Fr. Aaron Writes 26th February 2023

Fr Aaron writes…

This weekend we celebrate the First Sunday of the Holy Season of Lent – it was good to see great numbers at Mass on

Ash Wednesday, as we began our Lenten campaign of prayer, fasting and alms giving. I encourage parishioners to

actively seek ways to increase and develop these pillars of Lent and the Christian life. The first call is to penance, to

“Repent, and believe in the Gospel”. We are called to “come back to the Lord with all our heart” each day. The ashes we

receive are worn as signs that we are sinners in need of a Saviour, who, of course, is Christ the Lord. There will be ample

opportunities for us to experience the Lord’s tenderness and compassion through the Sacrament of Penance, confession

and reconciliation, throughout Lent – the Lord awaits us to respond to his personal invitation to conversion of life.

First Confessions – Please pray for the children who will be making their first reconciliation this week on Tuesday.

Rite of Election - Two of our number will be attending the Rite of Election at Arundel Cathedral with Bishop Richard this

weekend: Jemma Claydon and Richard Hurst. Please keep them in your prayers as they prepare to be received into the

Church this Easter.

Stations of the Cross – will take place on Fridays throughout Lent. There will be a celebration of the Way of the Cross at

11:15am and at 7pm.

World Youth Day 2023 Lisbon – The deadline for applications is March 31st, but do not leave your application to the last

minute! If you would like to come and have not indicated this to me yet - do speak to me and also register with the

Diocese! Details are on the diocesan website. We will continue our fundraising for the participants through various

events.

Parish Pilgrimage to Assisi, Rome and Sorrento (late September/early October) – A number of parishioners have

already registered their interest with the Parish Office; if you would like to come, please do the same.



With every prayer and good wish.

Fr Aaron