From the Vicar

February begins with Candlemass - the feast which in Church diaries marks the turning point between our Christmas celebrations and our Lent observances. This year Lent begins amazingly soon with Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent, being on February 9th. The date moves around each year depending upon the date of Easter.

Traditionally Lent has been seen as a time for giving things up, but it's also a good opportunity to do something new or different. Giving up chocolate for the 40 days of Lent may be an excellent way of losing weight, but it has little to do with preparing ourselves as Christians to mark the death of our Messiah. In Church worship, flower decorations, elaborate singing and the "Gloria" are all omitted in an attempt to create a more sombre mood for worship. This is where the idea of giving something up comes from. In practice though Church members actually do far more in Lent, with extra services and chances to study and to learn together.

This year, Lent at St. George's Church will feature an extra weekday Eucharist celebrated on Fridays at midday. On Saturday mornings at 10.00.am Stations of the Cross will be held. This is an ancient service in which the worshippers walk around the Church, stopping to meditate at fourteen stations or points on Christ's journey from when he was given the cross to carry until the place of his death. It lasts about 45 minutes and is our attempt in Waterlooville to copy the Franciscans in Jerusalem, who each Friday lead a long procession following the actual footsteps of Jesus.

"People of the Passion" is the name of this year's study course. Five people associated with Jesus will be explored in small groups meeting around the parish on different days and at different times. The Sunday morning sermons will, as far as possible, also reflect these themes. I hope that all Church members will want to take part in the course and will join a group. The details of these groups, and of all the Lent and Holy Week services are published in a special leaflet available from the Church. Please make sure you get a copy and take it home.

Fr. Mike Sheffield
Parish Priest