We marked the beginning of Lent with the traditional ashing of the forehead and the exhortation to “Turn away from sin, and believe the Gospel.” This was followed by an uplifting celebration of Mass, with Fr Paul reminding us that this is a hopeful season, and a time when we seek to become closer to our Lord. Pope Francis wrote in Evangelli Gaudium that: “There are Christians whose lives seem like Lent without Easter,” and it’s important that we remember that we are an ‘Easter People’ and live confidently in the knowledge that Good Friday is not the end of the story.

In the spirit of Christian unity, we were delighted to once again be joined for Ash Wednesday by Rev Peter Bates and other members of The Church on Oakwood’s Morning Congregation.

Many thanks go to the Youth Group who prepared us all a light supper of soup, bread and cheese, their hard work and attentiveness were much appreciated.

A reminder that our ecumenical Lent Course, ‘Praise Him,’ begins next Wednesday at 7pm for 7.30pm at The Church on Oakwood. Those preferring an afternoon course are welcome to attend sessions on Thursdays at 2.30pm at Mayfield Road Methodist Church.