Christ the King Catholic Church, Eastbourne, UK
with The Holy Rood conjoined with St. Joachim Catholic Church
Parish

Lent Services - Sundays at 4pm

Mar 7 at Christ the King: Stations of the Cross

Mar 14 at Christ the King:Stations of the Cross

Mar 21 at Christ the King: Stations of the Cross

Reconciliation Services

Saint Joachim: Monday, March 22nd @ 7.30pm

Christ the King: Wednesday, March 24th @ 8pm

and also:

Saint Wilfrid: Thursday, March 11th @ 7.30pm

Saint Agnes: Sunday, March 21st @ 3pm

Our Lady of Ransom: Tuesday, March 30th @ 7pm

Holy Week Services - Saint Joachim

Palm Sunday of the Passion of the Lord
Sunday, March 28th: Mass at 9.30am

Good Friday: April 2nd
7pm A reflection on the 7 last words of Jesus

Easter Sunday, Mass of Easter Morning
April 4th: Mass at 9.30am

Holy Week Services - Christ the King

Palm Sunday of the Passion of the Lord
Saturday, March 27th: Mass at 6pm
Sunday, March 28th: Mass at 11.30am

Holy Thursday, Evening Mass of the Lord’s Supper:
April 1st: Mass at 8pm

Good Friday: April 2nd
11am Children's Stations of the Cross
3pm Celebration of the Lord’s Passion

Holy Saturday, Easter Vigil and 1st Mass of Easter:
April 3rd: Mass at 8pm

Easter Sunday, Mass of Easter Morning:
April 4th: Mass at 11.30am

Christ the King Care Group

Please note that as the 10am Mass on Monday, March 8th is not taking place there will be no Coffee morning.

Seeing Salvation: The Cross - Sunday March 28th

On Sunday, March 28th at Christ the King, there will be a showing of "Seeing Salvation: The Cross" introduced by Neil MacGregor, formerly Director of the National Gallery, London.

A look at this part of the life of Jesus as seen through the works of some of the greatest artists of Western Europe.

Tea/coffee served in the Christ the King Parish Room from 7.30pm; Showing of DVD from 8.00pm. It lasts about 50 minutes.

Repository - Christ the King

The Repository will be open before and after Mass on Sundays by Toni Harris.

Easter Pilgimage to Lourdes

St Richard's Catholic College and the Handicapped Children's Pilgrimage Trust (HCPT) Easter Pilgrimage to Lourdes.

There are 17 young people from St Richard's Catholic College helping this year. Five of them are from Eastbourne, and two of them are in our parish, Nicola Marsden and Annalisa Kiely.

They will be looking after 6-7 disabled children for a period of two days during their five day stay in Lourdes. For the rest of the trip they will be involved in attending Masses at the Grotto and underground Basilica, and attending torchlight pro- cessions and, of course, general sight seeing!

The total cost per youth is £450. They are also raising extra funds through fundraising activities at school to hopefully pay for an additional disabled child to go to Lourdes.

Thanks to all who have encouraged them to take part, and helped with the cost.

£1000 towards Parish Funds

Special thanks to the Trinity Players, not only for much enjoyment from their plays and pantomimes and social events, but also for raising the magnificent sum of £1,000 for our Parish Funds.

St. Joachim Maintenance Work

A programme of maintenance work will commence at St. Joachim's with effect from Monday 12th. April and lasting to about 17th. May. It is proposed that the work will not substantially affect church activities. Details of the work are displayed in the church porch.

Thank You

Veronica Dolan says, many, many thanks for all the prayers, cards, messages of goodwill and support during my recent operation.

They were much appreciated. Be assured of my prayers for you.

Lectio Divina

Each week on this web site we include on the ‘This Week’s Readings’ web page the relevant section from Lectio Divina, and we also make the Lectio Divina available as a down load from the Parish Newsletters download web page.

As a trial the Lectio Divina for March to May 2010 is now available on this web site by clicking here

To view this web page properly you should have a web browser (Internet Explorer 8, Firefox, Safari, Google Chrome are examples) that either supports HTML5 or has an Adobe Reader PDF plugin installed.

Lent Prayer & Reflection

The Diocese has produced a six week Prayer and Reflection Programme for Lent, “The Lord is my Light” and it can be taken from the back of the Church after Mass. Alternatively, the booklets are available by downloading a copy from the A & B website - http://trunc.it/5euf7. The programme is designed to help people prepare spiritually for Easter individually, by families at home, or in parish groups.

Red Box Collection Time Again!

Parishioners of The Holy Rood and Christ the King churches are asked to bring your Red Box to Mass on February 20/21st or 27/28th for it to be counted. For 2009 a total of £1164.60 was raised for the AFP. Thank you!

And please, don’t forget to pick up your Red Box the following weekend otherwise we don’t know if you are supporting the AFP for the future.

Leaflets for Children

There are now some copies at the back of the church at Christ the King of the following:

LOOK - designed for all children between 4 and 9 years old. The theme each week is based on the Sunday gospel and the Liturgical season.

ICHTHUS - a Lectionary based children's guide to the Sunday Eucharist for children who have celebrated their 1st Communion. The readings and prayers for the Sunday are printed in a simplified form, and explained along with clear teaching points on the feasts and seasons of the Liturgical year.

Thank You - Helping CAFOD in Haiti

Thank you very much for the special collection for CAFOD in Haiti, the total came to just over £2,000. It was boosted by raffles at the Trinity Players production of Aladdin, to whom congratulations go for a most enjoyable time at all 3 performances.

CAFOD A&B. We would like to thank everyone for your incredible generosity for the people of Haiti, please see www.cafod.org.uk for updates and more information about the situation.

Also, we invite you to ‘Act in Love’ on Saturday 13th February 1-7pm including Kevin McCullogh (Head of Campaigns), workshops and reflections and finishing with a vigil Mass. We will have space and activities for children and will provide refreshments during the day and sandwiches after Mass. ‘Act in Love’ will be held at Wonersh Seminary. For more information or to let us know you’re coming (please!) contact us at arundelandbrighton@cafod.org.uk or 01483 898 886.

Friday Lent Lunches - Christ the King

During Lent there will be a Lunch in the Hall at Christ the King after the 12pm Mass, with the proceeds going to help the work of CAFOD.

We need a few more people to help with organising these lunches, so if you would like to offer your help, please let Eugene or Fr. Barry know.

Christ the King Social Committee - February 8th

meets next on Monday, February 8th at 7pm in the Parish Room. All are welcome.

St. Joachim Baptism Preparation

Thursday 4th & 18th February, 7-8pm. Contact Ita (501793) who looks forward to see you.

Christ the King Care Group - February 15th

Monday 15th February 10.30am, a discussion on Spirtuality & Dementia, focussed on the DVD 'It's Still Me O Lord' which raises awareness of the spiritual needs of people with Dementia and their carers. All Welcome.

Thank You from Mutomo

Thank you Fr. Barry and all the parishioners of Christ The King, Holy Rood and St. Joachim for the very generous gift of almost £1500 this Christmas. Your gifts of money are a great help to the running of our Hospital in Mutomo and you are always remembered in our prayers.

Kindest regards from Sr. Jedidah, Sr. Marian and the community.

Christmas Offertory

£2891.96 to be shared equally between helping the work of the Sisters of Mercy Hospital at Mutomo, Kitui, Kenya and the School of the Infant Jesus Sisters in Cameroun

Friday Evening Prayer

Every Friday from 6:15 to 7:15pm in Christ the King: The church will be open for Evening Prayer followed by quiet prayer before the Blessed Sacrament.

Eastside Churches Together

On Sunday, January 17th at 4pm there will a Prayer Service for the start of the week of prayer for Christian Unity at Christ the King.
As we are the host parish I am hoping many of you will be able to come along.

The Holy Rood - Saturday, December 26th

Please note that there will not be a Mass at 4pm at the Holy Rood.

Evening Prayer and Benediction

Dates for your diary
January 24th 2010, 4.30pm at Christ the King
February 28th 2010, 4.30pm at St Joachim
March 28th 2010, 4.30pm at Holy Rood (Palm Sunday)
April 24th 2010, 4.30pm at Christ the King
May 5th 2010, 4.30pm at St Joachim

Christmas Services

Please note that the services at Christmas will be at;

Thursday, December 24th
4.00pm at Christ the King: Christmas Eve at the Crib
7.00pm at St Joachim: 1st Mass of Christmas
10.00pm at Christ the King: 1st Mass of Christmas

Friday, December 25th
10.00am at Christ the King: Mass of Christmas morning

See also dates and times of Services of Reconciliation

Roy Wise - Thank You

Thanks to everyone for the good wishes & prayers during Roy’s recent illness.

Services of Reconciliation

In preparation for Christmas, these will be at;

St Gregory, Eastbourne on Saturday, December 19th at 3pm

Christmas Appeal

As previous years, we come again to ask for presents to be left under the Christmas tree. These will be distributed between Salvation Army and Oasis Outreach Centre.

Many thanks,

Marie Williams, Bernadette Chandler.
Best wishes for Christmas, and Joyful New Year.

From June Corke

"To all those who sent cards and good wishes and prayers for Peter and myself, thank you and God bless."

East Sussex LIFE Group

The next meeting of the group will be held in Christ the King parish rooms at 7:30pm on Monday, December 7th. All supporters in the parish are welcome to attend.

Parish 20th Anniversary - December 3rd

On December 3rd at 7:30pm there will be a Mass to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the founding of the Parish of Christ the King followed by a little something in the Parish Hall afterwards. Please make a note in your diary.

Advent Lunches

Advent lunches to support CAFOD will take place after 12pm Mass at Christ the King on Friday, December 4th/11th/18th.

John Cavanna - RIP

Louise writes, “My dear friends, may I pass on our thanks for all your kind words of support, cards, masses and donation for John which are greatly appreciated in this difficult time. From Louise and family.

Annual Remembrance Sunday Service

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About 80 people attended the Rembrance Day Service this afternoon took part in a moving occasion of readings and music.
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Advent Small Prayer Groups

Parish Prayer Groups have been organised to help parishioners prepare for Christmas using the material provided by the Diocese. The programme runs for 4 weeks and for anyone interested a 'sign up' list is available at the back of the Church.

The Diocesan-prepared document for Advent can be downloaded here

Parish Care Group - No Meeting on November 9th

Please note that there will be NO COFFEE MORNING on Monday 9th Nov. Please join us for a cuppa Monday 16th Nov.

Remembrance Sunday - November 8th

Our Annual Remembrance Day Service will be at 4pm at Christ the King.

Evening Prayer - Sunday October 24th 4:30pm

This Sunday 24th October at 4:30pm at Holy Rood Church there will be Evening Prayer and Benediction. A list of dates will be published soon.

Autumn Fayre - £1200 Raised

Last Saturday's Fayre raised £1,200 which is a fantastic result. Many thanks to everyone who contributed in whatever way to this event and especially to its organiser Val Woods.

St. Joachim's Charity Show - November 1st

Sunday 1st November at 3pm at St Joachim's Church - an afternoon of Music, Drama and Dance. Entry free but a collection will be taken to help to educate poor children in Nigeria.

Panto Time! - Aladdin

The Trinity Players will present their Pantomime "Aladdin" on Sat 23rd & 30th January at 7:30 and Sun 24th & 31st January at 3pm in the Church Hall. Tickets £3. Book early for best seats. Contact Frank Hennelly on 01323-461655 or e-mail on f.hennelly@sky.com

Cafod - Thank You

A big thank you to everyone who contributed to Harvest Fast Day appeal. Your very generous response raised £1208.13 at Christ the King/The Holy Rood, and £309.37 at St. Joachim to help support the poorer communities being pushed deeper into poverty by the global financial crisis and other world problems.
Thank you for generously sharing what you have with those in great need.

New! - Prayer Board

A Prayer Board is at the back of the Church of Christ the King for your prayer intentions. All prayers put on the Board will be offered at the Monday Mass or Liturgy.

Autumn Fayre - October 17th

We need help in two ways. First, if you can help on one of the stalls please sign the list at the back of Christ the King or contact Val woods (726423)
Second, we are short of items for the stalls. Please help by donating one or more things. Leave them at Christ the King on these weekends;

Friday October 16th: Cakes & plants

The Church Hall will be open on Friday 16th between 11am and 6pm to receive last minute items and for helpers to set up tables.

Parish Care Group - Every Monday 10am

The Care Group got off to a great start last Monday with their first coffee morning. All parishioners are welcome to join this Group who will meet each Monday in the Parish Rooms at 10.am.

APF Red Boxes - Christ the King & The Holy Rood

Please bring in your Red Box for counting to Christ the King and Holy Rood on October 17/18th or 25/26th. Quite a few boxes were not collected after the last count, so do please remember to to pick up your box the weekend after you leave it for counting. Thank you.

Forthcoming Diocese Events

A list of all forthcoming events around the Diocese and elsewhere is displayed as you come in to Church. The list has recently been updated so please check it to see if there are any that you may wish to attend. Further information on an event can be obtained from Deacon Eugene or Sister Ita.

Parish Care Group - Underway

This week-end marks the start of the newly formed Parish Care Group. Details will be given about this at each Mass.

First Communion - New Class

The First Communion classes for Christ the King and the Holy Rood start on Saturday 10th October in the Parish Rooms of Christ the King at 9.20 a.m. Prompt.

Baptism at St. Joachim's

If you would like your child baptised in the near future the next preparation sessions will be on
Tuesday 20th and 27th October.
Time: 7.30pm until 8.30pm
Venue: St.Joachim's
Contact Person: Ita Tel.501793

New School References

Parents must obtain a Priest's Recommendation Form from the relevant school. The form must be certified by the parents in the presence of Deacon Eugene or Sister Ita. The form will then be taken and completed by Deacon Eugene on behalf of Fr Barry and returned to you within a few days. Please don't ask for the form to be signed after Mass.

St. Joachim's APF Red Boxes

Please bring in St. Joachim's APF boxes for counting as soon as possible.

Parish Care Group Meeting - September 22nd

The next meeting will be on Tuesday 22nd September at 7pm in the Parish Rooms. Everyone welcome.

Parish Care Group meeting - September 8th

The next meeting will be on Tuesday 8th Sep- tember at 7pm in the Parish Rooms. This group is still in the formation stage, with an aim to blend into Parish activity in early October. If you are interested in joining please try to attend the above meeting.

Chichester Trip - Cancelled

Due to lack of support we have had to cancel our coach trip to Chichester and the Cathedral. We apologise to those who have booked. We were unable to secure sufficient bookings to cover the cost of the coach. Any payment made will be refunded.

Catherine Hennelly - Thank You

Thank you to everyone for all your kind thoughts and prayers over the past few weeks. I am finally home and continue to improve.
Catherine Hennelly.

Confirmed in 2008 or 2009?

Did you receive the Sacrament of Confirmation in 2008 or 2009? If you haven’t received your invi- tation to the 1st event taking place on Sunday, September 6, please contact Fr. Barry asap.

New School Year

On Wednesday, September 2nd, Fr. Barry will be celebrating Mass with all the staff at St Thomas a Becket Infants & Junior School. Please keep all of them, and all of the staff at St Richard's Catholic College, in your prayers as they start a new school year. Please also pray for all those who are about to start a new term of appointment as School Governors at both of these schools.

St. Richard’s Catholic College has had another tremendous year with first class GCSE results that cements their position amongst the top comprehensive schools in the country and at the top in East Sussex. To all the teaching staff at the College and the students for maintaining such a wonderful record at GCSE - Well done!!

Sister Ita Progress Report

Sister Ita is making a good recovery and hopes to return from Ireland by mid-September.

BBQ - Thank You

A big ‘Thank You’ to all those involved in making a huge success. £359 was raised as well as every- one having a great time.

Future Newsletter Deadlines

PLEASE NOTE - Copy for the next issue of the Newsletter to Tony Crooks (tcrooks@mac.com) by Tuesday July 28th at latest. Due to holidays the closing date for the newsletters for August 8th, 15th and 23rd will be Wednesday August 5th. The closing date for the August 29th newsletter will be Wednesday August 26th. Thank You.

Christ the King Care Group Meeting - July 28th

As a result of the meeting on Tuesday, July 21st there will be a meeting on Tuesday, July 28th, 7:30pm in the Parish Room, to explore what we might offer if we had a Christ the King Care Group. Anyone who is interested will be most welcome.

Marriage of Jorge Drummond & Lucy de Ferreira

Please remember in your prayers Jorge Drummond and Lucy de Ferreira who will be married on July 25th.

Can You Help - Computer Wanted

An unemployed young man who is trying hard to get work and is now doing a computer course needs a computer. If anyone has a working laptop or pc computer to donate please inform Fr. Barry.

Thank You - Dave & Anne Spencer

Dave and Anne Spencer would like to thank all parishioners for their prayers and support during this past year for Dave. The results of his latest scan shows all is clear. Please continue to pray for him to keep well.

New - SVP Meeting - July 21st

As a result of the meeting to explore what we might do if we had a Community Care Group, on Tuesday, July 21st at 7:30pm in the Parish Room at Christ the King, Helen James is coming along from Our Lady of Ransom parish to talk with us about the possibility of forming a branch of the SVP. Anyone who is interested will be most welcome.

Charity Music Concert - July 26th

Afternoon of classical musical on Sunday 26th July at 3:30pm in Christ the King Church with the Italian duo Gregorio Pedrini, tenor singer and Romeo Zucchi, piano. Free entry with all proceeds of the concert going to support the hospital in Mutomo and the school in the Cameroons Please come and support us and enjoy a relaxing afternoon together for a good cause.

Parish BBQ - August 21st?

On Friday August 21st, it has been suggested that the Social Commitee hold a BBQ at Christ the King for a "parish get together". Tickets will be £6 with a donation bar and music. In order for this event to take place we need at least 40 people to attend. So over the next coming weeks until the July 26th there will be a list at the back of each church for you to put your names down.

Confirmation Reunion - July 5th

Did you receive the Sacrament of Confirmation in 2008 or 2009? If so, you are invited to a reunion on Sunday, July 5th from 6pm to 7:30pm in the Parish Room at Christ the King.

Social Committee - July 6th

The next meeting of the Christ the King Social Committee is on Monday, July 6 at 7.00pm in the Parish Room. All are welcome.

Community Care Group Meeting - June 30th

has its 1st meeting on Tuesday, June 30th @ 7:30pm in the Parish Room at Christ the King. If you are interested in helping, please come along, whether or not you gave in your name, and help us decide what we might do.

Confirmation 2009 - June 12th

Congratulations to all those young people who received the sacrament of confirmation on June 12th;
Harry Clark
Paul Colognese
Sean Cunningham
Charlie Dilieto
Natasha Earley
Rebekah Humphrey
Annalisa Kiely
Ashling Larkin
Oliver Lockyer
Nicola Marsden
Thomas Roberts
Thomas Taylor
Frances Timberlake
Katey Whyte

APF Red Box Counting for Christ the King & The Holy Rood

Please bring your box in on either June 21/22nd or 27/28th and collect the following weekend. Collections in 2008, totalling £1410.16, and 2009 to date of £524.20. Thank you for your support.

Confirmation 2010

If you would like to receive this Sacrament in the summer of 2010, and will be in Year 10 or above from September 2009, please collect a form from Ita, Eugene, or myself. Please do this as soon as possible, but no later than July 19, 2009

First Communion 2010

If you have a child who would like to make their 1st Communion in the summer of 2010 at Christ the King, please collect a form from Eugene or myself, if at St Joachim, please collect a form from Ita. Please do this as soon as possible, but no later than July 19, 2009

Christ the King Community Care Group?

It is hoped to form a care group within our Parish.

The aim is to offer help to parishioners with various problems such as transport at a time of crisis, filling in complicated forms, ensuring that people who have not been seen for a while are safe and well, etc. It is hoped to hold a meeting in a couple of weeks.

If you feel that this is something which might interest you, please down write your name, address, and phone number , and days and times when you would be able to come to such a meeting, and give it to me or Mary Hennelly.

Becoming a Catholic

If you or someone you know are thinking that you might like to become a Catholic, please collect a form from Fr. Barry about what to do next.

You can also follow the link on this page in the sidebar to the left for more information.

Evening Prayer and Benediction

This is planned to resume from September

First Communion - Christ the King, May 17th

Please remember the following children who will be making their 1st Communion at Christ the King at the 11:30am Mass, Sunday, May 17th:

Harrison BAILEY
Pierce BARNS
Callum BUCHANAN
Shannon CHAWNER
Christopher CODLING
Ana DA SILVA GOMES
Lorna DAVIS
Daniel DEAN
Daniel DURBRIDGE
Katie DURBRIDGE
Tom DURRANT
Jack EDGE
Olivia GAUNTLETT
Caitlin GREANEY
Karina GULEVATY
Claudia IPEKU
Joseph LAVELLE
Zena MOHL
Alexi SILVERMANN
Olivia SINTHATURAI
Elana SMITH
Luke STEMP
Alexandra WILLIAMS
India-eloisha McKECHNIE
Nicholas RODRIGUES-BARBOSA

Make Your Faith Really Live

Its fast its fun and focuses on what it means to be a Christian in the 21st Century. THE NEXT CURSILLO - 3 day residential week-end course is to be held at WORTH ABBEY from the evening of Friday 22nd May to the afternoon of Monday 25th May 2009 (Bank Holiday Weekend). For further information contact: Nick Ward Tel: 01276 514263 or Email: njpward@ntlworld.com

Thank You from Mutomo, Kenya

The Sisters of Mercy, Mutomo, Kenya, would like to thank Fr. Barry and all parishioners of Christ the King, Holy Rood and St. Joachim for the generous gift of money at Easter. All money received is lodged to the " Sisters of Mercy Kenya Trust Fund " and details kept on file. It goes directly to where it is mostly needed and none is wasted.

Thank you again for your continued support, it is very much appreciated and you are always in our prayers.

Sr. Marian and the community.

Message from Barry

WOW_095
Recently while sorting out my office, I found some stuff buried under a pile of papers, that I should have acted upon ages ago, So, if you have asked me to do something, and I haven’t, please remind me.

If you would like a Blessing of your home, or a Mass in your home, or a visit, please write it down with name, address, and phone number, and sug- gested date, and I’ll ring and confirm it with you.

Monica Nice RIP - Thank You

Just a little note to say a very big thank you to all who were involved in making my mum's requiem Mass and reception very special. I know she thought a lot of her little church community. You all certainly done her proud!! Thank you also for making my family feel very welcome, and also for all the special Mass intentions and prayers.

Love, Debbie.

Service for Fr. Seamus - Sunday, April 26th

At 4pm on Sunday April 26th at Christ the King Church there will be a short period of prayer and adoration for Fr. Seamus followed by Evening Prayer and Benediction.

St. Joachim Red Boxes - Counting Time

Would the St. Joachim APF Collectors please bring in your Red Boxes on Sunday.

Sr Alice KilBride - Thank You

A very special thanks to you Fr Barry and parishioners for your Easter gift to our sisters in Cameroon. It is particularly touching that you should bless us with your gift this year when everyone is feeling the effects of the financial crisis. However your gift will be appreciated all the more by our sisters in their efforts to maintain the high standards in their parish schools and the school for the children who are both deaf and dumb. In the latter school the children whose age ranges from six to sixteen are boarders since they live very far from the school. Besides that they lack the very basic educational supplies such as books, paper, pencils etc which we take so much for granted. None of our schools receive any state assistence either for equipment or salaries. So your gift will be put to very good use. Thank you all very much again . Be assured of the prayers and gratitude of our Cameroonian sisters and wishing you all the fullness of Joy and peace in the Risen Lord!

Thanks from Eddie Hemington

Eddie thanks everyone who attended Ellen’s Funeral Mass and for the prayers, cards and help.

East Sussex LIFE - April 6th

The next meeting will be held on Monday, 6th April at 7.30pm in Christ the King parish rooms. All members, and anyone interested in our work, are invited to attend. Our Chief Executive, Martin Foley, will be at this meeting and will be happy to answer any questions you may have.

Holy Week Programme

The programme of Services for Holy Week can be found on the Find a Mass web page - here

Fr. Barry Medical Bulletin - Update

Fr. Barry says; “After this weekend, March 28/29th, the next Saturday Mass at The Holy Rood at 4.00pm will be on April 18, by which time I hope to be back to normal working hours!”

Diary Date Cancellation

Given the medical condition of Fr. Barry, the Mass on Wednesday, March 25th has regrettably had to be cancelled.

3rd Eastbourne Cubs Say "Thank You"

Thank you to all parishioners for supporting the Cubs at the cake sale. which raised £80.00. It will be split between the Cub Pack and the Mayor’s Charity. Many thanks from all at 3rd Eastbourne.

Lent Diary Alterations

Don’t forget the change to the Lent diary dates.

The March 12th Reconciliation service at Christ the King has been moved to March 23rd at 8pm.

FYEO

Fr. Barry’s surgeon says that the detached retina in his right eye is successfully attached once more, but that it might be 2 weeks before he is able to resume normal duties.

FYEO - For Your Eyes Only

Lent Fast Day

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.

APF Red Boxes - Counting Time for Christ the King and The Holy Rood

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!

Women's World Day of Prayer

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.

Thank You

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.

Outstanding! - OfSted Inspection

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 Holy Rood - More Cleaners Urgently Needed

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.

Baptism Preparation - St. Joachim

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

Bandages for India

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.

Evening Prayer & Benediction - January 25th 4:30pm

Evening Prayer & Benediction is on January 25th 4:30pm at St. Joachim

The Holy Rood - Saturday, January 31st

On Sat, Jan 31st there will not be a 4pm Mass at The Holy Rood

Christian Unity

CHURCHES TOGETHER - Eastside Churches Together Service for the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity is on Sunday, January 18th, 4pm @ St Richard's, Priory Road.

200 Club Subscriptions

Subscriptions now due for January. New members urgently required to increase membership to 200. You are invited to join now at 50 pence per week, per number. There is no restriction on the amount of numbers that a member can hold. All queries to Tony Crouch - tel: 01323-761052 Email arcrouch@talktalk.net

Thank You from Mutomo

Thank you once again Fr. Barry and all the parishioners of Christ The King, Holy Rood and St. Joachim for your generous gift this Christmas. It is only with help from benefactors that the Sisters can manage to make a difference in such a deprived community as Mutomo. I am aware that last year has been a difficult time for us all, be assured that your money will not be wasted and will go towards the desired end. Gratefully yours, St. Marian Dolan and the community.

Thank You from Marie Williams

On behalf of the Salvation Army and the Oasis, I would like to thank you for the generous response to my Xmas appeal. You have put a big smile on a lot of faces. May God bless you all - Marie Williams

Message from Ita, Eugene & Barry

Thank you for your Christmas cards and gifts, and to those who will forever be anonymous as some gifts arrived without a card or name!

£2652 - Offertory Collection at the Christmas Masses

The money raised will be shared equally between helping the work of the Sisters of Mercy at Mutomo Hospital, Kitui, Kenya, and the Infant Jesus Sisters in Cameroun. Total: £2652

Dates for Your Diary

Ash Wednesday is February 25th. Easter Sunday is April 12th

Parish Hall Bookings

If you want to check on availability of the Parish Hall there is a regularly updated Calendar of Events on the Parishes Web Site at the About Us web page and select ‘Parish Hall Calendar’ to view or at http://www.christthekingchurch.org.uk/page1/page 36/page36.html