Issue 43 April 2026

Parish life

Wisdom gained at Mothers' Group

Last week, the Mothers' Group was blessed by the wisdom of a grandmother in our community as she reflected on what she would do differently if given a second chance at motherhood. As a mother of three, she shared heartfelt insights grounded in faith, experience, and deep trust in God.

She also offered the following.

1. Focus during the Liturgy

• Try to embrace the Liturgy, even in the chaos of children.
• Close your eyes and centre your heart on God.
• Remember you are in His presence, and if the kids are distracting, that's okay.

2. Learn to trust God with everything

• We often carry stress and anxiety about many things.
• Trust that the Lord is in control.
• God is our Father: lean on Him in all things.
• Ask Him to guard your heart, guide your steps, and help in difficult decisions.

3. Enjoy the gift of raising children

• This season is a gift and a privilege.
• Spend time with your children, and let go of perfection.
• The house won't remember if it was spotless, but a child will remember feeling loved.

4. Worry less and pray more

• We often confuse worry with love.
• True love is placing our children in God's hands daily.
• They are His before they are ours.

5. Give children responsibility

• Chores help children feel a sense of belonging.
• They learn that the home is shared and cared for by everyone.

6. Be patient with your children

• They are still learning and growing in understanding.
• Nurture their hearts and minds, not just their needs.

7. Build a strong spiritual foundation at home

• Pray and read the Bible together.
• Invite God into everyday moments and decisions.

8. Trust in God's plan more deeply

• Surrender your will to His.
• Trust that His timing and plan are always greater.

From the pulpit

How to benefit from the Holy 50 Days

Fr David · The Holy Fifty Days

During Lent, the Church lovingly sets before us a clear and structured path: prayer, fasting, abstinence, repentance and prostrations, all designed to help us grow spiritually and draw closer to God. It is a season of discipline and intentional effort. As we now enter the Holy 50 Days, the tone shifts from repentance to joy, from struggle to celebration. Yet the spiritual aim remains the same: union with Christ. The challenge, then, is not to abandon what we gained during Lent, but to preserve and build upon it. The virtues we cultivated (patience, self-control, humility and deeper prayer) should not fade with the end of fasting, but rather become part of our daily lives.

This season invites us into a more mature kind of love, one that is no longer driven by obligation, but by genuine desire. During Lent, we may have said, "I love You, Lord," through our sacrifices. Now, we are called to say the same words freely, joyfully and consistently, even without the structure Lent provides. It becomes a question of relationship rather than routine. Do we continue in prayer because we must, or because we want to remain close to Him? The Holy 50 Days are an opportunity to choose God daily, not out of duty, but out of love and commitment.

Throughout these joyful days, Christ appeared to His disciples and those who loved Him, comforting them, strengthening their faith, and revealing the truth of His Resurrection. These were deeply personal encounters: moments of reassurance, transformation and renewed calling. In the same way, we pray that the Lord may count us among His beloved, that we too may experience His presence in a real and personal way through prayer, Scripture and the sacraments. This season is a reminder that Christ is alive, active, and near to each one of us.

Stay faithful to your canon

Remaining faithful to our spiritual canon and sacramental life is essential during this time. It can be tempting to relax completely after the intensity of Lent, but consistency is what sustains spiritual growth. Continuing in our prayers, maintaining our quiet time, regularly attending the Liturgy, and partaking in the sacraments help us stay spiritually grounded. Rather than seeing this season as a "break," we can see it as a continuation, one marked by joy and gratitude.

Moderation and wisdom

Although the Church lifts the obligation of fasting during these days, we are still called to practise moderation and wisdom. As St Isaac the Syrian wisely said, "You cannot find God on a full stomach." This reminds us that overindulgence, whether in food or comfort, can dull our spiritual awareness. The Holy 50 Days are a time of celebration, and it is perfectly appropriate to enjoy the blessings God has given us. However, balance is key. We should enjoy without losing control, celebrate without becoming distracted, and remain mindful of our spiritual focus. Our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, and maintaining them through healthy eating, regular exercise and an active lifestyle supports both our physical and spiritual lives.

The "I AM" statements

Spiritually, this is also a rich time to delve deeper into our understanding of the Resurrection. We can dedicate time to spiritual reading, listening to sermons, or engaging in discussions that explore the meaning, significance, and even the historical proofs of the Resurrection. Strengthening our understanding strengthens our faith, allowing us not only to believe more deeply, but also to confidently share this hope with others.

During Lent, much of our focus was centred on the question: "Who is He?" We reflected on the identity of Christ, His humility, His sacrifice, His love. Now, during the Holy 50 Days, the Church responds to this question through the powerful "I AM" statements found in the Gospel of John. In these declarations, Christ reveals His divine nature and His relationship with us:

• "I am the Bread of Life."
• "I am the Light of the World."
• "I am the Living Water."
• "I am the Good Shepherd."
• "I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life."
• "I am the True Vine."

Each of these statements is an invitation to know Him more deeply. He is not distant or abstract; He is our sustenance, our guidance, our source of life and truth.

For this reason, the Gospel of John becomes a particularly meaningful focus during this season. Its lessons resonate beautifully with the joy of the Resurrection. For us at St John's, this Gospel holds a special place, making it even more fitting to immerse ourselves in its message during these days.

Ultimately, the Holy 50 Days are a continuation of our journey with Christ, but in a different tone. If we approach it with intention, we can grow and carry the light of the Resurrection into every aspect of our lives.

Service spotlight

The kids library

If you've spent time at St John's, you may have noticed the children's library and wondered how it all works. Designed to nurture a love of reading while strengthening faith, the library invites children to engage with stories rooted in Biblical teachings and Christian values in a fun and rewarding way. Here's a quick overview of how the service runs and how children can get involved.

What does the library service involve?

Children borrow a book weekly and give a summary of it to a library servant on return. They then receive two stars, which contribute towards a prize.

How do children get involved?

They come straight to the library after Sunday School. There are also monthly incursions where children give a presentation on a book of their choice.

What is the star system?

Prizes range from 12 to 33 stars. Children receive stars for book summaries, Bible study, and good behaviour in Sunday School and the Kids Liturgy.

How old do you need to be to borrow a book?

There are no age restrictions. We encourage children below reading age to still borrow, and to have parents or older siblings read to them.

Who runs the library?

A team of seven dedicated servants looks after the library each week.

What if a borrowed book is damaged or lost?

We ask parents to replace it with any Christian book. It doesn't have to be the same book that was lost or damaged.

Anything else?

All books in the library are either Biblical or teach Christian values. We are happy to accept book donations in good condition, and prizes for the children.