Pastoral Assistant

There is a vacancy for a Pastoral Assistant in the Parish.  Details of the position can be found on the notice boards or on the Diocesan website at www.rcdow.org.uk. All applications to be made through the Diocese.

Church Refurbishing

Having now repaired the church roof and renewed the guttering, our next major project will be the refurbishing of the interior of the Church.  One estimate for ?30,000.00, just for the re-painting  has been obtained, others will follow. Other areas to be considered will include new carpeting, refurbishment of the kneelers, servicing of the sound system, relocation of some of the statues etc. We could be looking at a figure in excess of ?50,000.00.

As with the fundraising for the church heating, we have produced Gift Aid envelopes especially for the refurbishing project.  If you are a taxpayer and would like your donation to be Gift Aided, please follow the instructions printed on the envelope which are available in the porches or Parish Office..  Thank you for your support.

Hymn Books

New hymn books have been ordered for the parish as we only have just over 200 left.  A small number of parishioners have suggested the idea that people could sponsor a hymn book to commemorate a special event anniversary, birth, marriage, etc, with details being printed in the hymn book.  Those names and intentions could then be remembered in prayer during our services.  Please let Fr Martin know if you are interested.

Parish Readers

Readers rotas are available for collection from the Sacristy.

Receiving Holy Communion

As a reminder, when receiving Holy Communion, please consume the Blessed Host at the altar and not walk away with the Body of Christ in your hand as some people seem to be doing.  Parents should please remind children of this practice. 

It is also expected to say ?Amen? after receiving the host and chalice.                 Thank you for your cooperation.

Eucharistic Ministers

There will be a meeting for Eucharistic Ministers on Monday 18th August at 8.00pm in the Claret Room.

First Communion & Confirmation 2009

Currently there is no information available.  Please keep checking this newsletter for updates.

For Sale . . . .

Nokia 7373 RRP ?50 (SIM card not included).

Sony Ericsson W880i RRP ?80 (SIM card not included)

Ladies Townsend Oregon Trail Bicycle (Second hand)

Offers for above considered.  Proceeds will go towards the painting of the Church etc. See Fr Martin for details.

"In the Footsteps of the Founder"

(A few places are still available)

To celebrate the bi-centenary of the birth of St. Anthony Claret, a Pilgrimage "In the Footsteps of the Founder" has been organised from Saturday 11th to Monday 20th October 2008.  The total cost is ?650.00.

To obtain a booking form please contact Fr. John O'Byrne cmf, Buckden Towers , Buckden, St. Neots, Cambs. PE19 5TA. Telephone 01480 810344 or email john@claret.org.uk. Cheques to be made payable to Claretian Missionaries Trust.

CAFOD Supporters Day  - Saturday 13th September

 CAFOD invites you to their annual supporters' day at their office at Romero Close in Stockwell. The day is an opportunity to find out about CAFOD's work overseas and particularly the projects they are focusing on this Harvest Fast Day. It is also an ideal time to share an enjoyable day with other volunteers who promote CAFOD in their parishes.

Please contact the CAFOD Westminster office to book a place or for further information call 0208 449-6970 or westminster@cafod.org.uk

Parish Garden Party

A Garden Party in support of  Mission Belize and the Building Fund will be held in the garden of Botwell House on Sunday 24th August, commencing at 1.00pm?food and drink available. 

Please come along and support this popular annual event.                    

Claretian Family Day

This annual event will take place on Bank Holiday Monday 25th August at Buckden Towers , an opportunity to join those from other Claretian parishes round the country. 

A coach has been booked, cost is ?10 per adult??5 per child. 

If you would like to join in this celebration, please leave your name and details in the Parish Office. 

The coach will be leaving from Botwell at 10.00am to arrive at Buckden by 12 noon, departing from Buckden at approx. 5.30pm for the return trip to Hayes.

You will need to pay for your seats at the time of booking and please book early to avoid disappointment.