Dear Parishioners,
Lent begins on Ash Wednesday, February 17. We will hear about prayer, fasting, and almsgiving, the three spiritual practices that our Church especially recommends during this Lenten season.
During the season of Lent the Church calls us to a spirit of penance, above all fasting, prayer and alms-giving, “which express conversion in relation to oneself, to God, and to others” (CCC 1969, 1434.)
Prayer offers us all a very special opportunity to grow in our relationship with God and to deepen our commitment to a way of life, rooted in our baptism.
Praying first thing in the morning, while the house is still quiet, or talking to God while on your commute to work are simple ways to add prayer into everyday life. Read a chapter of the Bible every day, what better way to get to know the heart and mind of God.
Go to the Sacrament of Reconciliation, attend the Stations of the Cross on Friday evenings, praying the Rosary, visiting the Blessed Sacrament or attending a retreat are other ways to pray. The Sunday liturgy is the greatest form of prayer because it is where we receive the gift of the Holy Eucharist the very real presence of the Risen Christ. Attending weekly (or daily) Mass is an essential part of a healthy prayer life.
Fasting is a time to fast from those things or habits that may have become a roadblock to our relationship with God.
Alms Giving means making the needs of others our own, specially the needy of our world.
Lent is a time for deep reflection and spiritual renewal, a time to analyze our relationship with God and with others. I invite you to take part in any or all of what we are offering this Lent.
God Bless You,
Fr. Cyrus
