LENT THOUGHTS
Last week we thought about contrition—the way our hearts move us to see clearly when we have done wrong and feel sorrow. In the process of healing, contrition by itself is not enough. Our sorrow has to be brought out from within: this leads to the next part: confession.
Confessing is seen in our culture as something you only do when there is absolutely no alternative—it always seems to come after “being caught”. And yet the church teaches that confession should spring from our contrition—whether we have been “caught” or not. To confess is always difficult: it goes against our instinct for self-preservation. But if we begin to feel true sorrow for our sins, selfishness, wrongdoings and do not confess, it can be like a pressure cooker waiting to explode.
The church gives us a way of confessing that seeks to help: we confess to a priest who is solemnly bound to silence and secrecy—the so-called “seal of confession”; this allows us to put our sorrow into words—something we need to do to make it real—and to take our sin, guilt and contrition and put it—really and sincerely—into God’s hands. And then God speaks to us …. but that’s for next week ...
RECONCILIATION SERVICE
This coming Tuesday (9th March) we have a Reconciliation Service here at Saint Mary’s at 6.30 p.m. There will be six priests present, who will be helping our First Communion children, their families, and any parishioners who wish to attend. Celebrating the Sacrament of Reconciliation (Confession) is a traditional part of our Lenten journey: please consider using this celebration when we will have so many priests present.
“PUTTIN’ ON THE GLITZ”
There are only a tiny number of tickets left for the “Puttin on the Glitz” concert this coming Friday night at Saint Mary’s Club. If you don’t want to miss out get yours soon from the Parish Office—only £5.00 each including a potato pie supper! All proceeds towards our Building Fund.
LENT RETREAT
The FCJ Sisters at Katherine House in
PREPARING FOR HOLY WEEK
There will be an audio-visual presentation on the mysteries and celebration of Holy Week in Church on Sunday 21 March at 3.00 p.m. Please feel free to invite others!
CHRISM MASS
If anyone wishes to attend the Chrism Mass at the Cathedral on Maundy Thursday please have a word with Fr James - he has three tickets available.
EASTER MINISTRIES
There are lists out in the Atrium for Ministers to sign up
for our Easter Services. This includes Ministers of Communion, readers, altar servers, those willing to have their feet washed on Maundy Thursday, projectionists and music operators. We’re also asking for volunteers for refreshment teams—especially after the Easter Vigil when we will have wine and cake to celebrate our new Catholics and our first Easter in our new church. Please sign up as soon as possible.
HOLY WEEK & EASTER TIMES
Maundy Thursday Mass of the Lord’s Supper will be at 7.30 p.m.; Good Friday Celebration of the Passion at 3.00 p.m.; and the Easter Vigil on Holy Saturday at 8.30 p.m. Easter Sunday Masses at 9.00 a.m. and 11.40 a.m. More to come ...
CHURCH CLEANING
New rotas are available: please note the request for any available cleaners to do the big Easter Clean at 1.00 p.m. on Holy Saturday (3rd April)
FRIENDS OF SAINT MARY’S
The Friends of Saint Mary’s Primary School are holding a Chocolate Bingo night on Friday 26th March at 7.00 p.m. Tickets priced at £2.50 for adults and £1 for children (supper included) are available from the school office. All welcome!
MANY THANKS FOR …
… Last Week’s Collection
Envelopes £332.50
Loose £382.31
Av S/Orders £188.00
TOTAL £902.81
… Building Fund
Donations £625.00
Memorial Donation £350.00
Total raised this week £925.00
Total raised this year £5185.54
