
Dear Parishioners and Friends,
The forty days of Lenten prayer and penance are a special time for us to grow in the love of God, and in loving service to our brothers and sisters. During Lent we focus on the Cross of Christ, so that, through the Cross, we might be brought to the glory of new life.
The sacred season of Lent is a special time for us to grow in the love of God, and in loving service to our brothers and sisters. It begins on Ash Wednesday and ends on Holy Thursday.
The main theme of Lent is not just a repentance, but most of all the mystery of our redemption in our Lord Jesus Christ. Jesus, the Son of God is the main focus of all our efforts during Lent. Fasting, praying, and almsgiving are important dimensions of Lenten exercises, but let us remember that these are means to respond to the mystery of the passion, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. In other words, whatever we do during this sacred time we should do it in connection to Jesus, who has suffered for our sins and died on the cross.
Therefore, please remember that Ash Wednesday, all Fridays of Lent and Good Friday are days of abstinence (refraining from meat) for all Catholics from age 14 onwards. However on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday, fasting and abstinence is also obligatory for those from the ages 18-59. Fasting means one full meal a day, with two smaller meals and nothing between meals (liquids are permitted).
Join us in contemplating Jesus’ Passion at weekly Stations of the Cross on Tuesdays at 6:00PM and on Fridays at 4:30PM at Sacred Heart Church. Please take note that on Tuesday March 21st we will celebrate the Outdoor Way of the Cross, walking from Christ the King Church to Sacred Heart Church at 6:00PM followed by soup, salad and bread in the Sacred Heart auditorium. In case of inclement weather, we will gather at Sacred Heart Worship Site at 6:00PM.
Additionally, to enter deeper into Christ passion every Saturday throughout Lent at 4:30PM during adoration, we will sing the Lenten Lamentations, that will also be sung on Sundays at 8:40AM before the Mass. Join me in singing as we contemplate the passion, Christ’s love for you and me.
Be a part of our upcoming Parish Lenten Retreats in English will begin on Saturday evening, March 11th and continue through Tuesday, March 14th. Our Lenten Preacher will be Fr. Mike Houston CSsR. The Polish Lenten Retreat will take place from March 26th to 29th and will be preached by Fr. Marek Krzyzkowski CSsR. Let us remember, that Lenten Retreats is a time of renovating the very foundation of our faith and a time to strengthen our hope. Deepen your faith and love. Participate in the sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation to receive God’s mercy. Let us pray that the Lord will look with favor upon our acts of penance and charity and bless our parish with many graces during this Lenten season. I wish you all a truly beautiful and fruitful Lent.
With prayers for all of God’s blessings,
Fr. Stan