FOOD FOR THOUGHT   Man is a social being: he is not alone, he belongs to someone or something.  Today’s readings deal with this theme of belonging.  Our belonging is through our relationships. A Christian who fails to develop relationships on an everyday level usually fails also to develop a sound relationship with God.  Everyone is challenged to live relating to one another through both listening and talking, both giving and taking.  Only when they are able to do this in the family, with friends, and on the parish level, can they have a beautiful relationship with God, Christ and His Church.  It is time-tested wisdom that the supernatural builds on the natural!

WORLD COMMUNICATIONS DAY (20th) Our second collection THIS WEEKEND provides professional support for the Bishops of England and Wales and wider Church in promoting the Gospel through the media on current issues. See www.catholicnews.org.uk. 

DAILY MASS There will be Mass on Monday this week (those coming by car will need to be aware of the changed traffic system because of the Georgian Fayre), but no Mass on Thursday or Friday morning.

DIOCESAN PILGRIMAGE DORCHESTER Holy Trinity Centre, Sunday 20 May.  Pilgrims arrive from 11.30am to walk in the Martyr's steps around Dorchester.  Mass at 3pm in the Parish Grounds celebrated by Bishop Christopher and Clergy of the Diocese.  Please bring packed lunch.  Tea/coffee available lunchtime.  Refreshments will be served after Mass with local parishes supplying sandwiches, savouries and cakes (finger buffet, i.e. no gateaux) and Blandford is being grouped with other parishes to provide and serve teas.  Ruth Hiscock (452283), Parish Contact, would be pleased to know who is going and who is able to make sandwiches or cakes, or to help serve.  This includes if you can offer or need a lift.

KEYS FOR CHURCH PREMISES A reminder - if you no longer require a key to church premises the key should be returned.

BLUEBELL WALK Thanks to Audrey Burch for hosting the walk last Saturday at Park Farm and thanks to Ruth Hiscock for organising it.  The walk was enjoyed by those who braved the rain.

CAFOD The wall collection box by the 14th Station of the Cross (under the crucifix near the side door) is to be used for donations to CAFOD, so if you wish to make a donation outside specific retiring collections please use this box.  It will be emptied on a regular basis and the amount sent to CAFOD will be announced in the newsletter.  You can also send a cheque to CAFOD, or hand it over to a CAFOD committee member.  Alternatively, you can visit www.cafod.org.uk and click on ‘Give’ on the top menu. Don’t forget, the Government is currently match-funding all donations to CAFOD £1 for £1 but this window of opportunity will close on 17th May 2012.

BISHOP CHRISTOPHER JUBILEE FUND FOR SEMINARIANS       “As we come to the end of the first year I would like to thank all those who have contributed to this fund.  There has been a magnificent response, especially at a time of economic stringency.  The first year has raised £240,000.  This is a marvellous sign of the generosity of so many people and also an indicator of our appreciation of the importance of providing priests for the future. Even better news is that we have 10 men in formation (8 in seminary and 2 in pre-seminary).  The Holy Spirit is in charge of the call to priestly ministry, but we need to put in place everything that enables a call to flourish.  Thanks to everyone who has made a contribution to this.  The Appeal is ongoing so I ask you please to be as generous as you can into the future although I appreciate money is in short supply for many. May I take this opportunity of wishing you a very happy Easter.”    Signed Bishop Christopher.

BINGO EVENING  Saturday 19th May, 7pm at Council Chambers, Nordon, Salisbury Road.  Ploughmans and sausages included in the price. Adults £3.50 and Children £1.50.  Bingo books are £1.00 for 10 games. Due to licensing restrictions at the venue we will be unable to charge or invite donations for alcohol, however alcohol will be provided on the evening and, should you wish to donate, the donations bucket will be in the Presbytery at the Saturday evening Mass before the event and the Sunday morning Mass after the event.  Coffee and tea will be available throughout the evening.

SUNDAY MORNING COFFEE ROTA  Would you like to help with coffees after Sunday Mass?  If this is for you, please speak to Father Chacko or Debra Reed (451132).

SVP There will be a meeting of the Group this Wednesday (9th) after Mass (one week earlier than usual).  As always, new members always welcome.  We are still looking for a minute secretary – if you can help, please speak to Father Chacko or contact David Watts (01202) 914869.

STUDY GROUP The Group will meet again at 6.30 pm on Thursday 14th May in the Presbytery to continue the DVD and discussion about our Faith.   All welcome.

WE PRAY for our sick: Michael Macdonagh and David Hyde.

OFFERINGS  Envelopes: £72.50 Plate: £199.66

With a blessing for every one of our parish family. Fr Chacko