THIS IS HOLY WEEK
Today we begin Holy Week, the sacred days in which we journey with Jesus on his way to the Cross and anticipate the joy of his Resurrection at Easter. Our liturgy opens with the procession of palms, recalling Jesus’ triumphant entrance into Jerusalem.
In today’s Liturgy of the Word, we hear the Passion of the Lord proclaimed in its entirety. These same events will be revisited during the liturgies of the Triduum—Holy Thursday’s Mass of the Lord’s Supper, the Good Friday celebration of the Lord’s Passion, and the Easter Vigil. In communities preparing catechumens for the Sacraments of Initiation, these liturgies hold particular significance, inviting both candidates and the faithful to enter more deeply into the central mysteries of our faith. These are truly profound and holy days.
In Cycle A, the Passion is drawn from the Gospel of Matthew. This account highlights Jesus’ complete obedience to the will of the Father. From the preparation for Passover to his prayer in the garden, Jesus repeatedly entrusts himself to the Father, even in the face of suffering. His final moments, too, reflect this same faithful surrender.
Matthew’s Gospel also emphasizes that Jesus fulfills the Scriptures. Throughout the Passion narrative, we see references and echoes of what was foretold, reminding us that God’s plan unfolds even in suffering. Jesus is revealed as the Suffering Servant, whose sacrifice brings salvation.
At the Last Supper, Jesus makes this mission clear: his blood is poured out “for the forgiveness of sins.” This act of love and obedience lies at the heart of the Passion.
Matthew includes unique details in his account, such as the price of Judas’s betrayal, Pilate’s wife’s dream, and Pilate washing his hands. He also alone describes the extraordinary events following Jesus’ death, including earthquakes and other signs, underscoring the magnitude of what has taken place.
While Matthew’s narrative reflects tensions of the early Christian community, we are reminded that responsibility for Jesus’ death is not to be attributed to any one group. Rather, all humanity shares in the reality of sin, and it is for all that Christ gave his life.
As we listen to the Passion, we may recognize ourselves in its many characters: in Judas’s regret, Peter’s denial, the disciples’ weakness, Simon’s reluctant service, or Pilate’s hesitation. Each reflects the complexity of our own response to Christ. Yet through it all, Jesus remains faithful, offering his life so that our sins may be forgiven.
These events—Jesus’ Passion, death, and Resurrection—form the Paschal Mystery. No explanation can fully capture the depth of Christ’s love revealed here. As we enter this Holy Week, we are invited not only to reflect and understand, but to pray, to contemplate, and to open our hearts more deeply to the grace of his saving sacrifice.
As we continue this sacred journey, I warmly encourage you to take part in the liturgies of Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and the Easter Vigil. These are the very days for which we have been preparing throughout Lent—moments of grace where we walk closely with the Lord through his Passion into the light of the Resurrection.
Will you be there to walk with Our Lord these most holy of days?
MASS INTENTIONS – We will begin booking Masses for May from 1st April. Please note that if you asked for an intention on a specific date and a funeral is subsequently arranged, the intention will be moved to the next available date. We can send Masses to Fr Henry in Malawi.
THANK YOU FOR THE COLLECTIONS FOR
Sunday 22nd March Total £1011.45 (Loose £719.50; Envelopes £291.95) Contactless £533
PLANNED GIVING ENVELOPES – The parishioners who have been donating to the Offertory collection using the envelopes have been sent a letter which you should have received this week. If you have not received a letter, please contact the parish office on 020 8888 2390 Monday to Friday 10am to 2pm only.
CHRISM MASS AT WESTMINSTER CATHEDRAL – TUESDAY 31ST MARCH – During the Chrism Mass, Archbishop Richard blesses the Oils of the Sick and of the Catechumens and consecrates the Oil of Chrism. At this Mass, all the priests renew their priestly promises and commitment. All parishioners are welcome to attend.
RED CHAIRS – that were by the organ are in the corridor of the Parish Centre. Please take as many as you like and give a donation for the Lent Project.
LENT 2026
LENT PROJECT 2026 – This year our Lent Project will support some of our young people in travelling on the parish pilgrimage to Lourdes in May. We would love to give them the opportunity to experience Lourdes and support them in their continuing growth in faith. Please return your boxes on Easter Sunday. Donations can also be made using the contactless machine.
STATIONS OF THE CROSS – Stations of the Cross on Wednesday 1st April after the 9:30am Mass. Parishioners are warmly encouraged to join us — it is a beautiful and prayerful way to deepen our faith and a good spiritual discipline for Lent.
HOLY WEEK 2026
Holy Week & Easter Services – please take one of the cards that gives the times of Masses & Services for Holy Week and Easter
Washing of the Feet – We need twelve volunteers for the Washing of the Feet at the Maundy Thursday Mass. Please give your names to Fr Perry.
Good Friday Stations @ 11am – this is really for families with children. The 3 pm Service and Stations of the Cross at 7pm are for adults.
Good Friday 3pm – During the Good Friday Service we are used to coming forward to venerate the cross during the Liturgy. This year those who wish to venerate the cross we use in church can do so after the service. We would ask you to bring your cross from home that you can venerate during the service. If you don’t have one, we have some for sale in the repository.
Easter Water – Many people like to take the newly Blessed Easter Water home for the blessing of their homes. If you want Easter Water, we suggest you bring a filled bottle of water to the Easter Vigil and we will bless them during the Mass.
Easter Offerings – The Easter Sunday Collection is for the support of Fr Perry. The ordinary Sunday Envelopes and Standing Order offerings go to the parish. Please use the special Easter Envelopes or the Contactless Machine (Easter Donation). These offerings go towards the stipend (salary) that is given to Fr Perry each month.
Altar Servers – Please sign up to serve at Masses and Services during Holy Week and Easter. Servers must attend the rehearsal for the Mases they sign up for.
Maundy Thursday – rehearsal on Tuesday 31st March at 6pm
Good Friday – rehearsal on Wednesday 1st April at 6pm
Easter Vigil – rehearsal on Saturday 4th April at 4pm
TUESDAY 14TH APRIL – Mass at 10am. We will be joined by the pupils and staff from St Paul’s and St Martin’s.
SVP EASTER TEA – Our annual Easter Tea for senior persons will be held on Sunday the 19th of April from 1pm to 4pm. Places are limited to 60. Please complete the registration form available at the back of the church and place it in the box provided at the back of the church. If you are a great baker and would like to donate a home baked cake or make a donation of a raffle prize, we would be grateful. For any queries please contact the team on 07815 835 820.
CAMINO PILGRIMS – please pay for the coach by cash or bank transfer £30 – for the journey to Gatwick.
WALKS ON WEDNESDAYS 2026 – Following the success of the Wednesday Walks project last summer we will be organising some local walks again this year. Walkers will be organised into groups with each walk lasting between 30 to 90 minutes. The pace of the walk will be determined by the group’s capability. We will meet in the church hall at the start of each walk and return there afterwards for a simple sandwich lunch and a hot drink. There will be 9 walks in total. If you want to find out more and perhaps register to take part please come to the church hall on Wednesday 8th April between 10am and 12noon where information will be shared and there will be a chance to ask questions. Hot drinks and biscuits will be provided. Additional information will be displayed on the noticeboard at the back of the church.
NEXT SUNDAY 5TH APRIL is Easter Sunday – 1st Reading Acts 10:34a, 37-43;
2nd Reading Colossians 3:1-4; Gospel John 20: 1-9
PARISH DIARY
Sunday 29th March No Refreshments after 10am Mass
Monday 30th March 7:30pm Scripture Course
Tuesday 31st March Church Cleaning 7:30pm Pre Marriage Course
Wednesday 1st April 7:30pm Meditation
Sunday 5th April Refreshments after 10am Mass
NEWSLETTER – THE NEXT NEWSLETTER WILL BE ON SUNDAY 12TH APRIL