HUNGERING FOR GOD :: LENT
Brothers and Sisters, in Matthew's Gospel proclaimed on the First Sunday of Lent, we hear the story of Jesus' temptations in the desert. He fasted for forty days and forty nights, and afterwards he was hungry.
Do you hunger? Do you hunger for God? For God’s Word? For God’s greatness and glory? Or has your appetite led you to fill your heart with worldly things, like possessions, money, or control?
During this season of repentance, we are called to pray, to fast and to give. Through these Lenten practices we can empty our hearts of worldly things and begin Hungering for God and all that God is and desires for us.
Jesus reminds us that it is not “bread alone” that feeds us. We are called to a deeper reality - a union and communion with the Word made flesh. In the face of temptation, our strength comes from remembering our true selves, as children of God.
LENTEN ACTIVITIES
Ignatian Examen
+ Every Sunday, 6:30 to 6:50 PM, Eden Chapel
A special reflection on our day and Lenten journey in the tradition of Saint Ignatius of Loyola. A guided meditation on where and how God has been present to us throughout our day, where and how we may be called to extend and receive forgiveness, and where and how we have been prompted by movements of love and mercy. A perfect way to enter into the sacred mysteries of the Mass.
Time for Personal Prayer
+ Every Sunday, 6:50 PM, Church
Set aside 10 minutes before Mass for personal prayer. Read the Gospel of the day. Or read a Lenten reflection. Or simply allow the church Lenten environment to quiet your thoughts and mind and prepare for the Eucharist.
Reflect on Scripture
+ Every Sunday
Online via web, inbox, Facebook and The Blaze
Spend time with the Sunday scripture readings at your own pace. Members of our own community will share their reflections on the readings from an LGBTQ+ perspective.
Stations of the Cross
+Friday, March 31, 6:30 PM, Our Lady of Mt. Carmel
We will meet at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel for Stations in a way you have never experienced them before. Watch for more details soon.
HOLY WEEK
Watch this space for more information on activities for Holy Week - a Three Night Mission on the Passion and Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament.
Sacrament of Reconciliation
+ Sunday, March 19, 6:00 to 6:40 PM, Church
Lent is season of prayer and penance for our sins. The Sacrament of Reconciliation offers us the healing grace of God's forgiveness for our sins. Confessions will be heard in the church reconciliation room.
Has it been awhile since you have gone to Confession? Not sure of what to do or what to say? Don't worry. Our friends at Busted Halo offer this Guide to Confession. You can even take it with you.
GUIDE TO CONFESSION [pdf]
Food Pantry Grocery Collection for Nourishing Hope
+ Sunday, March 26, Church
An opportunity for fasting and giving. Pick-up a grocery shopping list at Church for our local food pantry - Nourishing Hope (formerly known as Lakeview Pantry). As you shop to help our neighbors, fast from buying some of your regular favorites in order to give to others. Demand at local pantries remains at all time high levels.
GROCERY COLLECTION SHOPPING LIST [pdf]
Lenten Fasting & Abstinence
+ Fasting: Ash Wednesday & Good Friday - Ages 18-59
+ Abstinence: Every Friday in Lent - Ages 14+
How do we fast?
When fasting, a person is permitted to eat one full meal, as well as two smaller meals that together are not equal to a full meal.
How do we abstain?
When abstaining, a person should not eat meat which comes from animals such as chickens, cows, sheep, pigs or birds. Abstinence does not include meat juices and liquid foods made from meat. Traditionally, one should abstain from all animal-derived products (except foods such as gelatin, butter, cheese and eggs). Fish are considered a different category of animal. Salt and freshwater species of fish, amphibians, reptiles, (cold-blooded animals) and shellfish are permitted.
Am I excused from fasting and abstinence?
Those that are excused from fast and abstinence outside the age limits include the physically or mentally ill including individuals suffering from chronic illnesses such as diabetes. Also excluded are pregnant or nursing women.