Reflection
Pruning time is a painful time for a fruit tree. The pruner rids it of all those suckers which use up a lot of energy but produce no fruit. However, the aim of this surgery is not to inflict pain, but to help the tree produce more and better fruit. Lent is a kind of spiritual pruning time. There is much that is useless and perhaps harmful in our lives, which saps our energy, and diminishes our spiritual fruitfulness. Of what shall we prune ourselves this Lent so that we may become more fruitful branches of Christ, the true Vine?
Lent Family Fast Day
This Friday, 27th February, is CAFOD’s Lent Family Fast Day. As we normally do, there are envelopes at the back of Church for your offering and they can be brought back any time in the next few weeks.
Second Collections
During Lent the Diocese is asking us to have the following Second collections: Lenten Alms (1st March); Nugent (15th March and The Holy Places (3rd April).
In addition, the Diocese has given permission for “The Order of the Mother of God” to do a Mission Appeal in our deanery. In our Parish, this will be on the weekend of 20th / 21st March at both Masses. With the CAFOD envelopes floating around as well, this is a lot to ask and I’m sorry. You can only give what you can!
Lent Talks
The series of Lent Talks, organised by the Churches Together each year, begin again on Monday 23rd February at 7.30pm in the Linacre Mission. The theme for Lent is “Hidden to Wholeness” and the first talk is entitled “Hidden Hope”. Please join us.
Funeral The Funeral Service for Peter Jones will take place here in St James’ on Monday 23rd February at 12.30pm. Please remember Peter and his family in your prayers.