Our First Sunday of Lent was blessed with falling snow, the blessing over the individuals seeking to be received into our Catholic faith this Easter, and a baptism with family surrounding the infant with such graciousness.
Our parishes remain hopeful and welcoming to those who have been sharing in the Eucharist, those who are still hesitant to attend because of health reasons, those who are visiting, and those whose faith may have lapsed.
Lent is a penitential, reflective time, but also a time of renewal and reconciliation—as our God desires. Purple remains the color denoting this season of renewal and reconciliation. Whether in the sanctuary of our churches or, in the case of Sacred Heart, the old tradition of covering the statues, the color purple can uplift spirits, calm our minds, draw us toward the sacred presence, and lead us toward spiritual healing and belonging.
Many Catholics and Christians in general take an active step towards spiritual healing and belonging with their personal resolutions, in giving up candy, or other delectable foods, refraining from certain drinks; or concentrating on positive resolutions of additional prayer, empathetic actions, and sharing of ones blessings. Alongside our Lenten observance of fasting and abstaining, we may take note of the interesting suggestions from Food Rules: An Eater’s Manual: do all your eating at a table; “breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince, dinner like a pauper;” buy smaller plates and glasses; eat when you are hungry not when you are bored; avoid food products containing ingredients that a third-grader cannot pronounce; don’t eat anything your great-grandmother wouldn’t recognize.
Though we are stepping into the second week of Lent, our parishes still have ample material and suggestions to further renew your personal faith. Material for The Search is still available, as well as on line to sign up at anytime; daily devotionals are in the back of church as well as other devotional materials, Rice Bowls are for your taking as a means to support your sacrifices for those in need; the unique Stations of the Cross prayer is offered in each of our parishes during the week.
Considering the social upheaval we have experienced these last several months, the structure of Lent may be the most appropriate blessing to balance our faith and spirituality—both personally and communally. I believe the Bishop—in consultation with his staff—will retain the present Coronavirus guidelines and restrictions through Lent, Holy Week and into Easter Season, cautiously safeguarding those who are present at the Eucharist. With some of the liturgical restrictions ‘loosened’ our Eucharist is reflecting more of an inviting, normal essence reflective of our Catholic faith. I want to thank the musicians, cantors, readers, Eucharistic Ministers, ushers, who are willingly sharing their time and faith through their participation in these ministries. Most likely the Sign Of Peace and the offering of the Blood Of Christ may be withheld for some time, however we will need additional Eucharistic Ministers as our people return to church. In this regard we will ask for Altar Servers to be present at each of the Masses, serving in the sanctuary.
We will begin to schedule Servers for each Mass with those who are ready to offer their time and presence. As we look toward to Holy Week and Easter—with our parishes once again welcoming parishioners and visitors alike— we are hoping to have new altar clothes tailored appropriately for our altars. They will be fashioned from special material, reflecting a presence of dignity as we celebrate the Eucharist. If you would desire to make a donation towards the new altar clothes as a memorial, in memory of someone, please call the office. Hopefully the hand tailored altar clothes will be ready for Holy Week, Easter and Sundays throughout the year.

Blessings on your Lenten journey,
Fr. Tim