This weekend was going to be significant: UK leaving the EU, change clocks, abolition of three south coast councils* and Mothering Sunday.

The first has been postponed but Mothering Sunday cannot as it is the mid Lent Sunday and Easter must start on the night of 20 April whatever else happens

One Mothering Sunday tradition is clypping the church which involves everyone holding hands to hug the building. Being united and talking to each other is good example in these troubled times.

We hug the main parish church because it is the mother church. So mid Lent Sunday is a time to show love to our church as well as our own mother -alive, dead or separated.

The entrance antiphon at Mass likens Jerusalem to a mother: Rejoice, Jerusalem, and all who love her. Be joyful, all who were in mourning: exult and be satisfied by her consoling breast.

In two weeks our loved church will be our Jerusalem as we keep Holy Week in real time with Christ.

*Bournemouth, Poole and Christchurch Councils are being replaced by the BCP super council from midnight on Sunday.