Notes from Fr. Claro
5th Sunday of Lent
22nd March 2026
YOUTUBE LINK for the Bible Study and Commentaries
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o09g4czJAdg
The raising of Lazarus is not simply a story about what Jesus once did, long ago, outside the village of Bethany. It is a revelation of who God is and how God acts. In John’s Gospel, Jesus does not explain death away; he is deeply moved, he comes to the tomb, and he weeps. But then he speaks. And when he speaks, even what has been sealed, bound, and left for dead is summoned into life. The Gospel leaves us with a question, not about Lazarus, but about ourselves: what wounds, sins, or failures have we shut away and learned to live with, telling ourselves that this is simply how things are? Today’s Gospel assures us that God’s word is still spoken into such places, and that no stone is too heavy to roll aside, no loss too complete, for the voice of Christ to reach.
Important Dates
24 March PASTORAL AREA LENTEN CONFESSION/RECONCIATION 7pm at English Martyrs, 15 Manor Cres, Didcot OX11 7AJ.
25 March Wednesday 6pm Mass at Buckland Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord
29 March 10am Mass PALM SUNDAY or Passion Sunday
31 March Tuesday 11am Chrism Mass at St. John Cathedral
2 April 6pm MAUNDY THURSDAY Mass
3 April GOOD FRIDAY, 11am Station of the Cross, 3pm Good Friday Service
4 April 8pm SOLEMN EASTER VIGIL
5 April Easter Sunrise Service at Folly Hill followed by Breakfast at Blessed Hugh Hall
5 April 10am EASTER SUNDAY Mass
OPEN KITCHEN 10 April. All meals held at Blessed Hugh Catholic Church Hall from 12-2pm (lunch served at 12:30pm) Home cooked two course meal. Pay what you can.
FHC (First Holy Communion) Candidates for 2026 on CORPUS CHRISTI SUNDAY on 7th of June, please email cconde@portsmouthdiocese.org.uk
First Holy Communion Meeting 2026: 11.30am – 1pm – 22 Mar, 19 April, 26 April, 3 Mar, 10 May (Confession Practice) 17 May Confession, 7 June Corpus Christ 1st Holy Communion at 10am Mass.
CONFIRMATION 2026: June 5th, Friday at 7.30pm at English Martyrs 15 Manor Cres, Didcot OX11 7AJ.
Confirmation Candidates 2026, please email me cconde@portsmouthdiocese.org.uk
Mwiza Mary Chashi, Wila Chashi, Kirsten Anne Parreno, Grace Kasongo, Kate Kasongo, Grace Ann Malabanan, Nicole Malabanan
TRAINING HOW TO USE THE SUNDAY MISSAL after the Mass with Dr. David Williamson
MONDAY BIBLE ZOOM time changed from 8pm to 7pm
Sick: Canon Peter Turbitt has moved into Elmbrook Court Nursing Home in Wantage. He is in good spirits.
Formation for Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion (from Liturgy Team)
Fr Anthony Fyk is organising a formation morning for EMHC on Saturday 9th May 2026 at the Pastoral Centre in Winchester. There will be a welcome session from Fr Anthony, a talk by Fr Jeremy Corley, focussing on the Eucharist in the sacred scriptures as well as a session on Lectio Divina: “Living a Eucharistic life – what does it mean to live out the eucharist?”. All Eucharistic Ministers, experienced and new, are very welcome to attend. Please could you advertise this in your newsletters and ask interested people to register via liturgy@portsmouthdiocese.org.uk.