The Parish Office will be closed for two weeks 18th-29th August, therefore we will be doing a double newsletter for the weekends of 9th/10th, 16th/17th August and to cover the 23rd/24th & 30th/31st August.

Please if you do have anything to go into The Messenger if you could send it in good time.

Either pop into the Parish Office or E-mail: office@catholic.org.gg

Thank you for your understanding.

Canon Chris’ leaving Mass will take place on Sunday 14th September at the 10:30am Mass in St Joseph’s followed by teas and coffees in the hall.

There will be no 9:15am Mass that day to enable as many as possible to attend.

Thank you to all who attended the Mass of thanksgiving for the 30th anniversary of Canon Chris’s ordination. It was a wonderful occasion.

Special thanks to all those who so generously contributed to the liturgy, provided food and set up and served. It was all greatly appreciated.

Rosary for the Beatification of Edel Quinn (Legion of Mary) will take place on Sunday 27th July at 2:00pm in St Joseph’s Parish Room.

The Holy Spirit Prayer Group will be meeting on Monday 28th July from 7:30pm-9:00pm in St Joseph’s Parish Room.

Tea/Coffee available from 7:00pm.

This will be a normal Prayer Group meeting as there is no ‘Adoration’ this month.

Everyone is welcome!

We are having an afternoon tea party in aid of Breast Cancer Now, a research and support Charity to be held on Saturday 02nd August from 2:30pm-5:30pm at Tony & Marian Falla’s barn, Les Querites Castel.

Everyone is welcome, so come along and spend me with others and enjoy being on the west coast. Plenty of parking.

Please contact Tel: 07781 438077 or E-mail: tomar@cwgsy.net for more information.

Cordier Hill will be open from Sunday 27th July with roadworks on Upper Vauvert to commence on Monday 28th July.

Part time catering assistant (11:00am-2:00pm) – term time only for September 2025

We are seeking to recruit a Catering Assistant to support the preparation and serving of nutritionally balanced lunches for students. Deadline for applications: Friday 15th August 2025.

For further details of these roles and how to apply, please contact Mrs Tracy Feehan (Principal’s PA): Tel: 237200 / Email: recruitment@blanchelande.sch.gg

www.blanchelande.co.uk

Dear Friends,

In the aftermath of the war, the situation remains difficult… In the face of this reality, we at the Crèche in Bethlehem continue to uphold our social and professional traditions and pursue our mission of protection and care with determination, just as we always have. In fact, our mission has expanded to meet the growing needs of vulnerable children whether abandoned or deprived of a family environment both within the institution itself and through the services of the Social Services Department of the Daughters of Charity of Saint Vincent in Bethlehem. Travel between cities in the West Bank remains extremely difficult due to the many checkpoints and roadblocks that isolate them from one another. This reality has even affected the arrival and admission of some children, as well as unmarried pregnant young women. Some of these women were referred to us by official authorities and we were able to welcome a few of them to provide the care and support they need – like the five sisters from the same family in the northern region, and other similar cases. Thanks to God and all the friends of the Crèche, we continue our mission and ensure the best for our children, even to spoil them a little. Let us pray together for peace throughout the world… Our next collection will go to support the work of the sisters in these tragic times. Please also pray for them and the children.

Many thanks Angela

From the States Traffic & Highways from Saturday 19th July to Sunday 27th July (Inclusive), Cordier Hill road will be closed for re-surfacing, therefore no access to Ampthill House, the school or the small car park by the school playground.

Please park in our car park on La Couperderie, Queens Road Medical Practice car park (SUNDAYS only) or use other car parks further afield e.g. Odeon Car Park.

If you would like more information then please do see the states website which is www.roadworks.gov.gg

The Holy Spirit Prayer Group will be meeting on Monday 21st July from 7:30pm-9:00pm in St Joseph’s Parish Room.

Tea/Coffee available from 7:00pm.

Everyone is welcome.

The next coffee morning will be on Wednesday 23rd July and on every 2nd and 4th Wednesday of the month in St Joseph’s Parish Room.

Drop in any time between 9:30am-11:30am for coffee, cake and a chat.

Everyone is welcome!

The flower team at St Joseph’s wish to sincerely thank the person who left the box of flower vases for church use.

We would like to wish all the Teachers and Students a wonderful Summer break.

Thank you so much for all of your hard work we love and appreciate you all so much.

We wish every family a very peace-filled and restful holiday.

God bless you all +

The Parish Befrienders are having a summer tea party for housebound or elderly parishioners on Thursday 21st August from 3:00pm-4:30pm at Les Cotils.

Invitations will go out soon so if you or someone you know would like to come, please contact Meg on 252401 or Angela 07781 112 221 or the Parish Office.

Transport can be arranged.

Only one Priest is available from the 20th July – 02nd August therefore the holiday Mass schedule will apply.

Mass Times for the Weekend 26th/27th July

6:00pm – Our Lady Star of the Sea (First Mass of Sunday)

8:00am – St. Josephs

10:30am – St. Josephs

6:00pm – Notre Dame Du Rosaire

Canon Chris 30th Anniversary of Ordination – Mass of Thanksgiving on the 18th July at 6:00pm in St Joseph’s Church.

The priestly journey demands immense sacrifice and unwavering dedication to Gods work. Recognizing this is not only an opportunity to offer gratitude but also to highlight the indispensable quality of sacrifice and dedication required in our own spiritual lives. Our Mass of thanksgiving for the Priesthood of Canon Chris will be a wonderful opportunity for the entire parish to come together to celebrate and to give thanks.

For those who are able refreshments will be available afterwards in the Parish garden or hall (weather depending). If you are able to bring a small plate of savoury or sweet finger food for Canon Chris’s post Mass reception please drop it into the Parish Office during the day or the Parish Room before the Mass. Pre-packaged food would be welcome for those that are able, as it would be easier to take leftovers to the food bank. Please do make every effort to celebrate with us!

The Holy Spirit Prayer Group will be meeting on Monday 14th July from 7:30pm-9:00pm in St Joseph’s Parish Room.

Tea/Coffee available from 7:00pm.

Everyone is welcome.

Parish Schola Summer Concert & Soiré Peace … Joy … Love … Hope … Unity – Saturday 16th August at 7:00pm in St Joseph’s Church.

Join us for a light and joyful me of uplifting music featuring popular hymns reshaped especially for our Guernsey audience – designed for you to join in and sing along! The Parish Schola and guests will perform summer melodies and sacred songs, celebrating peace, joy, love, hope and unity.

After the concert, enjoy an evening of cheese, wine and warm fellowship in the presbytery garden under the summer sky.

Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament and Adoration will resume after the summer Holidays in September.

An appeal please for a few more volunteers to join the Notre Dame cleaning rota. Unfortunately due to ill health and advancing years some of us are finding it difficult to fulfil commitments. If anyone who regularly attends mass at Notre Dame (or indeed any of the Church masses) feels they may be able to help out (usually once every 6 to 8 weeks, depending on numbers of volunteers) please give me a call or email me. Your help would be very much appreciated. My phone number is 07781 155892 and email is megalfie@icloud.com.

We are pleased to tell you that Father Benedict Ndikum will join us at the end of September.

We keep him in our prayers.

Have you got something you would like to share with the parish community? If so let us share the good news on our weekly newsletter.

All entries to be in by Thursday Lunchtime. Pop into the Parish Office or e-mail us office@catholic.org.gg.

Le Platon Lottery Results – June

1st – 27 – £100

2nd – 35 – £50

3rd – 49 – £25

Dear Parishioners of Our Lady and the Saints of Guernsey, tt is that time of year when our bishop organises the clergy moves for the coming year. This year our bishop has found it particularly difficult as 5 priests have retired and the sudden death Canon Gerard Flynn. We have only one ordination to the priesthood this year. The moves this year affect our parish. Canon Chris will be leaving the island in September to become Parish Priest and Dean in Andover. Fr Inna will remain in Guernsey for one more year as Acting Parish Priest and Dean. In September 2026 he will move to the mainland. An assistant priest has been appointed and will be here in September, but I cannot say who it is at the moment. I have really enjoyed my 5 years with you as Parish priest and I shall miss you all. Thank you for your friendship, love and concern. A little piece of Guernsey will be with me forever. Please pray for Fr Inna as he comes to terms with his new role. He will do well!

God bless,

À la perchôine!

Canon Chris

If you are able when shopping please do consider buying one or two extra items and placing them into the tubs at the back of our Churches.

Non perishable food is always required. In particular sugar, jams and cans of custard/rice pudding.

The Holy Spirit Prayer Group will be meeting on Monday 7th July from 7:30pm-9:00pm in St Joseph’s Parish Room.

Tea/Coffee available from 7:00pm.

Everyone is welcome.

The UCM will meet on 8th July at 7:00pm in St Josephs Parish Room.

There will be a talk by Eric Grimsley who will give an overview regarding the pandemics.

There will also be a raffle.

The next coffee morning will be on Wednesday 9th July and on every 2nd and 4th Wednesday of the month in St Joseph’s Parish Room.

Drop in any time between 9:30am-11:30am for coffee, cake and a chat.

Everyone is welcome!

The rota for the period 13th July to 31st August 2025 is available in the sacristy, please collect after Mass.

All rotas can also be found on the Parish Website.

Next month Canon Chris will be celebrating 30 years of Priesthood. We can’t let this great occasion pass by and so will be having a Mass of thanksgiving on Friday 18th July at 6:00pm in St Josephs Church.

This will be followed by refreshments afterwards in the garden or hall (weather depending).

Do make a diary note and more details will follow.

Rosary for the beatification of Edel Quinn (Legion of Mary) will take place on Sunday 29th June at 2:00pm in St Joseph’s Parish Room.

The Holy Spirit Prayer Group will be having an evening of ‘ADORATION’ on Monday 30th June from 7:30pm-9:00pm and then on the following last Monday of every month.

This month it will take place in St Joseph’s Church. There will be some hymns followed by silent ‘Adoration’.

Prayer ministry will be available for anyone who would like individual prayer.

Tea/Coffee will be available from 7:00pm in St Josephs Parish Room and we will then go over to the church.

Everyone is welcome, either for the whole evening or for part of the time.

The PTFA warmly invites all parishioners and families to the summer fayre taking place on Friday 4th July from 3:30pm-6:00pm.

BBQ with lots of entertainment for all ages. Animal experiences, games and much more; licensed bar!

Rue Des Monts, St Sampson, GY2 4HU.

The UCM will meet on the 8th July at 7:30pm in St Josephs Parish Room.

There will be a talk by Eric Grimsley more details to follow

Parish Schola Summer Concert & Soirée on Saturday 16th August from 7:00pm at St Joseph’s Church.

More details to follow.

A big thank you to everyone who so generously donates to the food bank. The need to support those struggling in our community remains great. If you don’t already contribute and are able to, please consider buying an extra item when shopping and drop it into one of the baskets at the back of our Churches.

The rota for the period 13th July to 31st August 2025 will be available in the sacristy, please collect after Mass.

Only one Priest is available from the 23rd June – 5th July therefore the holiday Mass schedule will apply.

Mass Times for the Weekend 28/29th June

6:00pm – Our Lady Star of the Sea (First Mass of Sunday)

8:00am – St. Josephs

10:30am – St. Josephs

6:00pm – Notre Dame Du Rosaire

Please also note the earlier start time (9:30am) of the morning Mass on Saturday 28th June.

On this feast day, we give special thanks and praise to God for the sublime gift of His Body and Blood that Christ left us at the Last Supper. Our First Holy Communicants will lead the procession at the 10:30am St Joseph’s Mass sprinkling petals along the way to Our Lady’s Grotto in the Presbytery garden (weather permitting).

We invite The First Holy Communion Children to come in their Communion attire.

Congregation on Sunday – it would be gratefully appreciated if you are able to please bring along some baskets/bags of petals for the procession. Thank you!

The Life in the Spirit seminars continue on Monday 23rd June with week 7 – ‘Transformation’

This will be in St Joseph’s Parish Room, starting at 7:30pm with a light supper available at 7:00pm.

The next coffee morning will be on Wednesday 25th June and on every 2nd and 4th Wednesday of the month in St Joseph’s Parish Room.

Drop in any time between 9:30am-11:30am for coffee, cake and a chat.

Everyone is welcome!

The rota for the period 29th June to 12th October 2025 will be available in the sacristy, please collect after Mass.

“I completed the Welsh 3000 Challenge last Saturday and covered the 15 peaks in under 21 hours. I must admit that this was the hardest event I have ever been involved with. The weather was horrendous, but that made me more determined to complete this challenge for the sake of the two charities, Guernsey Society for Cancer Relief and Guernsey Community Nurses. I would like to thank all those who sponsored me as well as supporting me with your prayers. May God bless you all.” David Cusack

Assist with your spirit of Counsel and fortitude the people of Guernsey as they elect the new States of Deliberation. May the chosen Deputies be conducted in righteousness and be eminently useful for the people they serve. May they have respect for virtue and religion, may they execute law with justice and mercy, may they seek to restrain crime, vice and immorality and strive for harmony and peace. Amen

The Life in the Spirit Seminars continue on Monday 16th June with week 6 – ‘Growth’.

This will be in St Joseph’s Parish Room starting at 7:30pm with a light supper available at 7:00pm.

LAUDATO SI GROUP

Meeting on Monday 16th June at 7:00pm in the St Yves Parish Room, St Joseph’s.

All are welcome to come along and find out more about the group.

TIPS TO REDUCE YOUR PLASTIC

Choose loose produce: most supermarket stores offer a range of loose produce including potatoes, carrots, broccoli, apples etc

The Celebration of First Holy Communions will take place on Saturday 21st June at 10:00am in St Josephs Church.

Let us keep all the First Communicants in our prayers.

Discover the secret of the Shrine of the Sacred Heart at Fort Hommet, Vazon of a WW2 bunker by Hubert Le Galloudec transformed from a place of war into a place of peace and beauty using local seashells.

Open every Saturday and Tuesday 2:00pm-4:00pm weather permitting.

Free entry, donations welcome.

www.sacredheart.org.gg

If anyone has a little bit of time to spare and would like to help with the upkeep and running of the iconic Little Chapel they would be most welcome.

Please contact the Chapel team via admin@thelittlechapel.gg.

Saint Michael, the Archangel, defend us in battle; be our protection against the wickedness and snares of the devil. May God rebuke him, we humbly pray, and do thou, O Prince of the Heavenly Host, by the Power of God, thrust into Hell, Satan and all the other evil spirits, who prowl throughout the world, seeking the ruin of souls. Amen.

The Life in the Spirit seminars continue on Monday 9th June with week 5 – ‘Praying for Baptism in the Holy Spirit’

This will be in St Joseph’s Parish Room, starting at 7:30pm with a light supper available at 7:00pm.

The next coffee morning will be on Wednesday 11th June and on every 2nd and 4th Wednesday of the month in St Joseph’s Parish Room.

Drop in any time between 9:30am-11:30am for coffee, cake and a chat.

Everyone is welcome!

The Forest Parish Church is hosting a series of four summer concerts. They all start at 7:30pm and will last about an hour with refreshments being provided.

Free entry with retiring collections at each event. Parking is available in the church car park and Forest Stores.

Please see Church noticeboards for concert dates and line ups.

First Holy Communion Gifts can be purchased from the Repository at St. Joseph’s Church.

Le Platon Lottery results of the May draw –

1st – 87 – £100

2nd – 7 – £50

3rd – 5 – £25

“Come Holy Spirit Come”

On the day of Pentecost, God pours out the Spirit upon the earth.

Acts 2:1–21

The Life in the Spirit Seminars continue on Monday 2nd June with week 4 – ‘Receiving God’s gift’.

This will be in St Joseph’s Parish Room starting at 7:30pm with a light supper available at 7:00pm.

The new Tea/Coffee rota beginning 6th July is now available in the folder in the Sacristy. Grateful thanks to all who are on the rota.

Thank you to our Scholars Pamela & Phil Moon for The Shroud of Turin exhibition which really was a great success, we especially want to thank Deacon Mark for all of his hard work that he has dedicated to make this happen. We are so grateful for all you do, so thank you so much. Thank you also for all your kind donations.

Our next concert in St Saviour’s church will be on Friday 13th June at 7:30pm with the The Accidentals. Their last appearance at St Saviour’s was in 2020, so we are particularly delighted to welcome them back!! As usual, no tickets, free refreshments and a retiring collection. An added bonus is that this will be during our church Flower Festival. If you can’t make the concert on the Friday night perhaps you would like to come to the Tea Party on Thursday 12th June, 3:00-5:00pm in the church with lots of cake! Or come to both! Everybody is welcome.

JUBILEE PILGRIMAGE TO LOURDES

Join Bishop Philip on a Diocesan pilgrimage to Lourdes from 7th to 11th July 2025. To find out more and to book a place please, telephone 07780 221686 or write to Canon PJ Smith at St Edmund’s House, Bishop Crispian Way, Portsmouth PO1 3QA. Application forms are available also at the Parish Office.

DIOCESAN PILGRIMAGE TO LOURDESA CALL FOR YOUNG PEOPLE

Are you about to finish your A-levels? Why not give something back… Our Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes is taking place from 7th-11th July 2025. If you have a passport valid until at least January 2026, we need you to help us push some wheelchairs. Due to the popularity of our pilgrimage and the increased number of pilgrims that need assistance we have need of people to help us push wheelchairs, provide a supportive arm, and help carry a dinner plate for a pilgrim at mealtimes. Our Youth pilgrims are an essential part of our pilgrimage and they tell us each year of the amazing time they have had, returning many times to serve our pilgrims. If you would like to know more about joining us, contact lourdes@portsmouthdiocese.org.uk without delay.

David Cusack is climbing 15 mountain peaks all over 3000 feet in under 24 hours on the 14th June. He is raising money for Guernsey Society for Cancer Relief and Guernsey Community Nurses.

Donations would be gratefully received for these worthwhile causes.

To donate use the QR Code – Thank you

The exhibition continues this week in St Josephs Church –

Opening Times:

Fri 23rd May – 10:30am – 4:00pm

Sat 24th May – 12:00pm – 5:00pm

Sun 25th May – 12:00pm – 5:00pm

Mon 26th May – 10:30am – 4:00pm

Tue 27th May – 10:30am – 7:00pm

Wed 28th May – 10:30am – 4:00pm

Admission Free

Ascension of the Lord – Holy Day of Obligation

Wednesday 28th May

St Josephs – Vigil Mass – 6:00pm

Thursday 29th May

St Josephs – 9.30am

Blanchelande College – 10:00am (Outdoor Mass)

OLSS – 6:00pm

To celebrate the 10th Anniversary the Laudato Si Group will join the Catenians this Saturday 24th May for the outdoor Stations at The Little Chapel.

The Guernsey Catenians will be celebrating the Stations of the Cross on Saturday 24th May at Les Vauxbelets. Members of the parish are most welcome to join in this annual event and can meet Brothers outside the old clockmaker’s shop at 10:30am. Stations will be led by Deacon Mark and should last about 45 minutes. Prayers will be offered at the Brothers’ cemetery after this. For further information, please do not hesitate to contact Iain Kilpatrick on 07781421813.

Rosary for the beatification of Edel Quinn (Legion of Mary) will take place this Sunday 25th May at 2:00pm at St Joseph’s Church.

The Life in the Spirit seminars continue on Monday 26th May with week 3 – ‘New life’.

This will be in St Joseph’s Parish Room starting at 7:30pm with a light supper available at 7:00pm.

Following the seminar there will be ‘Adoration’ in the church from 8:45pm – 9:15pm.

Everyone is welcome to come to ‘Adoration’ whether or not you are attending the seminars.

The next coffee morning will be on Wednesday 28th May and on every 2nd and 4th Wednesday of the month in St Joseph’s Parish Room.

Drop in any time between 9:30am-11:30am for coffee, cake and a chat.

Everyone is welcome!

Bishop Philip has asked that we have a proper confessional that fulfils Safeguarding requirements and is a permanent and place for the Sacrament. It is difficult to know where to place this, but one idea is to use the room opposite the Sacristy. This would involve putting an extra door for access for the penitent. I hope to have a plan of this soon so you can air your views. If you have any other ideas about where a permanent confessional could be placed please let me know.

Thank you – Canon Chris

Thank you to everyone who came to the Parish Befrienders Spring Tea Party last Sunday and contributed to a very happy afternoon enabling old friends, many of whom are housebound, to meet up and enjoy each others company as well as a delicious tea. As always this tea party was made possible through the support of volunteers. There were close to 20 this time, so too many to name but special thanks must go to one, Audrey, who had responsibility to organise the venue, gather refreshments and lead the team of servers which she did with her usual skill and charm. We would also like to thank the members of the choir of St Mary and St Michael school who came in to sing for us so delightfully.

Le Platon Lottery results for the April draw –

1st – 46 – £100

2nd – 25 – £5

3rd – 5 – £25

Only one Priest is available from 12th May – 19th May therefore the holiday Mass schedule will apply.  We are also covering Alderney for May in an emergency.

Mass Times for the Weekend 17th/18th May

Our Lady Star of the Sea – 6:00pm (First Mass of Sunday)

St Josephs – 8:00am

St Josephs – 10:30am

Notre Dame Du Rosaire – 6:00pm

“Our Mother Mary always wants to walk with us, be close, help us with her intercession and love. So I would like to pray together with you. Let us pray together for this new mission, for the whole church, for peace in the world, and let us ask Mary, our Mother, for this special grace.” (Pope Leo XIV)

The Life in the Spirit Seminars continue with week 2 on Monday 19th May.

A light supper is available at 7:00pm and the seminar starts at 7:30pm in Joseph’s Parish Room.

The theme this week is ‘Salvation’ and what Jesus has done for us.

It’s not too late to join in so if you missed last week – don’t worry you can still come along. Everyone is welcome!

Laudato Si Meeting

The Laudato Si meeting will be on Monday 19th May at 7:00pm in St. Yves Room

Laudato Si 10th Anniversary

Laudato Si will be joining the Catenians on the 24th May for their Stations of the Cross at the Little Chapel, with a Laudato si theme, to celebrate the 10th anniversary of Pope Francis Encyclical Laudato Si.

Join Bishop Philip on a Diocesan pilgrimage to Lourdes from 7th to 11th July 2025.

To find out more and to book a place please phone 07780 221686 or write to Canon PJ Smith – St Edmund’s House, Bishop Crispian Way, Portsmouth PO1 3QA

Application forms are available also at the Parish Office.

O God, who chose your servant Leo XIV, in succession to the Apostle Peter as shepherd of the whole flock, look favourably on the supplications of your people and grant that, as Vicar of Christ on earth, he may confirm his brethren and that of the whole Church may be in communion with him in the bond of unity, love and peace, so that in you, the shepherd of souls all may know the truth and attain life eternal. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Sprit, God for ever and ever. Amen.

Parish Befrienders Tea Party on Sunday 18th May from 2:30pm to 4:30pm in St Mary and St Michael School Hall. We are having a get together for a good chat, tea, coffee etc and delicious refreshments. St Mary and St Michael Infant Choir have kindly agreed to entertain us. If you know anyone who is housebound, elderly or isolated etc who would like to come and catch up with old friends, then please contact Angela on 07781 112 221 or Meg on 252401.

When receiving Holy Communion the Clergy or the Ministers will say, “The Body of Christ.” The correct reply to that statement is simply “Amen”.

No other response should be said. The simple “Amen” says it all for us! It means, “Yes, absolutely, I agree it is the Body of Christ!” it also means, “It is true!” “Truly!”

Please contact the Parish Office for pre-orders of the new Weekday Missals.

There is also a release of a Daily Missal (Note: due to it being both Sunday and Weekday it is a large volume)

Prices approximately £55.00 – £69.99 respectively.

The Shrine of the Sacred Heart, Fort Hommet – Vazon will be open every Saturday and Tuesday until 28th October from 2:00pm to 4:00pm. Weather permitting.

Are you celebrating a 25th, 30th, 40th, 50th, 60th or anniversary over 60 years? If so, Bishop Philip would like to invite you to a Mass of celebration. This will take place at St Bede’s Church in Basingstoke on Saturday 21st June at 11:00am. This will be followed by a buffet lunch. This is a wonderful occasion to celebrate and witness to Marriage.

Please email anniversaries@portsmouthdiocese.org.gg or you can pick up a form from the Parish Office.

In this Jubilee year of hope please join me, Bishop Philip on our Diocesan pilgrimage to Lourdes from 7th to 11th July 2025 when we can carry the flame of hope in procession with our sick brothers and sisters; sing the song of hope in the language of every nation gathered; and pray to Mary, the Way of Hope.

To find out more and to book a place please, telephone 07780 221686 or write to Canon PJ Smith at St Edmund’s House, Bishop Crispian Way, Portsmouth PO1 3QA.

Application forms are also available at the Parish Office.