The annual Churches sponsored cycle or walk takes place on Saturday 8th September. If you can help by welcoming visitors to our church, sign up on the rota form in the porch for the hour or hours you would be able to cover.
The July prize draw of the parish 150 Club was made last Sunday, 5th August. The prize winners can be found on the 150 Club pages - click here.
The Ipswich Fair Trade shop, a not-for-profit organisation in Upper Brook Street, is seeking a part time shop manager to work 16 hours a week, preferably four mornings. The ideal applicant will have previous retail and staff supervision experience and an interest in, and empathy with, the values of fair trade. Application forms are available from the shop, or contact Margaret.fish@thefairtradeshopipswich.co.uk for more information. Closing date for applications is August 24th.
The shop is also appealing for volunteers to work in the shop. If you have a few hours a week you can spare and can help out, please also contact Margaret on the email address above, or pop into the shop.
During the summer months, when many of us will be taking holidays away from home, we often find gaps occur in the various ministry and service rotas. If you are going away, can you please ensure that you have arranged cover for any duties for which you are scheduled whilst away.
Will ministers please note there is a new rota, for the period to end October, on the notice board in the narthex. A copy can also be downloaded from the parish web site. We are below strength in the number of ministers we currently have commissioned - If you feel you would like to serve your parish in this ministry, please speak to Fr Mathew.
As part of this ministry, each parish of the Deanery carries out visits to Heath Road Hospital each Sunday on a rotational basis, to take Holy Communion to in-patients. This week, it is St Mary Magdalen’s parish which will be carrying out this ministry – please remember in your prayers our Eucharistic Ministers and all those patients who will be joining us spiritually in our Eucharistic celebration today.
We are joining St. Mark’s and St. Pancras for the confirmation programme 2019. If you would like to join please speak to Fr. Mathew or Martin Pakes.
Our children’s Liturgy of the Word is now in recess for the summer holiday period.Special thanks to our catechists and parents for supporting this initiative that will help our children in their faith formation. During the beak, we will be reflecting upon these sessions to see what can be done to improve them. Please feel free to give any comments or feed back. As with all things, the more people that are involved, the smaller the burden on individuals. If you are able to assist in preparing, supporting or leading these groups, please speak to Fr Mathew as all help will be gratefully received.
Fairtrade under threat
Last year, CAFOD wrote to let us know that Sainsbury's, the largest retailer of Fairtrade products in the world, decided to remove the Fairtrade Mark from some of its most popular own-brand tea and to pilot its own 'Fairly Traded' scheme instead.
CAFOD was concerned that this new 'Fairly Traded' tea, and any products that follow it, could mean an unfair deal for poor farmers and producers.
From Fairtrade tea parties to fancy dress, the campaigning that has been taking place to demand Sainsbury's reconsider has been truly inspirational. You let them know you wanted the Fairtrade Mark back on the tea.
Fairtrade still at risk
One year later, the pilot phase of Sainsbury's 'Fairly Traded' tea is over. Sainsbury's said moving to the Fairly Traded approach would not leave farmers out of pocket and have more positive outcomes, such as allowing increased investment in enhanced environmental measures. We want them to prove that they were right and ask them about the impacts on the lives of farmers and producers.
In April we also heard the news that Sainsbury's hopes to buy ASDA to become the largest supermarket in the UK. We very much hope that Sainsbury's will keep its commitment to Fairtrade in this move.
Sainsbury's must continue to keep its commitment to Fairtrade
Please support Fairtrade by asking Sainsburys how their pilot has impacted on the lives of producers. You can do this by:
The First Holy Communion Programme 2018-19 is now open for registration. Children aged 7 and above (entering Yr 3 in September 2018) should apply for this programme. Registration forms are available in the narthex or can be downloaded here. Please return your form enclosing a copy of the baptism certificate to Fr. Mathew or one of the children’s catechists as soon as possible and no later than 16 September 2018, to help us plan for the programme. Please help us spread the word about registrations and encourage family and friends to get those forms in as soon as possible. If your child is in St. Pancras School, please contact the school about the programme.
Please note there is a new rota for readers, and those presenting the offertory gifts, pinned on the notice board in the narthex. The rota can also be found here if you would like to download a copy.