Catechesis Class – resumes on Tuesday 10th January 3.45 - 4.45pm (Term time). The classes are for children aged 4 – 11 and are carefully structured to provide them with the tenets of the Catholic faith: Mary, the Saints, Sacraments, and provide on going formation of their faith and social awareness. The Easter term is always busy and enjoyable.

The PACT Christmas lunch takes place at the URC on Christmas Day. Donations of wine, fruit juices, chocolates and mince pies etc would be very welcome. Help is also needed; as a host or hostess on a table, drivers to pick up and return guests and deliver meals to those unable to attend. If you can help please contact Yvonne Lawrence (01730 892780) or Anne Deakin-Hyde (01730 261486).

Mass of Thanksgiving for Bishop Crispian to mark his 75th birthday will be celebrated on Saturday 19th November in St John’s Cathedral 11:00am. At the end of the Mass a presentation of the money collected in the parishes will be presented to him. This will be followed by light refreshments in the hall. Six tickets for this event have been sent to the parish. These will be made available in pairs. If you would like your name to go forward to the draw please let the parish office know before next Sunday.

Gap Year Opportunity for voluntary work in Oaklands Catholic School. This is open to a student who has recently completed or in the process of completing their A-levels or equivalent or who has just finished University. The work will be primarily within the Chaplaincy Team starting in September 2011 for one academic year. A generous bursary is available for  living expenses. Contact Kay Hopkins Tel: 02392 259214.

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Young People (school Yr9 and older) - Preparation for Confirmation which takes place in St John’s Cathedral on Friday 10th June 7:30 pm. Preparation begins on the 14th April 5:00-5:45 pm in St Laurence Hall and continues each Thursday until the 9th June. By all means let parents encourage their children to receive this sacrament which completes Christian Initiation but, please, do not put unbearable pressure on a child who really does not want to take part at the moment. Enrolment cards are available from the church desk – return completed cards to the parish office. FrPH

The sets of envelopes for next year are now available at the back of St Laurence's. All gift aiders are reminded that they must be current taxpayers in order to participate in the scheme and should inform Sandy Sullivan if their circumstances change Also, would non-members of the scheme who are taxpayers please consider joining. Contact Sandy Sullivan 01730 300464 (sandysullivan@ntlworld.com)

The sets of envelopes for next year are now available at the back of St Laurence's. All gift aiders are reminded that they must be current taxpayers in order to participate in the scheme and should inform Sandy Sullivan if their circumstances change Also, would non-members of the scheme who are taxpayers please consider joining. Contact Sandy Sullivan 01730 300464 (sandysullivan@ntlworld.com)

The Womens’ World Day of Prayer Service which was held at St Laurences successfully brought together parishioners and clergy from the PACT community. It was a spiritual and colourful occasion following the theme initiated by the women of Chile ‘How Many Loaves Have You?’ and enhanced by the delicious Brioche prepared and baked by own Parish Priest – Fr. Hollins! The collection raised was £377.50 which will see an increase thanks to the many Gift Aided contributions. A big thank you to all those who helped tomake this a successful occasion.

General Intention: That the nations of Latin America may walk in fidelity to the Gospel and be bountiful in social justice and peace.

Missionary Intention: That the Holy Spirit may give light and strength to the Christian communities and the faithful who are persecuted or discriminated against because of the Gospel.