Second Sunday of Lent - Year C

As we journey through Lent and take part in the Spiritual Journey of Jesus in the desert, we pray for the good of the world and the good of those who journey in their search for faith in Christ and his Church. This weekend we are asked to remember to pray for all those making their journey into the life of the Church; all these journeys go under the title of catechumens, a reminder of the time when persecuted Christians hid in the underground tombs in Rome to avoid the authorities so they could learn about their faith and celebrate Mass on the tombs of the deceased. Hence the Roman Catacombs. These prayers also include all our children who are making preparation for the Sacraments.

This Monday is the Feast Day of St Patrick. Many of us have some Irish blood in us, reminder that many of us are immigrants from various parts of the world, either first, second, third generation or further still. Wednesday is the Feast of Joseph, the humble husband of Mary, the foster Father of Jesus. Please note that this newsletter covers the next fortnight due to a few days of the office close-down. So we look to the following week when we have the Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord. It is the time when the angel Gabriel announces to Mary that she is to become the mother of God, the mother of Jesus. Note the date, March 25th, exactly nine months to Christmas Day the birthday of Jesus.

A reminder that “Stations of the Cross” take place at Ashley 3 p.m. on Sunday. If you have never visited our little church why not take the opportunity to do so as at the same time undertake a Lenten devotion. For anyone who has not experienced the “Stations” they are a meditation on the Journey of Jesus up the road of Calvary and his self-offering on the cross. It is a deep element of our faith as Catholics/Christians.

Events this week: Wednesday Vocations Mass at Holy Trinity 6.30 p.m. Thursday First Forgiveness of our Year Three 7 p.m.

Friday is the Requiem Mass for Amanda Ford 11 a.m. Please keep her and her family in your prayers!

May we also keep Pope Francis in our prayers as he makes slow and gentle progress towards recovery.

Meanwhile keep safe and well and pray for one another!

God bless,

Father Anton s.c.j.