15th February

Sixth Sunday of Ordinary Time Year A

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

This week we celebrate Ash Wednesday when we receive the symbol of our repentance and desire to improve our lives and become closer to God. In days past, especially the early church, as a sign of repentance sinners would don a sack cloth and pore ashes over the heads. Nothing so drastic or dramatic today, but still a chance to deepen one’s relationship with God. We emphasise three things, firstly prayer, secondly a form of fasting whereby we refrain from some pleasure or indulgence and third give what we have saved to the poor.

If you do not have a specific charity that you want to contribute your sacrifice to, then you are welcome to join with the parish group offering towards Water Aid and Mary’s Meals. Donations will be equally split between the two Charities. Water Aid brings fresh water to parts of the world that cannot reach it. Mary’s Meals is a help to children in need, providing thousands upon thousands of nourishing meals for children in need all over the world. Both are simple but beautiful charities, and I am sure they have God’s blessing.

Note that Ash Wednesday Masses are as follows: Clayton 10 a.m. and 7.15p.m. And Ashley is a 2pm. Let us mark a sacred day.

Lent, a period of forty days is also a time to renew one’s commitment to the church by doing our Easter Duties. Easter duties consist in going to confession around Easter time and ensuring that you are truly in a state of grace to receive Holy Communion, thereby being in communion with the church, and of course Christ himself.

Next week is also half terms, and I hope you manage some form of R and R, so that you come back refreshed and renewed.

Please continue to pray for the repose of the souls are Mariella Vella, Eileen McCellan, Tim Cree and Brian Bratt. Eternal rest grant them O Lod and let light perpetual shine upon them!

God bless and look after yourselves!

Father Anton s.c.j.