In the opening prayer for next Sunday, we pray: “Grant, almighty God, through the yearly observances of holy Lent, that we may grow in understanding of the riches hidden in Christ and by worthy conduct pursue their effects.” The Universal Norms on the Liturgical Year and the Calendar (27) states “Lent is ordered to preparing for the celebration of Easter, since the Lenten liturgy prepares for celebration of the Paschal Mystery, both catechumens, by the various stages of Christian Initiation, and the faithful, who recall their own Baptism and do penance."
So we are focused on Easter as a community and conversion of hearts in preparation for Holy Week. I would encourage you to plan now for a time to receive the Sacrament of Penance before Holy Week and to grow in works of charity and increase your prayer. Please read through the information in this bulletin today, as well as the opportunities posted on our website, about how you can begin to prepare. I would also encourage you to plan now to participate in Holy Week fully, and specifically the Paschal Triduum beginning with Holy Thursday, on April 18. If you’ve never attended an Easter Vigil before, please consider joining in this amazing celebration on April 20, beginning at 8:00PM.
Our Sunday Mass during Lent will show the change of the season. We will have a silent opening and will be drawing greater focus on the penitential character of the season by praying a seldom used penitential rite: “Have mercy on us, O Lord. For we have sinned against you. Show us, O Lord, your mercy. And grant us your salvation.” A somewhat stark and dark plea to God at the beginning of every Mass.
Remember to place focus on the care of others during this season too, especially if this is not a priority in your life. Try to do an extra good deed every day, or write a letter or card daily to someone you don’t communicate with regularly. Help those in need in the world by participating in Operation Rice Bowl, and of course with all of our regular charities like the Food Kitchen, Villa St. Francis, Olathe Pregnancy Clinic, Catholic Charities, etc.
While a popular question seems to be, “What are you giving up for Lent?” remember that our Catholic tradition offers a deeper way to think of Lenten disciplines. One interesting idea is to think about how the three disciplines of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving might be incorporated into our presence on social media. Maybe making an effort to post prayers or quotes from saints or even scripture quotes online. How about fasting from social media entirely during the season, or at least decrease ways you might waste time in areas that do not increase your holiness, and replace the time with positivity and kindness. Almsgiving is rooted in the call to be generous and self-giving to those in need and so it might be a good practice to donate to others, or organizations online who do great charitable works.
Remember indecision is really a decision. Decide to make this Lent a time of holy conversion.
God bless,