Today we welcome back Fr Mathew after his retreat, and look forward to hearing of his experiences in the Sahara. We gratefully thank Fr Carmine for celebrating Masses with us last week.
We begin the season of lent with the celebration of Ash Wednesday on 26th February. On that day , we will have Masses, with the imposition of ashes, at 9.30 am and 7.30 pm. The evening Mass is to encourage people who are working not to miss this great celebration of the beginning of lent and penance. It is a traditional Catholic practice to bless the houses in Lent and Easter Season. Please book a date with Fr. Mathew if you would like to have your house blessed.
Ash Wednesday is one of only two days in the year of fasting and abstinence, the other being Good Friday. On these two days, Catholics over 18 years of age, are required to fast, that is to eat less than we normally would, and Catholics over the age of 14 abstain from eating meat, as an act of penitence.
There will be a lenten alms box at the back of the church which this year is for CARE HOME in India that supports people who live HIV/AIDS.
Will monthly subscribers please note that the February prize draw of the parish 150 Club will be made in the Guild Room after 10:00 Mass next Sunday, 23rd February. This is early this month, February being a short month, and also due to the organiser absence the following weekend.
On Saturday 7th March, Linis Dolby is organising a quiz evening in the church hall in aid of two charities. Tickets are £5 per person, with teams of 6 competing. If you cannot make up a team, turn up by yourself and you will be allocated to a team. Soft drinks will be available but please bring your own alcohol and nibbles. All proceeds will be shared between FASD local support group and Parkinsons local support group. To reserve a ticket please text 07722871188.
The retiring collection taken after Masses last Sunday for the Verona Fathers Mission Appeal amounted to £225.80. Thank you.
The Association of Family of Jesus and Mary will be holding a day of retreat at The Convent, 63 Orwell Road, Felixstowe, between 10:00 am and 3:45 pm on Saturday 14th March. The theme for the retreat, to be led by Fr Bineesh OCD from St Mark’s, will be “Letting go and letting God: the secret of Spiritual growth”. The day will include Mass at 12:00 noon. The day costs £6 with tea and coffee provided, attendees should bring their own packed lunch. Registration forms for this event can be found in the narthex, or can be downloaded here.
The Friends of St Albans are holding a quiz evening at St Albans Catholic High School, Digby Road, Ipswich on Friday 28th February, starting at 7:00 pm. Tickets costing £8 are available from the school and include a fish/sausage/veggie burger and chips supper. There will also be a raffle. Please call the school on Ipswich (01473) 726178 to order tickets and book food.
Those who attend 10:00 Mass on Sunday will know of the success of our Children’s Liturgy Group. The children go out of Mass at the beginning of the service for their own liturgy held in the Guild Room. Sessions usually consist of simple prayers, the day’s readings, suitably abridged and simplified for the younger audience, along with some form of activity related to the readings. At the moment, we have three catechists who lead these sessions on a rota basis, but for this group to continue and grow, we need more adult helpers to spread the load. If you think you might be able to help with this group, please speak to Fr Mathew or Collett Long. If you would like to find out more before deciding if you would like to get involved, why not come out with the children one day to see and listen for yourself.
The Ipswich Section of the CWL would like to invite you to its Valentide Tea Party to make new and chat to old friends. To be held in St Pancras church hall, the party will take place at 2:30 on Tuesday 18thFebruary. The event will include a bring and buy sale and a raffle. Tickets, costing £3.50 each, will be available after Mass or on the door on the day. Monies raised will be used to support local and national charities, CWL charities and help run the Ipswich Section.
Unfortunately, Ernest Thomas, our catechist who leads the First Holy Communion programme, has been unwell and is for the moment unable to continue. Consequently, the classes scheduled for 9th and 16th February have been cancelled. The situation will be reviewed on Fr Mathew’s return and further announcements made at that time.
