NOTICEBOARD

PENTECOST This weekend, the Church celebrates Pentecost, one of the most important feast days of the year that concludes the Easter season and celebrates the beginning of the Church.  Pentecost always occurs 50 days after the death and resurrection of Jesus, and ten days after his ascension into heaven. The name of the day itself is derived from the Greek word “pentecoste,” meaning 50th. Pentecost is the celebration of the person of the Holy Spirit coming upon the Apostles, Mary, and the first followers of Jesus, who were gathered together in the Upper Room. A “strong, driving” wind filled the room where they were gathered, and tongues of fire came to rest on their heads, allowing them to speak in different languages so that they could understand each other. It was such a strange phenomenon that some people thought the Christians were just drunk – but Peter pointed out that it was only the morning, and said the phenomenon was caused by the Holy Spirit.

CONGRATULATIONS to our young Parishioners. This weekend we pray especially for the 17 young Candidates who are being Confirmed by Bishop Paul Hendricks with the gift of the Holy Spirit.  We are grateful to the Parents who kept their baptismal promises to lead their children in faith. May the many graces and the sevenfold gifts of the Holy Spirit empower them to become fully like Jesus, so going to the world the give a good witness to his love.

 A big thank you for the Confirmation Prayer Sponsors who spiritually supported the young candidates on their journey and sponsored a small gift.

PLEASE NOTE  there will be no tea or coffee after the 10.30am or 12.30pm Masses on Sunday 19th May . We will be preparing the hall for the Confirmation Party.

MONTH OF MARY The month of May is a time when the people of God express with intensity their love and devotion for the Blessed Virgin Mary. It is traditional in this month to pray the Rosary at home within the family. May is dedicated in a special way to honouring and seeking the intercession of Mary as the mother of God and Mother of the Church. This month of May which the faithful has especially dedicated to Our Blessed Lady, and it is the occasion for a “moving tribute of faith and love which Catholics in every part of the world pay to the Queen of Heaven. Christians, both in church and in the privacy of the home, offer up to Mary from their hearts an especially fervent and loving homage of prayer and veneration. In this month, too, the benefits of God’s mercy come down to us from her throne in greater abundance. The Rosary will be said after the 10.00am Mass Monday-Saturday in the month of May.

PILGRIMAGE TO WALSINGHAM a journey filled with spiritual enrichment and community bonding. The trip promises a day of reflection, prayer, and camaraderie as we explore this significant pilgrimage site together. We will be joining the Union Catholic Mothers Mass when we arrive.

     Date: 2nd July,       Departure: 6:00 am by coach

       Return: 8:00 pm,   Coach Cost: £35 per person

You will need Badges for the day to enter the shrine they cost £8 this needs to be in by 20th May. The coach money needs to be in by 1st June. Please pay at the Parish Office. If you have any questions or need further information, feel free to reach out to Anne Urgohide or contact the Parish Office.

Hospital/Sick Visits If you have a relative in hospital or at home that would like to receive Holy Communion please contact the Parish Office.

St Ambrose Wye There is a further review being undertaken of St Ambrose, Wye.  No decision has yet been made. This will be made by the Diocese and Bishop Paul Hendricks. Further updates will follow.

ELECTRONIC WASTE COLLECTION (E.W) 6th/7th July. In collaboration with Ashford Borough Council. The church is collecting broken or unused items such as: laptops, mobiles, desk top computers, electronic mouse, cables/leads. All data is wiped from any item received. These can be left in the small hall before and after all Masses on the 6th/7th July. Many Thanks

Memorial Garden Our Memorial garden, dedicated to honouring the memory of loved ones, holds a special place in many people’s hearts. Maintaining its sanctity involves more than just keeping it free of physical clutter. It’s about preserving the emotional sanctity and tranquillity of the space as well. We have noticed lots of food and rubbish being left in the Memorial garden. Can we please remember this is a sacred space. Thank you.

CAFOD invites you to take part in an exciting family event: the ‘Big Pilgrimage’ on Saturday 1st June taking place in and around St George’s Cathedral. To learn more, sign up, and participate, please see here: https://cafod.org.uk/fundraise/sponsored-challenge-events/pilgrimages/the-big-pilgrimage.

First Holy Communion Masses Saturday 25th May  at 10.00am and Saturday 1st June at 10.00am. Please keep our young people in your Prayers.

POST CONFIRMATION/YOUTH CARITAS Meeting on Thursday 23rd May at 7.30pm in the Parish Hall. All young people are invited to come along aged 14 years upwards.

Next CAFÉ Caritas – Saturday 25th May and 8th June at 10.30am. Please come along for a chat and cuppa and make friends. You are very welcome to invite someone (not required to be a Catholic or of any faith) and share time together.

Next CARITAS GROUP FORMATION MEETING will be on Tuesday 4th June at 7.30pm.