2/27/2022

Lent begins this (Ash) Wednesday. With the beginning of Lent come changes:
On Ash Wednesday, there will be Masses at 8 AM (as usual, with school children), a Prayer Service at noon, and a Mass at 7 PM. Ashes will be blessed and distributed at all three services. Anyone may receive ashes whether baptized or not.
During Lent Catholics fast and abstain from meat on Ash Wednesday and all Fridays (this year March 25, the Feast of the Annunciation, falls on a Friday and is an exception to the rule). More details of the rules are in the handout that came in this bulletin.
In general, Catholics make Lenten resolutions regarding Prayer, Fasting, and Almsgiving aimed at enhancing our relationship with God, self-discipline, and our neighbor.
We will not sing or say the word, “Alleluia.” That makes the singing of “Alleluia” all the more impressive and welcome, something to look forward to like an oasis in the desert.
At Masses, we will sing/say the “Kyrie eleison” instead of “Lord have mercy,” the “Sanctus” instead of the “Holy, Holy, Holy,” and the “Agnus Dei” instead of the “Lamb of God.” We are doing this so that when our parishioners travel and find themselves in a parish which sings the older songs, they will be able to participate. Also so that the youth know that this is part of our tradition. We will also use the “Memorial Acclamation” after the Consecration: “Save us, Savior of the world…” instead of “When we eat this bread and…”
The parish has our traditional activities, like the Fish Fry put on by the K. of C. on certain Fridays, and the Stations of the Cross on Friday evenings. Once again, see the insert for details.
I will be giving a three part mission on the first three Mondays of Lent (March 7, 14, 21) entitled: “Channels of Grace.” The talks will be in the church at 7 PM. I look forward to spending some time with those who can make it to talk about how the love of God is poured into our hearts, and how we can facilitate the process as we all grow closer to Christ during this Lenten season.
Coincidentally with Lent, I am moving my “day off” from Monday to Tuesday. As a result beginning Monday March 8th, we will have Mass at noon on Monday and a Communion service at noon on Tuesday. I am making the change because so many of the funerals have had to be scheduled on Monday, which is close to the weekend and so easier for those who have to travel to get to the funeral.
Finally, my ankle is healing well (though it is still weak). I also tore the meniscus in my right knee when I fell, and that makes it hard to genuflect – that I why I bow instead of genuflect. Hopefully it will continue to get better as I exercise.
May we all have a blessed and fruitful Lent in preparation for Easter!

Father Albert, O.S.B.