Dear Parishioner:

Time is moving quickly and soon the Season of Lent will begin. It is important that we share some information with you to help in planning a fruitful Lenten experience. Lent is our annual opportunity to examine our relationship with the Lord and deepen that relationship with prayer and the sacraments.

ASH WEDNESDAY
Lent begins with Ash Wednesday, which begins FEBRUARY 13TH. Ashes on our fore heads reminds us that we are called to BELIEVE IN THE GOOD NEWS, that Jesus has offered His life for our salvation. Ashes will be distributed within Mass at 8:00am, 12 Noon and 6:30pm. Non-Catholics may receive Ashes on this day as well.

FASTING AND ABSTINENCE
The Church asks us to FAST and ABSTAIN from meat on certain days.

FASTING-for all between the ages of 18 to 59, on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday. Fasting consists of only 1 full meal, the other two not to equal it and no eating between meals. Also NO MEAT on these days.

ABSTINENCE-means NO MEAT on Ash Wednesday and ALL FRIDAYS of Lent. This is for everyone over the age of 14.

We are also encouraged to spend more quality time in prayer (Rosary, private Stations of the Cross, reading the Bible, reading Catholic literature, using booklets given out in church, etc.). Also, for those who can, attending Mass each Day or often during the week is highly recommended.

YEAR OF FAITH
Our Holy Father has proclaimed this year as the YEAR OF FAITH. We are encouraged to deepen our understanding of our Catholic Tradition. We will have a series on CATHOLICISM, a series of video presentations in our Social Hall. It will be a joint project with St. James Parish. The presentations at St. James will be Monday evenings at 7:00pm and in our parish on Wednesday evenings at 7:00pm. The 1st session will be on Monday, February 18th at St. James and repeated again on February 20th in our Social Hall. The presentations by Fr. Barron are inspirational and will give us a deeper understanding of our Catholic Faith. All are encouraged to attend. This is an excellent family event for Lent as well as the Year of Faith.

STATIONS OF THE CROSS
Stations of the Cross is a traditional Lenten practice. It gives us an opportunity to reflect on the Journey to the Cross that Jesus accepted on Good Friday. It is highly encouraged for all and to bring the children that they can experience this. It would also make a good subject for home discussion. Stations will be held in our parish each Wednesday at 11am before the noon Mass and also Friday evenings at 6:30pm with Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament.

FISH FRY
A FISH FRY will be held from 1:00-6:30pm on Ash Wednesday and 3:30-6:30pm on all the Fridays of Lent (except Good Friday). All are encouraged to come and enjoy a great fish dinner in our Social Hall. Help is always needed and is deeply appreciated.

RENEWAL OF MARRIAGE VOWS
We would like to celebrate the Sacredness of Marriage with an opportunity to Renew Marriage Vows after all Masses the weekend of February 9th and 10th. Valentine’s Day is the day after Ash Wednesday. We are grateful to all who submitted their Wedding pictures. These will be returned soon.

STATUE OF OUR BLESSED MOTHER
We are fortunate to have a Pilgrim Statue of Our Blessed Mother that is available to visit any home in the parish or community. It will be delivered and picked up at your request. A visit can be scheduled by calling Mr. Dion Urban at 724-568-1691. Lent would be a good time to have the statue.

BLESSING OF THROATS
The annual Blessing of Throats, in honor of St. Blase, will be held on Sunday, February 3rd, with a brief service at 4:30pm. All are most welcome to participate. Non-Catholics are also welcome to participate.

YOUTH MASS
A Youth Mass is held the 4th Sunday of every month at 5:00pm at St. James Church, Apollo. All youth of the parish are encouraged to attend. Adults are also welcome!

SUNDAY BINGO
Our Sunday evening Bingo in our Social Hall provides an entertaining evening for many of our parishioners, including Senior Citizens as well as many visitors. It is a place to come where the food is great, atmosphere is congenial and safe, and also provides an opportunity to meet other people. Those who come truly enjoy themselves. Come out and enjoy an afternoon of excellent food and fun!
Winter Hours:Doors open at 1pm and calling begins at 2pm thur the end of March.