Newsletter- 2nd Week of Lent
Dear Parishioners
‘This is my Son, my Chosen One; listen to him!’ Today’s readings on the 2nd Sunday of Lent are full of hope, encouraging us all to reflect on the themes of faith and transformation, and to trust in God’s promises. As Lent continues, we try to spend extra time in prayer, giving ourselves more opportunity to recognize the presence and action of God in our lives. In Luke’s Gospel of the Transfiguration, Jesus takes Peter, James and John up the mountain to pray. In the presence of Moses and Elijah, they see a glimpse of Jesus’s true identity: His divinity is revealed. A voice from the cloud confirms Jesus as God’s Son, and commands us: ‘Listen to him!’ Faithful Abram also hears God’s voice, promising him offspring and land to him and his descendants (First Reading). St Paul (Second Reading) tells the Philippians to model themselves on those who already live as Christians. He encourages us all to hold fast to Christ rather than focusing on worldly distractions (‘earthly things’). Those who are faithful will have their true home in heaven, where Jesus will transform our bodies to be like his. The Responsorial Psalm is full of trust and hope. We are encouraged to seek God’s face and strength always: He is the light in our darkness, and our salvation.
As Pilgrims of Hope in this Jubilee Year, we pray that, like Peter, James and John, we to may have a deeper trust and faith in Jesus, as we focus on listening to him. We remember especially this week those who are victims of natural disasters and the climate crisis.
Fr Jonathan Diocesan Clergy Lent Retreat – Ampleforth Abbey: This week I shall be away from the parish from Monday 17th March through to Thursday 20th March on retreat with the Bishop and many of my brother clergy from our diocese. During this time, I will be praying for each of you within our parish community each day at Mass. Please do also keep me in your prayers during my few days of prayer, reflection and spiritual renewal.
During my time away on retreat the church will be closed on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday (17th/19/20th March) and there will be no Public Worship. On Tuesday 18th March Deacon Andrew will offer the normal Holy Hour with Benediction and there will be a Service of The Word with Holy Communion replacing Mass that evening. On Tuesday this week the church will be open during the day for private prayer. I will be back to offer Mass as normal on Friday 21st March at 9.30 am.
Walk with Me Prayer Booklets (Lent 2025): A few Copies are still available in church to purchase priced at just £1 a copy.
Stations of the Cross – Most Fridays at 7 pm during Lent. N.B. (6 pm Friday 28th March (First Holy Communion candidates and their catechists lead the devotion tonight) and 6 pm on Wednesday in Holy Week (16th April) and 6 pm on Good Friday (18th April).
Extra times of Confession on a Friday (Directly after Stations of the Cross) N.B. (No confessions 28th March nor 18th April).
Important Lent Diary Date: The Bishop’s Jubilee Year Deanery Station Mass, The Immaculate Conception and St Norbert’s church, Spalding, Tuesday 1st April, at 7 p.m.
The Immaculate Conception and St Norbert’s church, Spalding was designated as our Deanery Jubilee church and our deanery will be hosting the Bishop there, when he comes to celebrate a special Lent Station Mass for us all.
I do hope as many parishioners as possible will be able to come to this special evening with the Bishop in Spalding on Tuesday 1st April.There will be No Mass in St Marys Grantham that day.
Programme for the Evening
Adoration – from 6 pm – 6.45 pm
Confessions – from 6 pm – 6.45 p.m.
Station Mass – 7 p.m. – Principal Celebrant and Preacher – Bishop Patrick, concelebrants (priests of the deanery), deacons of the deanery (assisting at the altar).
Refreshments – There will be a chance to meet with Bishop Patrick informally and members of the deanery clergy and other parishioners of the deanery over fellowship and light refreshments in the parish hall, immediately after Mass.
Parishioners attending the evening in Spalding can receive The Jubilee Year Indulgence *(Please see information regarding criteria in this week’s Bulletin).
CAFOD Lent Appeal: You can still collect a CAFOD envelope from church during Lent to make a Lent offering to the work of CAFOD. Please return your envelopes in the weekly collection plate. All donations received will be forwarded to CAFOD after Easter.
Prayers for Pope Francis: Let us continue to keep our Holy Father in prayer each day this week that he may be given strength and courage during his time of sickness.
With my prayers for you and for your families,
Your parish priest and friend,
Fr Jonathan
2025 16th March – Newsletter – Download