Welcome to Lent!

The 18th was Ash Wednesday, the day on which Lent commenced. In the Catechism, we read, "Lent is the liturgical season of forty days which begins with Ash Wednesday and ends with the celebration of the Paschal Mystery (Easter Triduum). Lent is the primary penitential season in the Church's liturgical year, reflecting the forty days Jesus spent in the desert in fasting and prayer."

On Ash Wednesday, when the priest or minister distributes ashes, he has two options to say: "Remember that you are dust and to dust you shall return," or "Repent and believe in the Gospel." The words "repent and believe in the Gospel," echo the first public preaching of Jesus Christ in the Gospel of Mark (Mark 1:15). This message proclaimed by Jesus and the Apostles urges us to change the direction of our lives, to adopt a new way of thinking and acting, to turn away from sin, and embrace the discipleship of Jesus Christ.

What is repentance? The Greek word "metanoia" means "to change your mind," and the Hebrew counterpart means "to return." On Ash Wednesday, we receive ashes as a reminder of our death and a sign of internal repentance. Therefore, Lent, a season of repentance, helps us follow Christ more closely, deepen our relationship with Him, and leave sin behind so we will inherit a share in the Resurrection.

If you have been away for months, years, or decades, please come back. You are always welcome here. We are offering a Combined Parish Reconciliation Evening at Borgia on Sunday, March 15th, from 7:00-8:00 pm. You can always schedule the reception of the sacrament of Reconciliation with any priest. In addition, there will be an opportunity for Reconciliation after the 9:00 am Masses on Sundays during Lent and on the Monday during Holy Week from 6:30-8:00 pm.

If you have missed a Sunday Mass without a serious reason, know that God's mercy and forgiveness await you in the sacrament of Reconciliation. This needs to happen before receiving the Holy Eucharist. Know that God's love and mercy are always available to you! As a reminder, the regular times of opportunity for the Sacrament of Reconciliation and our current Mass schedule are in the bulletin. We also have Exposition of the Eucharist on Tuesdays following the 8:00 am School Mass through 6:15 pm.

If there is anything either of the priests here can help you, please call the parish office at 636.239.6701 x 1510

Peace, Father Maassen