The season of Lent begins this week. Lent is a time of renewed commitment, sustained by grace, so that we can overcome our lack of faith and our resistance to following Jesus on the way of the cross. This is an uphill path that, like a mountain trek, requires effort, sacrifice and concentration. We can only manage it by patience and prayer, discipline and also encouragement from our friends in Church!
As part of our Lenten journey it is a good thing to make a confession and to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation. We can do this on Shrove Tuesday, or near to the beginning of and indeed throughout Lent. Why not take some time to seek Gods’s love in this way? I will hear confessions on Shrove Tuesday at 1pm and by appointment on Ash Wednesday or on other days during Lent. Also there is a regular slot on Thursdays at 5pm, before the evening Mass.
On Ash Wednesday itself, we will celebrate to special Lenten Masses, where it is possible to also receive a cross of ash: at 12.30pm in St Thomas the Martyr, and at 7pm at St Barnabas. The Mass at 7pm in St Barnabas will be sung Mass.
May God bless you in this season of spiritual refreshment. Fr Christopher
