0118 942 8632 sjtilehurst@portsmouthdiocese.org.uk

GROUPS

Ministers of the Eucharist

Special Ministers of the Eucharist serve at all Masses and those in the community who are sick, housebound or in hospital.
People wishing to join the team undertake an initial training programme, and refresher sessions once they have been commissioned.  Contact  :  Ann Epps 0118 941 1479; ann@st-josephs-tilehurst.org.uk.

Readers

There is a rota of readers for Sunday Masses.  Please contact the Parish office to join the rota

Welcomers

Teams of volunteers welcome worshippers at Sunday Mass.  If you are interested in joining them, contact the Parish Secretary.

Altar Servers

Boys and girls who have made their first Holy Communion are welcome to apply to be altar servers.  It is important that it’s the child’s own decision.  Training sessions are arranged at regular intervals, usually immediately after school.  Contact:  Parish office

Church Cleaning and Flower Arranging

The church is regularly decorated with fresh flowers, except during Advent and Lent. Flowers are usually changed on Saturdays.  If you are able to help, or would like to discuss flowers for a wedding at St Joseph’s, please contact Brigid Parkes 0118 942 7436 brigid@st-josephs-tilehurst.org.uk.  In order to give people some idea of prices for flowers at weddings, arrangements can be made for these to be supplied from a cost of £15.00 - £150.00.

A team of Parishioners cleans the Church on a rota basis each week. Volunteers are always welcome to help in this important ministry.  Contact:  Office:  0118 9428632

St Joseph's Youth Group

The youth group at St Joseph’s is open to children between 9 and 11 (Years 4-6).  The children play games, learn and pray together, and also get involved in other areas of parish life.  Contact: 

Toddlers

A group meets on Thursday mornings from 8.30 am – 11.15 am during term time in the hall and provides an informal forum for parents/carers with young children to relax and to have a cup of tea/coffee.  
Contact:  Kathy Weafer  0118 9429439; kathy@st-josephs-tilehurst.org.uk.

SVP

The St Vincent de Paul Society (“SVP”) is an international Christian voluntary organization dedicated to tackling poverty and disadvantage by providing direct practical assistance to anyone in need. 
Contact:  Rita Boyce rita@st-josephs-tilehurst.org.uk

Repository

Mass cards, and cards to mark Baptism, Ist Holy Communion, Confirmation and Marriage are available at the repository in the porch each Sunday after the 8.30 am and 10.30 am Masses.  A selection of other items, including Rosaries, statues, books and pictures, is also on sale.  In the weeks before Christmas, cards, cribs and Advent calendars also go on sale.  If you would like to join the rota of people who serve at the repository, please contact: Eileen Hopkins: Tel. 9677958 eileen@st-josephs-tilehurst.org.uk

Newsletter

Newsletters are available at weekend masses. To reduce printing costs, you can opt to view the newsletter on the website or join the mailing list to receive it by email.  Items for inclusion in the newsletter must be submitted to the Parish Office by no later than 9 am on the preceding Wednesday.  Contact:  Sheila Jones 0118 942 8632; secretary@st-josephs-tilehurst.org.uk.

Marriage

Couples who want to marry should first contact the priest at the church where they want the wedding to be (see Priests) They should do this at least 6 months in advance.  Couples are asked to take part in a marriage preparation course.

Meditation

Parishioners from both St Joseph’s and English Martyrs have been attending a small meditation group for more than 20 years.  The group meets weekly on Monday evenings.  If you would like to join them for this form of prayer, please contact Chris Knollys 0118 958 8407

First Holy Communion

The parish runs a programme for children in year 3 and above. It is advertised before the end of each Summer Term, and it is essential that children are registered before the deadline in October. Catechists run sessions in the church hall on Saturdays in term time. There are also special celebration Masses on Sundays as well as regular parents’ evenings during the programme. First Holy Communion is usually celebrated in May. Contact Office: 0118 942 8632 office@st-josephs-tilehurst.org.uk

Choirs and Music

The choir sings at 10.30 mass and meets for practice regularly. New members are always welcome.  If you would like to join, contact Geoff Collier 0118 941 2458 geoff@st-josephs-tilehurst.org.uk or come and meet us on the left of the church at 10.30 mass.

Children’s liturgy

Children aged between 3 and 11 have the chance to leave the church for the first part of the 10.30 Sunday Mass for a short session tailored specially for them.  Through readings, discussion and other activities, they are helped to understand the message of the day’s Gospel passage.  They return to Church in time for the Liturgy of the Eucharist.  Older children are welcome to help, and adult helpers are often needed.  
Please contact the parish office:  0118 942 8632

Baptism

Parents seeking baptism for their child/children are advised that the policy at St Joseph’s Church is that they are required to attend a baptism course prior to the baptism.

Baptisms take place at St Joseph’s Church on the second Sunday of each month at 12 noon.  The number of baptisms scheduled for 12 noon should not exceed four.  Any baptisms in excess of this number will be carried over to the next month. 

Parents making a request for baptism will be given a baptism application form at the conclusion of the baptism course.  This form, when completed, should then be forwarded to the Parish Office in order that arrangements can be made for the actual date of the baptism.     Contact the Parish Office

Catholic Fund for Overseas Development

People who would like to support Cafod’s anti-poverty campaigns can use the envelopes in the porch at St Joseph’s.  Put your contribution in the envelope, and add it to the ordinary collection at Mass on Sundays.  For details of the current campaign and other information contact 

Carmelites

The third order of Carmelites is a lay order of the Church, whose members, after some years of preparation, commit themselves to helping others, regular Mass attendance, prayer and religious study.  About 18 members meet at St Joseph’s following 10 am Mass on the 1st Saturday of every month for spiritual renewal and guidance, finishing at 3 pm.  If you are interested in joining them contact: 
Florence Bardos 0118 947 5215. florence@st-josephs-tilehurst.org.uk

Collections

Offerings are taken up during Sunday Masses.  The parish encourages parishioners to setup standing orders where possible to give us a reliable source of income. A card machine is also available in the porch.  We also welcome the use of planned giving envelopes, so people can decide in advance how much they should be giving, rather than searching at the last minute for whatever they might find in their purse or pocket.    If you would like a set of planned giving envelopes, please contact the parish office

Rise theatre

RISE Theatre

FAITH INSPIRED CREATIVITY

We are passionate about the work we do in schools, churches and communities and in this current climate of uncertainty and fear it is our vision to continue to spread the good news of our Christian faith with people of all ages and backgrounds through original Holy Spirit inspired theatre.www.risetheatre.co.uk/riseappeal

SPREAD THE GOOD NEWS!

During this period, we have decided to make available THREE hi-res versions of our short dramatic SKETCHES on a'pay what you like'basis to be used in church live online streaming or personal prayer time. Please prayerfully consider making a one-off donation to allow RISE Theatre to continue & help spread the good news to people at home.

For a taster of our THREE sketches, here are the YouTube links below (in low-res):
Jesus the Photographer
Spiritualeyes
God

PLEASE SHARE WITH AS MANY FRIENDS, FAMILY & RELEVANT ORGANISATIONS TO INSPIRE THE NATION!
May God bless and protect you and your families at this time.Stephen Newbury (St Josephs) & Charley and the RISE team x

Confession (Sacrament of Reconciliation)

Saturday after Mass at 10.30 am.  In addition, confessions are heard during penitential services before Easter and Christmas.

Confirmation

Candidates for the Sacrament of Confirmation should be at least 11 years old.  The Confirmation ceremony takes place every 2 years in Easter time. If you are in year 7 or above and are interested in being confirmed, please send your contact details to Sue or the parish office.  Sessions start in Sept '23 for Confirmation in Easter 2024 (TBC).     Contact:  Sue Collier: sue@st-josephs-tilehurst.org.uk

Counters

Volunteers count the money put into the basket during the offertory at Sunday Mass.  If you can spare a little time on Sunday to help, please contact the parish office

Ecumenical

St Joseph’s takes part in various joint activities with other churches in the area, including Bible study groups in Lent, Good Friday Walk of Witness, the Women’s World Day of Prayer, Wednesday prayer groups and social evenings with St Catherine’s Anglican church and events organised by Regenerate, an initiative to spread the Christian message in the Reading area.  Events are publicised on the notice board and in the newsletter.  See HOME page for newsletter.

Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament

Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament is celebrated each Saturday: 9.30 – 10 am

Finance Committee

Members are appointed by the Parish Priest to use their professional expertise to advise him on financial matters.  Chairman:  Bernard Jennings office@st-josephs-tilehurst.org.uk.

Gift aid

If you are a taxpayer, you can greatly increase the value of every pound you give to the church, simply by filling in a form.  It costs you nothing, and you do not have to commit yourself to any future payments.  For the church, it means an extra £25 for every £100 in the collection.  If you are not already on Gift Aid, please contact the Parish Office 0118 942 8632; office@st-josephs-tilehurst.org.uk

Grounds

Volunteers maintain the grounds outside and behind the Church.  The main work is grass cutting, leaf sweeping, pruning and looking after the flower beds.  If you are able to help with any of this, contact the parish office

Hall

The two halls are used for a wide range of church and outside activities.  The Hall Manager is Carmen Ibanez-Mate 0118 962 4174; office@st-josephs-tilehurst.org.uk .  She is responsible for the building and equipment.  To book or hire either the small or the large hall, contact Sheila Jones, Parish Secretary 0118 942 8632; secretary@st-josephs-tilehurst.org.uk.

Health and safety

If you are concerned that something is not safe at St Joseph’s, contact Health and Safety officer via the Parish Office

Home visits

If you or someone you know would like to receive Holy Communion at home, or be visited for any other reason, contact:  St Joseph's Parish Office

Life

This area has strong links with LIFE, the national pro-life charity which provides alternatives to abortion by offering compassion, emotional support and practical help.  A LIFE house in Bracknell, accommodating 7 mothers and their babies, looks to the Reading branch for support.  Contact Kathie Hamilton, tel. 0118 9429245

Mission boxes

Many homes in the area have one of the famous "Red Boxes" to collect contributions for the work of overseas missionaries (the APF).  If you would like a box, or have one overdue for collection, contact:  
Mike Tomas 0118 941 2786 or the parish office

Clergy

Parish Priest:   Email: sjtilehurst@portsmouthdiocese.org.uk
Contact:  0118 942 8632.

IGNITE Youth Group

An exciting and interactive youth group welcoming all youth between the ages of 11 and 18 (Years 7 to 13) offering fun, faith and friendship, formed as a response to a pre and post confirmation group. Contact:

Refreshments

Worshippers are invited for tea, coffee, biscuits and soft drinks in the large hall after the 10.30 am Sunday Mass.

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