5th Sunday of Lent

Reflection

Each of us is like a grain of wheat planted by God.

Just as a grain of wheat must die so as to produce a harvest, so we must die to self in order to bear the fruits of love.

This dying to self is a gradual process

and happens in little ways.

Every act of humility involves dying to pride.

Every act of courage involves dying to courage.

Every act of kindness involves dying to cruelty.

Every act of love involves dying to selfishness.

Thus the false self dies and the true self,

made in God’s image, is born and nurtured.

It is by giving that we receive;

it is by forgiving that we are forgiven;

it is by dying that we are born to eternal life.

Holy Week and Easter Services

Palm Sunday: Mass at 10am

Holy Thursday: Mass at 7pm

Good Friday: Service of the Passion at 3pm

Holy Saturday: Easter Vigil at 8pm

Easter Sunday: Mass at 10am

Under Covid rules, only 56 people are allowed at each Mass/Service with Holy Communion at the end.

The format of each Mass/Service will be altered as there are certain things we are not allowed to do.

National day of Reflection

The Bishop’s Conference of England and Wales has asked us to mark Tuesday 23rd March as a National Day of Reflection for COVID 19. We are asked to mark the anniversary of the first national lockdown with a minutes silence at midday and doorstep vigils of light at 8pm. This should also be a day of prayer.

Funeral

The Funeral service for John McNulty will take place here in St James’ on Wednesday 24th March at 12.30pm. Please pray for the repose of John’s soul and for the comfort of his family.