Calendar and Events
Ash Wednesday
Ash Wednesday is the first day of the season of Lent.
Mass will be celebrated with distribution of ashes, at 7:30 am, 9:00 am and 7:00 pm.
All those who attend Mass are invited to come forward to receive ashes on their foreheads. The ashes are applied in the shape of the cross while speaking these, or similar, words "You are dust and to dust you shall return," or "Repent of your sins and be forgiven." This ritual reminds us of our inherent sinfulness and mortality, and our need to repent and turn to God. The cross reminds us that Jesus was crucified for us and offers forgiveness for all our sins.
Some Christians choose to leave the ashes on their forehead for the remainder of the day as a witness that all people are sinners in need of repentance and that through Jesus all sins are forgiven through faith.
Ash Wednesday is not a Holy Day of Obligation. We may choose whether we will celebrate Mass and the imposition of ashes on our foreheads. Ash Wednesday is a popular tradition and provides a wonderful opportunity to dedicate ourselves to spiritual renewal during the season of Lent.
Excerpts from "The History and Meaning of Ash Wednesday" by Dr. Richard P. Buch
Activities
Stations of the Cross, followed by Adoration and Benediction: All Fridays during Season of Lent, 7:30 pm
RCIA Soup Supper, Friday, February 24, 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Knights of Columbus Fish Fry, Friday, March 2, 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Whole Community Lenten Retreat: "Praying the Mass", Saturday, March 3, 9:00 am - 3:00 pm
Annual Diocesan Lenten Retreat: "Living Lent with Easter Hope", Saturday, March 10, Saint Thomas More Church
SJB Ladies Lenten Soup Supper, Friday, March 16, 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Religious Education, Living Stations of the Cross, Sunday, March 18, 9:45 am
Parish Lenten Reconciliation Service, Monday, March 19, 7:00 pm
Knights of Columbus Fish Fry, Friday, March 23, 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm