The Rector Writes

Dear Friends,

Steven Cottrell, Bishop of Reading in England, spoke recently at the Dublin Diocesan Clergy Conference. During his time with us, he asked us all to consider our own lives of prayer. He asked us to do this because it’s as easy for clergy as it is for everyone else to squeeze prayer out of their lives. Lives lived in perpetual motion, constant rushing, constant tiredness, constant demands, are the experiences of urban living in the 21st Century. In such circumstances, spending time quietly, bringing our concerns to God and letting him speak to us, gets left behind.

However, we are not really Christians if we do not have a relationship with God which is built up with prayer. Otherwise, there is little to distinguish us from our secular neighbours, and church going can seem no more than a hobby, like rugby or fishing or stamp collecting. It’s the quality of our relationship with God that really makes the difference, that changes our lives and those around us; and, like all relationships, the time and attention given is what matters. But it’s not easy.

As we come towards the heart of the Christian Year, to Holy Week and Easter, can we try to put prayer into our lives once again, or for the first time? Try and get away from distractions even for a short while and pray on your own or as a family. Start with grace before meals, or light a candle and invite each person in the house to contribute a brief prayer. Simple ideas are all that are needed to get started. Nothing in the Christian life is more important.

In this edition, you will find full details of all our services over Holy Week and Easter. Please do try and join us during Holy Week, because it is only by experiencing the journey to the cross that we can understand the glory of Easter. We are delighted to welcome Rev. Scott Peoples, Rector of Lucan and Leixlip, as our preacher this year. He is an excellent speaker who always commands attention.

A very blessed Holy week and Easter to you all.

Yours in Christ

Andrew

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