Aldershot Catholics - St Joseph’s Parish & St Mary’s Church

08/09/2026

Today we celebrate the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary—the birth of Our Lady. 💙

Before the angel’s visit, before Bethlehem, before her faithful presence at the foot of the Cross, Mary’s life began quietly. Today we give thanks for her birth, and for God’s grace preparing her to become the mother of our Saviour. 🌸

This feast turns our hearts towards Jesus. Mary bore Him into the world, and she continues to draw us towards Him: to listen to His word, trust His mercy and follow where He leads.

🌱 Her birth also reminds us that God’s work often begins beyond our sight. Long before we can see what He is doing, His grace is already at work—in ordinary lives, in hidden places, and through small beginnings.

🕯️ Perhaps today we can bring to prayer something in our lives whose future we cannot yet see, asking for the grace to trust God as Mary did.

🙏 Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us. Help us to welcome your Son and say our own faithful “yes” to Him.

07/09/2026

🌿 Could you lend a hand at St Mary’s this coming Saturday?

We’re gathering at 10am on Saturday 12 September to cut the hedges and care for our church grounds. If you can spare some time, we’d love your help.

Please bring any suitable hedge-cutting tools if you have them. We’d also be grateful for someone with a van who could help take the cuttings away and arrange a slot at the Ivy Road waste disposal site.

A little time together can make a big difference. Thank you!

06/09/2026

One of the resources the Bishops of England and Wales are recommending to oppose the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill is the Group, Not Dead Yet UK.

The UK Parliament is scheduled to vote on the Assisted Su***de Bill the day after World Su***de Prevention Day. This means Parliament will pledge to preserve life one day, only to vote on state-sanctioned assisted su***de the very next.

If you are a UK resident, use the link below to see how your local MP has previously voted on this issue, and contact them to urge them to oppose the bill.

30 seconds to action:

Disabled and terminally ill people will be put at risk by the new assisted su***de bill tabled by Lauren Edwards.

26/08/2026

As many of us return from summer holidays, join us this weekend for the 22nd Sunday of Ordinary Time.

Saturday 29 August
5:30pm – St Mary’s

Sunday 30 August
9:00am and 10:30am – St Joseph’s

Visitors, returning parishioners and regular members of our community are all warmly welcome. Tea, coffee and friendly conversation follow the 10:30am Mass.

20/08/2026

This coming Sunday is the 21st Sunday in Ordinary Time. As we gather for Mass let us reflect on Christ's powerful words to Peter:

"You are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my Church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it" (Matthew 16:18).

📅 Parish Services & Events This Week
⚬ Monday, 24th August: Mass for the Feast of St Bartholomew at St Mary's at 9:30 AM.
⚬ Wednesday, 26th August: Mass at St Mary's at 9:30 AM, followed by a Holy Hour at St Joseph's at 7:00 PM.
⚬ Thursday, 27th August: Mass for the Feast of St Monica at St Joseph's at 9:30 AM.
⚬ Saturday, 29th August: Mass for the Passion of John the Baptist at St Joseph's at 12:00 PM.

📢 Important Parish Notices
⚬ Office Closure: Please note that the Parish Office is closed and will reopen on Wednesday, 2nd September 2026. You are welcome to send emails or leave phone messages during this time.
⚬ Votive Candles: Some votive candle money boxes are temporarily out of service across our churches. Until repairs are finished, please use the contactless payment machine for your candle offerings.

☕ Community Life & Fellowship
⚬ Tea & Coffee: Join us for a friendly chat in the hall after the Sunday 10:30 AM Mass, as well as after the 9:30 AM Masses on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
⚬ Welcome Team: We are launching a simple Welcome Team to help newcomers feel at home. If you'd like to help, please speak to or email Jason Swan Clark.
⚬ Repository: Visit the repository after Mass to browse devotional items, including our new decorative Gold Embossed Holy Water Bottles.

Blessings to you all.

19/08/2026

🗓️ Parish Office Closure: The parish office is closed and will reopen on 2nd September. Emails ([email protected]) and phone messages will be answered upon Frances's return.

🕯️Votive Candle Offerings: Several money boxes are temporarily out of service at St Mary’s and the St Joseph’s rear chapel. Please use the contactless machines for candle donations until repairs are complete.

💷 Boost Your Giving: If you are a UK taxpayer, signing a Gift Aid declaration adds an extra 25% to your offertory donation at no cost to you. Pick up a form at the back of church or register on the contactless machines.

16/08/2026

🌟 A Sign of Hope and Glory 🌟

Though the official liturgical feast is August 15th, our hearts and reflections continue to overflow with joy as we celebrate the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary body and soul into heaven.

The Assumption is much more than a historical dogma—it is a profound promise and sign of hope for all of us. It reminds us that:
⚬ Heaven is our true home.
⚬ Holiness is possible with God's grace.
⚬ Our redemption includes our bodies, pointing us forward to the ultimate victory of Christ's Resurrection.

As we navigate the challenges of daily life, let us look to Our Lady—the first and greatest disciple—as our model and loving intercessor.

🙏 Most Pure and Glorious Mother of God, pray for us that we may one day share in the glory of the Resurrection!

13/08/2026

🙏 Seeking Peace and Forgiveness? 🙏

The Sacrament of Reconciliation is a beautiful way to reconnect with God's grace. If you'd like to go to Confession this weekend, here are our regular Saturday times:

📍 St Joseph's (Queens Road, GU11 3JB)
🕰️ 11:00 AM – 11:45 AM
📍 St Mary's (Belle Vue Road, GU12 4RX)
🕰️ 4:45 PM – 5:15 PM

Can't make it on Saturday? You can easily arrange a more convenient time by contacting the parish office.

Just give us a call at 📞 01252 320956.

We look forward to welcoming you. Be blessed ✨

07/08/2026

“Take heart, it is I; do not be afraid.” — Matthew 14:27

Sometimes the wind really is against us — worry, uncertainty, illness, relationships, or simply the pressures of life.

In this Sunday’s Gospel, Peter discovers that the answer isn’t to pretend the storm isn’t there. It is to keep his eyes on Jesus in the midst of it.

Whatever this week has held for you, come and meet Him at Mass this weekend. You are very welcome.

Saturday: 5.30pm — St Mary’s
Sunday: 9.00am & 10.30am — St Joseph’s

30/07/2026

🧎🏻‍♂️Prayer for the Week

Lord Jesus,
Take what little I have and use it for Your glory.
Where I feel weak, be my strength.
Where I feel empty, fill me with Your grace.
Help me to trust that nothing offered to You is ever wasted.

Amen.