Dear friends,
Congratulations once again to Lisa and JP, confirmed last Sunday at St Mary’s – and thank you so much to all whose hard work, on and in advance of the day, made for so special and so beautiful an occasion. Bishop Jonathan was pleased and impressed by what he saw of the life of our parish – and we should be ever encouraged by the graces and goodnesses which God continues on us to bestow.
The Youth Group outing next week on Shrove Tuesday, 17 February will gather outside Kenton Station at 12.30pm prompt, to travel together to FlipOut (Watford): don’t forget to bring an Oyster card, and clothing suitable for an indoor adventure playground!
Lent begins next week on Ash Wednesday, 18 February – a day of abstinence (no meat) and fasting (no more than one main meal, and two small snacks – with exceptions on account of old age or ill health). There will be Masses with the Imposition of Ashes at 9.30am and 6pm. Everyone participating in these Masses will also receive a complimentary copy of St Matthew’s Gospel (through which we are reading on Sundays), as suggested Lenten reading for the coming 40 days. Please also return any more palm crosses, to be burned to produce the ash, no later than this Sunday.
In the Vicarage garden, the snow drops are beginning to appear, reminding us that Lent commences just as the natural world moves into the season of Spring – a time of new beginnings, new life and even perhaps a time of transformation. Whereas, through our Lenten disciplines, we may seem to be reducing the scope of our lives, nevertheless the paradox of divine love is that in giving, we grow, and also we receive. May the penitential season of Lent therefore be for us a time of spiritual abundance.
As per the attached flier, we will once again be joining with our friends from All Saints, Kenton for a joint Lent Course on Friday evenings: using further material from the Sycamore programme (utilised also during this year’s Confirmation preparation), we will explore topics such as praying with the Bible, praying through the Mass, and experiencing the presence of God in silent prayer. The first session will be at All Saints Church (531, Kenton Road HA3 0UL) next week on Friday, 20 November – beginning, as each week, with Stations of the Cross at 7pm. There is no obligation to attend every session (which will also include light refreshments), and all are welcome.
(Subsequent sessions will be at All Saints on 6 and 13 March, and at St Mary’s on Friday, 27 February and 20 and 27 March.)
Please speak to me to make your Confession.
Likewise as in previous years, our Lent Appeal will be in aid of the Additional Curates Society, paying and praying for priests in poor and populous parishes. Collection boxes will be distributed at Mass this Sunday: please give generously, and return your contributions at Easter.
Next week on Thursday, 19 February, Morning Prayer will be said at the slightly earlier time of 9.30am.
Between now and Ash Wednesday, however, do enjoy yourselves, before taking up your Lenten penances: happy Collop Monday, et laissez les bon temps rouler le Mardi gras!
Please also find attached a flier for the forthcoming Stanmore Choral Society concert in church, on Saturday, 21 March.
With my best wishes and every blessing thereafter, for a holy Lent,
Fr Richard