FR DAVID WRITES
Today is the Fourth Sunday of Lent, also known as ‘Laetare’ Sunday from the first words of the entrance antiphon in Latin; a day of rejoicing in the heart of this holy season of Lent. Today is also Mothering Sunday. We send our love, prayers and thanks to all mothers in the parish and community, and pray for our mothers who have gone to God. We hope you all have a lovely day! Our journey through Lent is going fast! Today you will find sheets in the church porch with the details about celebrations here in Holy Week. Please take one. Finally, it was lovely to see many people at Mass on St Patrick’s Day. We hope you had a good day. God bless you all.
AID TO THE CHURCH IN NEED: SYRIA APPEAL
Next weekend there will be an appeal from Aid to the Church in Need. Aid to the Church in need is a Pontifical charity which works in 145 countries, helping persecuted and oppressed Christians around the world through prayer, information and action. ACN has opened an emergency appeal for people in northern Syria following a series of devastating earthquakes in February. ACN is providing medical aid, shelter, food, blankets and repairs to those affected. This truly Catholic response to this tragedy demonstrates Catholic Social Teaching in action. Our support will have a huge impact on those who have been affected by this earthquake. There will be a second collection after all Masses.
LENTEN ALMS
Next weekend: Aid to the Church in Need
Good Friday: The Holy Places
A big thank you for your generosity for last weekend’s appeal which totalled £958.
FAIR TRADE STALL & REAL EASTER EGGS
Please pop into the Parish Hall after Mass today to visit the Fair Trade stall. This weekend there are Real Easter Eggs (with the real message of Easter!) available. Please go in and speak to Michael for details.
SATURDAY: ANNUNCIATION OF THE LORD
This coming Saturday, 25 March, is the solemnity of the Lord’s Annunciation. There will be an additional Mass here in church at 9am on Saturday for the solemnity. The usual afternoon Masses on Saturday at 4pm and 6pm will be for the Fifth Sunday of Lent.
CHURCH REDECORATION
We are ready, poised and waiting for the necessary permissions from the diocese to begin the church redecoration. Fr David will keep you posted about arrangements. There may be some upcoming work and disruption—apologies in advance.
FIRST HOLY COMMUNION 2023
Next children’s meeting will take place on Saturday 25 March at 10am. Family Mass Sunday 26 March at 11.15am.
CONFIRMATION 2023
The next session in the Confirmation course is on Saturday 25 March at 4.30pm followed by Mass at 6pm.
ANNA MARIA VOLPECELLI RIP
The Funeral Mass will be on Monday 27 March at 10am.
PILGRIMAGE TO SHRINES IN NORTHERN FRANCE & PARIS
10-16 September. £730 per person. Travel by coach. Please contact the office for information or see Fr David.
JOHN BUTTERWORTH RIP EASTER RAFFLE
Prizes are still available from the Paper shop and the Parish Office during opening hours. Winning numbers is displayed on the notice board.
ANNUAL MASS OF THANKSGIVING FOR MATRIMONY
The annual Mass for Matrimony will be celebrated in the cathedral by the Cardinal on Saturday 13th May at 2.30pm for couples celebrating significant wedding anniversaries – 5th, 10th, 25th, 30th, 40th 50th, 60th and 60+. If you would like to attend, please send both your names, the date of the wedding, your full postal address and an email (or phone number if no email) to the Parish Office.
POPE FRANCIS
Please pray for the Holy Father at this time of the anniversary of the pontificate. He was elected Pope in the Sistine Chapel on 13 March 2013 and celebrated the inauguration in St Peter’s Square on 19 March 2013, ten years ago.