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St Martin's is a welcoming community in the Anglo-Catholic tradition of the Church of England.
Safeguarding
This parish is committed to the safeguarding, care and
nurture of the children and people of all ages in our church community.
Our Parish Safeguarding Officer is
Mrs. Yanina Iamarino. Tel: 07769035951
Email: stmartins.inquiry@gmail.com
The parish Safeguarding Policy can be viewed here.
More information available here.
Pastoral Letter to the Parish family from Father Victor Bullock as we begin Lent.
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Dear Brothers and Sisters,
As we prepare to enter the sacred season of Lent, I want to share my thoughts on its significance and the spiritual journey we are invited to undertake together. Lent is a 40-day period of reflection and preparation leading us to the joy of Easter, mirroring the time that Our Lord spent fasting in the desert. This season offers us a unique opportunity to renew our faith and deepen our relationship with God. Lent begins on Ash Wednesday and concludes on Holy Saturday. The ashes we receive on Ash Wednesday remind us of our mortality and our need for repentance. When we hear the words, “Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return,” we are called to reflect on our human fragility and our dependence on God’s grace. Repentance is central to Lent. This season urges us to examine our lives and turn away from sin. It is a time to seek reconciliation with God and one another. I therefore seriously encourage you to take advantage of the Sacrament of Confession and Reconciliation during this time, as it offers a freeing from the burden of sin, healing and a chance for renewal. Fasting and Abstinence are also traditional practices that help us grow spiritually. We are called to fast on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday, and to abstain from meat on Fridays. We are encouraged to fast on other appropriate days too, especially in this season of Lent. This discipline is not just about giving up food; it invites us to foster self-control and create space for prayer. By fasting, we detach ourselves from worldly comforts and our own selfish desires and focus more intently on our relationship with God. Prayer is another vital component of our Lenten journey. I would urge you to set aside specific times each day for prayer, whether through attending daily Mass, other Services that the Parish has organised during Lent or through meditating, or engaging in personal reflection. Increased prayer helps us draw ever closer to God and to seek His guidance in our lives. Almsgiving reflects our call to love and serve those in need. Acts of charity, whether through donating to local charities, volunteering your time, or supporting our parish outreach efforts, are essential during Lent. These acts of generosity help us recognize our blessings and respond to the needs of others with increasing compassion. Sacrifice is also a hallmark of this season. Lent invites us to make sacrifices that draw us closer to Christ’s own sacrifice. These acts of self-denial remind us of His love for us and invite us to participate in His redemptive work. Finally, Lent encourages us into a deeper and more profound reflection on our lives. Take time to contemplate your spiritual journey and consider how you can grow in holiness. Reading Scripture, especially the Gospels, can provide guidance and inspiration as we seek to align our hearts with God’s will. While Lent is a season of penance, it ultimately leads us to the joy of Easter. The practices we embrace during these 40 days prepare our hearts for celebrating the Resurrection—the victory of life over death, hope over despair. As your parish priest, I invite you to enter into this Lenten season with open hearts. Let us support one another on this journey of faith, encouraging each other in our efforts to grow ever closer to God. May this holy season of Lent be a time of transformation for each of us, leading us to a deeper understanding of God’s love and grace. In Christ’s love, Father Victor Bullock Parish Priest
LATEST NEWS
THE SECOND SUNDAY IN LENT - 16th March 2025
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Dear Brothers and Sisters,
On this Second Sunday of Lent, we are invited to witness the profound mystery of the Transfiguration of our Lord (Luke 9:28-36). As Our Lord reveals His divine glory to Peter, James, and John atop the mountain, we are reminded of the transformative power that encountering God can bring. This moment of divine revelation encourages us to reflect on our own spiritual journey, calling us to ascend from the valley of our daily struggles to the heights of faith. The voice of the Father commands us to listen to His Son, urging us to deepen our commitment to Christ and His teachings. As we continue our Lenten pilgrimage, let us embrace this opportunity for spiritual renewal, allowing the light of Christ to illuminate our path. May this Sunday inspire us to carry the experience of the Transfiguration into our lives, fostering hope and a clearer vision of our call to holiness. With God’s blessings , Father Victor SERVICES FOR THIS WEEK THIS SUNDAY - THE SECOND SUNDAY OF LENT - THE PARISH MASS BEGINS AT 10.00 am. AFTER MASS TODAY REFRESHMENTS ARE SERVED THEN THERE IS AN OPPORTUNITY FOR A SHORT SESSION OF BIBLE STUDY. 18th March TUESDAY Low Mass at 6.30 pm. Lent Study Group in the Vicarage at 7.15 pm. 19th March WEDNESDAY Lauds (Morning Prayer) at 9.00 am. Low Mass at 12.15 pm. Stations of the Cross at 12.45 pm. Lenten Lunch at 1.15 pm. Youth Group in the Vestry Hall at 6.30 pm. 20th March THURSDAY Lauds (Morning Prayer) at 9.00 am. Low Mass at 10.00 am. Exposition, Vespers (Evening Prayer) and Benediction at 6.00 pm. 21st March FRIDAY Lauds (Morning Prayer) at 9.00 am. B.C.P. / English Missal Mass at 10.00 am. Vespers (Evening Prayer) at 6.00 pm. 22nd March SATURDAY Lauds (Morning Prayer) at 9.00 am. Low Mass at 10.00 am. Confessions from 10.30 am - 11.15 am 23rd March NEXT SUNDAY - THE THIRD SUNDAY OF LENT Lauds (Morning Prayer) at 9.15 am. Parish Mass at 10.00 am. Adoration, Vespers and Benediction at 5.00 pm. 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 and for a look at what Lent is all about. Meeting begins at 6.30 pm this Wednesday in the Vestry Hall. LENTEN 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. THE KEEPING OF LENT - SPECIAL SERVICES 3rd SUNDAY OF LENT 5.00 pm Exposition, Evening Prayer and Benediction 4th SUNDAY OF LENT Mothering Sunday, Blessing of Mothers and Bring and Share Lunch WEEKLY LENTEN DEVOTIONS Wednesdays after the 12.15 pm Mass: Stations of the Cross Thursdays at 6.00 pm: Exposition, Evening Prayer and Benediction LENT COURSE TUESDAYS AT 7.15 pm this Tuesday, 11th March at the Vicarage This year marks the 1,700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea. It gave rise to the Nicene Creed, a perfect summary of faith which we use on greater Feasts and on Every Sunday. To take us further into our understanding of the Creed, this six session Lent Course had been prepared by Bishops of The Society. Each Session has an introductory video and some study notes with suggested questions for discussion. PLEASE JOIN US. 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 a good keeping of Lent. For our Church community, that we may continue to grow into the likeness of Our Lord through worship, prayer and service. For our young church members who have recently made their First Holy Communion and for our newly Confirmed. To offer thanks for the glorious Resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ, for our salvation and the gift and pledge of new and abundant life. 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 Father Lewis Sly, Margaret Namisi, Yvonne and Denis Simpson, Gary Ashby, Heather Burke, June Reid, Nicola Monaghan, Rosalio Eluna and Jean Holden. For the Departed: For Agnes Ashiono, Jannetta Doan, Carmen Paolucci and all the recently departed, and for Rachel Joyce, Ronald Suddery, Agnes Turner, Alfred Peerless, Claude Debenham 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 you to guide, protect and bless you and your families as we journey together through this season of Lent. Father Victor (Brother Cuthbert)
Daily Prayer
Join us in a period of stillness as we take time out of our lives and offer them back to God, asking Him to aid us in our lives and offering thanksgiving for His abundant goodness.
Prayers are said daily at Saint Martin’s at the following times:
Morning (Tuesday – Friday) : 9.00am
Evening (Tuesday – Friday) : 6.00pm
Spiritual Communion
and other Prayer Resources during this time of Coronavirus.
Spiritual Communion The Church ever reminds us that if one is unable to actually consume the consecrated body and blood of Our Lord due to extreme sickness or disability, or because we cannot presently come to church due to this Coronavirus pandemic, the desire is enough for God to grant all the benefits of communion. When being present at a celebration of the Eucharist is absolutely impossible, this act of prayer and meditation can provide the means by which you can associate yourself with the Eucharistic Action and open yourself to God’s grace and blessing. + In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. Let the power of the Holy Spirit come upon me, O Lord, to mercifully cleanse my heart and defend me from all adversities; through Christ our Lord. Amen. The Epistle: Revelation 3:20 Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and open the door I will come in to you and eat with you and you with me. The Psalm: Psalm 23:5-6 You prepare a table before me in the presence of those who trouble me; you have anointed my head with oil, and my cup is running over. Surely your goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever. The Gospel: John 15:5 I am the vine, you are the branches. Those who abide in me and I in them bear much fruit, because apart from me, you can do nothing. Act of Faith O my God, I firmly believe that you are one God in three Divine Persons, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. I believe in Jesus Christ, Your Son, who became man and died for our sins, and who will come to judge the living and the dead. I believe these and all truths which the Holy Catholic Church teaches, because You have revealed them, who can neither deceive nor be deceived. Amen. Act of Hope O my God, trusting in Your infinite goodness and promises, I hope to obtain pardon of my sins, the help of Your grace, and life everlasting, through the merits of Jesus Christ, my Lord and Redeemer. Amen. Act of Love O my God, I love you above all things, with my whole heart and soul, because You are all-good and worthy of all my love. I love my neighbour as myself for love of You. I forgive all who have injured me, and I ask pardon of all whom I have injured. Amen. In your own words, pray for your own needs, for those on your heart, for the peace of the world, and for the Church. After offering these intercessions, continue with the Act of Contrition O God, I am very sorry that I have sinned against you and for all the wrongs I have done and the good I have not done. Especially I confess....Forgive me for Jesus’ sake, and grant me strength and wisdom to amend my life. Amen. The Act of Spiritual Reception In union, blessed Jesus, with the faithful gathered at every altar of your Church where your blessed Body and Blood are offered this day, (and remembering particularly my own parish and those worshiping there) I long to offer you praise and thanksgiving, for creation and all the blessings of this life, for the redemption won for us by your life, death, and resurrection, for the means of grace and the hope of glory. And particularly for the blessings given me.... I believe that you are truly present in the Holy Sacrament, and, since I cannot at this time receive communion, I pray you to come into my heart. I unite myself with you and embrace you with all my heart, my soul, and my mind. Let nothing separate me from you; let me serve you in this life until, by your grace, I come to your glorious kingdom and unending peace. Amen. Our Father... Come Lord Jesus, and dwell in my heart in the fullness of your strength; be my wisdom and guide me in right pathways; conform my life and actions to the image of your holiness; and, in the power of your gracious might, rule over every hostile power that threatens or disturbs the growth of your kingdom, who with the Father and the Holy Spirit, lives and reigns, one God, in glory everlasting. Amen. And may the peace of God, which passes all understanding, keep my heart and mind in the knowledge and love of God, and of his Son Jesus Christ my Lord; and the blessing of God Almighty, the Father, + the Son and the Holy Spirit, be with me now and always. Amen.