LENTEN READINGS   On the entrance to Sacred Heart there is a variety of Books and Booklets for Lenten Reading for adults and children.  Please take a look.

PRE CONFIRMATION PROGRAMME   As last year we invite all those in Year 9 who wish to go forward for the Sacrament of Confirmation 2011, to attend the 5 week Pre Confirmation “back to basics” course, starting tonight, 21 February in the Old Hall at 7.00 pm for one hour.  This course is compulsory for those thinking about being Confirmed 2011.

BISHOP KIERAN   Is returning to the parish on Wednesday, 24 February, when he will have an open meeting with the parish in the Centenary Hall at 7 pm.  All welcome to attend.

DAY OUT There are now over 40 parishioners attending the St Patrick’s Show in Brick Lane Music Hall, London, on Monday, 15 March. We have filled one coach, however, we will leave the list in the porch should you decide to join us, as we have provisionally booked another smaller coach, there are 4 seats left.  The cost is £30 per person this includes the show, afternoon tea & return coach.  Departing at 12 noon and returning by 6 pm.

ATTENDANCE   The numbers attending the Ash Wednesday Masses were astonishingly high.  It is hoped that many who don’t normally attend the morning Mass may now make a special effort to do so during Lent.

STATIONS OF THE CROSS At the Wednesday morning Masses during Lent we meditate on 3 Stations.

PRAYER GROUP   The prayer group will meet on Thursday, 4 March 2010 at 8pm in the Sacristy.  There is a book in the porch for you to write down your prayer intentions.  All Welcome.

CHRISM MASS   A coach will be organised for the Chrism Mass at Arundel Cathedral for Wednesday, 31 March 2010.  There is a list at the back of the church. The cost will be £15.50 per person.

GOOD FRIDAY  Wintershall have been granted permission to stage the Passion of Jesus in Trafalgar Square on Good Friday, 2 April, starting at 3.15 pm.

LENT AT ST CUTHMAN’S   Why not spend some time during Lent in the peaceful, prayerful space of St Cuthman’s – Arundel & Brighton’s own retreat centre, near Horsham  Quiet Days, 10am-5pm – use the house, chapel and grounds, with lunch and refreshments.  Available on most weekdays and at weekends during Lent and throughout the year.  Residential stays – for two or more nights, currently offering a reduced rate for a third night.  For more details visit www.stcuthmans.com, or telephone 01403 741220.

TODDLER GROUP   Toddler Group back this Tuesday, 23 February, 9.30 - 11.30 in the Old Hall – All Welcome.

ILL   Your prayers are requested for the following who are ill or infirm: Kathleen Watts; Gloria Darby; Peggy Drury; Jane Hill; Geraldine Rose; Fimola Brook; Stan Roberts; Margaret Dunville; Thomas Campbell; Januario Jr Christopher Brown; Philip Sweeny, Gloria Innocent, Mary McLaren, Pat Knight, Eddie Rowan, Pamela Jones Patrick Murray, Kathleen Saunders, Helen Keogh, baby Ajay, Maria Radford, Daisy Patricia Hill, Connie Cronin, Pat Cheriton, Peter English, Caroline Beevers.& Sally Creton.

SUNDAY EVENING MASS   This Mass will return to St Thomas on the first Sunday in March (the 7^th) starting at 5 pm.

Fairtrade Fortnight  -  22 February to 7 March   To mark this event Traidcraft items will be on sale in the parish shop from next weekend.

CAFOD IRISH NIGHT   Saturday, 20 March.  £10 adults, £6 children. Includes 2-course Irish supper with traditional live music.  If you are unable to come along to support this worthy cause, a raffle prize or small donation would be greatly appreciated.  Tickets on sale after Masses next weekend or telephone Chris 01883 343404 or Biddy 01883 345749 for tickets or donations.

CRB   If you need your CRB declaration form signed, Maria Mockett will be in the Old Hall on Tuesday, 2 March from 7.30 to 8 pm.  If you are unable to make this date, please contact the parish office or Maria by email at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

ANNULMENTS   I draw your attention to the pamphlet now in the porch providing valuable information on marriage annulments.

BAPTISM   Next Sunday I will Baptise Kathleen O’Sullivan.  Yesterday I Baptised Amy Murphy.  Application forms are in the porch for the forth coming Baptismal Preparation Course in March.

WOMENS WORLD DAY OF PRAYER  This takes place on Friday, 5 March starting at 10.45 am at the  Douglas Brunton Centre,  2.00 pm at Oakhall Church and 7.30 pm at St Mary’s Church, all in Caterham.

FAMILY FAST DAY   The CAFOD Family Fast Day is on Friday, 26 February.  There will be a special collection taken at all Masses next weekend. Pick up the envelopes in the porch.

MARRIAGE CARE CROYDON   To meet increasing demand for our Marriage Preparation course, Marriage Care Croydon urgently needs to recruit more volunteers to train as providers to run 3 or 4 courses a year.  No previous experience is required as all training would be provided.  Own transport desirable.  If you feel you would be interested in this role, please contact Paddy Millard on This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or phone her on 01737 243445 for further information or an informal chat.

SOUTHWARK NOTRE DAME ASSOCIATION   Annual General Meeting on Sunday 20 March, 10am to 5 pm at the school in St George’s Road SE1.  For more details call 01322 553850 or 01992 814717 before 28 February 2010

ITEMS FOR NEWSLETTER   If your organisation or group intend holding an event that might be of interest to the parish as a whole, please keep us informed through the parish newsletter. Items for insertion should reach the Parish Office by Thursday night at the latest.

Holy Communion parent's session 2   Please note that this will now be held on Wednesday, 10 March, 8pm, Old Hall and not Wednesday, 24 February.

MANY THANKS   Brenda & John Gilford would like to thank everyone who sent cards and good wishes to them, on the occasion of their Golden Wedding Anniversary.