Dear Friends in Christ,
In just several weeks, Lent will begin again in the Church. Next week, we will publish in the bulletin and post in the church a calendar which will detail upcoming Lenten activities. As much as we may view Lent as a time of sacrifice, we must not forget that such sacrifices are for a purpose. Our Lenten disciplines and engagement in Lenten parish activities are meant to unite us more closely with Christ, to increase our desire for holiness, to deepen our prayer life and to encourage us to act more charitably. Participating in daily Mass is a wonderful way to grow in grace through Lent.
Yet, God knows best the work He would like to accomplish in us during our upcoming Lenten
experience. A wonderful way to prepare for this sacred time is to prayerfully give God the permission to work in our lives in the way He most needs to. What does God want for us?
How does God want to bring us new life and positive change? What areas of our lives most
need God’s loving touch so that when He works in these areas we take on more closely the
image of Christ?
Lent is a time of grace and renewal for us and for the whole Church. During these next few
weeks, let us pray and reflect upon this upcoming season and surrender to God’s will
through the power of the Holy Spirit. Perhaps, in doing this, Lent may be a time for us to
embark on a new faith-adventure with God who leads us onward in trust and grace.
In Christ,
Fr. Michael