LENT
Traditionally, Lent was a time when those preparing for baptism at the Easter Vigil, went into a heightened period of training through Prayer, Fasting & Charity. Although a challenging time, it was also a rich and fruitful period, when faith was nourished and love practiced.For us, Lent should be no different. Through Prayer, Fasting and Charity, we are being called to rekindle our faith, and to show it to others through our love.
PRAYER
“There is nothing more worthwhile than to pray to God and to converse with him, for prayer unites us with God…in contemplating God our soul is illuminated by him.” (St. John Chrysostom) Set a few minutes aside each day of Lent, to spend with the Lord.
FASTING
“These 40 days should be given over to fasting which means, not simply a reduction in our food, but the elimination of our evil habits.” (St Leo the Great) Friday 15th March is Cafod Family Fast Day
CHARITY
“What you do yourself, will be done to you; what you give, will be given to you; as you judge, so you will be judged; as you show kindness, so it will be shown to you. Your portion will be weighed out for you in your own scales.” (St Clement 1) Join us on Thursday 11th April for a sponsored walk taking in the three churches of the Parish: St Wilfrid’s, Our Lady’s & St Bede’s. (Approx.10 miles) Pick up a sponsor form from the church office.
RECONCILIATION
“The special feature of Easter it that it is the occasion when the whole Church rejoices over the forgiveness of sin…All of us must strive hard and so on Easter day no one should remain bound by the vices of his former nature.” (St Leo the Great) As well as Saturday Confessions, the following Reconciliation Services are planned; an opportunity for families to come together, with the opportunity for individual Confession:
Monday 8th April 7.00pm ~ St Bede’s
Monday 15th April 7.00pm ~ St Wilfrid’s
LENTEN HOUSE MASSES
Please speak to Fr. Paul if you would like Mass celebrated in your own home this Lent.
RESOURCES & AIDS FOR LENT
There are many excellent web sites, these are just a few:
WEEKLY PROGRAMME:
SUNDAY
4.15pm – 5.15pm ~ Holy Hour with Benediction (St Wilfrid’s)
MONDAY
7.30pm ~ St Wilfrid’s Prayer Group (Church)
TUESDAY
7.30pm ~ St Bede’s Prayer Group (Church)
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
7.00pm ~ Thursday Evening Reflections (St Wilfrid’s)
FRIDAY
6.30am ~ Early Morning Mass (St Wilfrid’s)
12.30pm ~ Stations of the Cross Followed by Soup (See Newsletter)
7.30pm ~ Stations of the Cross (St. Bede’s)
SATURDAY
11.00am – 11.50am ~ Exposition (St Wilfrid’s)
Daily Masses as normal