As we begin the Season of Lent on Wednesday, we will hear about the main themes of praying, fasting, and almsgiving (being generous with those in need). We are meant to practice these virtues for 40 days…so that they become a regular part of our life throughout the whole year!
As you think about what you will ‘give up’ for Lent, try to think of something you need permanently ‘given up’ in your life. In one sense, making a small sacrifice of doing without some food/drink item can be a good practice if it leads to greater self-discipline in our life…which is a huge part of one’s spiritual life. But also think of other things that I know need to be ‘given up’ on a permanent basis in order to grow in holiness and love…and more like Christ.
You will see in this bulletin and our weekly email, various ways that our parish is trying to help all of us learn these practices better. I call your attention to a few of them particularly. On Monday nights, try and make time for Mass at 6:00 followed by a 20–30-minute reflection in church as a (Covidfriendly) re-placement for our usual soup and hour-long presentation.
Stations of the Cross are prayed Friday night at 6:00. Also do not forget about our wonderful Blessed Sacrament Chapel (located behind the Altar area) where a quiet place is waiting for each of us to come and get lost in silence with God.
May God’s Spirit bless each of us with a holy season! Fr. Jim Deiters