First Scrutiny and Presentation of the Creed

This Sunday, during the 10.00am Mass, we will celebrate the first of three Scrutinies with Levi Roach, who will be baptised at the Easter Vigil. The Scrutinies, which form the last steps as an adult approaches the celebration of baptism, complete the conversion of the Elect (those who have gone through the Rite of Election at the Cathedral) and deepen their resolve to hold fast to Christ and to carry out their decision to love God above all. Following this First Scrutiny, Levi will also be solemnly presented with a copy of the Apostles Creed.

Eucharistic Adoration and the Sacrament of Confession

After Mass on Thursdays at St James during Lent, from 6.30-7.30pm, there will be a time of silent adoration of the Blessed Sacrament as well as another opportunity to celebrate the Sacrament of Confession in addition to 11.30am-12noon on Fridays.

10^th Anniversary of the Election of Pope Francis

This Monday, March 13, Pope Francis will be celebrating ten years of his pontificate. To highlight this important anniversary, the Digital Synod has launched a special online map featuring virtual lighted candles representing the prayers of the faithful worldwide for him. The map will be sent to him on his anniversary. To join the initiative, pledging to pray one or more “Hail Marys”, go to www.decimus-annus.org/site/index.

Communion under Both Kinds and the Sign of Peace

A s we become more used to living with Covid and continue to re-establish our parish and liturgical life, the Bishops of England and Wales have decided that the re-introduction of Holy Communion under both kinds, ie under the form of bread and under the form of wine, will take place from the Evening Mass of the Lord’s Supper on 6 April 2023. However, it must be stressed that the reception of Holy Communion under both kinds is not obligatory as our Catholic faith teaches that the totality of the Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity of the Lord is received in either or both kinds. Therefore, it will be for each person to choose whether she or he wishes to receive Holy Communion from the chalice. As before Covid, if you are aware that you are suffering from a cold or similar respiratory symptoms, you are asked to refrain from receiving Holy Communion from the chalice out of respect for others. Please note that it is NOT permitted for anyone in the congregation to “intinct” or dip their Host into the chalice when they come to receive Holy Communion. The Precious Blood must be drunk directly from the chalice or Communion received in one kind only.

Likewise, whilst respecting the wishes of those around you who may still now feel comfortable physically touching another person, we are now being encouraged to once again to extend our hand to those nearest to us when we offer the Sign of Peace.

Formation Day for Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion

A formation day for those who carried out the ministry of Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion prior to the Covid pandemic and would like to continue to do so, as well as for those who are interested in becoming an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion, will be held on Saturday 25 March, 10.00am-2.00pm in the Hall at St James. Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion assist with the distribution of Holy Communion at Mass and some also take the Eucharist to the sick and housebound. Please put your name on the sheet at the entrance to church if you would like to take part in the day.

CHAT Foodbank Donations Needed!

The CHAT Foodbank urgently needs donations, especially tins of meat, of fruit and of vegetables, and all cleaning products. The Foodbank is struggling to meet the increasing demand.

Homes for Ukraine

T here are still many Ukrainians looking to come to the UK to seek sanctuary from the war. Saint John of God Hospitaller Services (SJOG) and Caritas Social Action Network (CSAN) are offering a matching, training and support
service under the Homes for Ukraine Scheme.

If you would like to know more, Caritas and SJOG are holding an online event on Wednesday 22 March from 6.00-6.45pm.  To register, please follow this link:  https://forms.office.com/e/adH56azgaq or telephone Caritas on 01364 645360.

Easter Draw and “Name the Bunny”

The Friends of St James and St Boniface Easter Draw tickets are now on sale, £1 a ticket. Donations of chocolate, bottles and other goodies would be very welcome. Please leave them at the entrance to church.

Also, Canon Kristian has chosen a name for a 1000g Lindt chocolate bunny from a random list of 234 names. You can pick a name from the list for £1 and you might be the lucky winner of this magnificent Easter Bunny. The Easter Draw and the announcement of the winner of the Easter Bunny will take place on Thursday 6 April.

Great Big Diocesan Quiz

Our parish will be taking part in the Great Big Diocesan Quiz on Friday 28 April at 7.30pm. You are invited to form teams of four people to take part in the Quiz in the hall at St James. Please let Rosie know the details of your team at the Parish Office via email. The winning team will receive a little trophy and this event helps raise much needed funds for the Catholic Children’s Society.

200 Club

Congratulations to Tim Todd who won the £30 prize and to Annie Daniels who won the £20 prize in last weekend’s draw. The 200 Club is an ongoing fund raiser for the parish and new members can join for as little as £1 a month. Please speak to either Simon Coombs or Sheelagh Bourdon at St James or to Teresa Cummings at St Boniface.