From the Pastor’s Desk – Lent: Prayer, Penance, and Almsgiving

On Wednesday, March 1 we begin the sacred season of Lent. On Ash Wednesday, Masses with the distribution of ashes will occur at the following times: 12 Noon (English); 5:30 PM (English); and 7 PM (Vietnamese). Although not a Holy Day of Obligation, it is a great way to begin Lent by attending Mass on Ash Wednesday.

Ash Wednesday is a day when we observe both fast and abstinence, which penitential disciplines of oblige all Catholics between the ages of 18-59 to have only one full, meatless meal. Some food can be taken at the other regular meal times if necessary but combined amount of food taken at normal meal times should be less than a full meal, liquids are always permitted. Those that are excused from fast and abstinence would be persons outside the age limits (those under the age of 18 or over the age of 59) and anyone with an illness, including individuals suffering from chronic illnesses such as diabetes. Also excluded are pregnant or nursing women. In all cases, common sense should prevail, no one should jeopardize their health by fasting.

Further, the Season of Lent calls us to engage of personal acts of prayer, penance, and almsgiving. I strongly urge each to make a deliberate effort to commit to prayer, engage in a penitential sacrifice, and to participate in almsgiving through donations to ministries that serve the poor. Each Friday during Lent is a day of abstinence from meat. To help us keep this obligation, the OLBS Knights of Columbus will have a Fish Fry each Friday evening during Lent – more details are in their bulletin ad. Also, during the Lenten Season we will pray Stations of the Cross at 7:15 pm on Fridays. Looking forward to seeing you for the Fish Fry and Stations!

May the Lord continue to bless you and your families,

Fr. Wilke