I was hoping to tell you about the work this weekend. However the work was brought forward by a week. We are putting a new flooring down in the side chapel. When I was getting the sacristy recovered. People asked why we weren't doing the side chapel. At that time it would have too expensive to do the both together. The carpet has been down for over 40 years. It's the last place to be changed. A few weeks ago someone walked in with something on their shoes. We couldn't get it off. We even tried a vax to try and get it off. So I decided this was the right time for a change. So the work began yesterday. Another change is that the pews are going and we are putting chairs instead. This will make this space more viable for different things. 1. More people will be able to sit in it. 2. A meeting Room 3. A place where we could have a coffee morning every week.  The new seats will be coming in the coming weeks. I will keep you up to date.

First Reading Zechariah 9:9-10 The Lord shall come to reign in Zion. Responsorial Psalm Psalm 145:1-2,8-11,13-14 A prayer of praise to God who is our king. Second Reading Romans 8:9,11-13 Those in whom the Spirit of God dwells must now live according to the Spirit, not the flesh. Gospel Reading Matthew 11:25-30 Jesus prays in thanks to God, who has revealed himself to the lowly. Background on the Gospel Reading Today’s reading from Matthew’s Gospel comes after a discourse in which Jesus reproaches people who have witnessed his mighty deeds yet still lack belief. In this context, today’s Gospel explains the reason for this unbelief and reveals what is necessary for faith. Today’s Gospel also continues to enhance our understanding of discipleship as last week’s Gospel did. Jesus first prays in thanksgiving to God who has made himself known to Jesus’ disciples. He praises God who has made himself known to the “little ones” and not to the wise and learned. As in other recent readings from Matthew’s Gospel, a contrast is made here between the unbelieving Pharisees, who are wise and learned, and the faithful disciples, tax collectors, and sinners with whom Jesus keeps company. The second part of this reading calls to our attention the unity between the Father and the Son. God has made himself known through Jesus, and in knowing Jesus, we come to know the Father. In Jesus’ life and in his person, God reveals himself to us.  In the concluding sentences of today’s Gospel, Jesus’ teaching is again contrasted to the teaching of the Pharisees. This common theme of Matthew’s Gospel probably reflects tension that existed between Jesus and the Pharisees and between the Pharisees and the community of Christians for whom Matthew wrote. Pharisaic Judaism became the predominant form of Judaism after the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem about 70 A.D. Here that tension is expressed as alternative paths of holiness. The careful observance of the Mosaic law taught by the Pharisees could be experienced by some as difficult and burdensome. In contrast, Jesus’ way of holiness is presented as uncomplicated and even restful. .

Confirmation: St. Peter's & St. Mark's Monday 22nd February 2027 7pm Mass First Confession: St. Peter's Monday March 15th 2027 6.30pm St. Mark's Tuesday March 16th 2027 6.30pm First Communion: St. Peter's Saturday May 8th 2027 10am Mass St. Mark's Saturday May 15th 2027 10am Mass