~About St Clement's~
Lent
Mothering Sunday (Rose Sunday) The Fourth Sunday of Lent
Brothers and sisters,
The online sermon for this Fourth Sunday of Lent has been published, the link is https://youtu.be/wUQB8nvwyqE. The link for the full playlist where all of the videos are kept is: https://tinyurl.com/bdc27jhv. If you can, please like, subscribe, and share these links in any way you can.
This Sunday is the fourth Sunday of Lent. But there are numerous nicknames for this particular week in Lent.
It has long been the custom to have a small but restrained celebration in the middle of an otherwise austere Lenten fast. Consequently, it has variously become known as 'Refreshment Sunday' or 'Laetare Sunday'; Laetare meaning Rejoice! in Latin. To denote this slight relaxation the purple vestments are replaced with a rather less somber pink. Hence another nickname for this Sunday in Lent; 'Rose Sunday', and popes have even been known to process with a golden rose on this day, which also doubles as a nod to the Virgin Mary (the Mystic Rose being one of her lesser-known honorifics).
However, in England we will be most familiar with 'Mothering Sunday' (not Mothers' Day!). With links to the symbolic motherly role of Mary in Christian theology, Mothering Sunday is actually a celebration of the maternal nature of the Church. On this Sunday it is right what we should celebrate and give thanks for our mothers and the care they showed to us. Yet, better still to mark this in the light of the loving embrace of the wider Christian family - the Church. The nature of the Church is one of a loving mother. Even Christ himself spoke of his desire to gather his people in his arms as a mother hen gathers her chicks beneath her wings.
This Sunday, whatever you call it, rejoice in the Good News of God's love for us, his children; fierce and unfailing, like a devoted mother.
Every blessing,
Fr Myles
Rector
Please click here for the pew sheet for The Fourth Sunday of Lent, 15th March, and for the Scripture Readings click here.
THE COMMUNITY OF LEIGH
St. Clement's Church, located in Leigh-on-Sea, is a place where everyone is welcome, and we invite you to be part of our vibrant community centered around tradition, charity, family and cultural engagement.
St. Clement's Church, situated in the charming town of Leigh-on-Sea, stands as a beacon of tradition and community spirit. Maintaining the long continuity of tradition into the future; we have many young families and a vibrant Sunday School during Parish Mass.
At St. Clement's Church, we embrace the joy and sacredness of marriage, offering a picturesque setting for your special day in Leigh-on-Sea. Whether you are a practicing Christian or not, we are here to guide you on the path to holy matrimony.
There’s always something happening at St Clement’s! Whether you’re a parent, a creative soul, or just looking for good company and conversation, our regular events bring people together with a warm welcome. Click the link to discover more!
