As we gather to celebrate Easter Sunday, the Pascha, we find ourselves at the heart of our faith—the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. This day is the culmination of our Lenten journey, a time of reflection, penance, and renewal. Today, we rejoice in the victory of Christ over sin and death, a promise that offers hope and eternal life to all who believe. Our Easter Vigil last night was a truly sacred experience, filled with rich symbols and the joyous proclamation of the Easter Exultet. As we lit the Paschal candle, we welcomed Christ the Light of the World into our midst, into our family of faith, rejoicing together in the transformative power of God’s grace. As dawn breaks today, church bells ring out everywhere, announcing the joyful news of Christ’s resurrection. Our liturgy will be filled with uplifting hymns and we will focus with joy on the sacred Eucharist, the Holy Mass, where we encounter the real presence of our risen Lord. Let us also remember the joy of our families gathering around their tables today, sharing festive meals and the light of hope that this season brings. May we all embrace the enduring message of Easter, inviting others to experience the love and renewal found in Christ. Happy Easter to you all! Alleluia. Christ is risen. He is risen indeed. Alleluia. In Christ’s Love Father Victor EASTER WEEK (THE HOLY OCTAVE) BEGINS 20th April THIS SUNDAY - EASTER SUNDAY Lauds (Morning Prayer) at 9.15 am. FESTAL HIGH MASS with the Blessing of the Easter Garden at 10.00 am. Followed by Easter Egg Hunt for the Children. 22nd April TUESDAY Low Mass at 6.30 pm. 23rd April WEDNESDAY Lauds (Morning Prayer) at 9.00 am. Low Mass at 12.15 pm. 24th April THURSDAY Lauds (Morning Prayer) at 9.00 am. Low Mass at 10.00 am. 25th April FRIDAY Lauds (Morning Prayer) at 9.00 am. Low Mass at 10.00 am. 26th April SATURDAY Lauds (Morning Prayer) at 9.00 am. Low Mass at 10.00 am. 27th April LOW SUNDAY (Dominica in Albis) Lauds (Morning Prayer) at 9.15 am. FESTAL HIGH MASS at 10.00 am. THIS IS FOLLOWED BY OUR PARISH ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING TEA AND COFFEE IS AVAILABLE AFTER MASS ON SUNDAYS - DO JOIN US FOR FELLOWSHIP. PARISH NEWS OUR HALF HOUR BIBLE STUDY GROUP ON SUNDAY This is a regular meeting that takes place after Sunday Mass and Coffee every week - Father Tunji leads us to reflect more closely on the Holy Scriptures, which are one of God’s most precious gifts to us. Bibles texts will be supplied. YOUTH GROUP The Youth Group meets for a Meal, for Fellowship, Discussion or some other Activity, usually at 6.45 pm on Wednesdays in the Vestry Hall. THIS WEEK WE MEET AT THE ESCAPE TO GO BOWLING. See Youth Group What’s Ap Page for more details. LENTEN GIVING: This year is for the Additional Curates Society and in support of future Ordinands. Please bring back the collecting boxes to Church. CONFESSIONS - As well as Saturday mornings, the Sacrament of Confession can be celebrated 20 minutes before any of the Weekday Masses and immediately afterwards. Please speak to Father Victor, Father Ian or Father Tunji. REPOSITORY - OUR PIETY STALL This is open before and after Mass on Sundays and weekdays selling a wide range of items from religious cards, rosaries, books, crucifixes and icons to mugs, fridge magnets, church diaries, pens and note books. THE PROCEEDS OF EVERYTHING WE SELL ON OUR PIETY STALL GOES TOWARDS WELL NEEDED CHURCH FUNDS. Items can be seen in the glass case by the font at the back of church and in the glass case in the Vestry Hall. Please take a look. OUR SUNDAY SCHOOL takes place each and every Sunday during school term time. If you have children between the ages of 5 - 12 they will be most welcome from 10 am in the Vestry Hall. Hope to see you there. FATHER VICTOR IS ALSO BROTHER CUTHBERT OF THE BENEDICTINE COMMUNITY OF THE HOUSE OF INITIA NOVA - WHAT’S THIS ABOUT? We are a Christian and monastic community officially recognized by the American Episcopal Church (our Sister Church in the United States). This means we are an officially recognised community of the worldwide Anglican Communion. And may be its for you. What are you looking for? Does life seem like one distraction after an other – and yet the end is never insight? Does one’s history keep you from becoming more? Do you yearn to live a more intentional, Christian life? If any of these ring true, you may be the perfect inquirer into Religious Life. If you are someone who desires a Contemplative life, God – You – Community; centered in prayer, dating back 1,500 plus years yet speaking to contemporary life: this Benedictine House may be what you are looking for!! Members are found in the United States, England, Scotland, Cuba, Australia. For more information: houseofinitianova@org Motherhouse is in Ponce, Puerto Rico. Abbot Michael-John Austin – Superior – tel:2816304842 So, if you are interested in knowing more, please speak to Father Victor / Brother Cuthbert. IF YOU HAVE ANY PRAYERS or Mass intentions you would like me to offer at Mass or if would like someone added to our parish prayer list of the Sick or Departed. My contact details are as follows: Telephone: 07714190663 Email: Vicarstmartin@outlook.com I am also available in person during Surgery Hour on Saturday’s in Church between 10.30am - 11.30am. THE SACRAMENT OF CONFESSION AND RECONCILIATION is also available at this time. Please continue to remember the following in your prayers: For JOY to fill our hearts as we celebrate the Resurrection of Our Lord Jesus Christ and the future pledge to us of New, Eternal and Abundant Life in Him. For our Church community, that we may continue to grow into the likeness of Our Lord through worship, prayer and service. For our Parish that we may emulate him in our faithfulness to the Gospel and its proclamation and to the care of our brothers and sisters in their need. For our Bishop Paul and all the Parishes that look to him in the See of Oswestry. For our Sunday School and for the children attending. That the gifts of the Holy Spirit may be ours so that we may grow our Parish and serve the people of Fenny and Bletchley more effectively. For the successful implementation of our ‘Growing Healthy Churches’ initiative. For a deepening of our faith and a greater commitment to Christ. For the strength to remain firm in our Christian faith and to give witness to it through our own example. For the people of Israel and Palestine and for an ending of the conflict there. For an end of war in the Ukraine and in Somalia and the re-establishment of Peace. That we may continue to remember, the needs of those so less fortunate than ourselves. For those at school, college or University, that they may be kept safe and well. For those who work, particularly those who have families or other dependents. For our new Government, that in this time of rising costs we may see increased integrity within the world of politics. For peace to reign within our homes and between one another. For the elderly, housebound and those living in residential and nursing homes. For our Ambulance Service and for our other Emergency Service Staff and for Milton Keynes Hospital and all who work there. For Father Victor, Father Ian, Father Tunji and for all parish clergy as they seek to continue to make present in our midst the Sacrifice of the Holy Mass, the other Sacraments of Christ and offer continuing Pastoral care. For our now fully recognised Monastic Community of the House of Initia Nova of the Order of Saint Benedict and for its Motherhouse in Ponce, Puerto Rico. For it’s Abbot, Michael-John Austin, for all of the community and for those new to its life. For the Sick: For Margaret Namisi, Yvonne and Denis Simpson, Gary Ashby, Heather Burke, June Reid, and Nicola Monaghan. For the Departed: For Margaret Kanindo, Agnes Ashiono, and all the recently departed, and for Patricia Perkins, Andrew Alderman, Eva Goff, Mabel Meredith and all whose anniversaries fall at this time. Rest eternal grant unto them, O Lord. And let Light Perpetual shine upon them. May the Lord be with us as we celebrate a Happy and Holy Easter. Alleluia. The Lord is Risen. He has Risen indeed. Alleluia. Every Blessing. Father Victor (Brother Cuthbert)