ASH WEDNESDAY
Next Wednesday, March 5, is Ash Wednesday, the beginning of the penitential season of Lent. Masses will be celebrated, and ashes will be distributed at 6:30am, 8:15am (with our school community), and at 6:30pm. In addition, a prayer service with distribution of ashes will be held at 12:00 noon.
FAST & ABSTINENCE
Ash Wednesday (next Wednesday March 5) and Good Friday (April 18) are days of fast and abstinence. Fasting is required of Catholics aged 18-59 and means having one full meal, two smaller meals, and nothing in between meals, though water and medicine are always permitted. Abstinence is abstaining from eating meat for all Catholics over the age of 14. No Catholic should lightly excuse himself or herself from this obligation. All Fridays in Lent are days of abstinence from meat. Here again, Catholics will not hold themselves lightly excused, but if there is a serious health problem, this obligation does not apply. Catholics should strive to make all days of Lent a time of prayer and penance.
PARISH LENTEN PROJECT
This year, as part of our Lenten almsgiving, we are undertaking our Parish Lenten Project in support of Assisi House, which provides shelter to individuals in our city, housing them in a supportive community where they can receive life-changing assistance and live with dignity as children of God. We invite you to join in the work of this valuable Catholic ministry this Lent through prayer, giving, and direct service. More info is to come regarding volunteer opportunities. To donate, you many use an envelope provided in Church during Lent, or give online through our parish website. Thanks for your generosity!
LENTEN RESOURCES
At the doors of Church, you will find the “Little Black Book” (for adults) and the “Little Purple Book” (for children). These daily reflection books can aid in your Lenten prayer and reflection. Refer to the Lenten calendar (in this upcoming weekend bulletin) for details about Stations of the Cross, Lenten suppers, and other opportunities during the season of Lent. Finally, mark your calendars for our Lenten Reconciliation Service on Tuesday, April 8, at 6:30pm, and look for other opportunities for Confession during Lent.