Lent is one of the five seasons of the Catholic liturgical calendar, along with Advent, Christmas, Easter, and Ordinary Time. It precedes Easter and is a solemn period centered on prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. While Lent is often associated with the Catholic faith, many Christians–including Protestant and Orthodox–observe it. There is no better time to reconnect with or deepen one’s faith than Lent. During this time, we can draw closer to God as we prepare for the joyous celebration of Christ’s resurrection at Easter.
Where does Lent come from? Lent draws its inspiration from the 40 days Jesus spent in the desert. The Gospels tell us that after his baptism, Jesus fasted in the desert and then was tempted by the devil. He resisted these temptations and then went to Galilee to begin his public ministry.
Lenten sacrifices can be valuable if they help increase our reliance on Jesus and if the void we create by giving something up opens up space in our hearts for God to fill. As much as we consider something to abstain from during Lent, we ought to consider what we can commit to as well. What outside actions can we take to better ignite the flame of our faith within us?
In just little over a week, our students in tenth and eleventh grade will be confirmed by Bishop Persico at a special mass on Monday, March 6, at Beloved Disciple Church at 7:00 pm. A special thank you to Cindy Wilpula and Katlyn Gable for teaching our confirmation classes this year. While Confirmation classes will be done for the year (including ninth grade), the rest of our students will continue their formation.
Please note a change for our Faith Formation schedule. On Sunday, March 12, we will have At Home Faith Formation instead of a Family Day.
Please do your best to help us reach our Catholic Services Goals for this year. By now, you should have received a letter and response card from me asking for your support. Please prayerfully consider helping to whatever degree you are able. All gifts, no matter the size, count and will be greatly appreciated.
Here are a couple of thoughts for the week ahead. We cannot become what we want by remaining what we are. Good things come to those who believe, better things come to those who are patient, and the best things come to those who do not give up.
Pax et Bonum, Fr. Andy
