FR DAVID WRITES
Today is the Fifth Sunday of Lent. Traditionally, today was also known as ‘Passion Sunday’ because it marks the beginning of Passiontide: the inner heart of the Lenten season. During this time, the statues and ornaments are veiled with purple, as the beauty of these images is taken from us for a short while. Next weekend is Palm Sunday. Please make sure you arrive at Mass in good time next week so that the blessing of palms can take place peacefully and without interruption. Thank you.
SOLEMNITY OF THE ANNUNCIATION
On Wednesday we will celebrate the Solemnity of the Annunciation. Due to a funeral at 10am, we will celebrate the Mass of the Solemnity at 8am Mass. The Feast of the Annunciation is sometimes known as ‘Lady Day’ in honour of Our Lady, and it marks nine months until the birth of Jesus at Christmas.
HOLY WEEK
Holy Week begins next week on Palm Sunday. Please take a Holy Week leaflet today from the church porch, which contains reflections on the various liturgies, and times of Masses and celebrations here for Holy Week, the Triduum and Easter weekend.
STATIONS OF THE CROSS
Please join us for the Stations of the Cross this coming Friday morning at 10.25am (immediately after Mass 10am Mass), and every Friday during Lent. This coming Friday will be the final Stations as they are replaced on Good Friday with the children’s celebration of the Lord’s Passion.
DAILY ROSARY
We pray the Rosary every weekday in church at approx. 9.30am. Why not join us before 10am Mass during Lent?
CHRISM MASS
The Chrism Mass will be held on Tuesday 31st March, during Holy Week, at Westminster Cathedral, beginning at 12 noon. It is always a beautiful occasion in which the oils for the year are consecrated, and the first Chrism Mass by Archbishop Moth. Please join us a week on Tuesday in the cathedral if you can.
PLANNED GIVING ENVELOPES
The envelopes for the new tax year are now available at the back of church. They start on 12th April. Your number has not changed from last year. Please make sure you take your own box. You are also asked to let the Office know if you have moved, or if you no longer pay tax, so that we don’t claim tax on your donations. If you would like to offer Gift Aid, please request a standing order form. As usual, at the start of April, Fr David will provide a summary of income and expenditure for the parish.
GIVING TO THE PARISH BY STANDING ORDER
This can be done by most banking apps. You can choose to give monthly, quarterly or even annually. If you do set up a standing order, please mark the reference clearly as ’Planned Giving’ or ’Sunday Offering’. Thank you all for your continued generosity. Our details are Bank: HSBC Sort Code: 40-05-20 Account: 51094483.
EDNA WALLACE RIP
The Funeral Mass will take place on Wednesday 25th March at 10am. RIP.
FAIR TRADE
Last minute gifts for Easter Weekend, including a small number of ‘Real’ Easter chocolate eggs and other things to celebrate the end of all those breaking their Lent Chocolate fast will be on sale in the hall next weekend, Palm Sunday.
WASHING OF FEET
We need twelve volunteers, men and women, who would have their foot washed by the priest during the evening Mass on Holy Thursday at 7.30pm. If you are willing, please sign the list in the porch, remember to come on Holy Thursday, and please sit on the end of the bench so we can reach you. Thank you.
EASTER DUTIES
One of the precepts of the Church is to receive Holy Communion at Easter time. For this reason, you may wish to celebrate Confession before Easter. There are Confessions each Saturday at 3pm, and many more opportunities in Holy Week.
PARKING INFORMATION
Parking is free for a max. of 4 hours in total per day. Please do not exceed this limit.