Father Charles will have a special blessing the weekend of March 30/31 for couples celebrating their wedding anniversary during the month of March.

Our parish and Catholic communities throughout the United States do something amazing each Lent. We come together to pray, fast and give alms—and by doing so, we help lift families and communities out of poverty and put them on a path toward resilience, prosperity, and stability. That’s the CRS Rice Bowl effect. Rice Bowls will be available for pick- up in the back of church beginning this weekend. Inside the bowls are suggested prayers, readings, and facts about the work of Catholic Relief Services. Through this tradition, we have helped families around the world and in our Archdiocese by raising our voices and our prayers, and by making sacrificial gifts. 25% of all funds raised by the Rice Bowl Campaign stay right here in our Archdiocese.

Fasting is to be observed on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday by all Catholics who are 18 to 58 years of age. Those who are bound to fast may take only one full meal, and two smaller meals are permitted if necessary to maintain strength according to each one’s needs; eating solid foods between meals is not permitted. Abstinence from meat is to be observed by all Catholics 14 years or older on Ash Wednesday, Good Friday, and all Fridays of Lent.

Mass with the distribution of ashes will be at 8 a.m. and 7 p.m. on Ash Wednesday. On Ash Wednesday we will have a collection for our Social Assistance account. These monies are used to assist people who are in need to help cover utility bills and food bills. Also, during Lent we will pray the Way of the Cross each Friday at 7:00 p.m. Immediately after the Way of the Cross, there will be Adoration of the Most Blessed Sacrament and an opportunity to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation until 8:00 p.m. The Sacrament of Reconciliation is also available every Wednesday from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m.