29th March

Palm Sunday - Year A

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

We have arrived at the beginning of Holy Week, celebrating Jesus’ welcome into Jerusalem. Holy week is the most significant and important time of the Church’s year. On Thursday we celebrate the Washing of Feet, the Last Supper and the Institution of the Eucharist. As the church is prepared for Good Friday there will be watching until Midday. Watching is a time for personal prayer before the Blessed Sacrament. You can sign up for a half hour slot if you wish in order to be a guardian for the Altar of Adoration.

The following day, Good Friday, is a time when we recognise the death of Jesus, who has given himself for the salvation of humanity. It is the one day in the year when Mass is not celebrated, rather we have the very special liturgy of Good Friday, which traditionally takes place at 3 pm, the time Jesus offers his life for us all. There are also two walks of witness along with children’s liturgies.

On Holy Saturday night we have the Easter Vigil, a celebration of the light of Christ coming back into the church, restoring life where for one day there was not life! We start at 8 pm with the lighting and blessing of the Holy Fire, from which we take our new Easter (Paschal) candle into the barren church. With our individual candles then lit we bring everything back to life as we celebrate the promised Resurrection, the life of Christ restored.

Please note that on Good Friday, if we are between the ages of 18 and 60 that we are asked to fast and abstain. That means we eat less and abstain from the consumption of meat. Other ages are invited to take part as well if able!

May I wish you all a very happy and holy Easter! Thank you to all members of our parishes for the voluntary help and support that you give. These two parishes are our parishes. I am most happy when we all play a part in their ownership and look after the witness of Christ and his Church through supporting our parish communities.

Again, God bless and a very Happy Easter and Holy Week to you all!

Father Anton s.c.j.