- Presentation House
- 55 High Street
- Ryde
- Isle of Wight
- PO33 2RE
01983 812127
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AUGUST IS THE MONTH OF THE IMMACULATE HEART OF MARY
The memorial of the Immaculate Heart of Mary takes place on the day after the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, usually in June, but in this month when we celebrate Mary’s Assumption (15 August) and her Coronation or Queenship (22 August), we also give honour to her Immaculate Heart.
Please pray for the sick and homebound of our parish communities and all those in need of our prayers especially: Sr Scholastica, Val Alder, Michael B, Carol Barton, Philip and Ellen Bovill, Tony Brook, Dennis Buckley, Theresa Bulpitt, Hanna Cabaj, Lorna Chambers, Katie Chantler, Diane and Patrick Coade, Peter Cooney, Gary Cooper, Pamela Fraser Cox, Pat Edes, Angie Geyser, Ken Giles, Barabara Gillies, Jan Godden, Pat Grant, Noreen Guy, Christine Haddat, Sheila Harris, Josie Hamilton, Nell Hayes, Marie Hodge, Michael Jennings, Jeannette Keeler, Juliette Ketteridge, Marie Mews, Gerard Nash, Jean O’Driscoll, Natasha Pelosi, Frances Porter, Jo Rae, Cecilia Ransom, Jean Reid, Joyce Rogers, Pat Rogers, Sonia and Ruth Scarrott, Peter Seely, Hilary Seymour, Linda Stanbrook, Barbie Straker, Alan Taylor, Mary Thompson, Pam Tookey, Cecelia Vivian, Mickey Walkinshaw, Bob Wooler, Peggy Woolnough, Hazel Wyld.
Please pray for everyone who is sick, for the protection of the elderly and the vulnerable, for all who are suffering anxiety and worry, for the NHS medical staff and all who care for the sick. We should also pray for the well-being and financial security of all.
For those who have died and for those whose anniversaries occur at this time. Please remember to pray for the Holy Souls in Purgatory. May the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.
PRAYER TO ST JOSEPH
Hail, Guardian of the Redeemer, Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary. To you God entrusted his only Son; in you Mary placed her trust; with you Christ became man. Blessed Joseph, to us too, show yourself a father and guide us in the path of life. Obtain for us grace, mercy, and courage, and defend us from every evil. Amen.
HOLY FATHER’S PRAYER INTENTION – AUGUST
The Holy Father invites us to pray For evangelisation in the city. Let us pray that in large cities often marked by anonymity and loneliness we find new ways to proclaim the Gospel, discovering creative paths to build community.
VOCATIONS
"You are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church." God does not call the perfect or extraordinary. Like Peter, ordinary men and women are invited to play extraordinary roles in His plan through priesthood, consecrated life, or holy matrimony. Whatever your gifts or weaknesses, God can use you to build His Church and bring His love to the world. Talk to your priest or contact Canon John Cooke: call 01329 318869 or email: vocations@portsmouthdiocese.org.uk
KEEP IN TOUCH
To receive the Island newsletter by email please send a blank email to iowadmin@portsmouthdiocese.org.uk putting ‘email newsletter’ in the subject line. To receive a copy of the newsletter by post please contact an Admin Office.
ISLAND NEWSLETTER
Items for the Newsletter should be received by 1200 Wednesday. Please email: iowadmin@portsmouthdiocese.org.uk
GOING INTO ST MARY’S HOSPITAL
If you are going into hospital, please notify your priest or local admin office. As access to the hospital may be restricted, a useful suggestion is that the patient carries a note to give to hospital staff on admission notifying staff that they are Catholic and that they would really appreciate a visit from a Catholic priest.
CONTACTLESS GIVING
It is now possible to contribute to Offertory giving via Contactless Payments or Chip ‘n’ Pin using the electronic pad at the back of church by touching the screen and following the simple instructions. There is also an option to Gift Aid contributions. Alternatively, use the myDona link: https://donate.mydona.com/cdp-catholic-wight
BOOST YOUR GIVING FOR FREE WITH GIFT AID
If you support our church via a regular Standing Order, you can make your donations go 25% further at absolutely no extra cost to you by signing a Gift Aid declaration. Through this government scheme, the church can reclaim 25p for every £1 you give. To qualify, you just need to be a UK taxpayer who has paid enough Income Tax or Capital Gains Tax this year to cover the amount all your chosen charities will claim. If you haven’t already, please complete a quick Gift Aid form today—it takes moments but makes a massive difference to our parish. Link here: Gift Aid Form
PARISH COLLECTION for week ending 16 August amounted to £3145.74 from Standing Orders, DD, Contactless and Mass Collections (45% of Target Income). Thank you for your generosity.
DONATIONS TO THE PARISH The easiest way to make a donation is via bank transfer to CDP Catholic Wight Sort Code 30-93-04 Account No 01862260, online at Donate to CDP Catholic Wight - Give as you Live Donate or via the contactless terminal in Newport, Ryde, Bembridge and Shanklin churches.
NEW ISLE OF WIGHT PARISH CREATED 16 AUGUST 2026
Bishop Philip is pleased to announce the amalgamation of the parishes and communities in the Isle of Wight into one single parish. These comprise: St Mary’s, Ryde, St Michael’s, Bembridge, Sacred Heart, Shanklin, St Patrick’s, Sandown, St Wilfrid’s, Ventnor, St Thomas of Canterbury, Newport, St Saviour, Totland Bay, St Thomas of Canterbury, Cowes and St David’s, East Cowes. Although the churches will retain their individual designations, the new parish will be called ‘Holy Spirit, Isle of Wight’. I express especial thanks to Fr. Steven Restori, the Coordinating Pastor and Parish Priest, and to all the clergy and the laity for their good work on this project.
READINGS FOR SUNDAYS IN YEAR A: Twenty-first Sunday - Is 22:19-23; Rom 11:33-36; Mt 16:13-20. Twenty-second Sunday - Dt 4:1-2, 6-8; Jam 1:17-18, 21-22, 27; Mk 7:1-8, 14- 15, 21-23. Twenty-third Sunday – Ezek 33:7-9; Rom 13:8-10; Mt 18:15-20.
GIFT AID DECLARATION From 1 April 2026 everyone who Gift Aids their contributions to the parish are required to complete an online declaration. This online form replaces the paper forms held by parishes and covers all donations made by a donor to any parish within the Diocese. Use following link and click on Gift Aid Form: https://portsmouthdiocese.org.uk/gift-aid/
DISCOVER MORE ABOUT THE CATHOLIC FAITH (R.C.I.A.)
A new R.C.I.A. group will begin this September, running through until Easter. This welcoming programme is for non-baptized adults, Christians from other churches looking to join the Catholic Church, or baptized Catholics wishing to complete their Sacraments of Confirmation and Holy Eucharist. It is also a wonderful opportunity for anyone wanting to return to or deepen their faith. If you or someone you know is interested, please speak with your parish priest or send us an email iowadmin@portsmouthdiocese.org.uk
FIRST HOLY COMMUNION PROGRAMME 2027 Registration is available for the next First Communion programme. Eligible children should be in Primary school year 3 and above, born on or before 31 August 2019. This parish programme may be held in various locations across the Island and at different times depending on the number of children who register. Parental engagement with the classes will also be required. Please complete the following online form. The final date for applications is Monday 14 September 2026. https://forms.gle/nCRSWkrK8uyoeh9U8
If you are aware of any family who would be interested in First Communion next year but either do not attend Catholic school or Mass on a regular basis, please make them aware of this notice.
ST MARY’S CHURCH CHOIR
Supporting the liturgy at St Mary’s on Sunday at 1100 Mass with a rehearsal the previous Friday evening 1800-1900. New members always welcome.
ST MARY’S CHURCH TOURS
There are (free) guided tours of St Mary's Church, Ryde throughout the Summer. Please Telephone Peter 07790 892592 to arrange a tour.
COMMUNITEA meets every second Monday of the month, 1400-1600, in the small hall, St Mary’s Church, High Street, Ryde. Come for tea and a chat. Car parking available at the back of the church. The next gathering is this Monday 14 September 2026
LECTIO DIVINA PRAYER GROUP
Praying with the forthcoming Sunday Gospel. The Lectio Divina prayer group meets every Tuesday after midday Mass at 1245 - 1400 in The McCauley Centre. Please bring a packed lunch, hot drinks will be provided. All are very welcome, for more info ring Cathy Green on 07712896071 or Ann Neale 07704556753 The group will break for August, resuming on Tuesday 1 September.
ISLE OF WIGHT CATHOLIC YOUNG ADULT GROUP Young adults are warmly invited to join our new weekly Bible Study on Tuesdays at 1800 in the Upper Room at the McAuley Centre in Newport. Come and explore Scripture, deepen your faith, and enjoy fellowship with other young Catholics in a relaxed and welcoming environment.
ST WILFRIDS CHURCH GARDEN Help is needed on a regular basis to maintain the church garden, car park and surrounding hedges etc which are the responsibility of the church. Much of the work does not require gardening experience. If you or your family members are prepared to help, please contact John Bush 01983 853014.
SHANKLIN CENTERING PRAYER GROUP The next meeting will be held at 1430-1530 on Wednesday 19 August in the hall at Sacred Heart Church. The group is open to everyone and no previous experience is necessary. Each meeting will include scripture reading, reflection and silent prayer. Time will also be given to sharing and encouraging each other in the practice of Centering Prayer.
WEEK SILENT RETREAT AT THE VERBUM DEI RETREAT CENTRE ON THE ISLE OF WIGHT 21 - 28 August 2026. Time to be renewed, empowered, re-energised by being with and listening to God. "Come to Me and you will live..." (Is. 55:3) For more info, contact us: email
“BEAUTIFUL YOU ARE” a Quiet Retreat day on 5 September at the Verbum Dei Retreat Centre. Nunnery Lane, Carisbrooke. 1030 - 1630. A light lunch is provided and tea and coffee. The cost is £20. For more information contact Patricia Yandell on 07835948435 or email
“THE SINGING SOUL OF ST FRANCIS OF ASSISI” - What makes my soul sing? A Secular Franciscan Order Retreat. Saturday 19 September 1000-1730. We warmly invite you to a reflective and enriching retreat exploring Franciscan peace and joy through prayer and self-discovery. The aim is to be better disposed to bring healing and reconciliation to today’s world. Verbum Dei Retreat Centre Nunnery Lane PO30 1YR. For details/cost: Sharon 07546 959 242 or email
IOW CATHOLIC HISTORY SOCIETY The latest Catholic History Society newsletter is now available to read on their website: http://www.iow-chs.org
SAFE SPACES
is a free and independent support service, providing a confidential, personal and safe space for anyone who has been abused by someone in the Church or as a result of their relationship with the Church of England, the Catholic Church of England and Wales or the Church in Wales. Remote support is provided through a helpline and Live Chat. They can help with advocating with authorities and other agencies, giving emotional support, providing information and working together in individual support plans. Website www.safespacesenglandandwales.org.uk Phone 0300 3030 1056.
WATCH MASS LIVE
There are a number of parishes in the diocese that provide access to live-streamed Masses: https://www.churchservices.tv
Live Mass (http://www.livemass.net) offers links to Mass being streamed in many churches across the world.
The Catholic National Shrine and Basilica of Our Lady of Walsingham: https://walsingham.org.uk/live-stream/
Visit the Vatican News YouTube channel - www.youtube.com/user/vatican/videos