Becoming a Better Disciple

02-09-2020Pastor's LetterFather Wilson

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, It’s always hard to believe how quickly Lent seems to arrive, but it will soon be upon us in just over two weeks. I have always deeply appreciated this special time that helps remind us of our true purpose as disciples of Jesus Christ. Lent becomes a time to turn away from our selfishness and refocus on the most important thing: God. It’s not too early to begin thinking about what we might add in prayer and penance so that when Ash Wednesday arrives (February 26), we can hit the spiritual ground running.

One of the best ways to begin your Lenten journey is with this year’s Parish Mission, which begins the night of Ash Wednesday and runs through the evening of Friday, February 28. This year we are planning to make the Mission part of a Forty Hours devotion, a special forty-hour-ish period of continuous prayer made before the Blessed Sacrament. By coming before Jesus, truly present in the Most Blessed Sacrament, we will begin our Lent in the best way possible – focused on Jesus Christ. Jesus went into the desert for forty days, which is what Lent is based upon. It is also the root of the Forty Hours devotion. You will be encouraged to sign up with your fellow parishioners for some time of Adoration. (Those who already have an hour in Ste Claire Chapel will come over during their hour to Old Saint Mary’s.)

The Mission begins with Holy Mass for Ash Wednesday at 5:30pm in the Church (138 Fairfield St. SE). At the end of Mass, we will form a solemn Eucharistic procession to Old Saint Mary’s and enthrone the Blessed Sacrament to begin our Forty Hours. The first talk will happen afterwards. On Thursday, Feb. 27th, we will have Mass at 5:30pm followed by the evening talk at 6:30pm. Confessions will be offered this night in particular. On Friday the 28th we will sing the Divine Mercy chaplet at 3:00pm. Mass will be at 5:30pm followed by the final talk. The Forty Hours will end with a solemn procession around the church and Benediction of the Most Blessed Sacrament.

The Mission, “Discovering, Living, and Sharing Our Mission,” will be given by Elizabeth Ficocelli, a truly dynamic Catholic speaker, author and radio host, Come and bring a friend! Child care will be provided.

Also, you can get ready by inviting inspiration into your inbox. Sign up for Dynamic Catholic’s free Best Lent Ever: https://dynamiccatholic.com/best-lent-ever. It’s only three simple steps: 1) Sign up; 2) Watch the videos; 3) Be awesome. “It’s not about testing your will power in the face of cake. It’s about becoming the-best-version-of-yourself.”

Finally, our seasonal Marian antiphon changes to the beautiful AveReginaCaelorum(AH-vey ray-JEE-nah chay-LOHR-room): Hail, Queen of heaven! Hail Lady of the Angels! Hail root and gate from which the Light of the world was born! Rejoice glorious Virgin, fairest of all. Fare thee well, most beautiful, and pray for us to Christ.

Holy Mary, Help of Christians, pray for us!

Father Wilson

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