Fr. Aaron Writes 5th March 2023

Fr Aaron writes…

This weekend we celebrate the Second Sunday of the Holy Season of Lent – The gospel describes the moment when

Jesus took his close friends Peter, James and John up Mount Tabor, where he was transfigured in their sight. Moses and

Elijah are there in this extraordinary moment. Their presence on the mountain points to Jesus embodying the fulfilment

of the Law and the hope of the prophets of old. After this event, Jesus will descend the mountain and begin the journey

down to Jerusalem to fulfil the mission entrusted to him. He will suffer grievously and will be put to death. The

Transfiguration will be a memory that will strengthen his brothers who will witness the brutality of the passion and the

death of Christ, as it shows that there will be glory and life after the necessary suffering that Christ will undergo for our

salvation. We pray that, with the gift of hope, Christ may transfigure the darkness that we may experience in our lives,

such as the darkness of sin, of brokenness, of division, of doubt, of addictions of various sorts, of hurt. May we continue

in our Lenten wilderness, praying for each other and encouraging each other in our beautiful Faith.

First Confessions – Congratulations to the children who made their first reconciliation last week on Tuesday; please

continue to pray for them as they enter the next phase of preparation for their First Holy Communion.

First Holy Communion Programme Parents’ Meeting – I will be meeting with the parents of our First Holy Communion

children on Monday evening (6th March) at 7pm in the Church. I’m looking forward to seeing all of the parents again as

we restart the Programme after a break for half-term.

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

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