Dear friends,
Holy Week – the greatest week of the Christian year – is now almost upon us; and a summary of the principal liturgies of this period is attached to this message. Please make every effort to come to church, especially on Maundy Thursday, Good Friday and at the Easter Vigil – and/or on Easter Day. There is also a list in church detailing the ways in which you can volunteer your assistance during Holy Week: please be generous with your support. And thank you very much likewise to those who helped distribute our Easter invitations around the parish, to extend this invitation to our neighbours.
The sixth (and final) session of our shared Lent Course will take place (tomorrow) on Friday evening this week, here at St Mary’s – beginning with Stations of the Cross at 7pm. After this, and over light refreshments, we will consider, in the midst of life’s busyness, how to approach the Lord in silent prayer. All are welcome to this concluding session.
This Sunday is Palm Sunday – and the 10.30am Mass will begin with the Palm Procession: please gather first in the Hall. Blessed palms will be available to take home afterwards. Don’t forget that the clocks go forwardone hour overnight this weekend also!
This Sunday is also the very last chance to sponsor one of the Easter lilies, in remembrance of a departed loved one: please PRINT CLEARLY on the list in church the names of those you wish remembered; and then place your donation (suggested £5/name) into the basket at the back, or ask to use the contactless facility, OR donate digitally here.
Please let Pat know what you can bring to share at the Easter Vigil party a week on Saturday; and please speak to Johnette or Lizz about helping with the children’s Easter Egg Hunt after Mass on Easter Day.
Please continue to sign the card in church in remembrance of Katherine Lewis, which will be posted Fr Edward in Easter Week. He writes,
‘Dearest Fr Richard and friends of St Mary’s, / Thank you for your prayers and Masses for Katherine, since we left SMVK. And the biggest thanks for those who made the journey North (and watched on livestream). Seeing you all was wonderful and gave me strength for one of the most difficult things I have gone through. / Your love and prayers for Katherine mean so, so much. It was a joy to see our friend [Bishop] Peter Wheatley too. / We had the happiest 11 years in St Mary’s, and thank God for this providence… / With deep love, thanks and prayers for you all: Edward and family.’
Average Sunday Mass attendance over the first three months of this year has dipped a little on last year, and stands currently at 55 (2025: 62) – with Usual Sunday Mass Attendance at just 50 (2025: 59). Thank you for your faithfulness week by week: let us now move forward with fresh impetus and Easter hope!
Over Holy Week, we have the opportunity to enter with renewed commitment into the mystery of the Lord’s saving death: do therefore consider how you might deepen your engagement with this mystery. For example, on Monday next week there is an additional Mass, at 6pm; on Tuesday, Bishop Jonathan invites us to his Chrism Mass at St Andrew, Holborn, at 11am (no public Morning Prayer at St Mary’s); and on Wednesday we will, for the final time this Lent, walk together the Stations of the Cross, at the start of the 9.30am Mass. You might also think about joining us for the Rosary on Tuesday evening at 6pm – or helping tomorrow (Friday) to prepare the church for Palm Sunday! However you feel moved to share in the sacred drama of Holy Week, may it be for you a time of rich devotion.
Likewise included with this e-mail is a flier detailing the Patronal Festival celebrations at our sister parish of St Alphage, Burnt Oak.
Almighty God, grant that we may follow the example of your Son’s patience and humility, and so also be made partakers of his resurrection,
Fr Richard