My Dear sisters and brothers of St. John Fisher Parish,
The season of Lent is now upon us. It is an opportunity to renew and deepen our relationship with Jesus, and to renew the choices we make, so that we might live as He taught. In fact, if we take Lent seriously, it offers us the opportunity to renew our whole life!
Traditionally, Lent is a privileged time for prayer, fasting and almsgiving.
During Lent, we seek time to pray more – alone and with others. When we fast, we usually cut back on what we eat and drink. Not only will this benefit us in a physical way, but it will also help us in our spiritual life. Fasting often leads us to understand that we depend on God to nourish us in every way. We will recognize the blessings we receive every day, which leads us to be ever more grateful and generous.
“Giving up” something gives us time to “take up” something of greater value. Giving up social media for two hours each day in Lent could give time to read a book or two, or to write long-overdue letters to distant family members or long-forgotten friends. “Giving up” something might save us money to offer to a local food bank or other charitable cause. Even more, it might give us time to volunteer our talent to make life easier for others in some helpful way. That is almsgiving.
By prayer, fasting and almsgiving, our spiritual life is nurtured, our personal life is purified, and our outreach to brothers and sisters on the margins is encouraged. It will lead us to a deeper personal encounter with Jesus Christ.
Ash Wednesday
As we are still in a Red zone, it is sad that we cannot come together as a family for Ash Wednesday celebrations. So, we have to celebrate Ash Wednesday with care and I would like to suggest two options for you.
On Ash Wednesday, February 17th, there will be a Live streamed Mass and the Blessing of the Ashes at 9:00 a.m. After Mass from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. you are welcome to come to church and receive Ashes. I can sprinkle ashes on your forehead avoiding any physical contact. But I would like to encourage you to make it a family celebration this year. To do that I suggest that one of the family members could come to church between 9:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. or 2:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. or 5:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. take blessed ashes home; if possible attend the online Mass already streamed together, or use the small prayer and anoint each other with ashes and thus begin the season of Lent together as a family.
LINK TO PRAYER
To take ashes home, you need not bring anything, we will give you a small zip lock plastic bag.
Weekend and Weekday Mass Timings Until further Notice
Saturday at 4:00 p.m. and Sunday 10:00 a.m. (All Live streamed)
After attending Mass online, you are most welcome to drive to church and priests will be there to give you communion.
Tuesday to Friday 9.00 am. (Live streamed).
On Fridays during Lent at 7:00 p.m. there will be stations of the Cross, Live streamed.
Here is the site for online celebrations;
Saint John Fisher Parish YouTube Channel
As we are all going through this difficult time, keep united in prayer. Please be mindful of our Christian responsibility of protecting others as we try to protect ourselves, by following all the regulations in place.
I wish you all a blessed Lenten season during which you learn how to live freely and fully in Christ!
In Christ
Fr. Sibichan (Pastor).