The regimen for Lent is three-fold: fasting, prayer, and almsgiving (charity).  The journey of Lent is much like the closing words of Psalm 139: “Lord, search me, probe me; if there be any wrong doing, cleanse and purify me that I may be holy and wholesome in your sight”  The process of conversion – “Come back to me with your whole heart,” says the Lord – is never an easy one.  But Lent offers us the opportunity for spiritual growth and renewal.  Consider the plan offered by Fr. James Martin, S.J.

Fr. Dan

 

“How about doing something different this year for Lent?  Instead of giving something up, how about taking something on?  My moral theology professor used to say that in the New Testament Jesus usually doesn’t critique people who are weak and trying to do better  More often, Jesus points to people who are strong but ‘don’t bother.’  For example, in the parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:29 – 37) those who fail to help the man by the side of the road could have helped him, but don’t bother.  Sin is often a failure to bother to love.

 

So this Lent maybe we can ask ourselves:

Where have I not bothered to love, to show compassion, or to be charitable?

Are there lonely friends that I could call, but don’t bother to?

Is there a sick neighbor who needs some help?

A family member who could use a kind word?

People at work who are struggling?

Does my parish need some volunteer work done?

Are there charities that I could give money to?

Where am I failing to bother?

 

There are many ways to be a good Christian.  Sacrificing things in order to be more ascetical is one of them.  But even more important than giving things up is being more loving.  Rather than doing something negative this Lent, why not do something positive?  ‘It is mercy I desire, not sacrifice,’ says Jesus (Matthew 9:13).  This Lent let’s take Him at His word!”

Living With Christ – February 2010

St. Patrick Church: Lent, Sacred Triduum and Easter 2010

“In these days, let us add something beyond the usual measure of our service, such as private prayers and abstinence in food and drink.  Let each one, over and above the measure prescribed offer God something of his (her) free will in the joy of the Holy Spirit” – St. Benedict

 

Stations of the Cross – Fridays at 7:00 PM

 

Taize Prayer – Thursdays 6:15 – 6:45PM

 

Sacrament of Reconciliation

Saturdays 10:00 – 11:00 AM

Communal Celebration – March 9 – 7:00 PM

Additional times: Saturday March 27  - 10:00 – 11:30 AM and 3:00 – 4:30 PM

Tuesday March 30 – 6:00 – 7:00 PM

 

Catholic Lenten Regulations:

Ash Wednesday, All Fridays during Lent, and Good Friday are days of abstinence – Everyone over 14 years of age is bound to abstain from meat.

Ash Wednesday and Good Friday are also days of fasting – Everyone 18 – 59 years of age is bound to fast.  Fasting means only one full meatless meal is to be eaten.

 

Sacred Triduum – “Three days”

April 1 – Holy Thursday

8:00 AM - Morning Prayer

7:00 PM Mass of the Lord’s Supper – followed by Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament until 10:00 PM

April 2 – Good Friday

8:00 AM – Morning Prayer

1:00 PM Good Friday of the Lord’s Passion

April 3 – Holy Saturday Easter Vigil (No 5:00 PM Mass)

8:00 AM Morning Prayer

11:00 AM Blessing of Easter Food Baskets

7:30 PM Easter Vigil Mass

 

Easter Sunday of the Lord’s Resurrection

April 4 – Masses 7:00 AM, 9:00 AM, 11:00 AM