On Wednesday 4th December 2024 we had our fourth session of the ‘Heart Speaks to Heart’ programme, preparing our children for their first Reconciliation. The theme was “Friendship and Respect – Turning to God.” We began the session discussing how we were feeling about making our First Reconciliation and preparing for the...

Our annual carol concert was held last Sunday afternoon, 15th December 2024.  The OLSD choir was joined by visiting choir, Vocal Point, for a selection of sacred and secular Christmas music and  readings.  We were delighted to sing for an enthusiastic audience of parishioners, friends and family who joined in...

On the weekend of the first Sunday of Advent (1st December 2024) the Catholic Church introduced a new edition of the Lectionary, and we started using it for our Masses at OLSD. This significant update marks the culmination of years of meticulous work to enhance the liturgical experience for the...

On Friday, 8th November at the ‘Service of Light’, Holy Eucharist, we remembered the deceased members of 96 families in the Parish and called upon the names of 700 angels of light. During this time, we can offer prayers for their eternal rest, a mass offering and comfort for those...

On Saturday 19th October 2024 our team of First Holy Communion catechists came together for a day of formation.   We started the day with prayer led by Fr Anthony and then we contemplated a beautiful glass picture of Jesus and discussed words that came into our head.   For...

Then he said to his disciples, ‘The harvest is rich but the labourers are few, so ask the Lord of the harvest to send out labourers to his harvest’. Matthew 9:37 It was a joy and a privilege to welcome Canon John Cooke to our parish during the weekend of...

On Wednesday 2nd October the children of our parish wishing to make their First Holy Communion gathered for their first session. After introductions, an opening prayer and decorating name badges, the group embarked on an engaging scavenger hunt in the church, exploring key features of God’s house. Guided by their...

The Interim Parish Pastoral Council was set up by Fr Anthony on Maundy Thursday 2024, by washing of the feet of twelve council members this year. We have built on how we used to function pastorally through the leadership of Fr Anthony inviting us to work in a new collaborative...

Brother Michael Gallagher from the Knights of St Columba reports:  During the 5.30pm Vigil Mass on Saturday 21st September 2024 Brother Knights from the Farnborough Council of the Knights of St Columba presented two awards. Firstly, Bro Michael Gallagher and Bro Ray Harden presented a Member of Honour Certificate to...

Deacon Paul Evans recently went on pilgrimage to Medjugorje.  He shares his very moving experiences here: An offer I couldn’t refuse As many of you are aware, on February the 14th this year I decided to take up the opportunity to give up work for Lent!   This had been a long...