FR TOM WRITES
Today is Laetare Sunday and the Church bids us Rejoice! It is a moment of joy in the midst of our Lenten journey. Marked by rose vestments it reminds us that Easter is near, and offers a glimpse of the joy we will proclaim with the resurrection of our Lord. Similarly, Mothering Sunday, traditionally a day to visit one’s “mother church”, has become a time to honour all mothers for the love and care they have shown us. As we celebrate, let us rejoice in God’s love and give thanks for those who nurture our faith. May this day inspire us with gratitude to continue journeying towards Easter.
STATIONS OF THE CROSS
During Lent we pray the Stations of the Cross. You can pray the Stations at any time in church. However, the communal celebration lead by the priest will take place every Friday morning in Lent immediately after 10 am Mass. Please join us.
PLANNED GIVING BOXES
The new boxes are now available for next year, starting on Sunday 5th April. They are now in alphabetical order. Please collect yours as soon as you can. If anyone has a query or any corrections, please let the Parish Office know.
SATURDAY CLUB
Next meeting for the Saturday Club will be on 5th April 3.30pm - 5.30pm.
TOWARDS HOLY WEEK
Holy Week sheets are available in the church porch with details and times of Masses and services here for Holy Week and Easter (13th - 20th April). The final
remaining appeals will be Aid to the Church in Need (5th April) and the Holy Places on Good Friday. Thank you for your almsgiving.
STATEMENT ON THE ASSISTED DYING BILL
Next weekend you will be able to hear a short statement from the Cardinal about the Assisted Dying Bill and the concerns of many about how it is being handled. There will also be a letter from the Cardinal available for you take home.
AID TO THE CHURCH IN NEED
Next weekend we have an appeal from Aid to the Church in Need. ACN has stepped up its support for Christians in Lebanon, Syria and Holy Land in response to the deepening crisis offering food, medicine, help with education, pastoral programmes and other desperately-needed assistance. The war in Gaza has had a devastating economic impact on the Holy Land’s Christian population. Almost all Christians in the West Bank who worked in the tourism sector have lost their livelihoods due to the cancellation of pilgrimages. Cardinal Pizzaballa the patriarch of Jerusalem said, “It is essential for Christians to remain in the region to keep the memory of Jesus alive in the land of Jesus”. There will be a retiring collection after all Masses.
BERNADETTE CLUB
Our next meeting will take place on Thursday 3 April 2-4 pm in the parish centre. We will have a return visit from fitness coach Tina for a short “Seated Exercise” session for those who would like to take part! There are a few spare tickets for our visit to the Living Crafts Fair at Hatfield House on Friday 9th May. £20 for coach and admission. If you would like to join us please call Jackie on 07956 809152.
FOODBANK—HELP NEEDED
Help is needed to transport the food we collect to the Foodbank at St Paul’s CoE Church on Wednesday afternoons. Please contact Jackie on 07956 809152.
SCHOOL STATIONS OF THE CROSS
Our Lady of Lourdes Primary school will be leading a special ‘Stations of the Cross’ presentation in church on Thursday at 2pm.
ALTAR SERVERS FOR HOLY WEEK
Altar Servers are asked to consult with their parents about which Masses and other celebrations they intend to serve at during Holy Week and Easter. Please sign the sheet in the sacristy to help us with planning.
CHRISM MASS
A reminder that the Chrism Mass is Tuesday 15 April at 12 noon in the cathedral.
PHONES
Please turn all phones and devices to silent or off when in church. Thank you.