Posted on February 28, 2025 View all Pastor's Letter
Dear brothers and sisters in Christ Jesus,
Next Wednesday, March 5th, is Ash Wednesday. Ash Wednesday has its roots in the penitential practices of the early Church. The imposition of ashes on the foreheads of the faithful symbolizes the fragility and mortality of the human being, as well as the need for conversion and repentance. The phrase accompanying this rite is usually: “Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return” or “Repent and believe in the Gospel.” This rite marks the beginning of Lent. A substantial time within the liturgical year offers us a new opportunity for profound spiritual growth through penance, prayer, and almsgiving, three great ways to help us sacrifice our bodies and share the little we have with others. In this Lent, let us think about how we can help more to grow the kingdom of God.
Our bishop invites us to participate by supporting his Lenten collection campaign within this Lenten environment. Your participation is not just a donation, but a vital part of our shared mission. On his behalf, I thank those who have already made your commitment to support this Campaign (BLA), either virtually or through the envelopes you received in your homes. This weekend, the priests will invite you to reflect on this commitment of faith; as I remind you, every year, each donation is important to support the works of evangelization and mercy that our bishop carries out; our generosity is always a blessing that God returns to us in due time. I invite you to commit with faith and offer it as a sacrifice that God will reward in spades. You will also find more information on how to make this commitment in the bulletin. Our bishop thanks you in advance for your contribution.
Next Wednesday, March 5th, is Ash Wednesday, the beginning of Lent. I remind you that it is a day of fasting and abstinence, a day to pray and make sacrifices. The Eucharist will be at 6:30 a.m., 9:00 a.m., 12:00 noon, and 6:00 p.m. in English and 7:30 p.m. in Spanish.
We look forward to seeing you all receive ashes on your foreheads as a sign of penitence and repentance. Also, as in previous Lent seasons, we will continue with the program “The Light is on For You.” This program is a special opportunity for individual confession and reconciliation. Every Wednesday, one of the priests will listen to confessions from 6:30 p.m. (until the last penitent). I hope many can attend and receive the sacrament of forgiveness of our sins. I also remind you not to forget that starting Friday, March 7th, and every Friday of Lent, we will have the prayer of the Stations of the Cross; in English, it will be at 5:30 p.m. and in Spanish at 7:30 p.m.
I also let you know that following Monday, March 10th, the staff of the parish and the faculty of the school will have a morning of Lenten retreat and reflection and confessions. As staff, it is also necessary to have moments of prayer and reflection to nourish our spirit and soul, enabling us to serve you better. For this reason, the office will be closed in the morning and will open at 2:00 p.m. I hope for your understanding and your prayers. Finally, this weekend, you will find a pamphlet with a catechesis on Lent; I hope it helps you better understand the time we are about to begin. We will also have a catechesis for Holy Week, Easter Sunday, and Divine Mercy Sunday.
Happy week to all, and may you live a joyful Lent.
Fr. Alex
