OUR LADY QUEEN OF PEACE
NEWSLETTER + LENT + 2008
PARISH OFFICE PHONE:  724-567-7603

Dear Parishioner:

We are hardly over Christmas and we must quickly think of LENT. Ash Wednesday, the beginning of Lent, will be on FEBRUARY 6^TH, in less than a month. I would like to share with you the schedule we will be following during Lent.

PENANCE an important aspect of the Lenten Season is receiving the Sacrament of Penance. To acknowledge our sins honestly and admit them in the Sacrament of Penance, allows us to experience the mercy and forgiveness of Jesus Christ. This Sacrament is available every Saturday at Noon in Church, or anytime on request by calling the rectory.

The Regional Penance Services have not yet been scheduled, but will be held the week of March 9^th. Our Sunday News bulletin will have the schedule when set.

DAILY MASS is another important ingredient for Lent. Attending Mass on Sunday is our responsibility as Catholics, but to also attend Mass during the week, is recommended. Daily Mass is: M-Tu-Th at 8:00 a.m.  W &F at 12 noon. First Friday Mass is at 8:00 a.m.

ADORATION of the Blessed Sacrament will be held on Wednesday immediately following the noon Mass, until 4:30 p.m. Prayer before our Eucharistic Lord will enrich our lives and draw many blessings from the Lord. Evening Prayer and Benediction will be at 4:30 p.m.

CHURCH REGULATIONS FOR LENT

  FASTING obliges all from age 21 – 59. Fasting consists of only one full meal, the other two not to equal the full meal. Fasting is on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday.

ABSTINENCE obliges all from age 14 and above. This means NO meat on Ash Wednesday and ALL Fridays of Lent.

ASH WEDNESDAY, the beginning of Lent, Masses will be: 8:00 a.m., 12 noon and 6:30 p.m. Ashes will be distributed only during Mass. All are invited to receive Ashes.

Ashes are a visible sign of our need for repentance and conversion. A good confession should follow the reception of Ashes.

METAL FOLDING CHAIRS – We have a number of metal folding chairs for anyone who would like them for $5 each. If you are interested, please call the rectory.

LENTEN BOOKLETS
Lenten booklets will be distributed at all Masses on Sunday, February 3^rd to all adults. These books are a great help for prayer during the season of Lent. Children’s booklets will be given to students in Religion classes.

STATIONS OF THE CROSS   is a wonderful devotion for the whole family. During Lent, Stations of the Cross will be held each Wednesday at 11:00 a.m., and Friday evening at 6:30 p.m. followed by Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament. We encourage parents to bring the children to this Devotion each week.

ADORATION is held each Wednesday following the noon Mass, until 4:30 p.m. in Church. It is a great opportunity to spend quiet prayer time before the Lord. All are invited to take advantage of this opportunity.

FISH FRY   will be held on Ash Wednesday (Feb.6^th) and ALL Fridays of Lent in our Social Hall, 3:30-6:30 p.m., except for Good Friday. Bring the family and invite your friends to come for the best Fish dinner in the area.  Adults $ 6.00   Children $ 5.00.

FAITH FORMATION
All students of the parish should be attending Religion classes each Sunday morning, 9:35-10:50 a.m. and attending Mass. Our program supports what should be lived and taught at home. If we can be of help, please let us know. Thank you.

HOSPITAL
The hospital does not contact the parish when a parishioner is admitted. Fr. Mike tries to visit any parishioner who is admitted to Allegheny Valley Hospital when notified. Families are asked to call the rectory with this information.

PARISH SUPPORT
We depend upon the Sunday contributions to help us meet our expenses each month. Our utilities bills (gas and electric) are over $ 1,522 monthly for the Church and Social Hall; besides on going maintenance, repairs, snow removal, etc. Your weekly gift to the Lord is deeply appreciated. Our weekly gift should always reflect our gratitude to the Lord for His blessings to us. Thank you.

May the Lord bless you and all your family in this New Year 2008. May it be a year of grace, good health and peace for all.