Lent in our parish
Every Lent is a new beginning; Lent gives us the opportunity to refresh our faith. Like
the springtime it is a time of growth and renewal. It is a time to take stock, and to
reflect on our lives as followers of Jesus. The Lenten good works of ‘Praying, Fasting
and Almsgiving’ help to give us the focus on what it means to be a follower of Jesus.
Prayer: During weekday Masses we will say together a special prayer of hope (a
copy can be found in the sacred space). The Rosary will be said Monday to Friday
after 10a.m. morning mass over the webcam so parishioners can pray with us from
home. Copies of the Stations of the Cross are available in the church porches.
Fasting: Lent is a time when we may give up sweets things or alcohol.
Almsgiving: Support one of the charities in our community, or support Trocárie
(Boxes are available from the tables in the Church. You are asked to take a box and
place it in a prominent place in your home) or another international charity.
Prayer of Hope for Lent
Live in faith and hope, though it be in
darkness,
For in this darkness God protects the
soul.
Cast your care upon God for you are
his and he will not forget you.
Do not think that he is leaving you
alone, for that would be to wrong him.
St John of the Cross.
The Return of the Prodigal Son by Rembrandt Van Rijn, c. 1668
‘Come back to me”
In the Lenten sacred space the image of the return of the Prodigal Son by the well known Dutch artist Rembrandt 1669 has been placed. You are invited to spend time reflecting on the telling of the story of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:1-3- 11-32) . It reminds us of the seasonal call to return home to the Lord through the grace of the sacrament of Reconciliation. Home is where we belong. When we are not at home with ourselves we are often not at home with our God. Lent can often be the beginning of the journey to a place of welcome and forgiveness.
We pray in this Jubilee as Pilgrims of Hope that during this season of Lent we will open our hearts to God’s mercy and presence among us by:
Having quiet time with God each day.
Opening our hearts to receive his love.
Placing our total trust in God.
Ending our day in thanks for his presence among us.