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Holy Week is Upon Us….

    Dear Parishioners,

    Holy Week is upon us. Think about attending the Triduum services this week as part of your spiritual growth.

    • Evening Mass of the Lord’s Supper on Thursday at 7:00pm
    • Friday of the Passion of the Lord at either 3:00pm or 7:00pm
    • Night Watch of the Resurrection on Saturday at 7:30pm

    Also, this will be a week in which on FRIDAY the church parishioners abstains from eating meat while making a “fast” with only one simple meal on that day. Make it a great day for yourselves!

    I recently came upon this reflection on “fasting”.

    FAST from and FEAST on for LENT
    Fast from judging others; feast on the Christ within them.
    Fast from emphasis on differences; feast on the unity of life.
    Fast from thoughts of illness; feast on the healing power of God.
    Fast from words that pollute; feast on phrases that purify.
    Fast from discontent; feast on gratitude.
    Fast from anger; feast on patience.
    Fast from pessimism; feast on optimism.
    Fast from complaining; feast on appreciation.
    Fast from negatives; feast on affirmatives.
    Fast from unrelenting pressures; feast on unceasing prayer.
    Fast from hostility; feast on non-resistance.
    Fast from bitterness; feast on forgiveness.
    Fast from self-concern; feast on compassion for others.
    Fast from personal anxiety; feast on eternal truth.
    Fast from discouragement; feast on hope.
    Fast from lethargy; feast on enthusiasm.
    Fast from suspicion; feast on truth.
    Fast from thoughts that weaken; feast on promises that inspire.
    Fast from shadows of sorrow; feast on the sunlight of sincerity.
    Fast from idle gossip; feast on purposeful silence.
    Fast from problems that overwhelm; feast on prayer that undergirds.
    Fast from instant gratifications; feast on self-denial.
    Fast from worry; feast on divine order.
    Trust in God.
    And finally, fast from sin; feast on the abundance of God’s mercy.

    The joy in doing this type of fasting and feasting is that these practices truly lead to rending our hearts and to conversion. And this conversion is a turning from those things that do not give life and a turning to God, who gives life to us in abundance. As you keep your gaze on the Father’s love and mercy, may this Holy Week and upcoming season of Easter be filled with every grace and blessing.

    Many blessings,
    Father Jim

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