Community Pro-life Rosary intentions
December: That the Government scrap proposals to (a) remove the rights of parents to withdraw their children from sex education lessons, and (b) integrate a false understanding of sex and marriage into school curricula.
January: That the Holy Family’s flight into Egypt may inspire those who campaign for the protection of unborn children in our own time.
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Mrs Jenny Odey, RIP
Please pray for the repose of the soul of our Reading parishioner, Jenny Odey, who died on 12th Dec.
Our prayers and condolences, also, to her son Alan, his wife and daughter, and also to the family of her son John who died in 2017.
Requiescat in pace!
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Fr Verrier's newly restored vestment
You might remember that at the beginning of the year, as we bid Fr Verrier fond farewell, we took a collection to pay for the restoration of a rather fine purple vestment set that he owns. We are pleased to report that the restoration work has recently been completed, as can be seen in the photograph. Fr Verrier writes: "A huge thank you from me to everyone at St John Fisher Parish. I am delighted and very grateful and will remember the Parish at the Altar."
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Nativity Play
This year's Nativity Play, to be performed by children of our parish, will take place on 16th December, Gaudete Sunday, after 11am Mass in the Church Annex. It will take as its theme the 'O antiphons' - the Magnificat antiphons used at Vespers in the 7 days leading up to Christmas.
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New Year's Eve Night
We will spend an hour in Eucharistic adoration before Our Lord from 11pm to Midnight followed by Solemn High Midnight Mass and a little celebration in the church annex. What better way to conclude 2018 and begin 2019!
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Christmas Gift Appeal
Many thanks to all who participated in our Advent almsgiving project, through donating presents to the Catholic Children's Society's Christmas Gift Appeal. About a dozen boxes of gifts have now been delivered to the Society's London office.
Let us keep the families the gifts will be going to in our prayers over the Christmas season.
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St Margaret Clitherow Ladies Group
Please note that the Groups' January meeting will take place on Saturday 12th.
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Fr David Goddard, RIP
Fr Matthew Goddard writes: “My family and I have been deeply touched by your many messages of condolence, Masses and prayers for my father and for us - thank you, we are very grateful!”
Tuesday 18th December, 7.30pm, Solemn Requiem Mass at the Shrine of Our Lady of Consolation, West Grinstead, Horsham, West Sussex RH13 8LT.
Wednesday 19th December, 11am, Funeral Mass (Ordinary Form; celebrated by Bishop Richard Moth) at the Cathedral of Our Lady and St Philip Howard, Arundel, West Sussex BN18 9AY
Requiescat in pace!
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A little reminder that the offertory collections at Christmas and Easter go to the FSSP to fund our Parish and Reading-based apostolate, not to the priests. If you wish to give a gift to the priests then please do so outside of these collections. Thank you.
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The Bethlehem Shepherds Colouring Book
This new colouring book from Second Spring Catechesis tells the story of Christmas night through the experience of the shepherds, gently drawing the parallels between the shepherds of Bethlehem and the Good Shepherd Himself. See sample pages and order by clicking on the image.
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A Bed for the Night
An initiative organised by local Christians to offer rough sleepers in Reading a warm, safe place to sleep, a hot evening meal and breakfast. This year the need for volunteers is even greater. It will run for 3 months from January. All sorts of help is welcomed. For more information, email admin@b4n.org.uk or phone 0774 983 3476 or click on the image.
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“The Most Holy Eucharist, Sun of our daily lives”
Retreat for lay faithful to be led by Fr Armand de Malleray, FSSP
At Douai Abbey, Berks.
Begins: Friday 22nd February 2019 with Holy Mass at 6PM (arrivals from 4PM).
Ends: Sunday 24th February 2019 at 3PM
PLEASE NOTE: Bookings are to be made directly with the Abbey, not through the FSSP.
Cost: £141.60 for single room with en-suite plus full board – ask Guestmaster for discounts for shared room.
Please send your £30 per person deposit to: “Fr Finbar, O.S.B., Guestmaster, Eucharistic Retreat, Douai Abbey, Upper Woolhampton, Reading, RG7 5TQ”.
Additionally, a £15 per person suggested donation to Fr de Malleray while at the Abbey to cover the costs incurred by the FSSP to organise and give the retreat.
You are welcome to contact the Guestmaster with any queries:
email: guestmaster@douaiabbey.org.uk
website: www.douaiabbey.org.uk
Tel: 0118 9715 399
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Is God calling ME to priesthood or religious life?
If you are a single Catholic man aged 18+, come for a weekend of vocational discernment at St Mary’s Priory & Church, Smith St, Warrington WA1 2NS, from 25 to 27 January 2019.
The weekend will include talks, Divine Office in our beautiful church, Holy Mass and the possibility of a private meetings with a priest.
Feel welcome confidentially to call, email or write for any questions.
Free for unwaged and students; others: £60.
Please contact Fr de Malleray at malleray@fssp.org; 01925 635664
Please share the information with your friends!
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Can you find an hour in your week to spend with Our Lord? Our Lady of Peace Parish in Earley, Reading, has re-launched an extended period of Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, every Friday from 11am to Saturday at 8am.
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