What a fantastic birthday! I received so many cards and gifts! And to make my birthday even more enjoyable was the birthday dinner with wonderfuul food, friends, and dancing!! Thank you for all who helped to pul the event together and make it as special as it was!
Bt with all the happiness, I also wiill be going North to be present at the tombstone laying of my nephew Jon. The familywilll gather - and it will be a sad time.
And, of course, the great season of Lent is with us. The word "Lent" is transtated into English as spring/time - an opportunity for u to spiritually "clean our house". Pray, fast, and works of charity are the focus of this season. I hope you picked-up a cpy of the Lenten Calendar in the Church. Tack it on your refrigerator and check out all the opportunities to spiritually clean your house! Highlights are: the Wednesday Family Lenten Programs (soup and sandwiches provided); Ash Wednesday to begin our pledge for a renewing Lent;Stations of the Cross on Fridays; an our Lenteen Penance Service of March 8. Don' forget Fish Fries on two Fridays during Lent hosted by the Knights of Columbus.
Take some time to develop your spiritual lives. For example, I will be fasting from T.V. during Lent, but instead I will be reading about the Life of Francis de Sales, as well as books to keep me up to date on Liturgy and world events. Not everyone is called to do that, but there are many ways of fasting from things that are bad habits which enables us to please God with purity of heart.
Don't be afraid to read the Bible daily or recite the Rosary - simple ways for each of us to pray .
"Almsgiving" is translated to be works of charity. As a Parish, will be collecting monies during the second collection for the Shephards' Inn (homeless shelter in Thomasville), the Thomasville Resource Center, and the Food Bank. All acts of charity to support centers for those who need our help.
Together, we will be spiritually renewed during this Lendt and become better disciples with the Lord.
Father Jim