Bingo has moved to the Umbrella pub on Thursdays. Eyes down at 8pm.
Thank you to everyone who helped to arrange and came to support the Curry Evening in St Gregory's School. The evening was a tremendous success and enjoyed by everyone and it raised the grand sum of £775 for STM Development. Our grateful thanks are extended to St Gregory's School for the use of their Hall for this event.
St Thomas More Catholic Primary School, based in Lewis Road, Cheltenham (GL51 0HZ) is looking to re-open its Breakfast Club. Sadly, the school was forced to close its successful Breakfast Club due to financial constraints. This has been a huge loss to the children as some come to school without an adequate breakfast, which has a detrimental effect on their ability to concentrate and learn. The school’s Chair of Governors, June Little, is trying to revive the Club but needs the support of volunteers to help her succeed. There is nothing too arduous involved. Two or three volunteers per day are needed from 8.00 a.m. to 9.00 a.m. (term time only), to put out tables and chairs, serve cereal and toast and clear up afterwards. If you feel you could help, or simply want more information, please contact June on 01242 575954, or 07885 285866, or e-mail her at junedm.little@virgin.net.
On Saturday 11th February there will be a Mass at Bristol Cathedral to celebrate Marriage. Bishop Declan invites the people of our Diocese to join him at Mass beginning at 12.00pm as part of National Marriage Week (7-14th February). This celebration is for the whole diocesan community and especially our married couples. There is a special invitation to couples in our parish who are celebrating significant anniversaries in 2012: silver (25), pearl (30), ruby (40), golden (50), emerald (55), or diamond (60) or beyond. Any couple celebrating a significant anniversary is asked to contact Anne-Marie Sparrow, our Diocese Marriage and Family Life Coordinator on 0117 902 55950 or 0117 902 5595.
Pupils of St Gregory's Primary School will be leading the prayers of the faithful and welcoming you into the Church at the 9.30am Mass. They are also wearing their uniform. We give a special welcome to all school children today as we mark Education Sunday.
"Teams" is an international movement of married couples seeking to explore their faith whilst offering each other support and friendship through local monthly meetings. If you think you may be interested, Cheltenham Team 3 are holding an "open meeting" at Holy Name Hall on 10th February at 7.30pm. Please contact Jo or Steve Johnston on 227937.
There will be a talk on Tuesday 7th February, 2.30pm in the lounge of Sacred Hearts Hall, Moorend Road, Charlton Kings. Mr John Huntriss will speak on Mark, this year’s Gospel.
Bishop Declan invites you to our Diocesan pilgrimage to Lourdes from Friday 24th-31st August 2012. Further information may be obtained from Deacon David Wakefield, Pilgrimage Director on 07711 834800 or email: Lourdes@cliftondiocese.com.
Marriage Care is a national faith-based organisation, dedicated to provide life-long support of marriage in accordance with the Church’s vision of marriage as a vocation of love. The Gloucestershire branch is actively involved in pre-marriage preparation and marriage counselling, and is now looking to recruit and train one new counsellor. This is an expensive and very thorough programme, running over two years and embracing five weekends away, as well as preparation and planning at home. After graduation, the candidate will join the other counsellors and become a member of an active team which includes four marriage preparation providers, as well as other administration support staff. The office is based in Rodney Road, Cheltenham. Anyone interested, should contact Andrew von Speyr, Head of Centre, on 01242 525993. Initial interviews will take place in Cheltenham, week commencing 13th February.
A vacancy has arisen for a term-time only Administrative Assistant for the Department of Schools and Colleges, 160 Pennywell Road, Bristol. For more information, please contact Jenny Fitzgerald on 0117 9025593 or visit www.cliftondiocese.com for further detail.
A Consultation Evening will take place this Wednesday 8th February, 7.00pm-8.30pm at The Immaculate Conception Church, Beeches Green, Stroud (refreshments will be provided). Come and be part of shaping Youth Ministry for the future. Meet our Diocesan Coordinator of Youth Ministry and contribute to the work with young people in your area. For more information, visit the website on: www.cliftondiocese.com/called-to-be-stroud.
Come and join YSVP/Proteen for an evening of music and fun “Welcome the Spring”, on Saturday 3rd March at 7.30pm, in St Gregory's School Hall. In aid of Egalite Absolue. Bar and refreshments available. Tickets £2 on the door, or please phone 01242 525592.
“Living Your Faith” Summer Camps are once again taking place at Our Lady's Homestead, Nympsfield between 13th-17th August (age 7-11) and 20th-24th August (age12-16). These camps are designed to give Catholic children and young adults the opportunity to explore their faith in an atmosphere of support and fun. Please contact Stephen Spurrell on: 07847 915415 or email: livingyourfaith@hotmail.co.uk.
A Ceilidh and Ploughman's Supper with barn dance band “Peterfolk” will perform on Saturday, 10th March, 7.30pm-1.00pm at Sacred Hearts Hall (Licensed bar). Add this date to your diary and come along and enjoy this fundraising event. Tickets are available from egaliteabsolue@aspig.freeserve.co.uk at a cost of £15.
If you enjoy rambling and would be interested in forming a group here in our parish, please contact Paul Finegan on 07958 393717.
We are pleased to announce that Mrs Dilys Barrell has been appointed our new Safeguarding Representative, to replace Tess Molloy who has recently moved from the parish. Dilys may be contacted on 01242 513992.
Following changes to the tax thresholds in April 2011, please check to make sure that you will pay enough tax in 2011/12 to cover your gift aid declaration. Information sheets are available on the table and the noticeboard at the back of the church. If you have any queries or would like further details, please contact Heather Sheridan, the parish gift aid secretary at heathergiftaid@googlemail.com or on 01242 523737. Thank you to everyone who gift aids their offertory donations to the parish. The tax relief is a huge part of our income and doesn't cost anything extra to the donor or the parish. If you don't yet gift aid your offertory donations, please consider doing so. Gift aid forms are available on the table at the back of the church or contact Heather.
“Flame Congress 2012” is the first event of its kind, and provides a tremendous opportunity for young people (Yr 10 to young adult) to celebrate and experience Catholic faith. To be held in Wembley Arena on the 24th March 2012 with some of the best national and international speakers about matters of faith. Visit www.cymfed.org/flame2012 for further detail.
If you are a parishioner soon to go into or leaving hospital, who needs the Sacrament of Reconciliation, the Sacrament of the Sick or Holy Communion, or with pastoral needs, perhaps a visit for prayer, then please contact the Parish Office who can arrange.
This now numbers four. Currently, we have a sack full of hats & scarves, & a dozen patchwork blankets for Young Homeless Hostels locally. All this since Easter. We are always in need of knitting yarns of all descriptions. Anyone with unused leftovers, unpicked wools etc they can donate, please ring 01242 522331. Thank you.
Marriage Care, formerly known as the Catholic Marriage Advisory Council (CMAC) is available to help couples experiencing difficulty with their marriage. If you are distressed about your marriage and don't know where to turn, share your burden with a Marriage Care Counsellor. All interviews are strictly confidential. You'll feel better. (01242) 234882.
This is an organisation which helps single adult Catholics of all ages meet, either one to one or through social events. Please phone 0161 941 3498 or visit the website www.catholicsingles.org.uk or email at info@catholicsingles.org.uk.
Telephone the Parish Office to arrange an appointment (01242) 523737. The SVP operates in all the parishes of Cheltenham and further afield, with local groups in both St Gregory’s and St Thomas More. We are a charity founded in the last century to help the poor, the sick and the needy.
Anyone wanting to receive a copy of the Cheltenham Catholic Newsletter by email, please email Paul McCloskey at p.mccloskey@yahoo.co.uk
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If you have a problem with alcohol and want some help why not contact ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS on 01452 418515 (24 hour service).