Parish News

Thank you for your continued financial support during these incredibly difficult and challenging times. Every Parish is struggling financially at the moment, and we are no different. I’m especially grateful to all those who have signed up to new Standing Orders, posted their envelopes through the Presbytery door, and who have sent in cash and cheques. All your offerings are gratefully received. However, even during a cost of living crisis the bills still keep coming, and without your help we could go from a lockdown to a shutdown. Our Lady’s parish is running at a deficit this year. With this in mind I encourage you to think about: + Might you be able to Gift Aid your donations? If you area UK taxpayer, we can claim an extra 25p for every £1 you give at no extra cost to you! + Why not sign up to a Standing Order rather than using the envelopes or cash? Mandate forms are available. + We are also looking into the possibility of contactless giving  Our Lady’s is a small church with a big hearted congregation who know how important it is to support the church both spiritually and practically. Thank you for all your help, big or small.

If you would like a Mass to be said for your intention there are envelopes available at the back of church. I will try my best to accommodate your request however, if the date asked for is not available, the nearest possible date will be given. Could you also put a contact number so that I can ring you if necessary.

Congratulations to Celia who, last week on Palm Sunday, was presented with the Bene Merenti Medal. This is an award given by the Holy Father to people who make an outstanding contribution to the Holy Catholic Church particularly in their local area. Celia’s commitment to Our Lady’s parish and the wider Catholic community is nothing short of exemplary. A woman of deep faith which translates itself into concrete action. This award is richly deserved. Well done Celia.

Envelopes are available at the back of church for you to use for your Easter Offering. The collection taken at Easter is traditionally for the parish priest. You can put the envelope into any collection basket.

Following the guidance of Fr. Artur who serves the Polish community the Easter Blessing of baskets and food will take place on Easter Sunday morning. At SFX it will be after the 8am Mass at 9am, 31st March. There will also be a blessing at Our Lady’s at 11.30am. Please can you pass this message on to anyone you might know in the Polish community.  Podążając za wskazówkami księdza, który służy polskiej wspólnocie w Hereford, wielkanocne błogosławieństwo koszy i jedzenia odbędzie się teraz w Niedzielę Wielkanocną rano. W SFX będzie to po Mszy św. o 8:00 o 9:00, 31 marca. O godzinie 11.30am odbędzie się także błogosławieństwo w kościele Najświętszej Marii Panny. (Proszę, możesz przekazać tę wiadomość każdemu, kogo znasz w polskiej społeczności).

He is risen, tell the story to the nations of the night. From their sin and from their blindness, let them walk in Easter light. Now begins a new creation, now has come our true salvation. Jesus Christ, the Son of God. Today is a day to celebrate! A happy and blessed day, and one to feel truly joyful to be a Christian. After our Lenten journey, and the sorrow of Holy Week, we can now rejoice that Jesus has risen from the dead. Last week we walked in the steps of the disciples and, despite abandoning our Lord, Jesus never wrote them off. He will never forsake us, even when we wander from His path and allow our faith to lapse. Because of Jesus’ resurrection, we know that He has beaten death and washed us clean of our sin. Satan no longer has the last word because Jesus has triumphed over him and guaranteed us a place in Glory. We could never earn this wonderful gift by our own actions. It is given to us by our Lord because He loves us absolutely. Thankfully, by Jesus’ death and resurrection, we know that we can face the future without fear. So today, we come to the Lord, to kneel in awe and feel His overwhelming and eternal love. Let us praise and give thanks to our Lord, and just be happy to be one of His children. Let us also pray for people who have made the life changing commitment to join the church, welcome them and give them our love and congratulations. Wishing you a very happy and peace filled Easter. Louise Bowen (Willard F Jabusch)

We are right to do penance for our sins, especially in the season of Lent. But if we fail in our efforts, we must not become despondent.  Our Divine Saviour, Who can forgive the most evil acts of a repentant sinner can certainly forgive us.

Envelopes are available at the back of church for you to use for your Easter Offering. The collection taken at Easter is traditionally for the parish clergy. You can put the envelope into any collection basket.

Sunday 24th March: Passion (Palm) Sunday 10.00 Mass: Please gather outside near the entrance of the church for the blessing of palms 4.30pm: Mass for the Polish Community Monday 25th March 7.00pm: Reconciliation Service at SFX Tuesday 26th March 7.00pm: Reconciliation Service at Belmont Abbey Wednesday 27th March 7.00pm: Reconciliation Service at OLQM Thursday 28th March: Maundy Thursday 10.00am: Mass for the Kerala community 7.30pm: Mass of the Lord’s Supper with watching before the altar of repose until 10.00pm. Friday 29th April: Good Friday 10.00am: Stations of the Cross 3.00pm: Solemn Liturgy of the Lord’s Passion. Saturday 30th April: Holy Saturday 1.00pm: Preparing the church for Easter. 7.30pm: Easter Vigil Sunday 31st March: Solemnity of the Lord’s Resurrection 10.00am: Mass of the Resurrection of the Lord 11.30: Polish Blessing of Food