FR DAVID WRITES
Lent began on Ash Wednesday, and today is the First Sunday of Lent. At the back of church you will find our Lent leaflet which will help you with opportunities for this season. It was a joy to see so many people at church on Wednesday as we continue to welcome back many parishioners since the end of Covid restrictions. We wish you well for Lent and look forward to a full and proper celebration of Holy Week and Easter in due course. On Wednesday we also held special prayers for Ukraine and for peace at this time. Please keep these prayers going at this difficult time. Bishop Sherrington has written to thank everyone for the wonderful celebration here on the Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes—thank you to all involved and everyone who came. Thank you also for all your good wishes since I returned from my break.
FR JOHNSON
On Wednesday Fr Johnson will travel to India for the installation of his new archbishop. 8am Masses here will continue, but there will be no adoration. Please note the church will open in the mornings at 7.30am.
RITE OF ELECTION
On Saturday (this weekend) Fr David and Fr Jerome will be at the Rite of Election in the cathedral. Please pray for those involved who will be baptised and received at Easter.
STATIONS OF THE CROSS
This Friday immediately after the 10am Mass. Please join us if you can.
CONFIRMATION 2022
If you signed up for our Confirmation Course, please note that there is a meeting for all candidates and parents on Tuesday 8th March at 8 pm in the Parish Hall.
FIRST HOLY COMMUNION 2022
The next meeting for parents will be on Tuesday 22nd March at 8pm. Children’s session Saturday 26th March 10am –12.30pm (Including Reconciliation) and 11.15am Mass Sunday 27th March.
AID TO THE CHURCH IN NEED
There will be a second collection this weekend after all Masses for Aid to the Church in Need. There will be gift aid envelopes at the back of the church which anyone who is eligible is welcome to use - it adds an extra 25% to your donation for the charity. You are also welcome to collect a prayer card/literature at the back of the church. Thank you very much for your support for ACN.
SUPPORTING UKRAINE
Aid to the Church in Need is despatching €1m in emergency help for Church communities responding to the desperate crisis unfolding in Ukraine. Bishops, priests and sisters across Ukraine are helping to support people in need of food, clothing and other necessities as displaced families take shelter in the basements and other underground shelters of Churches, parish halls and other religious buildings. To support the ACN Ukraine emergency appeal, visit www.acnuk.org (Alternatively, you can give through Caritas by visiting https://rg.gy/dcqgcc )
CAFOD FAMILY FAST DAY
Friday 11th March is Family Fast Day. Your small sacrifice to go without a treat or to have a simple meal, and give the money you save to CAFOD, will make a huge difference to someone’s life. Please join the FAST DAY effort this Lent—Thank you.
“REAL” EASTER EGGS
On this weekend’s Fair Trade stall you can order Easter Eggs with a Real Easter Story booklet (no bunnies!) in time to guarantee delivery before stocks run out.
BAPTISM COURSES
The next session for parents wanting to sign up for baptism for their baby will be on Wednesday, 16th March at 5 pm in the Parish Centre. Please see the poster in the porch for further dates.
FOOD BANK NEWS
We are running low on the following items: pasta, rice and tinned tomatoes, chickpeas, kidney beans, lentils, toilet rolls, toiletries. breakfast cereals, coffee, sugar and tea. You are reminded that we cannot accept fresh food here at Our Lady of Lourdes, e.g. vegetables, meat/fish or dairy products as we are unable to store them correctly.
PAPER SHOP
The shop can now be found to the right as you enter the Parish Hall. There are a lot of items, including cards for various religious events. St Patrick and Easter cards coming soon!
MARIA PILAR O’HALPIN RIP
The Requiem takes place at 10 am on Monday, March 7th. May she rest in peace.
DONATA CICORIA RIP
The Requiem takes place at 10 am on Tuesday 15th March. May she rest in peace.