Ash Wednesday

“In order to give hope to others, it is sometimes enough simply to be kind.”

• Pope Francis, 2021

This year Pope Francis’ Lenten message calls us to “renew our faith, draw from the living waters of hope, and receive with open hearts the love of God.” This week, I would like to focus on Pope Francis’ message of hope during Lent. Sometimes giving hope to others just means being kind. Pope Francis says that this could be:

• willing to set everything else aside in order to show interest
• to give the gift of a smile
• to speak a word of encouragement
• to listen amid general indifference.

It is on Ash Wednesday that we make Lenten promises as a way to renew our hearts and minds as we journey to Easter. Often, we say things like, “I am not going to eat chocolate!” only to fail in the first two weeks. How powerful if we all make giving hope to others by being kind our Lenten promise! 

First Eucharist

Our Year 5 candidates are busy preparing to receive the Sacrament of First Eucharist in a weeks’ time.  Please keep our candidates and their families in your prayers.

St Monica’s Retreat Day: Thursday 18 February

Sacrament of First Eucharist Masses:

St Michael’s – Tuesday 23 February 6pm

St Monica’s - Wednesday 24 February 6pm

St Monica’s – Thursday 25 February 6pm