The Conversion of St Paul, January 25th 2009

To mark the year of St Paul, we celebrated his conversion today. Normally this liturgy is held on a weekday, but the church has suggested it could be used on a Sunday to emphasise the importance of Paul this year. Father Ted spoke about Christian unity, its importance and how it is not an option but a necessity. He also spoke about conversion, and how a Hindu he had known had been affected by reading a passage from St Paul.
It's been a busy week in the parish with the parish-in-council deciding on a busy programme to mark the jubilee (50 years) of Sacred Heart parish. A leaflet will be issued shortly listing all the events that are being planned. There will be a mixture of reflection, action and celebration - so something for everyone hopefully.
On the subject of celebration, today is a special day for one of our youngest parishioners - Holly Rebecca Francis will be baptised at 1pm on Sunday and, judging by the size of the drums being taken into the church, it promises to be a lively service!
Father Ted is asking for volunteers to join a small group to put on services at the Hospital of St Cross. The parish has been asked to prepare three services this year.

Second Sunday of Year B, January 18th

The sun shone as we gathered on the second Sunday of the year. It was both a day of prayer for peace on earth, and the beginning of the week of prayer for Christian Unity. From the Holy Land, finally some good news in the ongoing conflict.
Tonight is the Unity Service in Bilton at the Methodist Church at 6.30pm, and, on a busy day, Sacred Heart is also organising the hospital service at St Cross at 2.15pm. Everyone is welcome to both events.
There has been much activity in the parish over the past couple of weeks preparing for the parish jubilee (50 years in August) and for an important parish -in-council meeting on Thursday. Groups covering areas such as caring, the environment, formation, social events and worship have met to come up with ideas. It looks like being a packed, and enjoyable year of celebration and renewal.
Already the Sacred Heart Care Group has been re-formed. The key number is 07949 155302. Call Tricia if you, or anyone you know, needs bereavement support, advice on fertility awareness, transport help, or if you know an elderly or sick person in need of visiting. There is also support for young families in need of volunteer grandparents.
Tickets are selling well for the Churches Together barn dance on Saturday January 24th at the Crescent School. Volunteers are being sought by the Warwickshire Wildlife Trust to maintain Cock Robin Wood. Details on the church noticeboard.

The Baptism of the Lord, January 11th 2009

The holy water was flying in all directions today as Father Ted blessed everyone on this feast of the Baptism of Jesus. We sang O Living Water during what is called the Asperges.

Many parishioners have been busy attending task groups in the parish. These are meeting over the next couple of weeks to plan events and ideas for parish jubilee. The social task group met on Saturday and the 'reaching out to others' and caring groups have also gathered. Next Saturday, the worship group meets at 10am with everyone welcome.

The parish book swap scheme is underway with plenty of books, dvds and jigsaws coming in. If you have something good to share, please bring it along.

There were prayers today for Tina Heathcock's father, Roger, who has died. We pray for Tina and her mother. May he rest in peace.

Tickets are selling like hot cakes for the Churches Together barn dance on Saturday January 24th. Grab one quick if you can!

Solemnity of the Epiphany, January 4 2009

Happy new secular year to all readers of this blog. Today was the feast of the Epiphany - and a joyous celebration at Sacred Heart. The kings have moved to the crib to bring their gifts, and the children came back from their special liturgy dressed as kings.

We sang We Three Kings, The First Nowell and As With Gladness Men of Old, and now we put the carols away until next Christmas.

Father Ted was today's preacher, speaking about what gifts we can offer to God - and often the gift of ourselves, and our appreciation, is the best we have to offer.

This is the year of the parish jubilee - 50 years since Sacred Heart parish was founded in August 1959. Task groups, for which their have been several dozen volunteers, will be meeting in the first weeks of January to come up with ideas how we can mark this great anniversary.

Check out the new diary of events on our website. This is replicated on the blog.

Major events coming up include the unity service and barn dance.

A new swap-a-book service began this week. Bring a book you have read recently, and swap it for another. No money will change hands. Similarly you may have a jigsaw you have enjoyed completing.