ST JOSEPH’S JOURNAL Volume 53 No: 26
CHURCH OF THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION & SAINT JOSEPH
23 ST JOHN’S STREET, HERTFORD SG14 1RX
https://parish.rcdow.org.uk/hertford Email: hertford@rcdow.org.uk
Parish Priest: Canon Terence Phipps Tel: 01992 582109
DATE: 4 July 2021 FOURTEENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
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.
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THE VIEW FROM THE PRESBYTERY
I find it really hard to believe that we are now in the month of July. This year has been a bit of a blur, for all sorts of reasons, but it certainly is July and the summer should really have started. Let’s hope for better weather soon.
As we mentioned last week, there is a retiring collection at all masses this weekend for Peter’s Pence. This is our contribution to the work of the Holy See, both in Rome itself and in its activities all over the world. Please give what you can to this collection and we shall send off the money when we can.
Next weekend we celebrate Sea Sunday, which is a time when we remember in our prayers the work of seafarers around the world. The pandemic has been a difficult time for all those in maritime work and the lock down last year meant that the normal Sea Sunday prayers and collection for Stella Maris (Apostleship of the Sea) did not take place; so the charity, which does a great deal of good work with seafarers (many of whom are Catholic), has had a rather lean year. Do please give what you can to the collection. There are some Gift Aid envelopes on the chest at the back of the church. Please use one if you wish. Many thanks for all your generosity.
I mentioned last week that we needed volunteers to be School Governors, money counters and flower arrangers. I had responses from two people (one governor and one counter) but I hope that more people might be able to offer themselves for these jobs. Do let me know if you can help.
I have mentioned Confirmation a few times recently and I can now give you a bit more information. I have been given a date by Bishop Paul McAleenan, who will come to administer the sacrament to our candidates at 7pm on Friday 15 October 2021. In order to prepare for this there will be a final meeting of the group on Friday 8 October in the large hall from 6.15 to 7.30. I hope I am giving people enough time to sort out their schedules for this very important event. Further information will be sent out next week to the candidates, but do spread the word about the date so that everyone can be informed. It has been a long time since the group had their last session, but I hope that the dates we have been given will be convenient for everyone involved.
Sunday masses (especially the 10.30 on Sundays) seem to be filling up a little bit more – which is great – but it may be that there will not be enough space for everyone to be socially distanced. Do please be aware of that possibility, which may mean that people have to remain outside for some masses. This should resolve itself when a number of the restrictions are lifted on 19 July. Not long now!
As always: keep safe; keep smiling; keep going!
God Bless Fr Terry
POPE’S INTENTION JULY
Social Friendship We pray that, in social, economic and political situations of conflict, we may be courageous and passionate architects of dialogue and friendship.
IF YOU GO IN TO HOSPITAL: Catholics in hospital are unlikely to receive an automatic visit from the Catholic Chaplain. If someone is sick in hospital, please let us know here at the Presbytery, and/or ask the staff on the ward, so that your loved one can be visited whilst in hospital, and receive Holy Communion and any other Sacraments from the Chaplain.
ONLINE DONATIONS TO OUR CHURCH:
Westminster Roman Catholic Diocese Trustee Hertford as the account name.
Account number: 21263242
Sort code: 40-05-20
If you would like to use STANDING ORDER to donate your weekly/monthly offering, the forms are available on the website to download.
IF YOU WRITE A CHEQUE TO THE PARISH please can you make payable to WRCDT Hertford. Thank you.
IF YOU ARE A GIFT AIDER AND YOU STOP PAYING TAX OR CHANGE ADDRESS
you must let the parish office know.
Thank you.
YOUR CHURCH IS IN NEED OF MORE PEOPLE TO HELP KEEP IT CLEAN. If you are able to help, please contact Sheila Queally on 01992 586436
THE LOBSTER POT LUNCH
Starting on Friday 16 July at 1pm in the church hall. Lunches cost £15 for a three course meal, glass of wine, coffee and chocolates.
If you would like to come along please sign the board on the table in the cloister. Menu to follow.
BABY CLOTHES: We are in urgent need of baby clothes from birth to 3 years, boys and girls. Please bring them to Sue Walker at the church hall Monday – Friday 8am – 12 noon. Thank you.
FOOD BANK
We are in desperate need of food for the foodbank. Items can be dropped off at the church hall with Mrs. Sue Walker any weekday morning.
COLLECTION: Many thanks for your contributions last weekend: £418.37
RECENTLY BAPTISED: Max Paul Blower, Jake Mariano Blower,
Mason Mortimer Orhan De Souza-Singh
DIOCESAN JOB VACANCIES: at https://jobs.rcdow.org.uk/
MASS INTENTIONS
Saturday:
6.00pm: John Sullivan (RIP)
Sunday: FOURTEETH SUNDAY OF THE YEAR
10.30am: Sr Christina Nunn (RIP)
6.00pm: People of the Parish
Monday:
10.00am: Mary Benson (RIP Anni)
Tuesday:
10.00am: Angela McIntyre (RIP)
Wednesday:
10.00am: Mossy Whelan (RIP)
Thursday:
CHURCH CLOSED
Friday:
10.00am: Alf Rossi (RIP)
Saturday:
10.00am: Ellie & Isaac Chadirchi (Ints)
6.00pm: People of the Parish