Celebrate the Beginning of Lent 2023
The great 40 Day Season of Lent begins with Ash Wednesday, February 22nd. By honorable practice, it is a Day of Abstinence (from meat products) and Fasting (one principal meal and no eating outside of the meal). There are many, many ways to practice a fast that do not involve food (i.e. from technology, social media, pornography, frivolous spending, dining out, etc.). Be creative but be fruitful in your life.
The season’s beginning is also marked with the Blessing and Reception of Ashes as a sign of our intention to make these 40 days significant in my own personal spiritual development and relationship with Christ and others. We offer an opportunity for the Reception of Ashes: 7pm, Ash Wednesday Evening Prayer with Ashes.
Way of the Cross
We celebrate the great love of God in the gift of Jesus and his passion, death, and resurrection so central to our Faith. Join us Friday evenings of Lent at 7PM on February 24th, March 3rd, 10th, 17th, 24th and 31st, for the Way of the Cross. Join together with your church family for this ancient prayer practice, a true pilgrimage of faith.
"The Comfort Zone" Spiritual Journey Retreat Days
We are all spiritually powerless, however, not simply those who are physically or emotionally addicted to substance or practice. Some may see their addiction(s), others are often well disguised in different ways, particularly our addiction to our way of thinking. These days together are based on Fr. Richard Rohr's book, "Breathing Under Water: Spirituality and the Twelve Steps" and facilitated by Fr. Jacques and Donna C. on Saturdays, February 25th (9am-3pm), March 11th (9am-1pm), March 25th (9am-1pm), and April 1st (9am-1pm). Bring a brown bag lunch to enjoy during the retreat days.
"Because He Chose the Nails" Bible Study
"He Chose the Nails" is a five-session video Bible Study. Each weekly video is about is about 16 minutes in length with plenty of time for us to respond and share together. Max Lucado examines the gifts Jesus gave during his passion and death on the cross, but also the gift of the crown of thorns, the nails, and ultimately the empty tomb. The cross is rich with God's gifts of grace, and as we unwrap them, we will hear him whisper, "I did it just for you" Join Deacon Jan for the 5 Tuesdays of Lent: February 28, March 7, 14, 21 and 28. These will be a "Brown Bag Lunch" group that meets at 12 noon and closes around 1pm (although we often chat a bit longer, always feel free to leave when you need to go).
Almsgiving: Bread Boxes
While fasting may not be appropriate (or advisable) for everyone, almsgiving can be part of everyone’s Lenten practice, no matter your age or your financial means. Almsgiving is simply a response by us to God, a response that we have to through prayer. It is an expression of our gratitude for all that God has given us, and a realization that it is never just about “me and God.” So scour those coat pockets, junk drawers, jars on your dresser, or even the couch cushions as well as your wallet or bank account.
Our almsgiving focus for Lent 2023 will be to benefit the benevolent charitable outreach of our parish for both parishioners in need as well as strangers in need at our door. These funds are established to respond to the urgent needs of the people of God.
May your Lent be fruitful for one and for all!
| Fasting. Honorable Practice of Faith.pdf |
| Lent. Fasting and Feasting.pdf |