THIS AUGUST NEWSLETTER covers the 29th JULY to 2nd SEPTEMBER and will hopefully remain available for each Sunday in August from 18th Sunday -22nd  Sunday of the Year. But you are advised to retain your own copy. The next weekly Newsletter is planned for the weekend of the 2nd/3rd September. I shall not be available during weekdays in August, except for real emergencies (please leave phone messages or emails).

ON SUNDAY 1st AUGUST Father Ephraim Odhiambo of the Mill Hill Missionary Fathers will be principal celebrant at both Masses, making an appeal on behalf of the APF-Mill Hill Red Box Mission. If each Church is confident that Fr Ephraim can be looked after without problems I should if possible like to absent myself on this occasion for my annual Jesuit eight day retreat. But I shall not do so if this may pose problems for Mass preparation and clearing up.

HOLY CROSS CHILDREN'S CHURCH will commence again on Sunday 5th September -unless anyone would like to arrange one unofficially before this (which should be organised with me beforehand).

WEEKDAY MASSES for Holy Cross and Most Holy Redeemer cease during August and from the beginning of September should return to normal as advertised on the Church notice boards. There will be the usual First Friday Exposition with Confessions on Friday 3rd September. Masses at St Elizabeth's are on a separate notice in the porch at Holy Cross.  

BIKE AND HIKE is an annual sponsored biking or walking event, which this year takes place on Saturday 11th September (i.e. the day before the Garden Party). The idea is for people to seek sponsorship to visit by bike or on foot as many churches as they can in the area. The money raised is then split 50/50 between the Beds and Herts Historic Churches Trust and our own Church. Please contact Bill O'Neill at Holy Cross, or Len Wood or Paul Kerins at MHR if you are interested in taking part or helping with hospitality.

OUR ANNUAL GARDEN PARTY takes place on Sunday 12th September, which as always is the nearest Sunday to the feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross. There is simultaneously a Flower Festival taking place in Much Hadham parish Church which will add to our celebration this year. Tickets for the Garden Party are now available after Mass from Ken Shephard at Holy Cross or John Shanley at Most Holy Redeemer (£5 or £1 for under-12s). St Andrew's parishioners are most welcome, and can obtain tickets from Joyce Morris.

OUR HOLY REDEEMER DINNER will take place on the Feast of Christ the King on Sunday 21st November. The Cricket Club and caterers have been booked. Tickets to be announced when available.

COLLECTION TOTALS  are not published during August, but can be obtained from Treasurers. Martin Dillon  has been elected Holy Cross Treasurer following Suzanne's resignation through pressures of work. Please note that Martin's email address is now manddillon123@btinternet.com.