We are just two weeks away from the beginning of Lent. This holy season affords us to prepare for the coming of the Easter celebrations marking the very core of our belief: that Jesus Christ is raised from the dead.
In order to assist us in our preparation for Easter we have planned a number of important events along the way. Of course we are walking with our Catechumens: David Azvolinsky and Shirley Paterson as they mark the days until they receive the Sacraments of Initiation at the Easter Vigil. The Stations of the Cross is an ancient and very meaningful way to walk with Jesus on his pilgrimage to the cross. Each Wednesday and Friday evening we offer this meditation for everyone. Also on Wednesday evenings we offer the Soup and Scripture series that we began last year. Bring along a pot of soup and we share a simple Lenten meal followed by a brief reflection on the Scriptures for the coming week.
Perhaps the highlight of the Season will be the Parish Mission (March 5th-7th). Father David Dwyer, C.P. is our presenter. For those of you who have SiriusXM Radio in your car or at home, Father Dave hosts a nightly show called Busted Halo and also a weekly show Conversation with Cardinal Dolan. He is both entertaining and very inspirational in his presentations. He wasn’t easy to get as he is a very popular presenter, so we are honored to have him on board.
We also have the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal returning this year for our Lenten Penance Service TBA. The friars have an awesome presence and a beautiful ministry in celebrating the Sacrament of Penance with people. We are blessed that they are coming back.
Another important aspect of our spiritual journey is our own personal prayer. Almost three years ago our parish opened the Our Lady of Victory Chapel for Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. This ministry has brought many blessings to our parish. Over the past several months, with people moving out of the area and others who are suffering from various illnesses, the number of regularly scheduled adorers has slipped. While there is a steady stream of people who stop in periodically or even regularly, there are many more hours in a week when there is no one in the chapel. I hope that you will consider taking up this prayer ministry for your own Lenten journey and perhaps even continue it going forward. Stop in to the chapel anytime – it is open 24/7 – and pay a visit to the Lord in the Blessed Sacrament.
Lent reminds us of our call to sacrifice. Not only to we “give something up” but we also take something on. The sacrifice of time, talent, and treasure marks the call of discipleship and that comes to the fore during the Lenten Season.
Yes, we are still almost two weeks away from Ash Wednesday and the beginning of the season, but even though Lent is a season of preparation we need to prepare for Lent. Take these next ten days to reflect on your journey with the Lord and the walk you want to make with him this year so that, when Ash Wednesday comes (February 14th) you can hit the ground running toward the Lord, and not just be searching for the map.