OUR LADY QUEEN OF PEACE

We have had a few important events in our parish over the last week, notably the World Day of Prayer, the WAF visitation and the Healing Service. I felt immensely proud of the teamwork, welcome and hospitality, and prayer of parishioners

The Sacrament of Reconciliation (Confession, Penance) assures us of the forgiveness of God. We might think that we can go to God directly ourselves, and we can and should. But, when we make a daily confession like this, we are asking for God to forgive us, just as we do at the beginning of Mass. When we go to sacramental confession with a Priest, we celebrate the power and fruits of Jesus' death and resurrection. Jesus said to Peter that we can be assured of our forgiveness in this sacrament and He gave authority to priests to do so in HIS name. Only God can forgive sins. If we are sorry, do not want to commit the sin again and intend to do so, then we are REALLY forgiven. Just as at our baptism our souls are washed clean in the blood of Jesus. We are given new life. We should try to go to confession regularly, for venial sins and especially grave sins. God is waiting to pour His mercy into our hearts.

Last Sunday we saw how the Samaritan woman at the well grew in faith by believing in Jesus. Today, the man born blind has a similar journey of faith except he didn't see Jesus at all until after Jesus had given him sight. As before, Jesus knew everything about this man. He knew (contrary to Jewish thought) that neither he nor his parents had sinned and that sin was not the cause of his birth blindness. The glory of God was to come about through his blindness, some saliva, mud and spring water. Jesus is always ready to come to our aid and get His hands dirty! What had this man to lose except to go and wash in the clean, living ritual waters? His cleansing revealed something about Jesus and himself. That Jesus is the spring of living water that, as the Messiah, washes the dirt of sin that clings to the soul. Also, that obedience to faith brings clear sight - not of the things of this world but of the spirit. Everyone, even his parents, were too afraid to say publicly who Jesus was and what He had done. We still are. We are afraid of the repercussions from friends, family, society and even the law. Only the healed man who was blind was willing to speak of Jesus' divinity and say "I believe" and worship Him. It didn't win him any friends, only salvation. Obedience to faith brings healing. God does not see as we see. God looks at the heart. Let us increasingly look from the heart rather than with the eyes of the body and see as God sees. With my prayer for you each day and for all mothers. May God bless you.  Fr Graham

The SVP offers friendship & practical help to those in need - whoever they are & whatever the need. You may be housebound, simply need someone to chat to or need help with a small task. You may have a crisis where a little help with the cost of something essential could make a big difference. You may need advice. If we can’t provide the particular help you are looking for we will try to find someone who can.  For SVP help, or if you are thinking of joining us, please talk to one of us after Mass on the Appeal weekend. Thank you for your continued support.

"What do you ask of God's Church for your child?" This is the question asked of parents before their child is baptised. They respond, "Baptism" or "Faith!" The gift of faith is a beautiful gift to be treasured and nurtured. It needs to grow through prayer, the sacraments and action. The Samaritan women at Jacob's well made this transition. Her practical need moved to a thirst and request for faith from Jesus who is the Well of eternal life. Her questioning of Jesus was her catechesis from the Master. She moved from foreigner to disciple. Her fear gave way to her being an evangelist to her fellow villagers. She left behind the jar of water having found the Living Water and purpose of her life, the One who knew her every thought. What are we looking for? Faith. It was this increase of faith that was the first fruit in the child seers of Fatima in 1917. They encountered the Mother of God and were likewise transformed by grace to believe more deeply. Their faith grew very quickly. So can ours. With God nothing is impossible. In our days of war (as in 1917), Our Lady comes to us with the same message she gave to the children: pray for peace. As Pope Benedict XVI said: "We would be mistaken to think that Fatima’s prophetic mission is complete. ... Mankind has succeeded in unleashing a cycle of death and terror, but failed in bringing it to an end… " (Fatima 13 May 2010), In the end Our Lady's Immaculate Heart will triumph. With my prayer for you and your intentions each day. May God bless you.  Fr Graham

We are honoured to be the first parish in 2026 to host a visit of the National Pilgrim Virgin Statue of Our Lady of Fatima, along with the Relics of Saints Jacinta and Francisco. This is a wonderful opportunity to have an insight into Fatima. There will be mass, rosary, meditation, confessions, divine mercy, films and items to buy. 9.45am until 4.45pm (please bring a packed lunch; tea & coffee will be available). To learn more, email: patsydaniels@gmail.com , or see poster/flyers in the porch. If you are able to help on the day please speak to Fr Graham or email the office.

Our Lenten Alms collections and donations will be distributed equally between our local SVP project at St Charles Borromeo and also Let the Children Live, a priest helping Columbian street children, see here . Collections throughout Lent.

Please bring items for ‘Personal Hygiene’ this week. Next week will be ‘Meal in a Tin’. Thank you for your support.

Calling all mothers, including spiritual mothers, godmothers and grandmothers. You are invited to come and prayer for our children. Every First Friday of the Month, 10.00-11.00am, in the Parish Room at St Peter’s.