Parish News for the 4th Week of Lent

March 16, 2023 by James Elston in Weekly News

This Sunday is the fourth in Lent otherwise known as Laetare Sunday or Refreshment Sunday. We take a little break from our Lenten fast and ‘rejoice’ as we look ahead to Easter. To reflect this change in tone the vestments worn in church on this Sunday are lightened from the sombre purple of repentance to rose pink.

In this week’s Gospel reading from John Chapter 9 we hear of the healing of the man who was born blind. Just like last week’s gospel there is a long conversation with Jesus with the typical John-themes of light and darkness, seeing and not seeing. There is great irony as Jesus reveals his glory through this miracle but the Pharisees who have perfect vision remain inwardly blind.

It is also Mothering Sunday where we give thanks for our own earthly mother, living or departed and of course we honour Our Lady who is mother of us all.

News from Ghana
Many of you know that we have been supporting the work of the church in Ghana for some time. Richard and Christina from our congregation recently visited and will bring us news at Sundays at 11 on the 22nd May. Last week +Cyril, Archbishop of West Africa graciously appointed Fr James a Honorary Canon of S.Michael’s Cathedral in his Diocese of Asante Mampong in gratitude for this support.

Lent Retreat
The Irish Centre Chaplaincy in Camden Square is running a Lent Retreat via zoom from March 6th -10th and it’s free! There will be a daily conference at 9.30am lasting 30/40 mins, with a reflection from a range of great speakers. Contact: eddie.gilmore@irishchaplaincy.org.uk

Lent Study Group
At 11am on Sundays we will discuss three extracts from Rowan Williams’ book Meeting God in Paul. Please pick up the reading material after mass for the following week.

Stations of the Cross
A 25mins devotional walk around the church following the Way of Sorrows. Tuesdays in Lent at 6pm. 

National Gallery Trip
Next Saturday, 18th March, looking at paintings of Christ’s Passion at the National Gallery. Free entry. Meet 9.45am outside the National Gallery. NB: No 10am Mass atOld S. Pancras on this day.

Silent Prayer Group
The Silent Prayer Group will meet again at S. Paul’s Camden Square on Thursday the 23rd March and the 27th April at 1pm. All welcome.

FILM PREMIERE!
A really beautiful 7mins film has been made about the S.Paul’s Woodland Garden Project. Please click here to watch.

Regular Giving
Supports our ministry and keeps our doors open everyday of the year for all. Click here to sign up. Every little helps.

Mass Times

Sunday 19th March
Lent IV Laetare Sunday 
Solemn Mass 9.30am followed by coffee

Monday 20th March
S.Joseph
Mass 9.30am 

Tuesday21st March
Lent Feria
Mass and Benediction 6.30pm followed by drinks

Wednesday 22nd March
Lent Feria
Mass 11am at S.Paul’s followed by coffee

Thursday 23rd March
S.Turibius
Mass 10am followed by coffee

Friday 24th March
Lent Feria
Mass 1.05pm at S.Marys Fr James’ Day Off

Saturday 25th March
The Annunciation of the Lord
Mass 10am followed by coffee

Sunday 26th March
Lent V Passion Sunday
Solemn Mass 9.30am followed by coffee