We can help to improve the lives of those living in great poverty, by giving generously to CAFOD Lent Fast Day on Friday 6th March. Envelopes will be available in church next weekend. Don't forget to fill in the gift aid details on the envelope, if you are a taxpayer, so that CAFOD can increase your donation by reclaiming the tax you have already paid. Thank You.

The Diocese has produced a booklet of Lent Reflections for 2009 which you can download from here.

This year’s programme is a break from the usual practice of focusing on the Sunday Mass readings. As we continue to celebrate the Year of St Paul these reflections are an invitation to look more closely at the writings of St Paul. Each week starts with the Sunday Gospel, then the writer has selected a particular theme from the Gospel and selected a passage from Paul’s letters that reflects that theme.

It is suggested that the programme be used ahead of the given Sunday of Lent, but it would equally be possible to use the booklet to “follow up” on the Sunday celebration.

The Diocesan youth service has put together a website of short daily Lenten reflections for young people.

The site is called Footsteps through Lent and it launched on Ash Wednesday.

http://www.footstepsthroughlent.org

Seems like only yesterday but the time has come for your Red Box to be counted. Could you please bring your Red Box into the church at any Mass on the weekends of February 21/22nd or February 28th/March 1st and collect it again the following weekend. If this is a problem contact Elizabeth Redmond on 01323 461438 who may be able to help.

Don't forget - bring in your Red Box to be counted. Thank you!

At St Mary's Church, Westham, at 2:45pm Friday 6th March for this year’s service compiled by Christian women in Papua, New Guinea, with the theme "In Christ there are many members yet one body". This service is not just for women. Men are welcome too. The speaker is the chaplain of Bishop Bell School, Rev. Vivienne Flanagan. Please join us if you possibly can.

Thanks to all members of the Trinity Players Drama Group for all the hard work put into making the Pantomime a fun time. Thanks also to all who supported both shows. Meeting this Sunday in Hall at 4pm. Everyone welcome.

Rachel Turner, Headteacher of St. Thomas a Becket Catholic Junior School, writes;
“At the recent section 48 OfSted inspection the School was rated as “Outstanding” for the overall effectiveness of its Religious Education. The individual assessments were;

Improvement since the last inspection - outstanding
Capacity of the school community to improve and develop - outstanding
Catholic life of the school - outstanding
Prayer life of the school - outstanding
How effectively the school promotes community cohesion - outstanding
Achievement and standards in RE - outstanding
Teaching and learning in RE - good
Quality of the curriculum - good
Leadership and management in RE - outstanding

A very special thank you for Chris Crooks, our RE co-ordinator, who did so much hard work with staff and helped us all get ready.”

The Social Committee of Our Lady of Ransom, St. Gregory & St. Agnes are holding a St. Patrick's Dance at the Winter Garden on Saturday March 7th from 8pm to Midnight. This is in aid of the Arundel and Brighton Pilgrimage Lourdes Fund.

Paul Cassidy and his Band, supported by our own McManus Academy of Irish Dance, provide music and displays.

Tickets are £10 from Mary Sheppard (735475) and Bernadette Shell (740406). Tickets can also be purchased from the Parish Office, 2-4 Grange Road, Mon-Fri 9:30am to 1:30pm, or after Masses.

The Holy Rood is getting very short of people to help with the cleaning of the church. If you can manage just 1 hour every 8 weeks. please help. Contact Elizabeth Redmond on 01323 461438 for more information on how you can keep the church looking good. Thank you.

The 3rd Eastbourne Catholic Cub Group is raising money for the support of the Group. On March 15th at Christ the King, after Mass, there is a Cake Sale in the Parish Hall to help raise the money. Why not buy some cake while you enjoy a tea/coffee, or soft drink.

The 3rd Eastbourne Catholic Cub Group is based at Our Lady of Ransom. If you want more information why not contact Helen Goodwin, h_goodwin@btinternet.com who is the Assistant Cub Leader and a parishioner at Christ the King, for more details about the Group.

Baptism preparation meetings on Tuesday, February 10th and Wednesday, February 18th from 7:30 to 8:45. Contact Ita (501793)

My heartfelt thanks to all who contributed bandages and money to buy medical supplies for the patients in Nirmal Hriday home in Calcutta. These very poor people need this help as they have no entitlement to medical care. When I return, I will be very happy to speak to any small group about my work experience in Mother Teresa's home. May God bless you for your generosity, good wishes and prayers. Christine Mowbray.