You may be feeling like me—that Christmas just ended and Lent is rapidly upon us. Don’t panic quite yet. We still have a full week of February before Ash Wednesday on February 17^th.

 

It is not too early, however, for me to tell you what Lenten opportunities await us. I like to point out often that the word “Lent” is related in its origins to “lengthen”, and refers to springtime, when days grow longer and nights grow shorter. Our Lenten practices are the ways we prepare the hard-packed winter soil of our lives for graceful flower and fruit, for new and risen life. In addition to our personal acts of prayer, fasting and almsgiving, here are the opportunities the parish is offering:

 

Based on the Bible and the Catechism of the Catholic Church, small groups will explore the beauty and meaning of the sacraments for six weeks, beginning the week of February 14^th. All are invited to join this enriching experience. Information is available in the bulletin or in Church.

Monday evenings, February 22 through March 22, 7:00 – 8:30 pm

Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday mornings, 8:30 – 8:50 am

Saturdays 11am – 12 noon, except Holy Saturday

 

Rainbow Program and Antioch confessions, Saturday, March 6^th

 

Reconciliation will be celebrated for our school students, junior high students and confirmation candidates during their regularly scheduled sessions.

 

Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament will continue on Fridays, beginning at 1 pm and concluding with Benediction at 6:45 pm. Any and all are invited to spend time with our Eucharistic Lord for any amount of time they wish to give.

 

Immediately following Benediction, we will celebrate a variety of versions of the Stations of the Cross each Friday from February 19^th through March 26^th at 7 pm.

 

Bible Study occurs on Tuesday morning in the Molloy Center after the 9:00 am Mass.

 

I hope one of these opportunities helps you in this year’s Lenten “big thaw”. I know I am looking forward to many of them.