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THIS 'N THAT Pray, fast and give alms! That’s what we’ll be hearing this Wednesday and during the next six weeks of the Lenten season. While our Worship Commission will provide suggestions in all three categories for each of those weeks, it’s up to each individual to identify the best way to grow spiritually and to actually take that journey. And even though it is a personal decision, it is not an isolated decision. God will inspire us, His Spirit will sustain us and Jesus will model for us attitudes, values and actions that affect real people. See our bulletin for a complete list of parish Lenten activities. We may have already forgotten our New Year’s resolutions, but here’s a chance this Ash Wednesday to make some “new life” resolutions. Let’s take that step.
Our Lenten communal penance service this year is scheduled for February 29th, the Wednesday immediately after the Parish Mission. We have invited several priests to be with us that evening in order to provide an opportunity for all to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation before Easter. If you are unable to attend, next week’s Vicariate newsletter will list other opportunities for receiving this sacrament in the Pontiac area. This past week our Religious Formation Program (GIFT) focused on the use of sacramentals in Catholic prayer and worship. One of the most significant sacramentals found in Catholic churches is the Stations of the Cross, depictions of Jesus’ journey to crucifixion and death on the cross. Pope John Paul II created a new version of the stations that is completely scriptural and these are found on the tapestries in our chapel. Now, thanks to the generosity of 14 of our parishioners, artist Sue Young has fashioned the traditional stations for use in the main sanctuary. They are beautiful works of art that will aid us in understanding Christ’s love for us and His great sacrifice on our behalf. During Lent we will pray the Stations of the Cross on Fridays at 7:00 PM in church and at 12 noon in the chapel. Peace and joy, |