150TH ANNIVERSARY
Cormac Cardinal Murphy O'Connor celebrated the 10.30am Mass on Sunday 13th April, as part of our 150th Anniversary celebrations. It was a wonderful occasion to have our Archbishop with us with the church packed out to welcome him and to hear him preach. Eight parishioners joined the Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes for the 150th Anniversary celebrations there, whilst eight of our young people flew to Sydney for World Youth Day. Our Flower Festival took place in late September with many visitors donating over £750 to church funds. 26 of us went on parish pilgrimage to Walsingham on 18th October whilst Bishop George Stack came to celebrate the 10.30am Mass on Sunday 19th October (the laying of the Foundation Stone by Francis Cardinal Wiseman took place on 18th October 1858). Saturday 15th November sees us trtavel to the Cathdral for a Mass in the Chantry Chapel of our Founder, Herbert Cardinal Vaughan. We finish our year of celebrations with a parish mission from 29th November to 8th December to be given by the Fransiscan Friars of the Atonement. Further details in due course but in the meantime all are welcome to come and visit our beautiful church, open dawn to dusk on most days. 

MISSION 2008 29TH NOVEMBER TO 8TH DECEMBER 
To be led by the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal:
This 150th Anniversary of both the building of our parish church and the appearing of Our Lady to St Bernadette at Lourdes invites us to renew our own faith. You are invited to this Mission which will help us to grow in our Christian Faith. It will be a time to deepen our commitment to Christ and his Church. It may be an opportunity to reconnect with the parish, to return to the Sacraments, to renew your promises to Christ through your own Baptism, Confirmation, Marriage or promises made at your child's Baptism. All of us in one way or another need that encouragement to come closer to Christ. This Mission aims to help. You are invited to all or some of it. Come and hear the Friars, but be prepared to be challenged and surprised as they present our Catholic Faith in their own way, for the 21st Century and in the spirit of love for the Gospel so marked in the life of St Francis of Assisi.

The Mission will also honour Our Lady, by being a pilgrimage of Faith, experiencing the gift of Lourdes - but at a distance. To adapt the words of G K Chesterton in the introduction of his book "Orthodoxy" - "What could be more delightful than to have all the excitement of going abroad without the disgusting necessity of the travel and expense. To set out to visit somewhere strange and new and to discover you have come home again!"

Recent events in the economic world have led many people and institutions to a profound reassessment of finances, jobs, future, etc. The world can seem an uncertain place and Christ tells us not to put all our trust in material things. Our Faith allows us to be astonished at our world and yet at home. It can help us make sense of this world as our home, only if we recognise the existence of another home and another Father.

PROGRAMME
Weekend of 29th/30th November
Franciscan Friars of the Renewal will speak at all Massesinviting people to the Mission.
Monday 1st December
12.15pm MASS and Novena Prayers.
  7.30pm Service in Church: THE GIFT OF BAPTISM
An invitation to renew our baptismal promises and celebrate the baptism of a new Christian.
Tuesday 2nd December
12.15pm MASS and Novena Prayers.
  7.30pm Service in Church: THE GIFT OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
A celebration led by our young people who attended this summer's Youth Meeting in Sydney - including the Confirmation of young adults.
Wednesday 3rd December
12.15pm MASS and Novena Prayers.
  7.30pm Service in Church: THE GIFT OF LIFE AND LOVE
A celebration of the Sacraments of Marriage and Holy Orders, focusing on our relationships in Christ.
Thursday 4th December
12.15pm MASS and Novena Prayers.
In the afternoon 2 Friars will visit St. Joseph's School.
6.00pm Young people invited to meet the Friars for a social meal in the Hall.
  7.30pm Service in Church: THE GIFT OF GOD'S MERCY
Reconciliation Service, Adoration and Confessions.
Friday 5th December
12.15pm MASS and Novena Prayers.
  7.30pm Service in Church: THE GIFT OF CHRIST'S HEALING
Preaching and Eucharistic Healing Procession.
Saturday/Sunday 6th & 7th December
The Friars will preach at all Masses: THE GIFT OF CHARITY
Collection of supplies to help the poor, see the Parish Newsletter for items needed.
Monday 8th December - Feast of the Immaculate Conception
  8.00pm MASS of the Immaculate Conception: THE GIFT OF OUR LADY
Thanking God for our Faith, our life in the Church and Mary, the Immaculate Conception.