Newsletter for st joseph’S & the english martyrs
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NEWSLETTER FOR ST JOSEPH’S & THE ENGLISH MARTYRS
TWENTY-THIRD SUNDAY OF ORDINARY TIME - YEAR A 6th/7th SEPTEMBER, 2014. I have always believed that much of our Christian life is centred on relationships. First is our relationship with God which can be fostered through prayer and obedience to the word of God among other things. Next and equally important is relationship with the neighbour. The latter is so important that Jesus makes the final judgement depend on relationship with other people. In that famous passage on the final judgement in the Gospel according to St. Mathew (25:45) we have the words ‘whatsoever you do to the least of my brothers, that you do unto me’ . In the Epistles, we are further made to see the importance of fostering this relationship when St John states that whoever does not love their brother and sister, whom they have seen, cannot love God, whom they have not seen. 1 John 4:20 Yet, relationship with the neighbour is often challenging because of human imperfections. People get offended by the actions and attitudes of others. Expectations are not often met and promises are not always kept. Today’s Gospel teaches us how to treat those who offend us; correct them with love and patience. The problem in our relationships sometimes is not that we have been offended, but that we are afraid to admit that we have been offended. Even when we do admit it, it is often first to the wrong person; the one who hasn’t offended us. The real offender may actually be the last person to learn that he has done something wrong. The first option given in the Gospel today is settle it between yourselves. This is my last weekend in the parish as I move to my new parish, Highcliffe, after the 5 pm mass on Sunday. I want to use this opportunity to thank every member of the parish for the times we have spent together in prayer, in sharing the word of God and the Eucharist. I have been here for about 18 weeks and it’s been time well spent. Thank you for being supportive. Fr. Paul
DIARY: Church Cleaning: Group 1 – 12th September – Helen Nowacka, Chris Knollys, Sue Sargent, Kay Kelly Counters: 7th September – Stephen & Ann Hogg, Chris Knollys. Next SVP Meeting will be on Monday at 8 pm in Room 1.
Fr John’s Farewell Everyone is welcome to come to Fr John’s Farewell Mass and reception on 12th September. You’ll find all the details on the orange invitation sheets at the back of the church. Servers: This week end is your last chance to put your name on the list in the sacristy if you want to serve at this Mass. Music/singing practice will be on Monday 8th September at St Joseph’s. If you want to help lead the music/singing, please try and attend. 
ANOTHER FAREWELL! Fr Paul is leaving us this weekend after his stay at English Martyrs and St Joseph’s. We thank him for his pastoral assistance during this time and wish him every success in his new Parish in Highcliffe where he will be appointed Parish Priest. God be with you.
CONFIRMATION 2015 T NATIONAL JUSTICE AND PEACE DAY on Saturday, 20th September, at St Williams Church, Upper Redlands Road, 10.30am – 4pm. Hear about Justice and Peace activities from groups around the country. Please bring a packed lunch. Contact Ann Kelly on 020 7901 4864 or: admin@justice-and-peace.org.uk P GIFT ENVELOPES/SIGNING THE CARD If anyone still wishes to contribute to Fr John’s farewell gift, envelopes are available in the colonnade. Please leave them in the Presbytery or with your weekend collection. Last chance to sign Fr John’s Farewell Card! 
WANTED: Co-respondentsThe diocesan communications initiative is looking for volunteers to work in disseminating notices and publications in their respective areas and as a channel of communication to feed notices, alerts, reports etc. to the centre. If you are IT literate with access to the internet, a team player capable of working on your own initiative, and you think you have the necessary communication skills to be a 'hunter-gatherer' of news in your area, you could well be the co-respondent your diocese needs. Induction and some training will be provided. Further details and application form available from Fr Mark Hogan, the Episcopal Vicar for Evangelisation – evevangelisation@portsmouthdiocese.org.uk A WARM WELCOME TO 
Arthur Witney, Rhian McSoley Oshodi, Poppy Read and Leo Howard, who were Baptised this weekend. We also welcome Theodore Thomas, Niall Kunnath, Leona Koroma, Benedict Ireland and Leo Lagden, who were Baptised last weekend. 
CONGRATULATIONS AND BEST WISHES TO 
D READING CATHOLIC ALPHA COURSE – Interested? S WALKING THE CAMINO FOR CAFOD I  f you have a few pennies to spare me I would be very grateful. Forms available this weekend. Linda Heneghan.
ENGLISH MARTYRS CATHOLIC PRIMARY SCHOOL 2 FOUNDATION GOVERNOR VACANCIES If you are interested in finding out more please see the Diocese advert on the school website: http://www.englishmartyrs.reading.sch.uk/ Application forms are available from the school office or for more information on the role of Foundation Governor contact the Clerk to the Governors: helen@helenaston.com. Closing date for applications is Friday 26th September. P arenthesis Choir
We are an amateur choir of 60 mixed voices, soprano, alto, tenor and bass, covering a wide range of music and give several concerts a year in and around Reading. We meet on Saturday in term time at English Martyrs Primary School, from 10.45 am – 1 pm. Newcomers are always welcome, no expertise or experience necessary. There are no auditions. We are especially looking for men to boost our tenor and bass sections. If you want to join in please just turn up on 20th September. Further information via alisonmurray08@gmail.com or on the website.
RIDE & STRIDE FOR BERKSHIRE CHURCHES TRUST Visit as many churches as you can or on the day welcome participants to your church – Saturday, 13th September between 10 am & 6 pm. Money raised will be shared between your church and the trust. Details available from your Church Co-ordinator: Nici on 9428238, or contact Clive Betteridge – Co-ordinator Ride & Stride. Tel: 01344 450260 email: ridestride@berkschurchestrust.org.uk. www.berkschurchestrust.org.uk. 
Divine Mercy Holy Hour - On Sundays - 2.30 - 3.30pm - on 7th September at St John's Convent, Kiln Green, and on 5th October, in English Martyrs Church. Exposition, hymns and meditation, followed by refreshments. All are most welcome.
IRISH TEA DANCE Next Sunday from 2.00 – 4.30 pm in the Parish Hall. Music, dancing, tea, sandwiches & cakes. Admission £2.50. Anyone welcome.
The new Counters’ List is now available and those who do not have emails, please collect a copy from the colonnade. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
avid & Jennifer Jacobs (née Conway) who have just been married. 