Weekly Letter from the Pastor

Dear Fellow Parishioners of St. Benedict:

Today many of us are swept up in the annual Super Bowl activities and are rooting either for the Chiefs or Forty-niners (or neither), and still others are wondering how many glimpses of Taylor Swift we will get during the game. It should prove to be an enjoyable day. Don’t forget to support the SBS Drama Club and purchase desserts for the day at their annual bake sale.

Today we are celebrating World Marriage Sunday. Lori and Mike McCahill are addressing the parish this weekend to talk about our programs to support and strengthen marriages.

Also this week we begin our Lenten Fast with Ash Wednesday. There are ample opportunities to receive ashes at various services throughout the day. Please check the schedule as to which time is best for you. Most importantly, please note in the bulletin the Lenten regulations from the Bishop regarding the specifics of fasting and abstinence.

We have many programs during Lent, and we hope that you will be able to enter more deeply into the Lenten journey by participating in some of the planned activities.

Stations of the Cross -- Wednesday at 5:30 pm (note a new time this year) which is followed by Soup and Scripture; and Friday at 7 pm. The Knights of Columbus will have a Pizza night on Friday (February 16) in the school gym from 5:30 to 7:30 pm. Another pizza night is planned for later in the Lenten Season. The small group discussions continue on Thursdays at 10 am and 7 pm with Deacon Steve in the FAL. Women’s Bible Study is also underway. Meetings are on Tuesday evenings and Wednesday mornings. Please feel free to attend any session.

The Catholic Men for Jesus Christ Rally will be held on February 24 at St. Mary Church in New Monmouth. More information can be found in the bulletin.

Over the Sundays of Lent we will be celebrating the Scrutinies with those who will be baptized-confirmed-and receive First Communion at the Easter Vigil (March 30). This will be at the 9:30 am Mass on the appropriate weekends.

Of course, you are always welcome to attend the 9 am Mass during the week (M-F) which is a good Lenten practice. Likewise, please consider spending some time in prayer in the Adoration Chapel. The chapel is open 24 hours each day, providing a quiet place to encounter our Lord Jesus Christ in his Eucharistic presence.

We have already registered over 400 children for the summer religious education academy. Not surprisingly, we are in need of volunteers and teachers for these weeks. Please check the bulletin or make contact with Nancy Arkin in the Faith Formation office.