February 14, 2021

I want to begin this “pastor’s report” with thanking all of you for the prayers and support you have shown Fr. Marc while he recovers from his illness, and for myself while I do what I can to keep the parish moving.  We have an incredible staff in this parish, whether we look at the school or the parish office, everyone has remained flexible and gracious even while our circumstance may tempt us towards frustration and even despair.  I thank God for them and for you.

The Father, because he is loving and merciful, shows up and grants us graces and consolations each and every day.  Sometimes, we are too wrapped up in the worries and tasks of our daily experiences to recognize them.  But this week, I recognized a consolation.  Witnessing the offering of prayers and the outpouring of concerns for Fr. Marc was a great consolation for me.  Experiencing the love you have shown and continue to show him was used by God to ease my fears and increase my desire to love Him and you with more vigor.  I have also been surprised by the support and concern you have shown me the past two weeks.  God is good and this parish is living up to its glowing reputation.

Now in an abrupt shift of topic, LENT IS COMING!  I know that this year has been difficult, that we have given up a lot already, but you were made for these times and to experience the gifts and sorrows that come.  We have to try and assert truth and reason over feelings and complacency.  So don’t make excuses; make progress. With all that said… what are the expectations for Lent? Do you need a reminder?  If so… keep reading.

Catholics are asked to increase three spiritual and corporal works during the season of Lent.  We should redouble our efforts in prayer, increase our stewardship (almsgiving or acts of service), and do an act of penance throughout Lent.  The works and penance we do should help us grow closer to God by removing obstacles to spending time with Him.  While attempting to consistently do these things, we are also asked to abstain from meat on Fridays (mandatory once 14) and fast and abstain from meat on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday (mandatory from 18-60). The abstaining from meat and fasting is not required if one has a medical condition that requires food or is pregnant.  Finally, during lent, there are Sundays and solemnities that occur, on those days we do not have to maintain our penance, nor do we have to abstain from meat if the Solemnity falls on a Friday (like the Solemnity of St. Joseph on March 19).  We can become quite pharisaical about Lent if all we do is try to fulfill the rules but do not enter into the spirit of Lent.  The rules help us enter Lent, but Lent does not end there.  Remember, that the purpose of Lent is to grow in our relationship with God and prove to ourselves that we are not slaves to our passions.  May God bless all of us with a good, holy, and difficult Lent.

In Christ,

Fr. Matthew Capadano