This past Wednesday was Ash Wednesday and the beginning of Lent. Lent is perhaps our greatest annual opportunity to make a concerted effort to turn back to the Lord.
Whether we are walking closely with him or have strayed far away, all of us are invited to turn again from our sins and earthly attachments and seek him ever more fervently.
As you consider giving up something you enjoy and/or adding a pious habit, remember to keep unity with Our Lord in his death and resurrection as your firm purpose in your heart and mind, and not merely self-denial or self improvement.
I also invite you to participate in the many opportunities to observe Lent together at Nativity, including Mass this Wednesday, weekly Stations of the Cross on Fridays (after the 5pm Mass), Faith Formation opportunities, and the sacrament of Reconciliation available four times a week in addition to our Lenten Reconciliation service on Tuesday of Holy Week (April 12).
Whatever you choose, I encourage each of us to invite the Holy Spirit to draw us nearer to the Father’s loving heart this Lent.
May God bless your week and the beginning of these forty days.
Fr. Patrick Hipwell, Pastor
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The original version was published in the Sunday, February 27 parish bulletin.