Category: Saint Wilfrid’s Latest News

Scripture Reading for Lent:

We are ambassadors for Christ, since God is making his appeal through us; we entreat you on behalf of Christ: be   reconciled to God. For our sake God made the one who knew no sin to be sin, so that in him we might become the goodness of God. As we work together with him, we entreat you also not to accept the grace of God in vain.For he says, “At an acceptable time I have listened to you, and on the day of salvation I helped you”. Look, now is the acceptable time; look, now is the day of salvation!.

Fr Rory Writes

“Moment by moment we continue to build the Kingdom of God”

We had a very successful celebration of the Sacrament of Reconciliation last Saturday morning at St George’s Church.  The enrolment ceremony for the Altar Servers at St Wilfrid’s Sunday Mass, in conjunction with the first scrutiny can point us in the right direction.  As our progress through Lent develops it will please God, prepare a platform for the most important events to come, the resurrection of our Devine Lord from the dead, the ascension into heaven and the greatest experience, Pentecost. 

Then for the more down to earth events, parish finance council, parish meetings, but especially all our parish events like tea and coffee, where we share with one another the life God has given, bestowed upon us, so that we may     continue to bear good fruit, fruit that will last.

A very special event on Wednesday evening, we had a visit from Katherine Bergin.  Her work with the diocese, but especially her involvement with her parish, make her a rich source of contact.  As we face the plans that Bishop       Richard has laid out for our diocese, and will have great implications upon our future, certain aspects of it have been dictated, especially by the shortage of priests.  But equally so, lack of baptism, lack of marriage, lack of involvement of people in the life of the church.  So much of the focus has been on going to Mass and what we liked to happen there.  We have a great challenge before us.

Thank you

Thank you for supporting CAFOD’s Family Fast Day Lunch and Lenten Workshop.  A big thank you to all who supported our Soup Lunch and Lenten        workshop. We had a wonderful time tasting a variety of wholesome soups and everyone enjoyed taking part in a range of activities. Thank you to all who made this such a successful event. As a result of your generous donations, given in love, you have raised an amazing 363.50! This will be enough to buy 3 GPS trackers for families like James the fishermen. You are keeping the fishermen safe and helping them to feed their families for good. You can still give online at cafod.org.uk

CAFOD

Thank you for giving to CAFOD’s Lent Appeal.  Your generous gifts will ensure that CAFOD’s local experts, like Sister Anthonia in Sierra Leone, can support families with training in growing and making healthy food so that children can grow up big and strong.  You can still donate on the CAFOD website (cafod.org.uk/lent) or join CAFOD’s Walk Against Hunger to raise vital funds to tackle extreme hunger and its causes.

Volunteer Opportunity at St George’s for Sacristan

At St George’s we need someone to train up as a Sacristan, either gender.  As you know we have three Masses a week. Sunday at nine o`clock and Tuesday and Thursday at ten o`clock. It is such a rewarding and uplifting task, preparing for Mass . If you feel you could do it, please ask Fr. Rory, Angela or myself Cathy or ring me 01323 487688 for more information.  Thank you.

Children’s Good Friday Way of the Cross (family friendly)

Children’s Good Friday Way of the Cross

On Good Friday (15th April) at 10.30am in St Wilfrid’s Church we will be holding a Way of the Cross Service. Although designed specifically for our children, we warmly welcome ALL parishioners to this event. Following the service we will be sharing hot cross buns in the hall. Donations to our Lenten Appeal, Tiny Tickers, will be gratefully received.

Deacon John Writes

The first reading this weekend  tells us how God shows His mercy to His chosen people. How did he do this?  He gave them Moses as their leader and liberator. Then God reveals His name as Yahweh (“I AM Who I AM”) and renews His promise to the to give them a “land flowing with milk and honey.” The Psalm reminds us of God’s unfailing mercy: “The Lord is compassion and love, slow to anger and rich in mercy.” The second reading warns us that our merciful God is also a disciplining God. Paul reminds the Christians of Corinth that they must learn from the sad experience of the Israelites who were punished for their sins by a merciful God, one who is also a just God, so we must be careful and not fall into sin. The Gospel invites us to repent of our sins, to renew our lives, and to produce the fruits of the Holy Spirit. The parable of the poor fig tree, warns us that the merciful God will not put up with us indefinitely. Yes, God is patient and waits for sinners to repent, assisting them with his grace to do this, but, He will not wait forever. We must always remember that our time on earth may run out and we really should realise that repentance is necessary before this happens! 

Have you ever wondered why we say “God Bless You” when someone sneezes? Jewish sages tell us that it has to do with an ancient belief that the Lord just blessed that person with another day here on His earth. Another day in which we can repent of our sins – a day of grace!