St Mary’s Blackheath
Newsletter 7th April 2024
Sunday Masses: Saturday 6.30pm first Mass of Sunday
– Sunday 9.30 and 11am and 5pm.
Monday to Friday: Mass at 8am.
Saturday Mass at 10am
Saturday 10am and 6.30pm
Confessions: Saturday 12 to 1
Today is the Second Sunday of the Easter Season. It has other names – at one time it was known as Low Sunday – and also Quasimodo Sunday – the well known resident of Notre Dame was born on this day.
This year 25th March came during Holy Week so the feast of the Annunciation has been transferred to 8th April.
The funeral Mass for David Rendell will be at 11am on Monday.
You may also wish to note that the funeral Mass for Wendy Wood will be at 10am on Tuesday 16th April.
We pray for the repose of their souls and for their families.
During the week the Masses are normally for the Easter with the first reading taken from the book of Acts of the Apostles.
Thanks again for all your help during the Easter celebrations. The Church looked splendid on Easter Sunday and it was good to see so many people at Mass.
Also thank you for your very generous Easter offerings.
During the past week the Architect made a quinquennial inspection of the Church buildings. It was good to have confirmation that everything is in good order. There are a few items that require attention and these will be put in hand in the coming weeks. This year the Angelus Room will be redecorated. It is heavily used and it will be good to brighten it up.
A familiar treat – use some thin white bread one day old – butter well and spread with orange marmalade. Remove the crusts and cut into quarters and toast under the grill before serving.
An Easter prayer:
Grant Almighty Father, that we who believe that your Son rose from the dead on Easter Day, may have our hearts fixed on heavenly things. Amen.
A good day on the railway on the Easter Monday. There was only one steam engine in operation, the S15, with 08 shunters operating a shuttle between Ropley and Alresford. At least for the time being, the grand days with two large engines in service, seem to have come an end.
We are looking forward to the First holy Communions on 19th May. Thanks to the parents for all their help since the classes started in September. A few things to organise in the coming weeks – places in the Church, the booklet, and maybe the cake and the planting of a tree.
You may have heard that on Easter Sunday the squirrels were in waiting, pounced and grabbed the first eggs that were planted in the garden and took them into the tree.
Best wishes to you all
Monsignor Nicholas Rothon