This week we embark upon our Lenten journey once more. This holy season is a final period of intensive preparation for all who will be baptized and received into the Church at Easter. For those of us who are already baptized, our self-denial and sacrifice is designed to help us move away from sin and closer to Christ that we may be prepared to celebrate the glory of Easter with immense joy. Too often we view Lent as a season to be endured, not celebrated, so we fall into familiar habits of “giving up what I give up every year”. While this does fulfill the “letter of the law” we must ask ourselves if our actions bring us closer to Christ or foster permanent positive change in our lives. I encourage you to take advantage of the many privileged moments to celebrate and experience God’s mercy this Lent that we may find ourselves more ready than ever to celebrate the glory of Easter with truly immense joy. May the closing words of today’s second reading encourage us in the days of our Lenten spring: “Therefore, my beloved brothers and sisters, be firm, steadfast, always fully devoted to the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.”
Remember, too, that Ash Wednesday is a day of universal fast and abstinence. All faithful Catholics between the ages of 18 and 59, inclusive, are required to fast; those above and below that age may certainly fast as well. Fasting requires limiting yourself to one full meal and avoiding food between meals. Two other light meals may be taken during the course of the day but together should not equal the full meal. All faithful Catholics who have reached their 14th year are bound to abstain totally from meat on Ash Wednesday, as well as the Fridays of Lent.
The ever-popular Little Black Books, daily reflections for the Lenten Season, are available at both parishes. Please also keep abreast of all the other activities and opportunities for spiritual development happening in the parish this Lent.
Stations of the Cross will be prayed each Friday at 9:00AM at Holy Family with the CDT school community, Noon at St. John and at 6:00PM at Holy Family. This venerable devotion, popularized by St. Francis of Assisi in the Middle Ages, allows us the opportunity to reflect upon the saving death of our Lord as we trace the steps of the Via Dolorosa (the Way of Sorrows).
Occasionally the parish has need of people with certain professional and/or technical expertise. In the course of my various assignments I have occasionally heard, after some project has been completed by an outside professional or contractor, “Gee, Father, you should have let me know and I could have helped with that.” However, unless someone lets me know they have a certain proficiency or professional training, I can’t call on them. Qualified volunteers can help our parish save money by allowing us to “do it ourselves” rather than contract some work with outside vendors or professionals. Good stewardship includes stewardship of talent. If you have a certain professional skill or training that you would be willing to share with the parish when needed, please contact me so that I know that we can call upon you when necessary.
Quite often it is the little things in life that get overlooked, like always remembering to say “Thank you”. So, allow me to say thank you to all of our bulletin sponsors, who make it possible for us to present parish information to you in this colorful, professionally-produced publication each and every week. Please be sure to check out the ads on the back page of the bulletin and whenever possible, patronize our sponsors’ businesses. And when you do, please be sure to let them know that you appreciate their support of our parish. If you are a business owner that is not currently advertising on our bulletin, please consider doing so. Contact information for our publisher, LPi, is available on the back page each week as well.