Lent brings together two important aspects of our Christian life and belief. The ashes which we put on our foreheads on Ash Wednesday remind us that we are all mortal, and one day we will die. Life is transitory and we shouldn’t cling to the things of this world but look towards eternity. Lent also reminds us that God loves us beyond anything we can begin to imagine and that He wants to be with us and us with Him. He calls us into friendship with Him now. He is calling out to each one of us asking us to give up those things which bind us to this world, those things which separate us from him and from each other. He calls each one of us to turn back to Him with all our hearts so that we will have life. The acts of self-denial central to our keeping of this holy season bear witness to the fact that God has a place in our lives. They are a sign to an unbelieving world that God still matters and that we are willing to stand up for our faith. So when people ask you why you have given something up for Lent tell them about the wonders of God who loved us so much that he gave his only son to die for us so that we might have new life.

Wednesday 14th February as well as being Valentine’s day is also Ash Wednesday and the beginning of Lent. Masses here at Our Lady’s will be at 9.30am and 6.30pm. Every Friday Evening at 7.00pm during Lent there will be the Stations of the Cross in remembrance of Our Lords passion and death. This is an excellent Lenten devotion and a chance to reflect on what Christ suffered for our salvation.

Thank you for your continued financial support during these incredibly difficult and challenging times. Every Parish is struggling financially at the moment, and we are no different. I’m especially grateful to all those who have signed up to new Standing Orders, posted their envelopes through the Presbytery door, and who have sent in cash and cheques. All your offerings are gratefully received. However, even during a cost of living crisis the bills still keep coming, and without your help we could go from a lockdown to a shutdown. Our Lady’s parish is running at a deficit this year. With this in mind I encourage you to think about: + Might you be able to Gift Aid your donations? If you area UK taxpayer, we can claim an extra 25p for every £1 you give at no extra cost to you! + Why not sign up to a Standing Order rather than using the envelopes or cash? Mandate forms are available. + We are also looking into the possibility of contactless giving  Our Lady’s is a small church with a big hearted congregation who know how important it is to support the church both spiritually and practically. Thank you for all your help, big or small.

If you would like a Mass to be said for your intention there are envelopes available at the back of church. I will try my best to accommodate your request however, if the date asked for is not available, the nearest possible date will be given. Could you also put a contact number so that I can ring you if necessary.

Congratulations to Celia who, last week on Palm Sunday, was presented with the Bene Merenti Medal. This is an award given by the Holy Father to people who make an outstanding contribution to the Holy Catholic Church particularly in their local area. Celia’s commitment to Our Lady’s parish and the wider Catholic community is nothing short of exemplary. A woman of deep faith which translates itself into concrete action. This award is richly deserved. Well done Celia.

Envelopes are available at the back of church for you to use for your Easter Offering. The collection taken at Easter is traditionally for the parish priest. You can put the envelope into any collection basket.

Following the guidance of Fr. Artur who serves the Polish community the Easter Blessing of baskets and food will take place on Easter Sunday morning. At SFX it will be after the 8am Mass at 9am, 31st March. There will also be a blessing at Our Lady’s at 11.30am. Please can you pass this message on to anyone you might know in the Polish community.  Podążając za wskazówkami księdza, który służy polskiej wspólnocie w Hereford, wielkanocne błogosławieństwo koszy i jedzenia odbędzie się teraz w Niedzielę Wielkanocną rano. W SFX będzie to po Mszy św. o 8:00 o 9:00, 31 marca. O godzinie 11.30am odbędzie się także błogosławieństwo w kościele Najświętszej Marii Panny. (Proszę, możesz przekazać tę wiadomość każdemu, kogo znasz w polskiej społeczności).

On the 24th April we celebrate the solemnity of St George Patron of England. Here are some lesser known facts about this great saint.  He was originally a member of the Praetorian guard who protected the Emperor Diocletian.  As well England he is also patron saint of Portugal, Venice, Beirut, Malta, Serbia and Lithuania.  The name George means ‘tiller of the earth’ and farmers pray to him for a good harvest.  He was first venerated as a martyr in the 5th century with the dragon coming much later in the11th century  In medieval England St George was known as ‘Our Lady’s knight’ who protected her dowry of England.  He was made England’s patron saint by King Edward III in 1350   St George appeared at the battle of Agincourt in 1415 and helped the English defeat the French.

Sunday 21st April is the World day of Prayer for Vocations to the Diaconate, the sacred priesthood and to the religious life. Let us pray for vocations so that many more men and women will be called by God to serve his holy people and so spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ. There will be a second collection to help support the priests training fund. Remember that without priests there are no sacraments.

HOW TO SOW PEACE IN A WORLD AT WAR with Dr Maria Power. As we witness today the tragedy of war and conflict, can we say there is a just war, and can we help build a just peace? Do come if you can! Thursday, 25th April at 7.00pm, St Francis Xavier’s Church.

Next Sunday 7th April is Divine Mercy Sunday. In order to celebrate the great outpouring of God’s love on His creation and to pray for peace in the world there will be the Divine Mercy Chaplet followed by devotions at 3pm at St Francis Xavier . Please come along and spend time meditating on the great love God has shown us through the Passion, Death and Resurrection of His Son Jesus Christ from whom all mercy and blessing flow

A date for Confirmations has now been agreed with Archbishop Mark for Thursday 20th June, 7.00pm at Our Lady’s . I have sent out all the details to those who have already contacted me. If you have not received anything via email please let me know. If there are any young people, year 8 and upwards who want to be confirmed but have not yet registered Please email olqmsacraments@yahoo.com for more details. If you have been contacted and not returned the registration form please do so before Sunday 3rd March. Thank you.