Welcome from Bishop Philip

Dear Friends,
The news from Ukraine continues to shock and sadden us. This week we hear of the alleged killing of many civilians in Bucha by retreating troops: let us pray for them and for their grieving families. As we enter this Fifth Week of Lent, let us do all we can to support the relief efforts and to hasten an end to the war in Ukraine. Let us pray earnestly for peace, especially asking Our Lady Queen of Peace, for her prayers. Turning now more locally to our Diocese, there is much excitement as we prepare for the Chrism Mass next week. This is the first time since before the pandemic we have been able to celebrate the Chrism Mass in a more or less usual way. I’d like to encourage you to attend if you can. This coming Sunday is Palm (Passion) Sunday and then we enter Holy Week, so this is a truly special season of God’s grace. I wish to encourage you to celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation and to follow the Gospels of the weekday Masses as we prepare for the Lord’s Passover. Besides news of events from around the Diocese, and notification of events still to come, Jennifer Geach offers us an insightful reflection on one of the Lenten Prefaces from Mass and Andrew Pellow shares a poem for Passiontide. Finally, let’s remember to pray today for the repose of Bishop Emery on this, his anniversary. My prayers for you, your families and friends this week.