Countdown to Lent
We quickly approach the beginning of the fast of the most sacred Lenten season, starting with Ash Wednesday on February 22nd. There will be two Masses offered in our parish for Ash Wednesday, at 9:30 am and at 7:30 pm. If you still have some blessed palm branches from previous years, we will collect them at the parish to be turned into ashes for this celebration.
I pray your Lenten season is truly life giving, filled with repentance, a change of heart, and prayer. In order to take full advantage of the time that God gives us, start thinking and praying about how you would like to grow in holiness more intentionally this year. For the men of the parish, perhaps check out the Exodus program for Lent. This is similar to the Exodus 90 spiritual exercise in that it involves prayer, asceticism, and fraternity, though these are slightly different, and it’s only for the 40 days of Lent.
Households of Faith
Speaking of intentional growth in holiness together with others, I would like to invite anyone and everyone to come to our parish’s kick-off event of the diocesan initiative, Households of Faith. Family is so essential to our humanity! It is just as essential for growing in faith, with Jesus and one another, our sisters and brothers. Households of Faith is a way to connect and share our lives and faith; like the first Christian communities.
This event will be a concrete opportunity to learn more about the initiative, have an opportunity to share faith with others from the Scriptures, and meet other parishioners who have a similar interest. This event will take place on February 19th, the last Sunday in Ordinary Time before the Lenten season, which may be another good way to journey toward Holy Week and beyond. It will be at 2 pm until about 3 pm. Bring a friend and/or family, and if you have a favourite Bible, you could bring that along as well.
I am, in our Lord, yours.
Fr. Brian Trueman
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