Seventh Sunday of the Year, February 22nd

The sun was shining brightly yesterday and there was a feeling that spring was in the air. Today, it wasn't so bright, but the year is passing quickly - and Lent begins this Sunday.

Ashes will be distributed at the 7pm service and there will be Stations of the Cross each Friday at 7pm (see the parish diary on the website). A series of Lent groups will be meeting throughout Bilton focussing on a green theme.

Don't forget the parish annual meeting on Thursday March 5th at 7.30pm in the hall. Everyone is welcome to attend.

Excitement is mounting for the parish quiz next Saturday. Already about 40 people have said they are coming, but there is room for a few more. Please let Father Ted know before the event, so the fish and chips can be ordered.

More helpers are needed for the welcoming team at both weekend masses. This is a vital ministry and at present, there is only a four-week cycle. With a bit more help, the volunteers would get a longer rest! Please ocnsider this.

So far, five mobile phones have been handed in. The parish target is 50. If you have an old one, take the SIM card out and drop the phone into the parish foyer.

Fifth Sunday of Year B, February 8th 2009

The snow lay deep and crisp and even around the church after a week of blizzards. There was still a good turnout of people to celebrate our Sunday mass.

Today was education Sunday and also a day of prayer for the sick. We prayed also for Anne Thomas who died in the week, for her husband and family.

There was news too of the parish quiz which will be on Saturday February 28th at 7.30pm in the hall. This is the third year we have run the quiz and it has always been popular. Tickets, priced at £3.50 to include fish and chips, are available after masses.

Don't forget there will be a service of anointing of the sick on Sunday February 15th at 3pm.

If anyone has an old mobile phone, these can now be brought to church and recycled in aid of Cafod. Don't forget to remove the SIM card.

There will be a cake stall on March 14/15 organised by Laura Mahon to raise money for her expedition to help the Joshua Foundation. Offers of cakes will be appreciated.

Fourth Sunday of Year B, February 1st 2009

Healing the sick was the theme of today's mass with Father Ted, in his sermon, talking about a service of anointing of the sick which will be taking place on Sunday February 15th (see the parish calendar).

Father Ted emphasised that this is not just for those who are dying, but for anyone who is feeling very unwell.

On Thursday, there will be a special morning of prayer for vocations in the diocese. There will be exposition in the day chapel from 10am to noon and everyone is invited to come along and spend some time in silent prayer.

The parish environment committee met again after mass today. One of their first schemes is to collect 50 used mobile phones. These can be turned into cash for Cafod (as much as £3 per phone apparently). If you have a used one, take the SIM card out, and drop it in the box in the narthex.