I am sure it will not surprise you that over the last 24 hours there have been a number of emails and advice about how we can best respond to the death of Her Majesty the Queen and the accession of our King. We have also had some discussions within the Parish team and thought it would be helpful to share with you the current suggestions and the shape of our life together over the coming days.As a focus for our reflection and prayer in the Parish St Mary’s Church will remain open each day from 9am – 6pm and there will be an opportunity to be still, pray and light a candle. There are also prayer cards for you to use at home or in the Church.St Faith’s and St Wilfird’s will be open from time to time when there are other services or people in the building.The Flag at St Mary’s will be flown at Half Mast (except for from Sat 11am till Sun 1pm – when it will be flown at full height to mark the Accession of King Charles)Our Sunday Morning services this week (Sept 11th) will be Requiem Masses for her Majesty the Queen – we hope many of you will be able to join us for them. ( A reminder that St Faith’s is now meeting at 9.30am each Sunday).Our midweek Masses will continue as normal.Out of respect for the late Queen and the Royal Family, and to reflect the period of national mourning we will be cancelling all events for the next 10 days.This means the following will not now happenCoffee Mornings and Nearly New SaleTower OpenBar B Q LunchSponsored Bike RideFellowship LunchRoyal Marine School of Music ConcertOrgan RecitalHope into Action CelebrationFratton Family FestivalMusic Foundation ConcertSome of these may be re-arranged and details of this will follow.Small prayer groups and meetings will continueDetails are still to be confirmed but St Mary’s will probably be holding a Service of Commemoration for the Deanery on Sunday 18th at 3pm – this will be confirmed later.We are also sorry hear of the death of Jean Myles, a faithful member of St Wilfrid’s community. She will be fondly remembered and greatly missed.Please pray for the repose of her soul, and Her Majesty the Queen, and for all who mourn at this time.If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to be in touch.With best wishesFather Bob
Celebrate our Patronal with us ….Traditionally Churches celebrate ‘Patronal Festivals’ on the Saint’s day after which their church is named.Each year we celebrate around 15th August – the Feast of the Blessed Virgin Mary- and we do so by giving thanks for our community and celebrating the life we share together. This year we will be hosting a range of events and we hope there will be something for everyone to be able to come and celebrate with us.Do Something Different Day on Wednesday August 10th from 10.30am till 4pm An opportunity for those who may be living on their own, or unable to get away for a break to spend some time with other people and enjoying one another’s company. There will be a range of craft, games and activities in the morning – or just the chance to sit and chat over tea and coffee. There will then be a lunch and a film – and the day will end with afternoon tea and cake. If people want more information or would like to book a place then please phone 023 92 814444 – the cost of the refreshments and lunch is £5.Music and Dancing to a live bandOn Friday August 12th from 7.30pm onwards a local band ‘Limited S’ will be performing in the Church – and we hope people will both enjoy the music and join in dancing! Tickets are £5 adults (children are free) and those attending need to bring their own refreshments and drinks,Sunday August 14th Our Parish service at 10am (which we hope to hold outdoors in the Churchyard) Afterwards we will be hosting a picnic in the Churchyard (bring your own food) and a celebration of cycling. From 11.30am there will entertainment from the Mary Rose and Royal George Morris dancers (with Andrew and Alice!) and Pompey Pluckers and then at 2pm a short service when we will bless cyclists and their bikes. If you enjoy cycling come and join the celebration and give thanks for all who work to improve road safety as well as remembering those injured or killed on our roads.Monday Aug 15th Monday Men will meet wth Fr Rajiv at St Mary’s at 7pm.If you would be interested in joining this group or have some ideas as to what you would like the group to do in the Autumn then come along or contact Fr RajivWednesday Aug 17th 7pm Zoom Book ClubThe last of our Summer monthly gatherings to reflect on a book – contact Marie Lambert or Revd Sam for details of this month’s book and how to joinLooking ahead note for your diarySunday Aug 28th there will only be 2 Parish services at 8 & 10am at St Mary’s on that day (no services at St Faith’s or St Wilfrid’s)Saturday Sept 3rd There will be a Monday Men Pitch and Putt at the 10th Hole starting at 8am and followed by Breakfast …Saturday Sept 10th There will be Coffee Mornings at St Faith’ sand St Wilfrid’s from 10am – Noon and a Nearly New Sale and Tower Open at St Mary’s for the Historic Churches Bikes Ride (sponsor some of our Ministry Team as they cycle on the Sunday – or even join them!)Sunday Sept 11th Noon Parish Bar B Q at St Mary’s Hope to see you at one or more of these celebrationsBest wishesFather Bob
