St Mary's Catholic Parish Brewood

05/04/2026

05/04/2026

Happy and blessed Easter to you all!

Today we celebrate the joy of Jesus’ Resurrection. Come and join us for Mass St Michael’s in Penkridge at 9am and St Mary’s at 11am (after which we will be breaking our giant chocolate Easter Egg 🐣)

04/04/2026

Please join us as we celebrate the greatest and the most solemn feast - the resurrection of Jesus.

SOLEMN PASCHAL VIGIL - tonight at 8pm (St Mary’s, Brewood)

EASTER SUNDAY MASSES:
9am (at St Michael’s, Penkridge)
11am (St Mary’s, Brewood)

04/04/2026

Please join us as we celebrate the greatest and the most solemn feast for us Christians - the resurrection of Jesus.

SOLEMN PASCHAL VIGIL - tonight at 8pm (St Mary’s, Brewood)

EASTER SUNDAY MASSES:
9am (at St Michael’s, Penkridge)
11am (St Mary’s, Brewood)

03/04/2026

GOOD FRIDAY

Come and commemorate Good Friday with us as we will gather at 3pm to celebrate the Solemn Liturgy of the Lord’s Passion.

Fr Andrew will be available in the confessional for the Sacrament of Confession straight after the Service.

Stations of the Cross will be celebrated at 6pm (followed by Veneration of the Cross for those unable to attend at 3pm).

26/03/2026

𝐒𝐖𝐈𝐄𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐊𝐀 𝐀𝐓 𝐒𝐓 𝐌𝐀𝐑𝐘'𝐒

The traditional blessing of Easter baskets (Święconka), a cherished custom in Poland and some neighbouring countries, will take place at St Mary’s on Holy Saturday at 10:30am, following Morning Prayer.

All are warmly invited to bring their baskets for this special blessing as we prepare to celebrate Easter.

17/03/2026

✝️ Holy Week 2026 Schedule ✝️

Holy Week in an important time for prayer and reflection as we commemorate Jesus's journey to the cross and leading to his Resurrection at Easter.

10/01/2026

If you are coming to Mass tonight please be aware that the church carpark is still covered in a think layer of frozen snow and, if your car cannot handle it, please consider parking elsewhere.

11/12/2025

We hope your Christmas preparations are well on the way. You’re warmly invited to join us in celebrating Jesus’ nativity in two week's time!

At the Family Vigil Mass children are invited to dress as their favourite nativity character and join us in processing baby Jesus to our crib at the end of the Mass. The Midnight Mass will be by candlelight.

Please allow more time for the journey because of the bridge closure.

28/11/2025

Why Confession to a Priest Is Not Optional

For many Catholics, Confession (also called the Sacrament of Reconciliation) can feel uncomfortable. Some ask:

“Why can’t I just confess directly to God?

Why do I need to go to a priest?”

These are honest questions—but the truth is, Confession is not optional. It is the way Jesus Himself established for our sins to be forgiven.



1. Jesus Gave Priests the Authority to Forgive Sins.

After His resurrection, Jesus appeared to His apostles and said:

“Receive the Holy Spirit. Whose sins you forgive are forgiven them, and whose sins you retain are retained” (John 20:22–23).

This is not a suggestion—it is a direct command. Jesus entrusted His apostles, the first priests, with the authority to forgive sins in His name. The Church has carried this on through apostolic succession.



2. Confession Is a Sacrament, Not Just a Prayer

While we should pray for forgiveness daily, the Sacrament of Confession is different. A sacrament is an outward sign instituted by Christ to give grace. In Confession, God uses the priest as His instrument to absolve sins. When the priest says, “I absolve you,” it is Christ Himself forgiving you.



3. We Need Accountability

Sin thrives in secrecy. Simply confessing “in my head” can leave us deceived, half-hearted, or blind to the seriousness of our sins. Speaking them aloud to a priest requires humility, honesty, and true repentance. It also allows the priest to give guidance and encouragement for growth.



4. It Restores Us to the Church

Sin does not only damage our relationship with God—it also wounds the Church, the Body of Christ. Through Confession, we are reconciled not only with God but also with the community of believers. That is why the sacrament involves the Church’s minister, the priest.



5. Grace Beyond Forgiveness

Confession is not only about wiping away sin—it gives us grace to resist temptation in the future. Regular confession strengthens our souls, deepens humility, and makes us more aware of God’s mercy.



6. Skipping Confession Means Disobeying Jesus

When Catholics avoid Confession and try to “go around” the sacrament, they ignore the very means of forgiveness Christ gave us. While God’s mercy is unlimited, He expects us to use the channels of grace He established. Saying “I don’t need Confession” is like saying “I don’t need the Eucharist”—both are gifts from Christ that we cannot replace.



Conclusion

Confession to a priest is not optional—it is essential. Jesus instituted it, the apostles practiced it, and the Church continues it for our salvation. If you’ve been away, don’t wait any longer. Go to Confession. There, you will not find judgment, but mercy, healing, and the loving embrace of Christ.

30/10/2025

St Mary’s Catholic Primary School and Nursery Brewood
Come to the Parish Hall after the Mass - the best Saint costume will win a price.

21/10/2025

Please pray for the children of our school! 🙏🏻