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LENT 2010
A few words about these
Stations of the Cross
The stations of
the cross as a devotional practice have a long tradition in the Church. The
Stations are an attempt to recall the last days of Jesus on this earth, and
to journey with Him.
On our journey
as we recall the suffering of Christ we are also invited to remember the
suffering of many people in our World today.
This way that is presented in these stations invite us to remember the
suffering of today and to pray for those that are afflicted by injustice,
hunger, war and AIDS.
I invite you then
during this time of Lent to remember the journey to the Cross for Jesus, and
to prayerfully remember the suffering of all in our world today.
Fr Charles
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2010 Lent Stations of the Cross
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We hope you're able to enjoy and reflect on this scrolling picture montage
of The Stations of the Cross. Take your time to reflect
on all fourteen, before scrolling down further. [The photos were taken
in our church by Pat Kennedy, and form the basis of our Lenten booklet
"From Ash Wednesday to Good Friday", available at the
Church or the Mass Centres]
Please also
read and enjoy the reflection below by Peter Berners-Lee, and the prayers
and intercessions, which you have written in the 40 copies of these booklets
as they travel around our parish (we'll update this page as more prayers
are added.
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Lent 2010 - The Cross is not the end of the journey
A reflection by Peter
Berners-Lee, ( Parish Outreach
Encouragement Team)
What follows is the central point of Christianity and the
fulcrum of all history - the resurrection of Jesus Christ. God who made
the universe took human form, lived with us and died for us.
Because He is human He could share our life, take on our
sin and face our ultimate enemy, death.
Because He is God his sacrifice on the cross has infinite value. He
is the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world
When He rose victorious from the grave He proved that
death and sin are conquered. But the story doesn’t end there.
He wants everybody to freely choose to turn from sin, live for Him and
to accept the wonderful gift of forgiveness. To enable this, He
calls us to embark on the greatest adventure imaginable and the fulfilment
of our lives: to carry out the mission he has given us - to go into all
the world and make them my disciples (Mt 28:19)
All the world means
every continent and every person! We are part of the worldwide church
and have a worldwide mandate. Too often
we take our faith for granted, when it is something to be shared.
In England as in Africa there are many who do not know what it is to know God
and his love as a personal and communal reality. Only a minority
know what it is to be united with Jesus, the love of our lives, through
the Eucharist where Jesus, his cross and resurrection are made present.
Many live without the community that God meant them to have: the Church.
Jesus and his Church are for everybody and everybody has a right to know
of God’s love for us in Jesus.
That means we have to reach out to everyone.
That’s a big job for his people and requires all of us, priests and lay.
Home mission should be our passion as should world mission. Both
are about prayer, witness and action. Helping the Church overseas isn’t
simply a case of giving to distant causes.
In St Albans we have a special link with South Africa which
makes world mission up-close and personal. Today Jesus suffers with
those who share his cross in ways that both inspire and challenge us.
When we support Tshwaranang we are helping friends and they are helping
us as we build the Kingdom of love across continental boundaries.
They and we are engaged in the same mission and we need to help each other
all we can. So let’s pray, let’s give, let’s live. Outreach
is the reason that the Church exists. As we get involved we will find
new life.
That’s something to
take away, and something to give away.
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Please pray
for those with a terminal illness and the families of the Incurably sick
That the Holy Spirit will guide the small Christian Community Groups
For all families
For all
those experiencing difficulties in their marriages
For all
the lost and lonely, for those who are sick, and dying, those who are depressed
and despairing. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.
We pray
especially for those who have lost their faith and also for those who do
not know you.
For all
the children in the world, especially those who have lost their parents.
Please guide them so that they will live in Your love.
A young man, who has a recurrence
of a mental illness. For all families
For all those experiencing
difficulties in their marriages.
We pray for Haiti and similar
areas of disasters, that your peace which is beyond human understanding
prevails amongst your people.
For those who
have lost their jobs in the recession. May they retain their dignity and
find peace in your presence
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For the safety,
welfare and protection of all of Your people. Lord, hear us. Lord graciously
hear us.
For those in Haiti, that good
news will come.
For those suffering in health,
that they will receive God’s healing grace
For all families in sorrow, may God’s love bring them joy.
For all young people looking
for work that they and their families do not despair.
For new parents that their
child will bring joy.
For all in St. Albans from different countries, that they find a true
welcome and ready help.
For the grateful thanks for
the friendship and support of people in our parish.
For my sons in secondary school,
for their health and happiness above all.
For all children, that they
may come closer to God.
That I may be more thankful
for all my family and all they have to offer.
That Almighty God may give hope
and Peace to those in debt.
That Our Lord will give courage,
strength and hope to all those who are ill or frail.
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