A Word from Your Pastor February 11

Lent begins this week.  I invite you to take this as an opportunity to deepen and renew  your Faith and to draw others into the riches we share.  Over the past number of years, we have heard many times about the New Evangelization.  This is the effort to proclaim the Faith with new zeal, new commitment and making use of all the new means at our disposal to proclaim the Good News of Jesus Christ to the ends of the earth.  Take some time to consider ways you can draw your family into a deeper practice of Faith.  Here are some suggestions:

First, decide as a family how you will spend your Lent: prayer, fasting and almsgiving (practical works of charity) are the three traditional means.  Choose at least one action under the heading of each of these.  How will you pray together as a family?  What will you give up?  How will you put Mercy into practice?

Second, consider the options made available by the Parish and School and invite someone outside your family to be a part of something.  Attend Stations of the Cross on Friday at 7 p.m.  Come to the People of the Passion on February 23^rd.  Members of the Confirmation Class – this would be something you could do with your Sponsor and out of town guests who come to share in your Confirmation.  Join with Alpha on Sunday evenings to learn more about the fundamentals of Christian Faith.

Third, prepare well for your Lenten Confession.  The children will have an opportunity to approach the Sacrament of Reconciliation durning School or PSR Classes.  Our Parish Lenten Penance Service will be Tuesday, March 6, at 7 p.m.  Do an Examination of Conscience individually and with others, reflecting on the need for conversion.  How is the Lord inviting you to invest more of yourself in the Mission entrusted to you.

Finally, as you journey through Lent, consider how you want to live your Faith more intentionally the rest of the year.  How will you celebrate Easter and the gift of the Resurrection?  Are you interested in finding a retreat or some other practice that will help you grow in your Faith?  Make plans now and put something new on your calendar.  What do you want to see happen in the Parish that will help you grow spiritually?

Happy Lent!