Dear Parish Family,
Our Lenten journey has begun! While we’ve each been through many Lents, this Lent is different because you and I are different. How we celebrate THIS Lent will depend, in part, on who we are now and what experiences have impacted us over the last year.
While we each approach Lent from our own perspective, we also do so from the perspective of the Church, of our com- munity of faith. My experience, when joined with yours, helps fashion who we as a community.
How will I, and in turn we, celebrate the 2017 Lenten journey?
Ash Wednesday Mass
Many of you already began the journey on Ash Wednesday as we reflected on the Word of God and received the sign of ashes which indicated our joy in being redeemed by the cross of Christ and living that cross in our daily life.
Five Stepping Stones in Lent
We will once again make cards available that list various Lenten practice suggestions during Lent.
Stations of the Cross
On each Friday of Lent (except Good Friday) at 6:00 p.m. at St. Mary’s Chapel on JacksonAvenue we will celebrate the Stations of the Cross, re-living, in a sense, the walk of Jesus as he suffered and died for each one of us.
You are encouraged to take a copy of theWord Among Usfor Lent to help in your daily reflection.
Sacrament of Penance (Confessions)
In conjunction with the rest of the Archdiocese, Archbishop Aymond has mandated a special time for confession on Wednesday evenings (March 22, 29 and April 5) from 5:00 to 6:30 p.m. in all churches throughout the Archdiocese. Here at St. Alphonsus we will also extend the opportunity on Saturdays from 3:00 p.m. until Mass begins at 4:00 p.m.
Food for the Journey
We will once again offer this opportunity on three Tuesdays of Lent (March 7/14/21) from 6:00-7:30 p.m. in the rectory conference room. You are invited to bring a dish to share and after all have gotten some food we will look at the next Sunday’s readings and offer each person an opportunity to share their insights into the readings.
Saturday Reflections on Lent
On selected Saturdays, there will be a further opportunity to reflect on Lenten themes (time and topic to be announced).
Palm Sunday and Holy Week
We once again enter the holiest week of the church’s liturgical year by celebrating the festive days of Holy Week, the Walk of the Nine Churches, and the glories of Easter Sunday.
Thought for the Week:“Kindness is in our power even when fondness is not.”
Have a great week ahead!
Fr. Richard