This Week
Fifth Sunday of Lent
22/3/2026
The Joy of Lent
The liturgical mood has lightened a little as we pass the halfway point of this holy season of Lent. Last week we celebrated Laetare or ‘rejoice’ Sunday, and during the week we celebrated the uplifting feasts of St Patrick and St Joseph.
We can also be joyful at this time as we follow the journey of our catechumens and candidates in The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) programme. This is the process by which adults are prepared for full initiation into the Catholic Church through the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist. It is both a spiritual journey and a liturgical process that unfolds in stages, guiding the candidates through conversion, formation, and ultimately, participation in the life of the Church. Lent holds special significance within the RCIA because it is the final period of purification and enlightenment before the Sacraments are received at the Easter Vigil.
The first Sunday of Lent features the account of Jesus’ temptation in the desert. The 2nd Sunday presents the Transfiguration, offering a glimpse of glory that strengthen faith during the trials of conversion. The 3rd, 4th and 5th Sundays are marked by the traditional “Scrutiny” readings, the Samaritan at the Well, the Healing of the Man Born Blind and the Raising of Lazarus.
Each of these stories reflects an aspect of spiritual transformation. The catechumens experience these themes through prayer, exorcisms, and blessings during the Scrutiny rites.
Let us pray for our catechumens, candidates, sponsors and catechists as they prepare to enter a new relationship with Christ.
With every blessing
Deacon Peter
Readings at Mass Today
First Reading
Psalm
Second Reading
Gospel
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