ST. JULIA PARISH ASH WEDNESDAY, MARCH 6 LITURGY SCHEDULE
St. Julia Church (Weston)
Masses at 7:00AM & 7:00 PM
Prayer Service at 12:10PM
St. Joseph Church (Lincoln)
Mass at 9:00 AM
Prayer Service at 4:00PM
A Letter from the Pastor
Dear Friends,
We begin our Lenten Season this Wednesday with the distribution of ashes and the call to “turn away from sin and remain faithful to the Gospel.” This is the essence of Lent. We are to repent of our faults and failings while seeking to know and love the Lord more perfectly. I urge all to take advantage of this Lenten Season to grow in holiness.
The traditional pillars of Lenten observance, prayer, fasting and almsgiving, offer us a path for spiritual growth. We might well see Lent as a chance to give our prayer lives a “tune up.” St. Julia Parish “Small Group” gatherings are starting anew this Lent. They will focus on the Sacred Scripture for each Sunday’s Mass. Participants will be invited to be immersed in God’s Word through discussion, reflection and prayer. Our Parish “Prayer Circle” is also being established again this Lent. It offers all a simple way to connect with our God in supplication for one another. The Mass, of course, is our ultimate act of worship and prayer before God and is offered daily in our Parish.
Fasting is practiced in varied ways among the faithful. Limiting one’s intake on food is a common way to fast. But, other forms of self-denial are also praiseworthy. Our “giving up” of certain earthly pleasures is meant to lead us to a deeper appreciation of what truly matters that which is eternal in heaven. Our fasting may also be linked to almsgiving, the third traditional pillar of Lent. In denying ourselves there is often the opportunity to give to others.
Almsgiving is found in our charitable works. In offering our time, talent and treasure for the sake of Jesus and His Church, we more deeply enter into the paschal mystery. Our sacrifices are linked to the Cross of Christ. Let us journey in faith together this Lent. All are encouraged to participate in Parish programs and activities.
Please join us regularly for Mass. Come and experience the mercy and love of God in the Sacrament of Penance, available on Saturday afternoons and Wednesday evenings during this sacred season. Lent, though penitential in nature, is meant to lead us to fuller joy. We rejoice in our Lord who, despite our sin and in our weakness, lovingly lifts us up to share His glory.
Blessings in Christ,
Fr. Mark
