CYCLE OF PRAYER – During Ordinary Time (summer), we are asked to pray for these intentions: A Deeper Understanding between Christians and Jews, those who Suffer Persecution, Oppression and the Denial of Human Rights; Europe; Human Life; Seafarers.

HOLY FATHER’S MISSIONARY INTENTION- Join the Holy Father in praying that all Christians may learn to be committed and effective witnesses of the life and mission of the Church.

PRAY FOR THE SICK - Your prayers are requested for the following who are sick: Agnes Porter, Peter Flynn, Fr. John Bentley, Michael Brozhko, Tony Tagliaferro, Michael and Christine Mahon, Joyce Meagher, Jo Hurst, Jim McAleer, Nessa O’Neil, John Wright, Dorothy Thomas, Luke Lambert, Teresa Patterson, Kerry Barber, Bill Trehy, John Wild, Sheila Clarke, Sophia Derrer, Dorothy Thomas..

HELPING HANDS-Those who require the assistance of the Helping Hands volunteers should please telephone the Presentation Convent on (01869) 323660.

PARISH OFFICE OPENING HOURS – Please note that the Parish Office will be closed until the 3^rd of September.

BICESTER FOOD BANK BOX – Please remember to bring your weekly contributions. Many single items go a loooooooooooooooooooooong way.

ARE YOU NEW? – Are you new to the parish? If you have recently moved to the parish please let us know by completing details in the "New Parishioners" book which may be found in at the back of the church.

PILGRIMAGE TO POLAND – A pilgrimage to Poland is being planned from 25^th – 30^th May 2009 (half term week). A deposit of £90.00 is required to secure a place. Places are still available however after the end of August the flight prices will probably increase.

THURSDAY SCRIPTURE GROUP – Weekly meeting to reflect on the forthcoming Sunday’s readings. Every Thursday at about 8.30 pm. For further details contact Nick & Clare StJohn.

CHURCH OF THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION 100 CLUB –Each month during 2008 two numbers will be drawn to win £10.00 each. In March, June, September and December and additional number will be drawn to win £100.00. Anyone wishing to continue with their current number/numbers should see Patricia Heron. Cheques should be made payable to ‘Church of the Immaculate Conception’. Alternatively, envelopes containing your subscription, full name and telephone number can be handed in to Lucia Hattam in the Parish Office during office hours or to any other Church Social Committee member.

LOOKING FOR THAT HARD TO PRESENT? GIVE SOMEONE YOU LOVE A BRICK! – Bricks for the new Community/Parish Centre are now available for purchase at £10.00 each. Gift cards are also available. Details from Lucia in the Parish Office.

CATHOLIC TODAY – This month’s issue is now available priced at 50p.

BABY & TODDLER GROUP – Meets every Thursday (except school holidays) at 10.00 am at the Presentation Convent, King’s End, for coffee, play and craft activity. The first Thursday of every month is Toddler Prayer and Praise.

DIVINE MERCY CHAPLET – This is being recited every Tuesday at 2.00 pm in the Blessed Sacrament Chapel All are welcome.

ARCHDIOCESE OF BIRMINGHAM – STARTING THE JOURNEY – A useful course for anyone interested in adult catechesis. Please see the poster on the church notice board for further information.

SUNDAY COFFEE – Refreshments continue to be served in the Presbytery after the 11.00 am Mass. Please use the back entrance. If you would like to join the coffee rota please contact the Parish Office.

BICESTER CHURCHES TOGETHER FUN DAY – Bicester churches are working together for their fourth annual fun day in Garth Park on Saturday, 13^th September between 1.00 and 4.00 pm. Please put the date in your diary. More details to follow shortly.

CELEBRATING THE YEAR OF ST. PAUL – Talks and Reflections on St. Paul. Mondays in the Bowen Room of the Dupuis Centre, St. John’s, Banbury, at 6.30 pm. The talks run from 1^st September 2008 to 1^st June 2009. Please see the church notice board for full details.

2008 SPONSORED RIDE OR STRIDE – 13^th September. Get sponsorship to visit local churches by cycle or on foot – drinks and biscuits will be available from the welcoming team. HALF OF YOUR SPONSORSHIP CAN BE USED FOR THE NEW PARISH CENTRE and half goes to the Oxfordshire Historic Churches Trust. Please see the poster in the back of the church or contact Lucia Hattam in the parish office or alternately Paul Cousins for full details. Cyclists, walkers and welcomers are all neede and can all be sponsored.

LIBRARY OF CATHOLIC BOOKS – Forthcoming dates:

• 15^th October – Fr; Stephen Dingley PhD – Faith, reason and Dr. Dawkins.
• 26^th November – Fr. John Saward MLitt – Advent Reflections
• 14^th January – Fr. Nicholas Schofield MA – Those Terrible Middle Ages.

Please contact the Parish Office for further details.

THE DOWRY OF MARY PILGRIMAGE TO WALSINGHAM – Sunday, 7^th September led by the Rt. Rev. Patrick Lynch – ‘Celebrating the truly universal character of the Church in England’.

ANNUAL HARVINGTON PILGRIMAGE – Sunday 31^st August. Principal celebrant: The Rt. Rev. William Kenny, Auxiliary Bishop of Birmingham. Mass at 3.00 pm. Please see the poster in the church porch for details.

THE PASSION PLAY AT OBERAMMERGAU 2010 – If anyone is interested in joining The Oratory for the trip to Oberammergau in 2010 please contact the Parish Office.

MALTA DAY – The Malta High Commission is organising a reunion for the Maltese community to celebrate Malta Day – UK on Saturday 13^th September in the precincts of Westminster Cathedral. Please see the poster in the church porch for further details.

PARISH COMMUNITY CENTRE NEWS – The total amount from donations and fund raising events from last week came to £905.00 plus a bequest of £66,304.92!! Thank you very much for your kind donations. Please remember to keep saving as every pound counts. The next box collection weekend will be on the 6^th and 7^th of September.

More ways to donate ... include standing order, cheque (made payable to "Immaculate Conception account no 2"), cash deposits in the wall money box at the back of the church and buy-a-brick at £10.00 each. For further details pick up a donation pack from the welcomers or contact the Parish Office.