The November edition of Catholic East Anglia, the Diocesan newspaper, is now available in the church porch. This publication is free. This edition features a report on the annual Schools’ Mass held in the Cathedral at Norwich and includes the annual newsletter form the Diocesan Youth Service. Do please take a copy and catch up on the news from across the Diocese.
You can also read the newspaper on-line by clicking the adjacent image.
The October prize draw was made on Sunday, 25th October, in the Garden Room after Mass. Congratulations to the winners Mrs J Fox, Mrs B Ford, Miss S Fosker and Mrs D Casey. Full details of the prizes can be found in the church porch and here on the parish web site. The November prize draw will be made after Mass on Sunday 29th November.
There is plenty of room in the 150 Club for new members - if you are not a subscriber and would like to join there are paper application forms in the church porch and an on-line application form here on the parish website.
Sycamnore, created by Catholic bishop, Stephen Wang, using the symbol of the tree Zacchaeus climbed in curiosity to see Jesus. When they meet, they begin a conversation that changes his life forever.
Sycamore is an informal course about the Christian faith and its relevance for life today. It gives you space to meet other people, share ideas, explore your beliefs, and think about questions that really matter. Each session involves a short film and time for discussion. Everyone is welcome. Our first Sycamore course will be held on Saturday mornings between 9.30am - 11.00am in St Mark's Church Hall, 180 Hawthorn Drive, Ipswich, IP2 0QQ (///bared.care.danger). There are 8 sessions starting 7th November and ending 30th January 2027. The course explores the richness of our Catholic tradition with teaching on the sacramental, moral and prayer life of the church, and Mary's place within it.
Both Sycamore and Alpha courses offer a safe space to share beliefs, hear inspiring testimonies and connect with fellow parishioners over great conversations and refreshments.
A new Alpha course will soon be starting within the parish. Starting on 4th November, the sessions will be held each Wednesday evening between 7.30-9.00 pm in St Mark's Church Hall, 180 Hawthorne Drive, Ipswich, IP2 0QQ (///bared.care.danger).
The course comprises 11 Wednesday evening sessions plus one all day Saturday, and ends with the final session on 3rd February 2027.
The course inspires teaching on the basics of the Christian faith to help those outside the church encounter the person of Jesus Christ and to equip those in the church to grow in their discipleship and gain confidence to share their faith.
| On Sunday 29th November, there will be a Christmas Wreath Making Workshop in the parish hall between 3:00 and 5:00 pm. This is being organised by Hannah Abbott, daughter of the late Magdalen Jermy. The cost of the workshop is a £35 donation which includes all materials and refreshments, and every penny will go to Pancreatic Cancer UK in memory of her mother who passed away from this disease last year. Please do support this initiative. Tickets can be secured by ringing Hannah on 07540 800419. |
| Another diary date for you to book – the ladies will meet on Friday 27th November at 2:30 pm for the Christmas Tea ‘n’ Chat get together, Why not come along and relax with your fellow parishioners over a cuppa frequently accompanied by cakes, or in this case probably mince pies! Open to all – just turn up at 2:30 pm in the Garden Room. |
With the general decline in the use of cash in society, reflected in the lower amounts realised in the collection plate at Masses, the parish has now obtained a card reader terminal and can accept credit and debit card payments for any purpose – Mass offerings, second collections, general collection or special appeals etc. The terminal will be in the church porch and can be used both before and after Mass as required.
On Tuesday each week, there will be Adoration and the Rosary at 9:30 am in St Mary Magdalen church. This is open to all – why not come along and join us in the church at 9:30 am and spend some quiet and prayerful time in front of the Blessed Sacrament?
Could You Serve as a School Governor? St Alban’s Catholic High School in Ipswich is looking for new governors to support and strengthen its Local Governing Body. The school is blessed with a dedicated team and it is now seeking additional members who can bring their skills, experience and commitment to our school community.
It would especially welcome parishioners with experience in HR, finance, legal work, health and safety or those with an education background, but all expressions of interest are valued.
If you feel you could offer your time and expertise, or would simply like to know more, please contact the chair of governors by email. Your contribution could make a real difference to the lives of our young people.
On Friday evening, 5th June, at a special Mass celebrated by Bishop Peter Collins at St Marks, 14 young people from both St Mark’s and St Mary Magdalen’s churches became full members of the Catholic church when they were sealed with the Holy Spirit receiving the Sacrament of Confirmation. Congratulations to Jasmine, Nancy, Mavis, Noah, Philip, Mariya, James, Charlie, Risha, Ethan, Jesse, Ollie, Milena and Christian. Please remember them in your prayers and pray that they may grow in their faith and take a full and active part in the life of the church, of which they are now full members.
The Bible Study group sessions continue this week on Thursday 28th May with a session that will immediately follow Adoration and Rosary, followed by a second session at 7:15 in the evening – both sessions being in the Garden Room. Bible group meetings are open to all – just come along and bring your bible with you. Spares will be available if you don’t have one.
