ST JOSEPH’S JOURNAL Volume 54 No: 15
CHURCH OF THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION & SAINT JOSEPH
23 ST JOHN’S STREET, HERTFORD SG14 1RX
Email: hertford@rcdow.org.uk
Parish Priest: Canon Terence Phipps Tel: 01992 582109
DATE: 24 April/1 May 2022 SECOND AND THIRD SUNDAYS OF EASTER – DIVINE MERCY SUNDAY
The page numbers for the prayers for this Sunday’s Mass are at the front of The Parish Mass Book. Please note that there is a Loop system in the Church.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
THE VIEW FROM THE PRESBYTERY
This will have to be a two-week newsletter, since our Parish Secretary is taking some days of annual leave this coming week. We wish her well and thank her for her great contribution to the work of the parish. We couldn’t manage without the skills she brings to the job and I in particular would find the whole IT side of things quite impossible without her gentle and kindly instruction.
But there are others I wish to thank also this week, and these are the people that made such a great contribution to the celebration of Holy Week and Easter. It is a huge job to get everything ready for these great ceremonies, and while a lot of it falls to me, there are so many others who need to be thanked. The altar servers, choir and organists are first on that list, and after two years without regular contributions from the servers and musicians, it was quite marvellous to see and hear them once again and to join in the singing! Then the readers and eucharistic ministers did their jobs with their usual grace and dignity and the rota, which is so complicated at this time of the year was ably put together by Leslie Judd. Apart from these people, we had great flower arrangers, cleaners, collectors and counters of collections. And thanks to all of you who came to the ceremonies – it was a heartening sight.
If you go into the main hall, you will see our latest project to come to fruition. The main hall has been beautifully redecorated by Roger Walker and the carpet (which had suffered from damage from tape needed to mark off spaces during the Covid period) has been replaced. It all looks great and Sue and Roger Walker continue to keep the hall in good order and always keep it clean, tidy and cared for. The works will be paid for from a legacy left us by the late Linda Radford, who was exceptionally generous to the church and parish in her will. We shall, of course, continue to say masses for the repose of her soul. May she rest in peace.
Another thing that Mrs Walker does for the parish is to coordinate our Health and Safety measures. We shall be having our annual inspection on 19 May and we have to have done a fire drill by then. Therefore, when you hear the shout of “FIRE” please evacuate the church as quickly as you can (either through the main door, or through the sacristy and the front door of the presbytery) and make your way to the assembly point outside Powell’s Funerals. The Fire Marshalls should be able to assist anyone in difficulty, and they can be identified by their arm bands. I know all this is a bit of a nuisance, but we have to get it done. Let’s hope it all goes well, and that people cooperate as fully as they can.
Another thing that happens on 19 May is the celebration of Confirmation at 7pm. The final two classes will be this Monday, 24 April, and Monday 9 May. It is important for the candidates to attend these sessions, so I hope to see them there.
As always, keep smiling, keep safe and keep going. And, for now, keep wearing the masks and using the sanitisers.
God bless – Fr Terry
POPE’S INTENTION FOR APRIL
Health Care Workers
We pray for health care workers who serve the sick and the elderly, especially in the poorest countries; may they be adequately supported by governments and local communities.
URGENT! Accommodation for Ukrainian Refugees
For a family of 5 who need a host in Hertford or surrounding villages. Also, two grandmothers either together or separately in Hertford where they can be close to family already here. If you can help, please call Chris Long on 07815 427 889
CURRENT CHURCH VOLUNTEERS:
You were recently made aware that all DBS checks of parish volunteers need to be updated. This process is now done online, with the exception of your IDs being checked. Please could you email your full name, volunteer post (e.g. reader, cleaner, catechist etc.) and your email address to
hertfordsg3@safeguardrcdow.org.uk so that you can be registered. Once you have been registered you will receive an email that will link you to the beginning of the online process. Please note ALL volunteers appointed by the parish MUST do this. When you have completed the process online you will be prompted to make an appointment with Elizabeth Black to get your IDs verified, please do this via email as soon as you can. Please let Father Terry know if you do not have access to the internet or would like some help in completing the online application.
FUNERAL OF JAMES ZSIBRITA:
Will take place on Thursday 29 April at 3.30pm at Harwood Park Crematorium, Watton Rd, Stevenage SG2 8XT. May he rest in eternal peace.
PLANNED GIVING ENVELOPES:
If you no longer use your envelopes please do let the office know. Maybe you might consider changing your offering to standing order, if so please contact the office.
If your box is not there please do let the office know and it will be reallocated to you.
ROSARY GROUP: Come and join us in the church on Tuesday evenings at 7pm for recital of the Rosary and the Chaplet of Divine Mercy
THE LOBSTER POT LUNCH: Friday 20 May at 12.45pm in the church hall. Lunches cost £15 for a three-course meal, glass of wine, coffee and chocolates. Please call Sue on 07711 584 517.
RECENTLY BAPTISED:
SIVE SAOIRSE FODFREY
PENELOPE CATHERINE SMITH
Recently Deceased
James Zsibrita, Maurice Champ
Holy Places collection: £307.54 – Thank you!
MASS INTENTIONS
Saturday:
8.30pm: People of the Parish
Sunday: SECOND SUNDAY OF EASTER
8.30am: Linda Radford (RIP)
10.30am: James Zsibrita (RIP)
6.00pm: Eimear Ni Conghaile (RIP)
Monday: St Mark
10.00am: Kevin & Dorothy Mullen (RIP)
Tuesday: St George, Patron of England
12.15pm:Vetti Vettivelu (RIP)
Wednesday:
10.00am: Patrick Findlay (RIP)
Thursday: CHURCH CLOSED
Friday: St Catherine of Siena
12.15pm: James Zsibrita (RIP) & Zsibrita Family
Saturday:
6.00pm: People of the Parish
Sunday: THIRD SUNDAY OF EASTER
8.30am: Peace in Ukraine
10.30am: St Joseph’s School (Ints)
6.00pm: Robbie Robinson (Ints)
Monday: St Athanasius
10.00am: Wright Family (Ints)
Tuesday: Ss Philip & James, Apostles
12.15pm: Taylor Family (Ints)
Wednesday: The English Martyrs
10.00am: Linda Radford (RIP)
Thursday: CHURCH CLOSED
Friday:
12.15pm: Holy Souls
Saturday:
6.00pm: Kevin & Dorothy Mullen (RIP)
Confessions: 10-10.30am & 5.00-5.30pm
Exposition of the blessed sacrament 5-5.40pm