Dear Parishioners and Friends of St. Mary’s of the Lake:
✠ This comings Wednesday Feb 17th we will celebrate Ash Wednesday and begin our season of Lent. The word ‘Lent’ comes from an old English word to mean ‘springtime,’ which may bring to our minds some kind of spring cleaning and a new life in nature. The season of Lent, therefore, invites us to do some spiritual ‘spring cleaning’ and foster a ‘new or renewed life’. When receiving Ashes on our heads we receive the inviting: ‘Repent and Believe in the Gospel!’ This invitation sets the tone for our Lenten Season. We are repent or to turn way from our sins and to Believe in, to live, and to be faithful to the Gospel & the way of the Lord.
⇨Please Note: Because of the Covid-19 the distribution of ashes this year will be done by sprinkling ashes on the top of the head rather than distributed in the accustomed way.
✠ As you know, the 3 traditional Lenten disciplines are: Praying, Fasting and Alms-giving. Even with the current Covid-19 situation, in our effort to honor these disciplines, may I suggest the following:
⬥ In addition to participating in weekend Masses as you are able to, plan to go to weekday Masses a few times when you can;
⬥ Pray over the Scriptures before Mass. Do some spiritual Lenten Readings (for example: the Little Black Books, the Compass, Matthew Kelly’s Book ‘I Have Heard God Laugh’ (a gracious donation from a family), or another book of your choice…
⬥ Check the Bulletin (for time) and participate in the Stations of the Cross and the Sacrament of Reconciliation (Confession).
⬥ Find ways to ‘give alms’ by participating in some charity causes.
⬥ Observe the Lenten Fasting & Abstaining Regulations of the Church.
⬥ Do you have a favorite Lenten Practice?
Fr. Philip
LENTEN REGULATIONS:
Each Catholic is asked to preserve the penitential purpose and character of Lent. Catholics who have celebrated their 14th birthday are to abstain from meat on Ash Wednesday, all Fridays in Lent and Good Friday. In addition to abstaining from meat, Catholics who have celebrated their 18th birthday until they celebrate their 59th birthday are to fast on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday. Those who are bound to this regulation may only eat one full meal. Two smaller meals are permitted if necessary to maintain strength according to one’s needs, but eating solid foods between meals is not permitted.
✠ These practices are designed for spiritual growth. Catholics are not to excuse themselves lightly from these prescribed minimal penitential practices.