The Church of England’s theme for Lent 2026 is Draw Near: Life-giving habits for Lent.
This Lent we are invited to explore a ‘rhythm of life’ – habits and patterns which help us grow as disciples of Christ day by day, especially as we prepare to celebrate the great mystery of God’s saving love at Easter.
In our programme for Lent this year you are invited to draw near, and to deepen your relationship with God through a series of habits of prayer and study of his word.
Wednesday 18 February—Ash Wednesday
12.00noon Rosary
12.30pm Mass with Imposition of Ashes
6.00pm Mass with Imposition of Ashes
Prayer before the Blessed Sacrament
Mondays in Lent, 12.30pm—1.30pm
We will have the opportunity to pray before Our Lord in his sacramental presence. Part of the hour will include some simple guided reflections, and the final part of the hour will be dedicated to prayer for the many people on our parish prayer list who are in need of healing.
Bible study
Tuesdays in Lent at 2.00pm, followed by tea and a time for conversation at 3.00pm.
On the five Tuesdays of Lent we will take an overview of the Bible, and seek to understand the breadth of the Bible’s contents.
24 February—the history of the Old Testament
3 March—Law, Wisdom , Poetry in the Old Testament
10 March—Prophecy in the Old Testament
17 March—The Gospels
24 March—The Letters of the Early Church
Later in the year, we will begin to look at individual books of the Bible.
Rosary
In addition to the regular Wednesday Rosary, in Lent we will also pray this devotion on Fridays at 12.00noon (except on 27 February and 27 March when the Service of Reflection will take place).
Stations of the Cross
We will walk the way of the Cross and pray this devotion on Saturdays in Lent at 11.00am
Evening Prayer
During Lent, Evening Prayer will be said in church on Tuesdays and Fridays at 5.30pm. Do join us for this opportunity to pray the psalms, hear Holy Scripture and to pray together for the church and the world.
Confessions
Making our confession is an important part of our Lenten discipline. Our parish priest will be available to hear confessions after Evening Prayer on Tuesdays and Fridays in Lent, or at other times by appointment.
Sermon series
During lent, Fr Dexter will preach on a series of habits and disciplines that should shape the Christian life.
22 February—Fasting
1 March—Prayer
8 March—Almsgiving
15 March—Confession
22 March—Study of the Bible
Holy Week
Palm Sunday—29 March (NB clocks change this weekend)
11.00am Palm Procession and Sung Mass with reading of the Passion
6.00pm Mass with reading of the Passion
Monday of Holy Week—30 March
Chrism Festival at Lichfield Cathedral. Lifts can be arranged.
Tuesday of Holy Week—31 March
6.00pm Stations of the Cross and Mass
Wednesday of Holy Week—1 April
12.00noon Rosary
12.30pm Mass
Maundy Thursday—2 April
7.30pm Sung Mass of the Lord’s Supper followed by watch of prayer
9.30pm Compline
Good Friday—3 April
2.00pm Good Friday Liturgy
Holy Saturday—4 April
8.00pm Easter Vigil at St Nicholas, Radford
Easter Day—5 April
11.00m Sung Mass
6.00pm Mass