Weekly Reflection

The Parish of
Sacred Heart & Saint Alban
Warrington

Archdiocese of Liverpool

Reflections

Saint John of God (8 March)

The Hospitaller Order is an international Religious Order providing health and social care to millions of sick, vulnerable and disadvantaged people in 52 countries throughout the world, working in collaboration with 45,000 its co-workers and health professionals. The legacy of its founder, Saint John of God (1495 -1550) is a mission of hospitality and compassion that has continued and grown over five centuries.

The Hospitaller of St John of God relies enormously on public support to help fund its work throughout Great Britain.

Your support will enable the Order to

§ improve the quality of life of people with physical and learning disabilities

§ extend services for younger people with mental health problems

§ develop services for elderly people

§ develop services helping people with drug and alcohol problems

§ play a significant part in combating the loss of community in disadvantaged areas

Your regular gifts, donations, legacies and fundraising will ensure that the Order is able to extend its mission of Hospitality and develop its services. For services, recruitment, vocation or donation visit www.saintjohnofgod.org

Giving Up Time For Lent

The tradition of giving something up for Lent goes back to the time when doing without was an actual hardship ….. when it was about Jesus' suffering during his 40 days in the wilderness. In today’s ‘lifestyle’ culture, are we in danger of giving things up for Lent for our own self improvement? Giving up cigarettes might be good for our health, and giving up chocolate and red wine might be great for weight loss but there is a danger that in giving something up for Lent we are merely taking an opportunity to kick a bad habit rather than identify with Jesus' example.

If we give something up for Lent, perhaps we should at the same time think of clothing and feeding the poor and the hungry. Perhaps if we give up something for Lent it should be a giving up of our selves ….. a giving up of our time to help others.

A big thank-you to all among you who promoted CAFOD's World Gifts last year on your parish websites. This Lent, we would like to ask for your support once again, so we can support even more great projects in developing countries.

http://www.cafod.org.uk/extra/giveitup/

Ever Wondered?

Ever wondered why 40 is such a significant number?

§ In Genesis, the flood which destroyed the earth was brought about by 40 days and nights of rain.

§ The Hebrews spent 40 years in the wilderness before reaching the land promised to them by God.

§ Moses fasted for 40 days before receiving the Ten Commandments on Mount Sinai.

§ Jesus spent 40 days fasting in the wilderness in preparation for his ministry.