MASSES AND OTHER INFORMATION
Please visit the Mass Times page for more information on Mass times and other events, or click here.
PARISH OFFICE OPENING HOURS
The parish office opening hours are from 8.15am to 12.15pm Tuesday to Friday. Closed on Bank Holidays and on Wednesday 26th March.
REFLECTION
Today in the Gospel we will hear the words of Christ: “Unless you repent you will all likewise perish.” To repent means to be converted, and conversion is the starting point of every spiritual journey and is a prerequisite for entry into the Kingdom of God. It implies that we recognise the presence of sin in our lives and our world. Some of us may say we have no sins, at least no serious ones in our lives. But what about our sins of omission? What about the good we could do but which we don’t do?
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It isn’t the things you do
it’s the things you leave undone,
which give you a little heartache
at the setting of the sun.
The gentle word forgotten,
the letter you didn’t write,
the flowers you might have sent,
are your haunting ghosts tonight.
The stone you may have lifted,
out of your brother’s way,
the little heart-felt counsel
you were hurried too much to say.
The tender touch of the hand,
the gentle and kindly tone,
which we have no time or thought for,
with troubles enough of our own.
(Adapted from ‘The Sin of Omission’ by Margaret E Sangster)
JUBILEE REFLECTION: TIME FOR RENEWAL
This jubilee year is a time for renewal, reflection, and grace, encouraging Catholics to embark on a journey of faith and transformation, focusing on hope and mercy. The St Vincent de Paul Society (SVP) encourages us to reflect on the challenges in our communities and consider how we can act with Christ-like mercy. It’s all about looking at the world through a lens of hope and taking action to make things better. The people around us come in all shapes, sizes, backgrounds and with different needs. Pray that the Lord will help us to share His love with those who feel they don’t belong or are alone, so that through us and the time, talents and resources given to us, God’s transforming love, compassion and concern may be experienced by others.
ABINGDON CIVIC SERVICE
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This year the annual Civic Service will be held here at Our Lady & St Edmund this Sunday 23rd March at 2pm. We will welcome the Mayor and Town Council, a rare privilege for us. Please do come along to support.
LENTEN FUNDRAISING EVENT
On Sunday 30th March after the 8.45am and 10.15am Masses, there will be an opportunity to enjoy a hot bacon or sausage roll, (vegetarian and vegan choices also available), tea, coffee or juice will also available. This is such a great event and is back by popular demand! Also, on that day we will hold our Produce Sale. Could you bake a cake or other family favourite to sell at our Sale? Biscuits, chutneys, jams, pickles or other preserves or edible goodies will be gratefully received. Cakes, and other items can be dropped off at the Parish Centre any time after 8.30am on 30th March. Thank you.
OUR CHARITY SELECTIONS
Thank you for the 8 charities proposals that were submitted for consideration for this year’s fundraising. After careful consideration, the PPC have agreed on 2 charities to support this year:
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ROSY CHARITY: which is part of the NHS Trust for Oxfordshire and the Community Nursing Service, working particularly with families of children, who have life limiting, complex and sometimes palliative conditions, which require specialist clinical nursing interventions.
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AFRICAN ADVENTURES: based in 29 schools in Ghana, Kenya and Zanzibar, offering the opportunity for young volunteers to make a real difference to themselves and the schools they will work in.
​​Please consider ways you could raise money for our two charities, and send your suggestions to the PPC via the office. You can also view more information and make a donation here.
WE DARE TO HOPE
For our Jubilee Year, and with Lent, Sr Hyacinthe OP and the Dominican Sisters of St Joseph, have prepared five sessions and reflections on the mystery of Christian Hope. Entitled We Dare to Hope, the resources help us, through beautiful prayers and reflections, to encounter the Hope which Christ Jesus offers each and every one of us. You can download a copy using the link here.
ONLINE LENTEN RETREAT
The annual retreat from Jesuit Centre Glasgow began on Ash Wednesday. The theme for the Lent retreat is the “Fruits of the Spirit”. Last year this was very successful but filled up quickly. You can access the wonderful resource of prayers here. You can also register to join a Lent group here.
CATECHISTS LENT DAYS OF PRAYER
The Vicariate for Evangelisation will be hosting three online events during Lent for Catechists across the diocese. These events offer a chance to connect with other catechists, share experiences, and find inspiration to hand on the faith in our parishes. Each event will begin at 7:30 PM and last for one hour. Catechists can choose from the following remaining events based on their area of catechesis:
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Thursday 20th March (Marriage Preparation and Baptism)
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Thursday 3rd April (Confirmation and RCIA)
To sign up for these events, please click here.
SECOND/RETIRING COLLECTION
The retiring collection on Sunday 30th March is for the Clergy Assistance Fund.
REFLECTION DAYS AND WORKSHOPS
Douai Abbey are offering a number of reflection days and workshops, and a list of what is available for the next 6 months can be viewed and downloaded here.
FRIDAY PRAYER GROUP MEETING
We will be exploring the theme of "The Unfathomable Mercy of God" through the charism of Sister Faustina, focusing on her prayers, including the Novena and Chaplet of Mercy. Please join us on Friday 28th March at 7.30pm in the parish centre.
JOURNEYING TOGETHER IN FAITH
All sessions take place in the Parish Centre on Tuesdays from 7.30pm to 9pm. These sessions are suitable for any adult with an enquiring mind who wishes to journey further in their faith. It is also suitable for anyone who has completed the RCIA or ALPHA course. Everyone is welcome to attend any or all of the sessions if you have not been on the JTiF course before. All sessions will comprise of a video, reflection, discussion, prayer, and a chance to ask questions. Refreshments (tea, coffee, biscuits) will be provided. Please feel free to invite others to these sessions. The current dates and programme can be downloaded here.
KEEP IN YOUR PRAYERS
Please keep in your prayers the 31 children (and their families) preparing for their First Holy Communion this year.
As a parish, we encourage you to please continue to support the Abingdon Food Bank. However, for practical reasons, and because nearly all supermarkets now have collection points as you leave their premises - making it easier for you to place your donations, please do not leave your contributions in our church. Other collection points are at:
Abingdon Community Fridge fights food waste by redistributing surplus food from local businesses and members of the community. The Abingdon Community Fridge is open to all. For more information visit their Facebook page here, or email info@abingdoncommunityfridge.org.uk
They are located at Hadland Road Community Centre, OX14 3YH and open on:
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Mondays: 4.00-4.30pm
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Thursdays: 1.00-2.00pm
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Saturdays: 10.30-11.30am
The Community Fridge is in need of funding to continue its work (hire of hall, insurance, food safety training for volunteers, etc.). To donate, please use this link here, or contact margaretdhancox@gmail.com
PARISH NEWSLETTERS
Items for the newsletter should be sent to the parish office (abingdon@portsmouthdiocese.org.uk) by the Wednesday of each week please. Copies are available in the church and on this website here. Please keep contributions as brief as possible and please take newsletters home with you. Thank you.
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DIOCESAN NEWS
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To keep up to date with the news of the Diocese and the Bishop please follow on:
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E- News: use the link here. (subscription service available)
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Facebook: @PortsmouthRC
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Twitter: @PortsmouthRC
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The Diocese website: https://www.portsmouthdiocese.org.uk/
If you would like to share news with the rest of the Diocese, please contact: communications@portsmouthdiocese.org.uk
HOLY FATHER'S MESSAGE FOR LENT
In his message for Lent, Pope Francis recalls the biblical Exodus of the people of Israel from Egypt to the Promised Land. Yet our lives too are a journey - one that should be directed toward God. A fundamental aspect of the Lenten Message is the emphasis on community and synodality - the idea that Christians must walk together rather than in isolation. You can read his full message here.
PRAYER FOR VOCATIONS
Heavenly Father, I ask for your strength and support as I face the challenges of my vocation. May your grace sustain me through difficulties and obstacles. Give me faith to trust in your plan. Help me to rely on your strength rather than my own. And let your power be made perfect in my weakness (Philip 4:13). God, I seek your strength and courage on my journey. Empower me to face every obstacle with faith, knowing that with your help I can overcome any challenge. Amen.
JUBILEE YEAR OF HOPE
The Holy Father has designated that 2025 is a year of Jubilee, something which happens every 25 years. This is a time to re-establish a proper relationship with God, with one another, and with all of creation. The theme for this jubilee is “Pilgrims of Hope” and is a year of hope for a world suffering the impacts of war, the ongoing effects of COVID-19 pandemic, and a climate crisis. The following shrine churches have been chosen by Bishop Philip as particular places of pilgrimage within our diocese: St Thomas, Jersey; Bournemouth Oratory; St John’s Cathedral, Portsmouth; St Edmund’s, Southampton; St James and St William of York, Reading; St Joseph’s, Guernsey. You can find information and resources for the year from CAFOD here and from the Bishops Conference of England and Wales here.
LENTEN FUNDRAISING UPDATES
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A big thank you to all those who made donations at the Soup Supper after our evening Mass on Ash Wednesday. Together, we raised £300 for our Lenten fundraising projects - a wonderful start!
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The St Patrick's celebration on 15th March and then refreshments on the Sunday raised a total of £1,585.00 towards the Lenten projects. Again, a big thank you to all.
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The Curry Night organised on 19th March raised a further magnificent £630. Thank you to all who cooked, prepared, cleared up and contributed in any way.
GOLF - LENTEN PROJECTS FUNDRAISING EVENT
We will be holding our annual golf day again this year on Monday 7th April at Drayton Park. Once again a big thank you to Mary McKenna for letting us hold the event free of charge and to Ian for all his assistance on the day. We will be meeting up from 9am for tea/coffee and bacon rolls and the first t time is 10am. There will be the usual format of teams of 4 players with the best two scores to count on each hole. There will be prizes for the best two teams plus three nearest the pin prizes. The cost will be £25 for the day. We usually get terrific support from our golfers for this very worthy event. Please book in with Terry Murphy 07584 248169 or email terry.murphy62@yahoo.co.uk
BIG LENT WALK
You are invited to join CAFOD’s Big Lent Walk and journey together with Catholics in England, Wales and Scotland as Pilgrims of Hope in this Jubilee Year - walking 200km over 40 days during Lent. Journey to one of the churches or shrines designated as places of pilgrimage in our diocese as part of your Big Lent Walk. Every £1 you raise will support communities like Lokho’s in Kenya, experiencing the worst impact of the climate crisis, to rebuild their lives in hope. Click here for more info. and to sign up.
CATHOLIC MEN
Looking for Faith, Friendship, and Fun? The Catenians could be your perfect match! We're an international network of Catholic men who meet regularly to support each other, strengthen our faith, and – most importantly – have a great time together.
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Think: Family events, social gatherings, sporting activities, and more!
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We offer: Strong friendships, support for your faith and family, a chance to give back to the community.
Ready to learn more? Scan the QR code above or visit our website here. Local South Oxfordshire contact: enquiries@oxfordshire-catenians.uk We look forward to welcoming you!
VACANCY AT ST EDMUND'S SCHOOL
We are looking for a full-time Key Stage 2 Teacher to join our friendly and efficient team and who would be supportive of our school mission statement and the Catholic ethos of our school. Calls to discuss this position further with our Headteacher, Mrs Erika Kirwan are encouraged and warmly welcomed. Please contact the School on Ab. 521558 to request an application pack.
BISHOP PHILIP'S SIX HOLY HABITS
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To attend Mass every Sunday;
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To spend five minutes a day in prayer, using the Gospel of the day;
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To keep Friday as a day of penance and charity;
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To pay a visit once a fortnight to Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament;
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To celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation once a month or so; and
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To join a small group for formation, prayer and fellowship.
CHILDRENS' MASSES - CALLING ALL FAMILIES
We will continue holding a Children's Mass on the first Sunday of every month during school term-time.
SUMMER CAMP FOR BOYS
The Diocesan Don Bosco Boys' Camp will once again be held this summer for boys who are currently in Year 6 Primary school to Year 11 Secondary school. It will take place at St. Cassian’s, Kintbury. There will be plenty of sport, outings, competitions and fun and games to ensure that boys will have a fantastic time. This will continue to take place within the context of the celebration of the Catholic Faith, including daily Mass and morning prayer. The cost of the camp is £230 (part bursaries may be available on application). For more information please see here or email dbcamps@portsmouthdiocese.org.uk
OPEN DOORS
Open Doors takes place on Mondays from 11am to 2pm in the Parish Centre and runs every Monday, except Bank Holidays. We offer tea/coffee, lunch (served at 12.15pm) and friendly conversation to anyone in the Parish or local community who is on their own or would like more company.
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During January, February and March, Open Doors will also be offering a warm space to those who need it during the winter months and session times will be extended slightly to run from 10.30am to 2.30pm every Monday.
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Can you spare a few hours on a Monday on a rota basis to support our parish Open Doors initiative? We need volunteers to help at the sessions or to cook lunch. If you can help, please contact Berny Pratt on 01235 525257. Thank you.
ARE YOU IN NEED OR WANT TO HELP OTHERS?
For nearly two centuries the St Vincent de Paul Society (SVP) has been seeking and finding those in need and responding in love. As well as visits, we can offer practical and financial help where possible. We always maintain confidentiality. Our SVP members meet every fortnight on a Wednesday evening. If you are in need or know someone who is, do contact our parish SVP group via the parish office and we will see what we can do to help. Equally, if you would like to get involved in any way, please do contact us.
PARISH REPORT
There is so much going on in our parish and perhaps you are not aware of most of it. Why not read the report for the last year.... You can view and download our parish annual report for 2024 by clicking on the image above or selecting the link here. There are also still some copies available on the table at the back of the church,
LITURGY WEBSITE AND UPCOMING COURSES
The Diocese now have a Liturgy website, which provides reflection, guidance and a chance to ask questions. You can access by clicking on the image above.
NEW TO THE PARISH? OR CHANGED ADDRESS?
We warmly welcome all new parishioners who have joined our parish in the last year. Please do make yourselves known if you have not already done so, and also let us know if you would like to contribute to parish life in any way. If you have already registered with us, but have changed your address or contact details, please also let us know. Forms and other information are available on our website here to register. Forms and other information are also available in the porch at our church. You can view and download our welcome booklet here.
'YOU WILL BE MY WITNESSES' PRAYER
O Lord, graciously look down upon us your servants and upon our work to build Your Holy Church here in this place. Enlighten our minds and lead us into all truth as we seek to do Your will. Abundantly bless our labours, that Your Holy Church may serve You ever more faithfully to the glory of Your Holy name. Through Christ our Lord, Amen.
GIFT AIDING YOUR MONETARY DONATIONS
If you aren't doing so already, please consider gift aiding your donations – it makes them all the more worthwhile, because if you tell us that you pay tax in the UK, then we can claim back 25% from the Government - that's 25p for every £1 you give! You can do so by filling in the yellow form available at the back of the church or online on our website here. Thank you.
JOB VACANCIES IN OUR DIOCESE
All current vacancies in the Catholic Diocese of Portsmouth can be viewed here.