Lent: On Wednesday we begin the holy season of Lent by placing ash on our foreheads at the 10 am and 8 pm Masses.  It’s a day of Fasting and Abstinence. Lent is a forty-day period (excluding Sundays), to prepare for the greatest feast in the Christian calendar – Easter. The Church calls the faithful to “metanoia” (a Greek word meaning a change in mind or heart) during Lent. It is a time for re-evaluation. Catholics are to look honestly at where they are and where God wants them to be. This is a time for re-evaluation of priorities, decision-making, prayer life, relationships with others, and discipleship. This is a traditional time for an examination of conscience in light of the Ten Commandments to see how well or how badly they have conducted themselves during the past year. Lent is a time of penance and reparation.

Lenten exercises:  During Lent it is hoped that many will try and attend Mass as often as possible. During the Thursdays (8 pm) and Fridays of Lent, we concentrate on 3 Stations of the Cross after the Gospel reading at Mass. Perhaps you could make the effort to join the Parish Choir They are now in rehearsals for the Easter Sunday 10.30 am Mass.   The list of the times of rehearsals is pinned onto the notice board in the porch.  Avail of the Sacrament of Reconciliation every Saturday from 10.30—11.00 am. Join a Lenten Discussion Group. Signing on sheets in the porch. Consult the Lenten booklet that was given to you last Sunday and are still available today for those who were absent. for other ways to celebrate Lent.

Women's World Day of Prayer:  This year it takes place on Friday 2nd March at the Douglas Brunton Centre starting at 10.45 am and at the United Reformed Church , Caterham, at 7.30 pm. The Speaker is Mrs Linda Richards. The Service has been prepared by the Christian Ladies of  Malaysia.

Pre –Confirmation Preparation:   Application forms  to reach  the Parish Office by tonight at 6 pm. The Pre-Confirmation preparation programme commences next Sunday and every Sunday during Lent at 7 pm in the Old Hall for an hour. My thanks to Eva O’Connor, Haneefa Persaud and Marion Copely for assisting with this.

Social Planning Meeting:  To help plan the next Parish Social event, there will be a meeting for anyone interested in making suggestions and helping on Monday 5th March at 8 pm in the Parish Office.  Open to anyone to attend.

Second Collections:   Today  there will be a Second Collection for the work of the Cabrini Children’s Society. There are some Gift Aid envelopes in the porch. Next Sunday there will be a Second Collection (deferred) for Catholic Education Service.

Baptisms:  Next weekend, Luke Steven James, Alaina Marie Brindley and Ethan Philip Goggins will be Baptised.

Irish Night (Cafod):  An evening of traditional music and dance with accompanying meal to celebrate the Feast of St. Patrick on Sat. 17th March. Tickets available after Mass next weekend (adults £10, child £6) This Cafod event is always a sell-out. You are advised to purchase tickets early!

Parish Finance Committee:  The Parish Finance Committee meet this Monday at 7 pm in the Parish Office.  Rayon Brown (Chair); Geoff Walker (Accountant); Ollie Neary; Paul Barker; Nathalie Walsh; Jimmy Mullens; Alex Anastasi; Fr Kieran. The on-going conundrum re the  upgrade to the central heating system for the Centenary Hall will hopefully be resolved at this meeting and an update on the situation re the sale of St Thomas, Whyteleafe will also be discussed. amongst other issues.

Diocesan Pastoral Council:  Our Deanery has to provide 2 new candidates to sit on this Council. Would you think yourself a likely candidate? If so, let me know. The next scheduled meeting is on Saturday 17th March. This Council meets on three occasions per year.

No Mass:  The Holy Hour will follow the Mass on Wednesday as there is no Mass this Tuesday.

R.I.P.  Please keep in your prayers  the souls  of Cathy Kemmet and Glynn Jones , husband of Pamela and children Catherine (Wheadon) and Kevin Jones. who died unexpectedly this week. Also I have been asked to announce the death of Robin Williams, Head of Science for many years at St John Fisher School, who died last week.  May they rest in peace,

 Items for next weeks newsletter to reach the parish office before 6 pm on Thursdays