Laetare Sunday – Mothering Sunday

T his weekend marks the midway point in Lent and is traditionally known as Laetare Sunday, which takes its name from the first word in Latin of the Entrance Antiphon for the Mass from the Prophecy of Isaiah: “REJOICE, Jerusalem, and all who love her. Be joyful, all you were in mourning; exult and be satisfied at her consoling breast” (Is 66:10-11). It reminds us that the journey of conversion and of return to the Lord is a joyous one since, like the younger son in the Parable of the Prodigal Son, God is on the lookout, just waiting to rush towards us with an embrace of love as we take our own faltering steps homewards.

Our joy this Sunday also overflows as we honour and pray for our mothers and mother-figures, who have given us life, both natural and spiritual, and have nurtured us with love and sacrifice.

Formation Day for Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion

A formation day for those who acted as Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion prior to the Covid pandemic and would like to continue to do so, as well as for those who are interested in becoming an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion, will be held next Saturday 25 March, 10.00am-2.00pm in the Hall at St James. Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion assist with the distribution of Holy Communion at Mass and some also take the Eucharist to the sick and housebound. Please put your name on the sheet at the entrance to church if you would like to take part in the day.

Communion under Both Kinds and the Sign of Peace

The Bishops of England and Wales have decided that the re-introduction of Holy Communion under both kinds, ie under the form of bread and under the form of wine, will take place from the Evening Mass of the Lord’s Supper on 6 April 2023. However, the reception of Holy Communion under both kinds is not obligatory, as our Catholic faith teaches that the totality of the Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity of the Lord is received in either or both kinds. Therefore, it will be for each person to choose whether she or he wishes to receive Holy Communion from the chalice. Please note that it is NEVER permitted for anyone in the congregation to “intinct” or dip their Host into the chalice when they come to receive Holy Communion. The Precious Blood must be drunk directly from the chalice or Communion received in one kind only. Likewise, whilst respecting the wishes of those around you who may still now feel comfortable physically touching another person, we are now being encouraged to once again to extend our hand to those nearest to us when we offer the Sign of Peace.

Eucharistic Adoration and the Sacrament of Confession

After Mass on Thursdays at St James during Lent, from 6.30-7.30pm, there will be a time of silent adoration of the Blessed Sacrament as well as another opportunity to celebrate the Sacrament of Confession in addition to 11.30am-12noon on Fridays.

Youth Residential Event at Heatree

Young people aged 11- 16 from across the diocese are invited to join together at Heatree Activity Centre from 26-28 May to explore John 20:21 “As the Father has sent me, so I am sending you”. The weekend will comprise of activities that encourage our young people to explore their faith and understanding of Church teaching. There will be the opportunity to join in outdoor activities on site such as high ropes and raft building (activities may vary).  Cost: £120, which can be paid in instalments. To book, please follow the link: https://forms.office.com/e/Bhd7xDUksE For further information, please contact Saskia: youth@prcdtr.org.uk.

“Love the Stranger”

A t the launch this week of a new document from the Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales, Bishop Paul McAleenan, the Lead Bishop for Migrants and Refugees, reminded us that migrants and refugees are human beings, not statistics. People making dangerous journeys across the Channel to reach the UK are called by various names: ‘refugees’, ‘asylum seekers’, ‘migrants’, and often by more derogatory terms. “Love the Stranger” articulates our Christian duty to look beyond such labels and see the person who has left their homeland in search of a better life.

The document has been endorsed by the Vatican. Father Fabio Baggio, the Undersecretary of the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development, praising its rich review of, and reflection on, Catholic social teaching, said: “As we live in times in which the defence of the dignity of each human person may seem under threat, Love the Stranger invites us not to give up on the opportunity to live our catholicity ever more fully, to build more just and equal societies for the benefit of each and every person, and to be open to the contribution that strangers can offer as we care for their integral human development and ours.” A copy of the document is attached to the newsletter.

Easter Draw and “Name the Bunny”

Easter Draw tickets are on sale, £1 a ticket. Donations of chocolate, bottles and other goodies would be very welcome. Please leave them at the entrance to church. Canon Kristian has chosen a name at random from a list of 234 names for a 1000g Lindt chocolate bunny. Pick a name from the list for £1 and perhaps be the lucky winner of this magnificent Easter Bunny! Winners for the draw and the bunny will be announced on Thursday 6 April.

Great Big Diocesan Quiz

Our parish will be taking part in the Great Big Diocesan Quiz on Friday 28 April at 7.30pm. You are invited to form teams of four people to take part in the Quiz which we will hold in the hall at St James. Please give your team a name and let Rosie know the details of your team at the Parish Office. This event really does help raise much needed funds for the Catholic Children’s Society.