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Lent
2006 is a journey that begins with Ash Wednesday. As we look toward Good
Friday and the Resurrection of Our Lord, Our Savior, the theme is very
familiar to us. Are we willing to turn away from sin and be faithful to
the Gospel? In the Gospel of Ash Wednesday the Church recommends that we
do three things during this holy season. We are to become more prayerful
people. It is not necessary to increase the prayers we say, but instead to
concentrate on the quality of our prayers: taking some time to deepen our
relationship with Our Lord; realizing what He has done for us and speaking
to Him in the quiet of our hearts, allowing the Lord to speak to us. It
may take some time and some days may not be very fruitful, but each week
will bring us closer to our Lord and God.
The
second recommendation that the Gospel of Matthew gives us is that we
should fast. We often think of this as a time to give up sweets or cake.
Others might choose to give up cigarettes or a cold Sam Adams. All of
these things are worthwhile but I would have another suggestion – I
would encourage a fast from being critical and negative, and from using
offensive language. There are personality traits in each of us that could
be corrected. We might all try to change one.
The
third recommendation of the Gospel is that we do deeds of loving service.
Each one of us has an opportunity to be kind, loving and compassionate. We
can help a member of our family, a child or a senior who depends on other
people to help them.
As
we begin this Lenten journey, we can have a plan that is realistic and
attainable. May this be the season that we turn away from sin and be more
faithful to the Gospel so that we may fully enjoy and appreciate the
Easter Triduum of Holy Thursday’s Mass of the Last Supper, Good
Friday’s Passion of the Lord and the Easter Vigil and celebration of the
Resurrection of the Lord when we renew our baptismal promises and become a
new creation.
Alleluia,
alleluia, alleluia.
Love,
Father Kelly
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After Mass “Get Together” Fosters
Community
In
response to requests made in our October’s Pastoral Council’s Share
Your Ideas survey, the parish has initiated monthly coffee socials
after designated Sunday Masses.
The
first event was held after the 9:30 and 10:30 Masses, January 29th in
conjunction with the Mother’s Club bake sale and our parish school’s
Catholic School’s Week open house. The event was an overwhelming
success.
While
each month the occasion will be sponsored by a different parish
organization, all parishioners, whether families, couples or singles, are
invited to attend. This is a time to catch up with friends, family and
meet parishioners you might not know.
The
second event, sponsored by the Parish Senior Club was held February 26th,
after the 9:30 and 10:30 Masses the Sunday before Ash Wednesday, and
featured a Mardi Gras theme – a delightful opportunity to feast before
the fast!
The
Music Ministry will sponsor the event on Sunday March 26th,
after the 9:30 and 10:30 Masses. The ladies of the Rosary Altar Society
will host the get together on April 23rd, the Second Sunday of Easter –
Divine Mercy Sunday, after the 9:30 and 10:30 Masses.
If these events prove successful, a full year of
monthly “after mass” socials will be planned next September through
April. If you have ideas or suggestions on parish life or events speak to
a member of your Pastoral Council.
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