Lent is the period of 40 days which comes before Easter in the Christian calendar. Beginning on Ash Wednesday, Lent is a season of reflection and preparation before the celebrations of Easter. By observing the 40 days of Lent, Christians replicate Jesus Christ’s sacrifice and withdrawal into the desert for 40 days.

Lent is marked by fasting, both from food and festivities, and from anything that separates us from God. It is a time to “turn back” towards Jesus and his Church, to grow in faith and love, and to prepare ourselves to celebrate the Easter mystery.

Keeping Lent

It’s a good idea to make a commitment to grow in faith this Lent. There are different things you could consider, such as committing to attend Mass every Sunday, or an additional weekday. You might also want to consider some reading or daily prayer. This year we offer: Together through Lent (available from St Michael’s): for families following St Luke’s Gospel; No Longer My Own (at St Michael’s): short readings for every day of Lent; A Covenant with God (at St Michael’s): more substantial reflections for Sundays.

Lent begins with Ash Wednesday, so called because a small amount of ash if placed on our heads as to sign of repentance, to remind us from death gives way to eternal life. There will be a public celebration at all our churches.

Wednesday, 17 February
9:30 am and 7:30 pm, at St Michael’s
12 noon at St Lawrence’s
5:30 pm at St Mary Steps

Holy Week is the most important week of the Christian year. It’s when every church becomes Jerusalem for the week as we follow Christ’s journey through its streets. At St Michael’s a “full” Holy Week is being observed. Put these dates in your diary!

Palm Sunday (28 March)
08:00 Mass
09:30 30-Minute Mass with Blessing of Palms*
10:30 Parish Mass with Blessing of Palms

Monday-Wednesday
19:00 Mass with address

Maundy Thursday (1 April)
19:30 Evening Mass of the Lord’s Supper
Silent prayer will be kept after this Mass until midnight.

Good Friday (2 April)
10:00 30-Minute Worship*
15:00 Celebration of the Lord’s Passion

Holy Saturday (3 April)
20:00 Easter Vigil

*particularly suitable for young families
Note: different service times on Good Friday.

Palm Sunday
09:15 Mass (St Mary Steps)
10:30 Mass (St Lawrence’s)

Maundy Thursday
17:30 Mass (St Mary Steps)

Good Friday
13:00 Liturgy of the Day (St Mary Steps)

The life that God offers to people that choose to follow him is so great that not even death and the grave and stop it!

Today all Christians celebrate this Feast of Feasts.

St Michael’s
20:00 Easter Vigil
08:00 Mass (said)
09:30 30-Minute Mass
10:30 Parish Mass

St Lawrence’s
10:30 Mass

St Mary Steps
09:30 Mass