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My sisters and brothers in Christ,
On Wednesday of this week, Ash Wednesday we begin Lent, forty days of preparation for Easter. In many regions of the world people celebrate carnival in the days before Lent with much noise and merrymaking. Often they wear masks for the occasion. But on Ash Wednesday it will be time to put off our masks and to turn our face and heart to God and to people.
In this holy season we reflect on the true meaning of our lives. Who am I and what am I living for? Am I living for God and the community? We shall be invited to receive ashes on our foreheads with the invitation, “Turn away from sin and be faithful to the Gospel.” Away then, with all masks and return to God, to your true self and to one another as God’s people.
The gospel on Ash Wednesday calls us to alms giving, that is, caring for people; to praying, that is listening to God’s word and giving it a response of love and commitment; and to fasting, that is , giving up of our selfishness. As a parish community I invite all to do your best to attain regular weekly attendance at Sunday Eucharist but a small sacrifice of two hours, one day of the week. Also as a parish community we will once again request that you save your loose change in a container over the entire period of Lent. The monies collected will be utilized for our outreach activities. Last year we provided breakfast at Opportunity House, a homeless shelter and also a dinner for two families who were participants in the Family Promise Program.
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