Dear friends in Christ

It is precisely one year since we began the lockdowns which have made an indelible impression on all our lives. I recall on the Fourth Sunday of Lent last year offering Holy Mass for the first time behind locked doors. Since then we have struggled to celebrate the Mass and Sacraments in the most appropriate and dignified manner possible, given the circumstances. I thank you all for your continued understanding and collaboration as we try to do our best. It is a truism that all of our certainties have been taken away in this last year, but we have the anchor of our Faith to keep us secure and focused. I commented at the start of last Holy Week, that it was going to be a Holy Week like no other we had experienced. This year Holy Week will be similar but also different; for one thing, you can be present at the liturgical ceremonies. As last year, there will be adaptations so that the liturgies are celebrated in a Covid-safe manner. This means that on Palm Sunday there will not be a procession, though blessed palms will be available to take home. On Maundy Thursday the Solemn Mass of The Lord’s Supper will be celebrated without the usual additions, so no procession to the Altar of Repose or watching before the Blessed Sacrament. On Good Friday the Solemn Liturgy of The Lord’s Passion will happen without the individual veneration of the Cross and with no congregational participation in the Passion Gospel. At the Easter Vigil on Holy Saturday evening, there will be a simple lighting of the Paschal Candle followed by the usual readings but no Baptismal liturgy. Despite the restrictions, we shall celebrate this most important Week as devoutly and reverently as we can. Closer to Holy Week we will publish the times of the Services.

The Gospel at Mass on this Fourth Sunday gives us the image of Jesus raised upon the Cross, as mirrored in that bronze serpent which Moses raised for the people of Israel. As they gazed upon that image, so that they might be saved from death by poisoning, so we look to the Cross, as the sign of our salvation won for us by the Passion and Death of Jesus Christ.

This is also Mothering Sunday, so we give thanks to God for the gift of life we received from our earthly mothers—be they living or with The Lord—and ask our heavenly Mother to watch over and protect us on our earthly pilgrimage.

God bless you!

Msgr Kevin Hale