Lent Has Arrived
We’re now officially in Lent, a time of prayer, fasting, and alms giving. The Pastoral Council and our Liturgy Committee thought it would be great if we all did a lenten observance together as a parish. You can each do whatever you want, of course, but I’d love for you to consider doing something that focuses on the spiritual health of our families and those of the parishes around us, also called the “domestic church” in theology. What is it? I’m glad you asked.
Parish-wide Lenten Commitment
I’d love for all of our family members who live in the same house to commit to having a meal, ideally dinner, as a whole family once a week. Step it up even: Keep all electronics in another room, dim the lights, maybe add a single candle in the center of the table if it’s safe, and just sharing your meal and lives. In the past, this was the norm. You see, when families gather for a meal, they talk and listen. They share their stories. Families grow stronger and faith is inspired. We realize how much we need God and each other. Maybe consider a question to kick of the meal like, "Where did you see God act in your day?" Delegate someone to lead the prayer over the meal, and another to close with a short prayer at the end.
What is the hope?
The hope is that when families gather around a table to share a meal, they grow and become stronger. This is a crucial place where the love of God is taught and learned through word and example. In the last few weeks, a popular TV show called Blue Bloods ended its long run. What was the part of each show that everyone who watched loved so much? It was the dinner table where all the family gathered, shared food, joked around, supported each other, and most importantly, asked for God’s grace.
Additional Challenge: A Simple Vicariate Pilgrimage
If you’re single or part of a family looking for a Lenten challenge, here’s an idea to boost your faith and extend yourself beyond the parochial-confines of Holy Trinity Parish. Take some time to visit every parish in our local Vicariate. If they have an Adoration Chapel, make sure to stop by and pray. If not, no worries! Just park a few minutes in their parking lot and spend some time praying. What should you pray for in either situation? Pray for their parishioners, their staff, and their clergy. They are your neighbors, your friends, and your fellow Catholics. Remember, we’re all part of the same Church. So, while you're at it, pray for Pope Francis. He can surely use your prayers. You can do this in a few hours or over a few days, whatever works best for you. Here are the parishes in our Vicariate: Holy Trinity, St. Pius X, St. Cecilia, St. John Fisher, and St. Juan Diego. Consider it more than a field-trip, but a pilgrimage with a mission to pray for others, your neighboring Catholics.
God bless you all this Lent!
Fr. William Holtzinger
Pastor