Lenten Pastoral Letter of the Bishop of Shrewsbury

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Lenten Pastoral Letter

A Church Ready for Converts

My dear brothers and sisters,

As Lent begins, we see a growing number of men and women, many of them young adults, who are seeking faith and baptism. This stream of new converts is evident across our Diocese and country and indeed across the western world. It is all the more remarkable because this new generation of converts have been drawn to the Church by no special initiative on our part, rather by the constancy of faith, the reverence of worship and the authentic witness they have found. They may be statistically small in number compared with the overall decline of Christianity in our land, yet their search for Christ and His Church represents a moment of grace.

As Shrewsbury Diocese began its mission some 175 years ago, Saint John Henry Newman spoke of “a Church ready for converts.” Seeing so many today, often coming from no religious background to find the faith of the Church, I recalled these words of Cardinal Newman. We must now be ready to support new converts who are seeking Christ and His Church amid all the confusions of our time.

At the beginning of Lent, the Scriptures remind us of the deceptions which have marked humanity’s struggle from the very dawn of history and of Christ’s victory over Satan in the wilderness (i). It is with Christ that we are to renounce the evil one who seeks to pervert all that is good and true (ii). It should not surprise us that, through the shadows of our time, many are coming in search of Christ, the truth of His teaching and all the means of grace He has entrusted to His Church in the Sacraments, and supremely in His Eucharist.

The journey of these new converts brings us back to the original purpose of Lent as the time when adults prepared for Baptism. The Church quickly recognised this time was needed by all the baptised as part of their continuing conversion.

It is for this reason, that we now keep these 40 Lenten days devoted to greater prayer, self-denial and generosity as we each prepare to renew at Easter the promises of our Baptism, confess our sins and receive the Holy Eucharist with ever renewed faith and love. It is by striving to live our own conversion that we can best support a new generation of converts. For Lent calls us to recognise that every member of the Church must always be a convert.

On my visits to parishes, I often remind you of the many thousands of souls in every place who depend so much on your prayer and faithfulness. Today, with a prayer card distributed at Mass, I invite you to pray for all those in your lives and for the many adults who are seeking the faith and the new life of Baptism. May we truly be a Church of converts, that is always “ready for converts.”

United in this prayer, and as a convert with you,

+ Mark
Bishop of Shrewsbury

Visit of Sisters Adorers

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On Sunday, September 14th, the feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, we will have the joy and honour to receive the visit of the community of Sisters Adorers in Preston. They will sing the Mass (“Nos autem gloriari oportet …”), join us after Mass in the hall during the usual reception. At 3:00 pm they will give a talk and answer questions regarding the spiritual charism of the Institute’s Adorers.

Funeral – Father McGuiness

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The following arrangements shall take place for funeral of the late Father McGuiness

5th August –  A Requiem in the Vetus Ordo will take place at St. Winefride’s at 7.00pm

6th August  – A Requiem using the Novus Ordo will take place at Shrewsbury Cathedral at 12.15

† In Memoriam: Rev. Father Gerard McGuiness †

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Called to Eternal Rest: 9 July 2025

Father Gerard McGuiness, beloved priest of the Diocese of Shrewsbury and in particular St Winefride’s, entered into his Eternal Reward earlier today, following over sixty years of devoted priestly service.

Having celebrated his Diamond Jubilee in June 2023, Father Gerard was a steadfast shepherd. He ministered with humility and fidelity, demonstrating a profound reverence for the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. A strong supporter of the Vetus Ordo, he, alongside the late William Quirk of the Latin Mass Society—ensured its continued celebration through leaner times, providing spiritual sustenance to the faithful in Shrewsbury.

Father had a great devotion to Ss Thomas Moore and John Fisher – poignant that he was called to his Heavenly rest on their feast day.

His legacy endures in the hearts of those he served and in the presence of the Institute today. May Christ, the Eternal High Priest, welcome him into the joy of Heaven, and may perpetual light shine upon him.

 

March for Life

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Join March for Life UK on Saturday 6th Sept in London! The right to life underpins every other right we have and without it every other right is rendered meaningless. Unite with thousands of others at this family-friendly event where we recognise the value of life from conception and stand up for all those impacted by abortion. A coach leaves from St Winefride’s Church, 187 Crowmere Rd, Shrewsbury SY2 5LA (6.30am). Coach seats: adults £30, under 16 £10, payable in advance. For more info/to book a seat contact
Isabel 07773 501721, Ben 07885 505116

Parish Fete

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The Parish Fete will take place on Saturday 28th June at St Winefrides Church: We are looking for volunteers to help at this event. We are also looking for face painters, full and unopened bottles for the bottle stall, eg. squash/drinks, shampoo. If you would like to help in any way please contact Richard in the office.

Change of Schedule week commencing 2nd June 2025

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During the Provincial Days 2025 the Mass schedule will be as follows:

– Monday, June 2nd: Mass at 8:00 am.
– Tuesday-Friday, June 3rd – 6th: Masses are cancelled.
– Saturday, June 7th (Vigil of Pentecost): Mass as usual at 10:00 am.

As this is a First Saturday, “Devotions” will start before Mass at 9:15 am.