Notes from Fr. Claro
2nd Sunday of Lent
1st March 2026
YOUTUBE LINK for the Bible Study and Commentaries
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jHTmft6CyRI
Matthew places the story of the Transfiguration immediately after the first prediction of the Passion. This lets the reader know, as the story darkens, that nothing which happens in Jerusalem has the power to cancel what God has already declared about Jesus. The cross does not overturn Jesus’ identity as God’s Son. Matthew gives the reader the Transfiguration so that the Passion is not misread. The suffering and death of Jesus are not a contradiction of who he is, but the way in which his identity will truly and finally be disclosed.
Important Dates
17 March St Patrick (Mass and celebration on Sunday 22 March)
19 March Wednesday 6pm Mass for St. Joseph Solemnity at Faringdon
24 March PASTORAL AREA LENTEN CONFESSION/RECONCIATION 7pm at Didcot.
25 March Wednesday 6pm Mass at Buckland Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord
29 March PALM SUNDAY or Passion Sunday
3 April GOOD FRIDAY
5 April EASTER SUNDAY
PRAYER for the SICK
Fr. Peter Turbitt who is now in the Palliative Care.
OPEN KITCHEN 6 March, 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 – 1 Mar, 8 Mar, 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 DIDCOT.
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
Formation Morning for Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communication
Fr Anthony Fyk, Director of Liturgical Formation and the Liturgy Formation team invite you to a formation morning at St Peter’s Pastoral Centre, Winchester on Saturday 9th May 2026 commencing with Mass at 9 am. There will be a welcome session from Fr Anthony, a talk 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. If you wish to attend, please register via liturgy@portsmouthdiocese.org.uk.
PASTORAL AREA LENTEN CONFESSION/RECONCIATION ON 24 March at Didcot.
Marriage Encounter Weekend 28 Feb – 1 March at HI Express Hotel Swindon West SN5 8UD
A Calling to the Diaconate?
Fr Dominic Adeiza asks men to consider whether they are being called to the Diaconate… Have you ever wondered what the Diaconate is all about but something has held you back from finding out more about it? Is there a little voice in your head, that can’t be silenced?
If that’s YOU, why not ‘Come and See’ for yourself without committing to anything further?
We’ll be holding an information event on Saturday 28th March at The English Martyrs Church, Didcot from 9am – 3pm where you’ll get to hear first hand, from those who are involved and what it’s been like for them. You’ve got nothing to lose!
If you’d like to attend, please call Pam on 07883 059529 to book a space and to help with catering requirements, or if you can’t make it on the day, but would like to know more, please still get in touch on the above number, or email diaconate@portsmouthdiocese.org.uk.