Dear Friends, 

Lent is fast approaching!  Ash Wednesday and the beginning of Lent is February 22 – two weeks from this Wednesday.   The 3 great acts of piety in our Judeo-Christian tradition that mark a season of repentance:  Prayer; Fasting & Almsgiving.  I encourage to consider how you and your family will include these 3 works of piety as part of your Lenten observance:

• Prayer:  Daily Mass – 9AM; Stations of the Cross (Fridays) – 7:30PM with simple meal (soup & bread) @ 6:30.
• Almsgiving:  Lent is typically a time to share our blessings with those who have less by using the money we saved for our and fasting (not eating as much; not going to the movies, etc.) and donate it to help the poor.  Consider contributing to the Annual Archdiocesan Appeal for Catholic Ministries; or taking a leaf from the Haiti giving tree in the narthex to help a student in our sister parish’s school; our food pantry; or to the charity of your choice.
• Fasting:  A time honored tradition in Lent is to “give up” something.  When we become hungry for something (food; a video game; social media), our hunger is meant to remind us that our ultimate hunger is for God.  Only God can satisfy the deepest yearnings of our hearts and minds. 

There will also be opportunities for spiritual enrichment this Lent.  

Small faith sharing groups:  Sign up for small groups begins this weekend.  Hopefully, enough groups will be offered to provide an opportunity for everyone to join one. 

Lenten Parish Mission: A parish mission is a “time out” for some spiritual nourishment. Fr. Josh Laws (pastor of the Catholic Community of South Baltimore will offer a mission this Lent.   He will preach at all Masses the weekend of March 4/5.  On Sunday (5) he will celebrate the 5:30 Mass after which there will be dinner for your young people; On Monday (6) and Tuesday (7) @ 7PM, Fr. Laws will hold a prayer service followed by a reflection. 

Before we get to Lent, we have to fatten ourselves up!  There will be Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper on February 21 from 5pm to 6:30 in the parish hall.  All moms and dads can take the night off from cooking!  

Finally, winter relief begins on Monday.  We are blest to offer hospitality our guests at our parish campus this week. 

Have a Good Week!

Msgr. Woy

PS:  St Paddy’s Day party on March 18 (Saturday).  More details to follow!

Weekly Updates:

• We are hiring! The parish is in need of someone to work around 10 hours a week to assist with our Faith Formation programs.  If you or someone you know might be interested, please contact Sarah in the Evangelization Office.