From Father Chris
The Strength of a Community; A Blessing from God
Hello, I’m Fr. Chris Whelan. I was ordained priest in Fareham in 2000, and have been at St John Bosco since 2005. When I arrived here, I was met by a warm, joyful community of faith that celebrated the presence of Jesus Christ through the love of God and neighbour. To this day, it continues to live the works of mercy, welcoming the stranger and visiting the sick. It cares for the poor and neglected. It is alive with generosity - with pastoral care at the centre of its being.
In January 2010 we began celebrating the 40th Anniversary of our church building in Western Avenue, although the community has been established here since 1946. Since 1970, our church has been a beacon of light to the Woodley community. However, buildings no more make a parish than a house makes a home. It is through the support of our church family and the outreach to our local community that we are able to touch others in our world with Jesus Christ’s good news of salvation. We are now strengthened further by our extended family in the Loddon Valley Parish at fellow churches in Twyford, Wargrave, Earley and Whitley.
We're certainly not perfect in our church, but we have something worth sharing. Like everyone, we daily need wisdom and love beyond our own capacities. Because of this we find it important to set aside some time each week to worship God and learn from His Word. Central to our faith is the celebration of the Sunday Eucharist at Mass. We worship on weekdays at 10.00am, Saturday at 6:30 pm and Sunday at 10:00 am (with children’s liturgy), followed by refreshments in the centre next door to the Church.
Another source of strength and joy is the support from others in the congregation. What encouragement there is from being with people with different backgrounds and interests who care about each other! How helpful to have the wisdom of the elderly, and enjoy the exuberance of the young! What a comfort to receive encouragement and help from friends in time of need! These benefits come as a result of our commitment to Jesus Christ and the Word of God. Our special relationship with God enables us to face life's problems and bear them with His love, His Sacraments, His teachings and the help of His people. As He says: "I have come that they might have life and have it more abundantly" (John 10:10).
As Roman Catholics, we are proud to be part of the established universal Church, built upon a foundation made by Jesus Christ 2010 years ago. Yet, we are also aware of the importance of ecumenical relations with all Christian denominations - and we regularly meet and pray with our Christian brothers and sisters in Woodley. As a community, we live out our faith daily in our varied walks of life. Join us, and discover what I discovered when I arrived - that although there is a packed congregation most weekends, there is always room for another in the pew and at the altar.
May God bless you and your loved ones and may the peace of the Lord be with you always.
Fr. Chris
In January 2010 we began celebrating the 40th Anniversary of our church building in Western Avenue, although the community has been established here since 1946. Since 1970, our church has been a beacon of light to the Woodley community. However, buildings no more make a parish than a house makes a home. It is through the support of our church family and the outreach to our local community that we are able to touch others in our world with Jesus Christ’s good news of salvation. We are now strengthened further by our extended family in the Loddon Valley Parish at fellow churches in Twyford, Wargrave, Earley and Whitley.
We're certainly not perfect in our church, but we have something worth sharing. Like everyone, we daily need wisdom and love beyond our own capacities. Because of this we find it important to set aside some time each week to worship God and learn from His Word. Central to our faith is the celebration of the Sunday Eucharist at Mass. We worship on weekdays at 10.00am, Saturday at 6:30 pm and Sunday at 10:00 am (with children’s liturgy), followed by refreshments in the centre next door to the Church.
Another source of strength and joy is the support from others in the congregation. What encouragement there is from being with people with different backgrounds and interests who care about each other! How helpful to have the wisdom of the elderly, and enjoy the exuberance of the young! What a comfort to receive encouragement and help from friends in time of need! These benefits come as a result of our commitment to Jesus Christ and the Word of God. Our special relationship with God enables us to face life's problems and bear them with His love, His Sacraments, His teachings and the help of His people. As He says: "I have come that they might have life and have it more abundantly" (John 10:10).
As Roman Catholics, we are proud to be part of the established universal Church, built upon a foundation made by Jesus Christ 2010 years ago. Yet, we are also aware of the importance of ecumenical relations with all Christian denominations - and we regularly meet and pray with our Christian brothers and sisters in Woodley. As a community, we live out our faith daily in our varied walks of life. Join us, and discover what I discovered when I arrived - that although there is a packed congregation most weekends, there is always room for another in the pew and at the altar.
May God bless you and your loved ones and may the peace of the Lord be with you always.
Fr. Chris
