Eighth Sunday In Ordinary Time

Dear Parishioners,

    We burn our palms the Sunday before Ash Wednesday.  We also burn our offertory commitment cards.  The palms come from last Palm Sunday.  The cards represent our almsgiving.  When we are anointed with Ashes we are reminded of death, our physical death and the death of our selfishness. 

During this Lent we will be asking everyone to make an altar in your home. Perhaps it can be in a quiet corner where you can go and pray. Each week we are going to ask that people place new symbols on the altar that represent the Christian life.  Each week we will send a prayer service home with each household. It will contain reflection questions for your use.  You can use the questions for your own personal reflection, or you may discuss them with the people you live with.  If you wish, you can invite others into your home to pray and reflect with.

We are trying to provide something that everyone can use for spiritual growth.  Some people are comfortable getting together with others.  Other people are still reluctant.  I hope this spiritual exercise will be meaningful to you, your family, or your friendship circle.  The first prayer exercise will be given to everyone on Ash Wednesday.

May Our Lady and all the Angels and Saints watch over you today.

Fr. Mark

P.S. We hope to have the work in the church completed by Ash Wednesday.  Thank you for your patience.