THE FIRST SUNDAY IN LENT - 9th March 2025
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
On this First Sunday of Lent, we embark on a sacred journey of reflection and renewal, guided by the readings that invite us to deepen our relationship with God. As we hear the account of Jesus' temptation in the desert (Luke 4:1-13), we are reminded of His fortitude in the face of adversity and the importance of relying on God's Word. This season calls us to confront our own temptations and distractions, urging us to embrace prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. Our readings challenge us to examine our lives, seeking the grace to turn away from sin and embrace the transformative power of Christ's love. And so as we gather for Mass during this time of Grace, let us open our hearts to the Spirit, allowing this Lenten journey to lead us closer to the heart of God, preparing us to celebrate the joy of Easter with renewed faith and commitment.
In Christ’s love,
Father Victor
SERVICES FOR THIS WEEK
THIS SUNDAY - THE FIRST SUNDAY OF LENT - THE PENITENTIAL PROCESSION AND PARISH MASS BEGINS AT 10.00 am starting in the Vestry Hall.
A Service of Penance and Benediction at 5.00 pm.
AFTER MASS TODAY REFRESHMENTS ARE SERVED THEN THERE IS AN OPPORTUNITY FOR A SHORT SESSION OF BIBLE STUDY.
11th March
TUESDAY
Low Mass at 6.30 pm.
Lent Study Group in the Vicarage at 7.15 pm.
12th March
WEDNESDAY
Lauds (Morning Prayer) at 9.00 am.
Low Mass at 12.15 pm.
Stations of the Cross at 12.45 pm.
Youth Group in the Vestry Hall at 6.30 pm.
13th 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.
PCC Meeting at 6.30 pm in the Vestry Hall.
14th 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.
15th March
SATURDAY
Lauds (Morning Prayer) at 9.00 am.
Low Mass at 10.00 am.
9th March
NEXT SUNDAY - THE SECOND SUNDAY OF LENT
Lauds (Morning Prayer) at 9.15 am.
Parish Mass at 10.00 am.
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.
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
1st SUNDAY OF LENT
10.00 am Lenten Procession of Penance and Parish Mass
5.00 pm A Service of Penance and Benediction
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 bless you and your families as we begin season of Lent.
Father Victor (Brother Cuthbert)
