FR DAVID WRITES
Please see the message below about Candlemas Day this Friday, a day which marks the end of the Christmas mystery in the liturgy. Today (Sunday) at the 11.15 am Mass we welcome our children, families and catechists involved in the First Holy Communion programme. We send all parishioners best wishes from here at church.

THE PRESENTATION OF THE LORD (CANDLEMAS DAY)
This Friday, 2nd February, is the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord, also known as the Purification of Mary or Candlemas Day. This feast marks the fortieth day since Christmas, when the child Jesus was presented to the Lord in the Temple. It is customary on this day to bless candles. If you have any candles from home that you would like blessed, please bring them to Mass at either 8 am or 10 am.

BAPTISM SIGN-UP
The next Baptism sign-up will take place on Monday 5th February at 6.30pm in the Parish Centre.

PLANNED GIVING ENVELOPES
The new envelopes will be distributed in April. If you do not require your planned giving envelopes anymore or have a change in circumstances, e.g. you have moved house, or are no longer paying tax, please let the Parish Office know.  If you would like to join the planned giving scheme please collect an application form from the church porch. You can use these forms to set up a Standing Order or join the Gift Aid scheme. Standing Order is the best way to give to the parish as it reduces cash handling on the premises. Thank you to everyone for your continuing generosity.

RCIA (JOURNEY IN FAITH)
The next session will take place on Monday 5th February at 7.30pm.

BERNADETTE CLUB
Our next meeting will take place on Thursday 1st February between 2-4 pm in the Parish Hall.  We will have a short “Seated Exercise” session for those who would like to take part! We are an active and friendly group of mainly retired people who enjoy getting together once a month (on the first Thursday) for a relaxing afternoon over a cup of tea. Our activities include quizzes, board games, a raffle, occasional parties and day trips to places of interest.  If you are not yet a member and would like to know more do come and see for yourself- you will be assured of a warm welcome!

ADVANCE NOTICE
Ash Wednesday will be on Wednesday 14th February (also Valentines’ Day!). Masses here, with the distribution of ashes, will be at 8 am, 10 am, and 7 pm (NOT 7.30). Please note that ashes will not be given outside of Mass. Thank you.

JOSEPH CALDEIRA RIP
The Funeral will take place on Tuesday 30th January at 10am.  
May he rest in peace.

VINCENT SMITH RIP
The Funeral will take place on Thursday 1st February at 10am.  
May he rest in peace.

MICHAEL HOSFORD RIP
The Funeral will take place on Monday 5th February at 12pm.  
May he rest in peace.

CHRISTINA JACKSON RIP
The Funeral is on Thursday 8th February at 10 am.  May she rest in peace.

MARIE BUMSTEAD RIP
This Funeral  is on Monday 12th February at 10 am. May she rest in peace.

LEMMY
Lemmy sends lots of thanks to everyone who got her treats, toys and doggy clothes for Christmas - she did very well and especially enjoyed unwrapping them! Thank you, also, to everyone who has helped to look after her when Fr David is doing his priestly ministrations! If you see Lemmy in the hall or around the place, please refrain from feeding her human biscuits and other treats - there are lots of parishioners and only one Lemmy which means she is getting a lot more treats than she needs, and she says she doesn’t want to be a fat sausage dog!! Thanks.