to read Mathematics at Princeton University in the USA. Headteacher, John Casey says “Another wonderful year for BHF students. Our strong academic focus allied to our Catholic

values is proving to be a great recipe for success. We are over-subscribed again this year and I am not in the least bit surprised

by this and we remain the Catholic School for the local Catholic community”.

THE SANCTUARY LAMPS FOR WEEK:

28thFebruary - 6th March dedicated to Main Church:

Lady Chapel:

EASTER TRIDUUM 2015 8pm ~ Maundy Thursday 2nd April ~ Mass of the Last Supper

3pm ~ Good Friday 3rd April ~ Solemn Celebration of the Lord’s Passion 8.00pm ~ Holy Saturday 4th April ~ Easter Vigil

Please look out for the Holy Week timetable on Palm Sunday

COULD GOD BE CALLING YOU TO HELP THE EVANGELISATION STRATEGY TEAM?

Do you love Christ and his Church? Do you have a passion for others to come to know Jesus? Do you have basic skills in organisation, collaboration and communication? Are you keen to find new and

creative ways to help others discover Christ and build a relationship with him? You could be just the person we need for our Pastoral Area’s

Evangelisation Strategy Team! The commitment would be one meeting a term, in addition to assisting with simple, realistic evangelistic projects.

To find out more, go to: www.portsmouthdiocese.org.uk/evangelisation-teams.

If you feel God might be calling you to join the team, please contact Fr

SIGNIFICANT WEDDING ANNIVERSARIES MASS: SATURDAY 27TH JUNE 2015

Are you celebrating a 25th, 40th, 50th, 60th or 60+ wedding anniversary this year? If so, Bishop Philip would like to invite you to a Mass to celebrate. This takes place on 27th June at St Bede’s Church, Basingstoke, RG24 9DX. It is a wonderful occasion to celebrate and witness to marriage. If you would like to come, please go to www.portsmouthdiocese.org.uk, click on ‘Significant Wedding Anniversaries’ and fill out the form. You will then be sent an invitation from Bishop Philip. Alternatively, if you don’t have access to the website, contact Liz Murphy at St Bede’s stbedes@portsmouthdiocese.org.uk or 01256 465214.

KEEP IN TOUCH WITH THE LATEST NEWS! The Diocese of Portsmouth now issues a weekly e-news with photos, news, and information from around the Diocese. Go

to www.portsmouthdiocese.org.uk and add your email address to receive these updates. Are you on Facebook? Like ‘Diocese of Portsmouth’ to get all the latest info as it

happens. You can also follow @BishopEgan and @PortsmouthRC on Twitter

KNIGHTS OF ST COLUMBA When did we see you thirsty? (Matthew 25:31-46) During Lent let us think of the people thirsting for God’s word. What can we do to help them? The

Knights of St Columba were formed on the principles of Charity, Unity and Fraternity, with the most

important being Charity. This is at the heart of all our actions. The Lord regarded acts of mercy and charity as being most important. Therefore

we invite more Catholic men to become more involved in the Lay Apostolate and in Evangelising. If interested, please contact: Knights of

St Columba, 75 Hillington Road South, Glasgow G52 2AE Tel: 0141 883 5700 or www.ksc.org.uk

SHARING THE JOY OF THE GOSPEL – PRAYING FOR THE NEW EVANGELISATION IN THE DIOCESE OF PORTSMOUTH:

A 24 HOUR CELEBRATION OF PRAYER Fr Mark Hogan would like to invite you to come along to St. Joseph’s, Basingstoke and take part in a very special period of 24 hours of

continuous prayer for the New Evangelisation (Sharing the Joy of the Gospel) in our Catholic Diocese of Portsmouth. This unique celebration will take place between 1:30pm on Friday 20th March and 1:30pm on Saturday 21st March. A full timetable will include two Masses, the

Rosary, Stations of the Cross, the liturgy of hours (morning, evening and night prayer). Prayer stations will also be available, and there will be the opportunity to celebrate the sacrament of reconciliation. There

will also be an Ignatian style meditation and two talks taking place in the foyer at St. Joseph’s, one on “Lectio Divina” and another on “Praying to/in the Holy Spirit”. Refreshments will be available throughout the 24 hours. Or perhaps you could commit to praying for half an hour each during these 24 hours, either at St. Joseph’s, or elsewhere, or just

offering a simple prayer. Full details at www.portsmouthdiocese.org.uk/sharing-the-joy-of-the-gospel.php

THANK YOU The Next Generation Christian Foundation (charity started at OLoP Church by Fr. Anthony) would like to thank all who came to the choir concert here on Saturday; it was a great evening - we raised a grand total of £1934 for children in

Africa, and £264 of this was from our champion cake bakers! Well done and thank you all.

INTERDENOMINATIONAL PRAYER IN WOODLEY This year Emmanuel Church are opening their doors to those who are looking for creative inspiration to help their prayers during Holy Week. Their hope is that there will be no barriers between the churches but that we might share our talents and

that we can come together in unity for the sake of the Kingdom. Emmanuel Portacabin will be open for prayer from March 29th to April 5th. We welcome all comers, from those wanting to take a spiritual journey as part of their Lenten

discipline, to those who have not yet made a commitment to Christ. Exact opening times will be announced in due course. Everyone is invited to come along. They would be delighted if

anyone can help any members of the community unaccustomed to praying by themselves during Holy

Week. We would love to have them join us. I look forward to hearing from you.

CHURCH CLEANING We shall be holding regular church cleaning every Friday and Saturday

mornings. If you can spare some time to clean the house of the Lord please sign up on the volunteer form on the notice board.

The last Friday of each month there will be general cleaning from 10.30 to 12. No need to sign up—just turn up and help.

Timetable for last Friday of each month:

9.30 - Adoration 10.00 - Mass

10.30 -12 General Cleaning

FAIRTRADE The next Fairtrade sale will be on Saturday 7/Sunday 8 March and is the last one before Easter. Fairtrade Easter eggs will be on sale and this year inside the box there is a 24 page

Easter story booklet with quiz and Happy Easter Banner and a pack of Fairtrade chocolate buttons. Please stop by the

stall and have a look.

MASS INTENTIONS & FEAST DAYS Date Time Dedication Intention Diary

Sat 28th

6.30pm

Vigil Mass John & Maria Hodder + (Mr & Mrs F Zeolla)

11am ~ RCIA at CTK 1.30pm ~ First Holy Communion meeting

Sun 1st

10.00am

2nd Sunday of Lent Mass

Rose Stone + (Ann Wootton) 3.00pm ~ Divine Mercy Circle St Anne’s Caversham

Mon 2nd 6.00am Lenten challenge Mass Liz’s intentions (Lucy Collaco)

Tue 3rd 7.00pm Of the 2nd Week of Lent Ryan Flood’s intentions (Maria)

Wed 4th

9.15am Of the 2nd Week of Lent Kelly’s intentions (Anton & Trudi) 7.30pm ~ Lenten Talks at Our Lady of Peace

Thu 5th

9.15am Of the 2nd Week of Lent Cosmas & his brothers + (Bridget) 2.00pm ~ Over 60’s Club

Fri 6th

9.00am 9.30am 7.30pm

Adoration Of the 2nd Week of Lent Stations of the Cross led by Divine Mercy Circle

Teresa McDonald’s intentions (M Ramsden) 10.30am ~ Women’s World Day of Prayer at St James Woodley

Sat 7th

6.30pm Vigil Mass Mike + (Jill O’Rourke) 10.30am ~ Baptism Prep Flame II Congress at Wembley

Sun 8th

10.00am

3rd Sunday of Lent Mass

Mr & Mrs Teresa & John Amodio + (Mr & Mrs F Zeolla)

Mon 9th 6.00am Lenten challenge Mass Liz’s intentions (Catherine & Pia) 8.00pm ~ SJB Prayer Group

Tue 10th 7.00pm Of the 3rd Week of Lent Stephanie’s intentions (Mary Smyth)

Wed 11th 9.15am Of the 3rd Week of Lent Janine & Den’s intentions (Anton & Trudi) 7.30pm ~ Lenten Talks at Christ the King

Thu 12th 9.15am Of the 3rd Week of Lent Elsey & Alfred + (Mary Smyth)

Fri 13th 9.00am 9.30am 7.30pm

Adoration Of the 3rd Week of Lent Stations of the Cross led by

Cosmas & his brothers + (Bridget)

Sat 14th 6.30pm Vigil Mass Ciaron & Laura’s intentions (Barry & Eileen) 11am ~ RCIA at CTK 1.30pm ~ First Holy Communion Meeting

Sun 15th 10.00am 4th Sunday of Lent Mass (Mothers Day) Bridie McNulty + (Mulligan family)

Mon 16th 6.00am Lenten challenge Mass Liz’s intentions (St John Bosco parishioners)

Tue 17th 7.00pm St Patrick Cosmas & his brothers + (Bridget) 7.30pm ~ Irish Evening

Wed 18th 9.15am Of the 4th Week of Lent

Thu 19th 10.00am St Joseph Christopher Armstead + (Margaret) 2.00pm ~ Over 60’s Club

Fri 20th 9.00am 9.30am 7.30pm

Adoration 4th Week of Lent Stations of the Cross led by Romania Group

Thanksgiving (Collaco family)

Sat 21st 6.30pm Vigil Mass Mary & Barry (Bridget) 11am ~ RCIA at CTK

Sun 22nd 10.00am 5th Sunday of Lent Mass

Emily Walsh + (Harman family)

Mon 23rd 6.00am Lenten challenge Mass 8.00pm ~ Prayer Group

Tue 24th 7.00pm Of the 5th Week of Lent 7.30pm ~ St Joseph's Penitential Svc

Wed 25th 10.00am The Annunciation of the Lord 7.30om ~ CTK Penitential Svc

Thu 26th 9.15am 7.30pm

Whole school Mass Of the 5th Week of Lent SJB Lent Penitential Service

SJB Penitential Svc

Fri 27th 9.30am 10.00am 10.30am 7.30pm

Adoration Of the 5th Week of Lent Church Cleaning (last Friday of the month) Stations of the Cross led by Eucharistic Ministers

Cosmas & his brothers + (Bridget)

7.30pm ~ OLOP Penitential Svc

Sat 28th 6.30pm Vigil Mass 11am ~ RCIA at CTK 9.00am ~ English Martyrs Penitential Svc 7.30pm ~ Romania Quiz Night

Sun 29th 10.00am Palm Sunday Paul Gualtieri + (Angelina) 3.00pm ~ St Anne’s Penitential Svc

Climate Change Heart Campaign

Coffee & Cakes fundraising