Lent

Would you like to develop a closer relationship with Jesus and your fellow parishioners this Lent? Learn more about joining or starting a Lenten small faith group.

• The Global Catholic Climate Movement (GCCM) challenges us to add a second meat-free day each week or to eat plant-based meals throughout Lent. Learn more about Eating Simply this Lent and check out additional resources at GCCM’s website, including delicious recipe suggestions.

• Catholic Relief Services (CRS) began their iconic Rice Bowl program in 1975, and it has been a common tradition for Catholic families ever since. CRS has a variety of additional resources and activities for families to use throughout Lent. There’s even a CRS Rice Bowl app you can download!

Behold, now is a very acceptable time;
behold, now is the day of salvation. (2 Cor 5:20-6:2)

Lent is a holy season rich in tradition and history. In the early Church, Lent was the time for the final preparation of catechumens (those who have answered the call of the Holy Spirit to become fully initiated Catholic Christians) for baptism at Easter, a custom that has been restored in our day as part of the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA). Lent later became a time for public penance for serious sinners, who reconciled themselves to the Church through prayer, fasting, and rituals such as the imposition of ashes. In our modern era, Lent is a season of prayer and repentance for all Christians in preparation for the celebration of the Easter mysteries.

The Catholic Church begins the holy season of Lent with Ash Wednesday, a day that calls us to deep prayer and repentance. These liturgies will include the Distribution of Ashes, an ancient tradition that reminds us of our need to turn away from sin. All are welcome to come forward and receive ashes, whether or not you are Catholic.

Lent is a blessed opportunity for us to deepen our relationship with God. Traditionally, Catholics do this by such practices as daily Mass, daily Rosary, self-denial (“giving something up” to help us stay focused on God), service to the community, and fasting. Other ideas include increased “quality time” with family, going on a Retreat or Day of Recollection, reading the Bible, and the Sacrament of Reconciliation (Confession) – all good practices that will help lead us to closer to God.

Each Friday during Lent, a different group within the parish will provide a simple soup supper with bread/crackers (though the gesture is appreciated, please do not bring additional bread or goodies to share!) and lead us in the Stations of the Cross.

Supper starts at 6:00pm in the Fireside room; Stations start at 7:00pm in the church.

Come for one or both as we journey through Lent together!