WHAT DOES ‘LENT’ MEAN?

Our word ‘Lent’ is taken from the Anglo-Saxon and means ‘Spring’ or ‘Lengthening.’  Lent is that time of year when the days lengthen.  The season begins on Ash Wednesday and culminates in the celebration of Easter.  The 40-day Lenten Fast finds its origins in the scriptures.  The Israelites had to tramp round the desert for 40 years but more importantly for us, Jesus fasted for 40 days in the wilderness before beginning his public life.  Our Lenten observance imitates that of our Lord.

WHAT ARE YOU DOING FOR LENT?

Lent is that special time for renewing our Faith.  It is a time to turn back to God and to the things that are really important.  Below are some suggestions that might help you use this time well.

THE MASS: for us who are Catholic is very special, it is the place where we meet Jesus Christ in his Word, in the Bread of the Eucharist and in his People gathered together.  During Lent WHY NOT TRY TO GET TO ONE OF THE DAILY Masses in church or nearby? See the bulletin for times.

THE STATIONS OF THE CROSS: Lent is a journey; it is a pilgrimage of faith with our Lord to God the Father.  On each Sunday of Lent at 3pm and on Wednesdays at 7pm the Parish will celebrate the Stations of the Cross.  Come and unite yourself with Jesus in his journey to Calvary and to God.  Alternatively, you could make the Stations’ by yourself in the quiet of the church, just spending a few moments at each Station remembering our Lord’s journey.

EXPOSITION OF THE BLESSED SACRAMENT: Prayer is a vital ingredient in any Lenten resolution.  The Blessed Sacrament will be exposed every Saturday morning in the church from after the 10am Mass to 12 noon whilst Confessions are being heard.  An excellent opportunity to come and spend time with your Lord and talk to him of all that fills your heart.

VISITING THE CHURCH: Of course, we can call into church during the day just to spend five quiet minutes in prayer.  A Lenten objective would be never to be in the area of the church without calling in for a moment’s prayer.

PRAYER FROM THE DIVINE OFFICE: All clergy and religious have to recite the Prayers from the Divine Office at least five times a day.  During the weekdays of Lent (Monday to Friday inc) the church will be open from 7am, the Blessed Sacrament will be exposed and, at 7.45am Morning Prayer will be celebrated. The Hour of Prayer will close at 8am.

RECITATION OF THE ROSARY: This is a Gospel Prayer, it takes place in church each day after the Morning Mass and before the noon Mass on Friday.  It is recited for the intention of Life.

LENTEN LUNCHES: Fridays are a special day of penance.  After the Noon Mass ‘Hunger Lunches’ will be served in the Parish Hall.  You will be served with a bowl of soup, a bread roll and a hot drink.  Your donation (we suggest £1) will go to our efforts to support the Bosnian School

FRIDAY EVENINGS: 7 – 8pm a gentle time of prayer before the Blessed Sacrament with music and reflection. A must for Readers, Eucharistic Ministers and all who serve.

LENTEN SCRIPTURE GROUP: On Thursday’s at 7.30pm for an hour, looking at the Sunday Readings.

DAYS OF REFLECTION: Well half-days, actually! For Parish Eucharistic Ministers on Saturday 27^th February and, Parish Readers on Saturday 27^th March both 2 pm to 4pm. in the Parish Hall.  Lent is a special time for taking stock, for renewal; and those engaged in these important Ministries are required to do this regularly. Those engaged in both ministries will find the days quite different, geared to each ministry.

SPIRITUAL READING: In Lent we are called to nourish our minds with wholesome reading.  There are going to be some books on sale in church especially for Lent.  Of course, you could always settle down with one of the Gospels or some other Bible reading.    The Parish will supply a ‘Day by Day Through Lent’ book.

PRIVATE ACTS OF PENANCE: These acts are between you and God.  They may range from giving up sugar in tea to fasting for a whole day; from visiting a sick neighbour or relative to wearing a hair shirt!  But whatever penance or other act you choose to do, make sure that it is not beyond your limit.  Aim at little things, do them well and thus avoid disappointment.

A THOUGHT OR TWO FOR PARENTS: Lent is a good time to do spiritual things with children; they understand the importance of the spiritual when they see that it matters to their parents and when the whole family takes part.  There are many things that you can do together as a family: a short time in prayer each night, a family visit to church, going together to Mass during the week, reading a bible story etc.  Another thought – mums and dads, when you have dropped off your child at school just before 9am, if you have the time on Monday to Friday, why not call into church for the Mass at 9.am?  It would only take 20 minutes and is an excellent way to pray for your family.

“WALK WITH ME”: This publication will be distributed to adults in the congregation.  It is a day by day journey through Lent for spiritual reading.  For children there is a ‘Calendar for Lent.’