Encouraging the Culture of Encounter with Jesus Christ, His Church, and All People
 
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
 
Honoring Marriage Month.
As you have already noticed, we are praying for married couples and the sacrament of marriage as our post-Mass devotional this month.  In the bulletin is a whole page of marriage resources and retreat opportunities. Check it out   In addition there will be a special blessing of married couples after all the Masses next weekend (Feb 22,23).  If you feel so inclined wear your wedding dresses and tuxedos! Or if that is not possible, dress up special and rejoice in God’s blessing of you marriage!
 
 
The Holy Season of Lent
This Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent. It’s that wonderful time of year.  The beauty of violet vestments, the emphasis on silence in our worship, the “giving up” of certain things as well as the “giving more” of oneself and one’s gifts for others.  All to help us grow in our love of God and neighbor.  Below are lists for the works of mercy. While we should strive for perfection in these always, this Lent in honor of our centenary we will focus on them in particular. 
 
Corporal Works of Mercy
To feed the hungry;
To give drink to the thirsty;
To clothe the naked;
To shelter the homeless;
To visit the sick;
To ransom the captive;
To bury the dead.
 
Spiritual Works of Mercy
To instruct the ignorant;
To counsel the doubtful;
To admonish sinners;
To bear wrongs patiently;
To forgive offenses willingly;
To comfort the afflicted;
To pray for the living and the dead.
 
We cannot grow in virtue without the help of God’s grace.  Please note the daily Mass and devotional schedule.   On Ash Wednesday there will be a Liturgy of the Word with ashes at 7am.
Then 8:30am Mass with ashes and a 7pm Mass with Ashes.
 
In addition, there will be extra opportunities for confessions. Starting next week March 1 there will be confessions Tuesdays 2:00-2:45pm, Thurs. 6-7pm, Fri, 4:30-5:15pm, along with the regular 3-4pm on Saturdays. 
 
Please note that there is the Diocesan wide confession from 5-8pm on March 11.
 
Sincerely in Christ,
Fr. Pfr