A new readers rota, covering the period to the 12th March 2023, has been issued and can be found on the notice board in the church porch. The new rota can also be downloaded here. This rota also covers those who have volunteered to take part in the offertory procession.
We are always on the lookout for new readers to join our group and proclaim the Word of God at Mass. If you would like to became a reader, please speak to Fr Paul or contact Martin Pakes - you can email Martin here. Training will be offered for those not accustomed to speaking in public.
We are also seeking people who would like to take part in the offertory procession - to bring the gifts of bead and wine to the altar at Mass. If you would like to help out in this way, please also speak to Fr Paul or contact Martin Pakes.
The January prize draw of the 150 Club was made last Sunday - the list of prize winners can be found on the 150 Club pages here.
If you are a parishioner but not a member of this Club, then please would you consider joining? It is a parish venture, and it would be nice to think that every parishioner would support it. Membership costs £12 per year for a single number, which will then be entered in each of the 12 monthly prize draws. Membership forms are available in the church porch, or you can download one here.
Have you heard of TWAM?
Tools with a Mission (TWAM) is a Christian charity enabling people to earn a living and support themselves and their families. In many countries people have few skills, little education and no means of earning a living. A switch from aid dependency to self-sufficiency is impossible without help. TWAM started over thirty years ago, and has since provided this help by collecting and refurbishing tools and equipment no longer required in the UK and sending them overseas. Through collectors and centres across the UK, its team of dedicated volunteers and supporters help transform thousands of lives every year.
If you have some tools that are no longer required and you would like to donate these for re-use in the third world, please contact TWAM on 01473 210220 or by email.
TWAM is also especially keen to receive donations of sewing machines and desktop or laptop computers that are no longer required, and will arrange collection from you if you cannot get them to its Hadleigh Road centre in Ipswich.
If you have some spare time and would like to consider a volunteering role with TWAM based at its Hadleigh Road site, please also contact them using the above details or visit the TWAM website for more information.
If you would like to read the TWAM supporter's January newsletter, please click on the image left.
Classes to prepare candidates for the Sacrament of Confirmation will this year be run jointly with St Marks parish. The first session will be held at St Mark’s church, 180 Hawthorn Drive, Ipswich, on 25th February at 3:30 pm. Candidates, who must be a minimum of 13 years of age, are invited to register for this by contacting Fr Luke by email and completing a registration form, available from the church porch or which can be downloaded here. Please return the completed registration form to the parish office before 25th February, or bring it with you to the first session.
The February edition of Catholic East Anglia, the free Diocesan newspaper is out now, please take a copy from the church porch.
This edition includes reports on the death of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, Alive in Faith donations for Ukraine from East Anglia and some of Bishop Emeritus Alan’s reflections on his almost ten years as Bishop of East Anglia.
Also included is a report on a Peterborough church food hub, a new year Youth Mass and the chance to win a copy of Pope Francis’ best-selling new book.
The newspaper is also available to read on-line - click the image left to do so.
Maureen Sparkes, a regular at the 6:00 pm evening Mass for many years, passed away on 27th December 2022. Her funeral will be at St Mary Magdalen church at 11:00 am Thursday 16th February, followed by interment at the Ipswich Lawn Cemetery. Please pray for the repose of Maureen’s soul and remember her family and friends who mourn her passing.
The registration for those wishing to join the preparation programme to make their First Holy Communion this year is now open. To register for this, please complete a registration form which is available in the church porch, or can be downloaded here. The first session will be a parents meeting which will be held at 9:15 am on Saturday 18th February. Please return the completed registration form to the parish office before then, or at latest or bring it with you to the parents meeting.
The Diocesan Youth Service is excited to be taking a group to ‘Flame’ on March 4th. Flame is the largest catholic gathering of young people in the UK, coming together to experience the best in international speakers, artists and performers. For details and to book a ticket and place on the coach, please visit the Diocesan Youth Service web site by clicking here. Bookings must be received by 12th February.
The latest edition of the CAFOD magazine Side By Side, Winter 2022, has been published. You can read this by clicking the adjacent image.
This issue contains a review of the year, the impact of climate change in Bangladesh, an update on humanitarian work in Ukraine, a report on people's rights and the environment and an article on cost of living strategies around the world.
Thank you all for the continuing generosity you show by your regular donations to the FIND tub in the church porch. We have been given a list of suggested items for January:
Any of these items will be very gladly received but they are only suggestions - any and all donations that you can make will be very welcome and help others less fortunate than ourselves.
