1. The Parish Lenten Mission in English with the theme “I will get up and go to my Father” will be held from 19th to 22nd March from 6.45 pm to 9.00 pm at the Sacred Heart Church and will be led by Fr. Joseph Edatt, VC from the Divine Retreat Centre. We encourage all parishioners to attend this mission. Priests will be available in the confessionals during the mission. Due to this mission, the regular Malayalam Mass will take place at Our Lady of Arabia Auditorium.

   Please note that due to the Lenten Mission on Wednesday, 21st March there will only be one Mass at 6.00 pm followed by Novena. The Lenten Mission will commence after the Novena on that day.

2. You may refer to the church notice board or parish website for the holy week services.
3. Palm Sunday Services will be celebrated on Friday 23rd, Saturday 24th and Sunday 25th March. Palms will be blessed at the outdoor stage in the Church Compound on Friday 23rd March at 6.55 am followed by the 7.00 am mass. Palms will be distributed at all the Obligation masses. On Friday, 23rd March there will be a Way of the Cross in the Church compound at 4.00 pm.
4. The Holy Thursday Service on 29th March will be held at 7.00pm at the Sacred Heart School grounds, Isa Town.
5. Good Friday is a day of Fast and Abstinence. The service on 30th March will be held at 5.00 pm at the Sacred Heart School grounds, Isa Town. It will commence with the Way of the Cross. After the service, the first of the Nine-Days Chaplet to the Divine Mercy will be prayed. For details of the Novena on other days please refer to the notice board.
6. On Saturday, 31st March, the Easter Vigil Service will commence at 7.00 pm at the Sacred Heart School grounds, Isa Town.
7. For those without transport to Isa Town, arrangements have been made for buses. Please assemble at the Bus stop near the Art and Craft Centre, Al Zubara Avenue.

   On Holy Thursday, Buses will leave at 6.00 pm, 6.15 pm and 6.30 pm.

   On Good Friday, Buses will leave at 4.00 pm, 4.15 pm and 4.30 pm.

   On Holy Saturday, Buses will leave at 6.00 pm, 6.15 pm and 6.30 pm

8. Those who have space available in their cars are requested to kindly pass by the steel  gate of the church, to give people lifts on their way to Isa Town for the services.
9. We will require a lot of white flowers to decorate the Altar of Repose on Holy Thursday and on Easter Sunday. Donors may bring them on the previous day to the Sacristy.
10. There will be a pilgrimage to the Holy Land from 19th to 27th May. The sites include Petra in Jordan, Palestine and Israel. Those interested in joining this pilgrimage are requested to collect the form from the Parish Office and submit it before 30th March. For further details, please contact Fr. Xavier or Fr. Darrel.
11. Lenten Alms Envelopes with your contributions shall be put in the boxes labeled “Lenten Alms” which are placed at the entrance of the Sacred Heart Church and the Mother Church.

    FR. XAVIER M. D’SOUZA, OFM Cap. 
    Parish Priest

1. On Wednesday, 14th March at 6.30 pm, there will be Pre-Baptism Seminar in the St. Claire Audio Video Room. Please bring your copy of the bible with you. Children are not allowed.
2. On Friday, 16th March there will be a Marriage Preparation Course in the St. Dominic Savio Hall from 7.30 am to 5.00 pm. Those interested are requested to register themselves at the Parish Office and submit their Baptism Certificate along with the Application Form before 14th March. The course fee is BD. 5/- per person, inclusive of lunch.
3. Adults who wish to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation are requested to attend a Course on Friday, 16th March from 7.30 am to 4.00 pm in the St. Claire Audio Video Room. Those interested are requested to bring their Baptism Certificate and Holy Communion Certificate along with them. The course fee is BD. 7/- per person, inclusive of breakfast and lunch.
4. The Christeen Retreat 2018 for our Parish children, from 1st to 12th Standard, will take place from 30th June till 3rd July, and will be led by a team from Logos Retreat Centre, Bangalore. We request all parents to plan their annual vacation accordingly and fully utilize this unique opportunity for the children to attend this retreat.
5. There will be a pilgrimage to the Holy Land from 19th to 27th May. The sites include Petra in Jordan, Palestine and Israel. Those interested in joining this pilgrimage are requested to collect the form from the Parish Office and submit it before 30th March. For further details, please contact Fr. Xavier or Fr. Darel.
6. The star banner for the needy is calling for your generosity. Each star price is reduced and now being pinned at BD. 10/- only. The collection is for the less fortunate of our parish. Counting on each one of you to support us and fill up the banner at the earliest.

ANNOUNCEMENT FOR FRIDAY MORNING MASSES ONLY

1. The First Friday Parish Holy Hour will be held today at 3.15 pm in the Sacred Heart Church and will be followed by the Stations of the Cross at 4.15 pm.
2. The Women’s World Day of Prayer will be held today at St. Christopher Cathedral at 3.00 pm. All are encouraged to attend.

   Fr. XAVIER M. D’SOUZA, OFM Cap. 
   Parish Priest

1. On February 7th Wednesday at 6.30 pm, there will be Pre Baptism Seminar in the St. Claire Audio Video Room. Please bring your bible with you. Children are not allowed.
2. The Family Day 2018 with the theme IN GIVING WE RECEIVE’ with lots of Games, Food Stalls, competitions’ and a variety of entertainment programmers, will be held in the church compound on Friday, 9th February from 8.00am to 8.00pm. For more details and entry forms you may contact the Parish office.
   Parishioners, we appeal for your generosity in bringing in advertisements and supporters for this event. Gifts and food items can also be donated.
   These will help us meet our objectives towards helping the needy in the parish.
   For any further assistance, kindly contact the Family Day organizing team whose names and contact numbers are displayed on the notice board. The banner displayed in the Church compound.
   Due to the Family Day celebrations on Friday 9th February, there will only be 4 Obligation masses. Masses in English will be at 7.00 am, 9.00 am and 5.00 pm. In Filipino language at 11.30 am. All these masses will be held in Our Lady of Arabia Auditorium. The Entrance and exit to the Auditorium will be from the Al Zubarah Avenue. There will be no Catechism classes, no Children’s mass at 9.15 am, no Youth mass at 10.30 am and no other language masses on that day. The Blessed Sacrament Chapel will remain closed during the event.
3. The star banner for the needy is calling for your generosity. Each star price is reduced and now being pinned at BD. 10/- only. The collection is for the less fortunate of our parish. Counting on each one of you to support us and fill up the banner at the earliest. This is part of our Family Day 2018 mission.
4. We will be celebrating the feast of our Lady of Lourdes, world day of the sick, on Sunday, 11th February, during the 7.00 pm Mass in the Sacred Heart Church, followed by a procession to the Grotto. The novena will commence from today, 2nd February at 7.00 pm in the Mother Church.

   ANNOUNCEMENT FOR FRIDAY MORNING MASSES ONLY

5. The First Friday Parish Holy Hour will be held today at 3.45 pm in the Sacred Heart Church.

   ANNOUNCEMENT FOR FRIDAY ONLY

6. On Family Day there will be Prince and Princess Competition for children under 9 years of age and Showcase your talent (This is open to all ages).Today is the last day to submit the entry forms.

   Fr. XAVIER D’SOUZA, OFM Cap. 
   Parish Priest

1. On Tuesday 30th January, is the Ordination day of our Parish Priest Fr. Xavier D’Souza. A thanksgiving mass will be offered at 6.00 pm on that day. Let us participate and pray for his intentions
2. February 7th Wednesday at 6.30 pm, there will be Pre Baptism Seminar in the St. Claire Audio Video Room. Please bring your bible with you. Children are not allowed.
3. The Family Day 2018 with the theme IN GIVING WE RECEIVE’ with lots of Games, Food Stalls, competitions’ and a variety of entertainment programmes, will be held in the church compound on Friday, 9th February from 8.00am to 8.00pm.There will be Prince and Princess competition for children under 9 years of age and Showcase your talent  (This is open to all ages). For more details and entry forms you may contact the Parish office. Last day to submit entry forms is 2nd February.
   Parishioners, we appeal for your generosity in bringing in advertisements and supporters for this event. Gifts and food items can also be donated.
   These will help us meet our objectives towards helping the needy in the parish.
   For any further assistance, kindly contact the Family Day organizing team whose names and contact numbers are displayed on the notice board. The banner displayed in the Church compound.
4. The Bishop wants to address the members of all prayer groups in the parish. Therefore, the Charismatic National Services Team has arranged a common prayer service in the Sacred Heart Church on Thursday, 1st February from 7.00 pm to 8.30 pm. The Bishop will be sharing his views during this prayer service. The members of all prayer groups are requested to be present.
5. The star banner for the needy is calling for your generosity. Each star price is reduced and now being pinned at BD. 10/- only. The collection is for the less fortunate of our parish. Counting on each one of you to support us and fill up the banner at the earliest. The star banner will continue to be displayed until Easter Monday. This is part of our Family Day 2018 mission.

ANNOUNCEMENT FOR FRIDAY MORNING MASS ONLY

1. Today, is the Feast of Santo Niño which will be celebrated by the Filipino Community at the 11.30am mass, in the Sacred Heart Church. Please bring your Santo Niño statues for blessing during this service. We invite all the Filipino members of our Parish to attend this mass. The assembly time for the entrance procession before the mass, will be at 11.30 am near the outdoor stage. All the devotees of the Infant Jesus are welcome to participate.
   Today the regular 10.30am Obligation Mass will take place at Our Lady of Arabia Auditorium.

Fr. XAVIER D’SOUZA, OFM Cap. 
Parish Priest

1. Please be informed that, The Christmas and New Year Mass schedule is displayed on the notice boards.
2. As we are in the Season of Advent, all are invited to make your confession while the priest is available in the confessionals.
3. The Advent Parish Mission in preparation for Christmas in English will be held from Monday, 18th to 20th December along with the evening mass. On 18th and 19th December it will be held during 6.00 pm mass and on 20th December during the 7.00 pm mass.
4. December 20th Wednesday, is the Ordination day of Rev. Fr. Freddy D’Souza. A thanksgiving mass will be offered at 5.30 pm on that day. Let us all participate and pray for his intentions.
5. There will be No Catechism classes for parish children on 22nd and 29th December.
6. As Fr Gasper will be leaving Bahrain shortly, a thanksgiving mass will be offered on Friday 22 December at 5 pm at the SHC thanking God for his ministry in our parish. This will be followed by a felicitation programme at our lady of Arabia auditorium. Let us attend to show our love and gratitude to Fr Gasper.
7. On Sunday, 24th December, the Christmas Night vigil solemn Service will begin at 7.15 pm at the Sacred Heart School grounds, Isa Town with a Christmas play followed by carol singing. The vigil mass will begin at 8.15 pm.
8. Flowers to decorate the Altar at Manama for Christmas and New Year services may be   brought to the Sacristy on Sunday, 24th December and on Sunday, 31st December by 12 noon.
9. We have made arrangements for buses to take parishioners for the vigil service from Manama to Sacred Heart School, Isa town and back. The buses will leave from the Arts and Craft Center, Al Zubara Avenue at 6.30 pm, 6.45pm and 7.00 pm. We request those who have place in their cars to pass by the Arts and Craft Center to give a lift to parishioners going for the Christmas service. \
10. On Monday 25th December 2017, a free Christmas Day programme “Home away from Home,” for our parish domestic workers, will be held in Our Lady of Arabia Auditorium from 9.00 am to 12.00 noon and from 1.00 pm to 4.00 pm. There will be Holy Mass followed by entertainment and distribution of Christmas gifts. Dear Parishioners, we count on your support for this event. You may offer cakes, snacks, gifts, telephone cards or cash. Cash may be handed over to the parish office.
11. The Feast of St. Sebastian will be celebrated by the Malayalam Catholic community on Thursday, 28th December at 5.30 pm and on 29th December at 10.00 am at the Sacred Heart School grounds in Isa Town.  All are invited to participate.
12. The Christmas Dream team would like to thank the communities, supporters and parishioners for supporting us in our initiative to raise funds for the needy and poor. Parishioners who have ordered the Christmas fruit cake can now collect their cakes from Fr. Gaspar’s office. The timings for collection are as follows: Friday 15th December from 7:30 am to 11:30 am and Saturday 16th December from 6 pm to 8 pm.
13. The Christmas and New Year Dinner Dance will be held on Thursday, 11th January at Our Lady of Arabia Auditorium from 7.30 pm to 12.00 midnight. The price is BD 5/- per person inclusive of dinner. Tickets are available with all Community Co-ordinators.

    ANNOUNCEMENTS FOR FRIDAY AND SATURDAY ONLY

14.  December 17th Sunday, is the Ordination day of Fr. Charbel Fayad. A thanksgiving mass will be offered at 5.30 pm on that day. Let us participate and pray for his intentions.

    ANNOUNCEMENT FOR FRIDAY ONLY

15. In preparation for Christmas, a Dawn Mass will be celebrated in Tagalog, every morning at 4.30 am commencing from Saturday, 16th December to Sunday, 24th December.

    FR. XAVIER D’SOUZA, OFM CAP.
    PARISH PRIEST

1. December 8th Friday, we celebrate the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
2. The Feast of St. Francis Xavier will be celebrated by the Konkani Community on Monday, 4th December at 7.00 pm in the Sacred Heart Church. For Novena timings, please refer to the banner in the church compound.
   Due to this Solemn Celebration, the regular 6.00 pm English Mass scheduled on that day will be held at Our Lady of Arabia Auditorium.
3. December 7th Thursday, is the birthday of Fr. Amar A thanksgiving mass will be offered at 6.00 pm on that day.  Let us participate and pray for his intentions.
4. On completion of their respective tenure of services in Middle East, Frs. Freddy and Gaspar will be returning back to their respective Provinces. Hence, there will be a con-celebrated Thanksgiving Farewell Mass for Fr. Freddy followed by Felicitation Programme at Our Lady of Arabia Auditorium on Friday, 8th December at 5.00 pm and Farewell for Fr. Gaspar on Friday, 22nd December. All are invited and encouraged to attend as a mark of gratitude.
5. On 8th December, the catechism children from STDs 4 to 12 will have mass at 9.00 am at the Sacred Heart Church as part of the Christmas celebrations. The regular 9.00 am English obligation mass on that day will be held at Our Lady of Arabia Auditorium.
6. The Youth of the Parish will be organizing a musical stage production entitled A Christmas Dream: Finding Our Way Home, on the 7th December at 7.45 pm at Our Lady of Arabia Auditorium. The proceeds raised from this event will go towards the less fortunate.  We require your support and sponsorship for this event. For further information, contact Fr Gaspar or the team at the Christmas Dream Counter or the Parish Office.  Only a few tickets are remaining.  Kindly hurry and buy them at the earliest.
7. The true meaning of Christmas is love.  We remember the birth of Jesus by giving each other gifts, worshipping Him and being especially kind to the poor and the less fortunate. Today, let us spread our love and joy to the poor, and make their Christmas a happy and memorable one. You can place your orders for Christmas fruit cake with us. This will be a great help to the needy. For further information please contact Fr. Gaspar or the team at the Christmas Dream counter.
8. December 13th Wednesday at 6.30 pm, there will be Pre Baptism Seminar in the St. Claire Audio Video Room. Please bring your bible with you. Children are not allowed.
9. February 9th 2018, we will be having the Annual Parish event, THE FAMILY DAY 2018 with the theme, “IN GIVING WE RECEIVE” at the Church grounds.
10. The Arabic Community will be hosting its 12th annual Christmas Bazaar in the church compound on Friday, 8th December 2017, from 7.00 am until 2.00 pm. Proceeds will go towards the less fortunate. For further information please refer to the notice boards.

    ANNOUNCEMENT FOR FRIDAY MORNING MASSES ONLY

11. The First Friday Parish Holy Hour will be held today at 3.45 pm in the Sacred Heart Church.

    FR. XAVIER D’SOUZA, OFM CAP.
    PARISH PRIEST

1. Rev. Fr. Peter Eugenio will celebrate his birthday on Sunday, 26th November. Let us pray for his intentions.
2. The FEAST OF CHRIST THE KING will be celebrated on Friday 24th, Saturday 25th and Sunday 26th November. On Friday, the Blessed Sacrament will be exposed for Adoration at the Mother Church from 12.45 pm to 3.30 pm. At 3.35 pm the Blessed Sacrament will be transferred in procession to the Sacred Heart Church followed by an hour of Adoration from 3.45 pm. For the Adoration schedule you may refer to the notice board. On this day the Adoration Chapel will remain closed from 12.45 pm to 3.30 pm.
3. Sacred Heart Church Music Ministry would like to invite its members from different communities to attend the Eucharistic celebration on Wednesday, 22nd November at 7.00 pm for the Feast of St. Cecilia, the patron saint of singers and musicians, to renew their commitments.
4. The Novena in preparation for the feast of St. Francis Xavier will be conducted by Fr Placido Pereira organized by the Konkani community. The novena will commence from Saturday, 25th November. For Novena timings, you may refer to the banner in the church compound.
5. All are invited to attend the Family Day at Awali Church on Friday, 24th November from 10.00 am to 10.00 pm. Kindly note that, there will be buses from Sacred Heart Church to Awali at 9.00 am, 12 noon, 3.00 pm and 5.00 pm and from Awali to Manama at 1.00 pm, 4.00 pm and 9.00 pm.
6. The next Marriage Preparation Course will be held on Friday, 24th November in the St. Dominic Savio Hall from 7.30 am to 5.00 pm. Those who would like to attend this course please register your name at the Parish Office and submit the Baptism certificate along with your application form before 17th November. The course fee is BD. 5/- per person, inclusive of lunch.
7. The catechism ministry of our parish will be organizing YOUTH EMPOWERMENT SEASON III on December 1st from 11.30 am to 3.30 pm at the St Padre Pio Social hall.
   Children from STDs 9-12 are encouraged to attend this session which will be held for their overall developments. For registration forms you may contact the catechism office or the parish office.
8. On 7th December, the Parish will be organizing a stage production entitled A Christmas Dream: Finding Our Way Home, to raise funds for the less fortunate. The tickets have already been launched and are now available.As one of the initiatives to raise funds; we will be selling an ornamental Christmas tree. Kindly note we have limited stock of these and they will be sold on a first come first serve basis. In addition, we will also be selling Christmas fruit cakes and we urge you to please place your order as early as possible. The tickets, ornamental Christmas tree and order forms for the Christmas fruit cake can be found at the Christmas Dream counter which is set up in the Church compound after obligation masses. For further information, you may contact Fr. Gaspar Fernandes.

ANNOUNCEMENT FOR FRIDAY MORNING MASSES ONLY

1. Bishop Camillo will install the New Parish Priest, Fr. Xavier D’Souza OFM Cap at the 5.00 pm mass today. Let us attend this mass and pray for him as he takes over this new responsibility.
2. Catechism Fun Day 2017will be held today at the church grounds from 8.00 am to 2.00 pm with games and food stalls and a variety of entertainments. Parishioners are invited to attend this fun day.

Fr. Freddy D’Souza, OFM Cap.
PARISH PRIEST

1. As Fr. Freddy D’Souza has successfully completed 12 years of his services in the vicariate, his Provincial has called him back to his Province. Due to this decision, Bishop Camillo has appointed Fr. Xavier Marian D’Souza as the New Parish Priest of Sacred Heart Church, Bahrain. Bishop Camillo will install the New Parish Priest, Fr. Xavier D’Souza at the 5.00 pm mass on Friday, 17th November. Let us attend this mass and pray for him as he takes over this new responsibility.
2. Rev. Fr. Saji Thomas will be celebrating his Ordination Day on Thursday, 16th November. A thanksgiving mass will be offered at 6.00pm on that day.  Let us attend and pray for his intentions.
3. The Deepening of the Catholic Faith Session with the theme- “Can I become a Saint?” will be held on Tuesday, 14th November at 7.00 pm at Our Lady of Arabia Auditorium. All parishioners are invited to attend this session.
4. The wedding anniversary mass for the October and November celebrants will be held on Monday, 13th November at 7.00 pm in the Mother Church. All celebrants are invited to attend this mass.
5.  The next Marriage Preparation Course will be held on Friday, 24th November in the St. Dominic Savio Hall from 7.30 am to 5.00 pm. Those who would like to attend this course please register your name at the Parish Office and submit the Baptism certificate along with your application form before 17th November. The course fee is BD. 5/- per person, inclusive of lunch.
6. Catechism Fun Day 2017will be held on Friday, 17th November at the church grounds from 8.00am to 2.00 pm with games and food stalls and a variety of entertainment. Parishioners are invited to attend this fun day. We are looking for supporters who are willing to support the Catechism Fun Day. Those willing may contact Fr Gasper Fernandes or the individuals whose names are displayed on the banner in the church compound.
7. The Mission of Mercy and compassion (MMC) will have their monthly Intercessory/ Adoration service on Wednesday, 15th November at 6.30 pm in St. Padre Pio Hall. All are invited to join.ANNOUNCEMENT FOR FRIDAY EVENING MASS, SATURDAY AND SUNDAY ONLY
8. On 7th December, the Parish will be organizing a stage production entitled A Christmas Dream: Finding Our Way Home, to raise funds for the less fortunate. The tickets have already been launched and are now available.
9. As one of the initiatives to raise funds; we will be selling an ornamental Christmas tree. Kindly note we have limited stock of these and they will be sold on a first come first serve basis. In addition, we will also be selling Christmas fruit cakes and we urge you to please place your order as early as possible. The tickets, ornamental Christmas tree and order forms for the Christmas fruit cake can be found at the Christmas Dream counter which is set up in the Church compound after obligation masses. For further information, you may contact Fr. Gaspar FernandesFRIDAY MORNING 7.00 AM MASS ONLY
10. On 7th December, the Parish will be organizing a stage production entitled Christmas Dream: Finding Our Way Home, to raise funds for the less fortunate. The tickets will be launched at the 9.00 am mass today. As one of the initiatives to raise funds, we will be selling an ornamental Christmas tree. Kindly note we have limited stock of these and they will be sold on a first come first serve basis. In addition, we will also be selling Christmas fruit cakes and we urge you to please place your order as early as possible.  The tickets, ornamental Christmas tree and order forms for the Christmas fruit cake can be found at the Christmas Dream counter which is set up in the Church compound after obligation masses. For further information, you may contact Fr. Gaspar Fernandes.

Fr. Freddy D’Souza, OFM Cap.
PARISH PRIEST

1. The First Friday Parish Holy Hour will be held on 3rd November at 3.45 pm in the Sacred Heart Church.
2. The month of the Holy Rosary comes to a close on Tuesday, 31st October. On that day there will be a con-celebrated Mass at 6.00 pm followed by a Living Rosary Prayer in the Church compound. All parishioners are invited to attend.
3. The Feast of All Saints will be celebrated on Wednesday, 1st November. The English mass will be at 5.30 am, 6.15 am. 5.30 pm and 7.00pm, all masses in the Sacred Heart Church. French mass 6.30 pm, mother church, Malayalam mass at 8.00pm Sacred Heart Church.
4. All Souls Day is on Thursday, 2nd November. The English mass will be at 5.30 am 6.15 am, 7.00 am, 6.00 pm and 8.00 pm. All Masses will be held in the Sacred Heart Church.

   Pilipino mass at 7.00 pm in the Sacred Heart Church
   Konkani mass at 7.00 pm in Our Lady of Arabia Auditorium
   Tamil mass at 7.30 pm in the Mother church
   Arabic mass at 8.30 pm in the Mother church

   On All Souls Day, the Salmabad Cemetery will be blessed at 3.00 pm and the old     Manama Cemetery at 4.00 pm. A special collection will be made during all masses on this day for the maintenance of the cemeteries.

5. We gain a plenary indulgence for the dead under the usual condition; that is by visiting the Church and with devotion, reciting the Our Father, the Creed and praying for the intentions of the Holy Father. Anyone who visits the cemetery from 1st to 8th November and prays for the souls in purgatory will also gain a plenary indulgence.
6. Catechism Fun Day 2017 will be held on 17th November at the church grounds from 8.00am to 2.00 pm with games, food stalls and a variety of entertainment programmes. Various competitions will be held for children to bring out their talents on 9th and 10th November. The last date to submit the registration forms is 27th October. We are looking for supporters who are willing to support the catechism fun day. Those willing may  contact the Parish Priest or the persons whose names are displaced on the banner in the church compound
7. We would like to thank each and every one for supporting the Dinner for a Noble Cause held on 19th October at Gulf Hotel. It was a great success and the participation was encouraging. We hope you will support the upcoming events which will be also for the poor and the needy families in Bahrain.
8. Our Parish calendars for 2018 are now available in the Church compound. Please patronize.

   Fr. Freddy D’Souza, OFM Cap.
   PARISH PRIEST