My Thoughts 02/03/2022

Our school children from St. Thomas of Canterbury received their ashes at Mass this morning; Reception through to Year Six. I am not sure to what extend they understood why. But we do hear the Prophet Joel in the first reading proclaim,

“Order a fast, proclaim a solemn assembly, call the people together, summon the community, assemble the elders, gather the children, even the infants at the breast.”

One mother asked me after Mass if she could take some ash home for her little child.

As a community we begin this Lenten journey to Easter. We are supporting and accompanying one another on this journey of living the Gospel more faithfully. Let us pray for one another in the time of renewal and growth.

Also in the our church, by the Lady Altar, we have installed a picture of Our Lady of Ukraine with this prayer :

O Blessed Virgin Mary, Our Lady of Ukraine, spread your maternal mantle over the people of Ukraine at this their time of greatest need. Protect them and bring them lasting peace. We ask this through your Son, Jesus Christ.

Our prayer and almsgiving reach out to those most in need this Lent, especially the people of Ukraine. There are many ways to give aid and donations. I suggest that as a parish we support the work of Aid to the Church in need. Follow this link for details.