Several services held to pray with the Archbishop of York

The Archbishop of York, Dr John Sentamu, will be visiting Teesside University to pray with people whatever their worries and concerns.

All are welcome to join the Ash Wednesday services which take place at 1.00pm and 2.00pm, on Wednesday 13 February, at The Chaplaincy House, behind Parkside Halls of Residence.

There are also services at All Saints Church at 10.00am, 11.00am and 12.00pm.

Archbishop Sentamu, who is an honorary graduate of Teesside University, said, 'Ash Wednesday is the start of Lent. In contrast to the festivities of pancake day, it is a time of sober contemplation and fasting where we reflect on God's sacrificial love for us in Christ. That may not immediately sound like a great thing to you, but actually having time for peace and reflection is very important in our busy lives – whether Jesus is real to you or not.

'In our daily lives we should think about other people, not just constantly focus on ourselves and our own needs. Lent is a time when the Church puts the spotlight on our human condition and in these difficult times there are many around us who need our love and support.

'I think it is important that we meet people wherever they are. That might mean going out into the local shopping centre, or the hospital, or sharing time with people getting their lives back on track. Everybody goes through difficult times and sometimes we need someone to be there to listen.'

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You can submit prayer requests on the Archbishop’s website