Dear Parishioner: 

The season of Lent is almost with us. Ash Wednesday is February 22nd. It is the Lord’s invitation and call to each of us to examine ourselves and make what ever adjustments we need to answer His call.

The Church offers us several ways to help in this process. I would encourage you to participate as fully as you can with your family.

Daily Prayer- this is important for a vital relationship with the Lord. Some suggestions are: The Rosary, reading the Bible, using the books we make available for personal prayer time, receiving the Sacrament of Penance and Eucharist, and even reading the Catholic Accent, can help greatly. Also, coming to Mass each day or as often as possible during the week, as well as weekends, can make a difference in our lives.

Fasting and Abstinence- We are also asked to Fast and Abstain from meat during Lent: No MEAT on Ash Wednesday and all the Fridays of Lent for anyone age 14 and above.  FASTING obliges all from 18-59 on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday. Fasting consists of only ONE full meal and two smaller ones. No eating between meals, but taking liquids is permitted.

Mass Schedule
Ash Wednesday Masses are 8:00 a.m., 12 Noon, 6:30 p.m. Ashes will be given out only during Masses. Receiving Ashes is a sign of our willingness to repent of our sins. All are invited to receive Ashes on Ash Wednesday.

   Daily Masses are Monday, Tuesday, Thursday at 8:00 a.m.
            Wednesday and Friday at 12 noon. First Friday Mass at 8:00 am.

Stations of the Cross will be held on Wednesday at 11:00 a.m. and Friday 6:30 p.m. We encourage families to come and experience this devotion, walking with Jesus to His Cross.

REGIONAL PENANCE SERVICES
Three Penance Services have been scheduled in our Deanery. Each service begins at 7:00 p.m. with several priests available for Confessions. Please note dates and places
        WEDNESDAY, MARCH 28TH at Mt. St. Peter Church, New Kensington, PA
               THURSDAY, MARCH 29TH at St. Gertrude Church, Vandergrift, PA
                       MONDAY, APRIL 2ND  at Christ the King Church, Leechburg, PA
The Sacrament of Penance is available every Saturday at noon, and anytime by appointment. This is an important part of Lent and all are encouraged to receive it.

HOLY WEEK SERVICES  April 1-7
      All are highly encouraged to attend all services and participate as fully as possible.  This is the most Solemn week of the entire year leading to EASTERSUNDAY..

Palm Sunday + Blessed Palms will be distributed before Mass to be taken home and placed behind a crucifix or wall picture. It is a sign of the Lord’s victory won for us by His death on Good Friday. Masses are: Saturday 6:00 p.m. Sunday 8:00 and 11:00 am.

Monday, Tuesday + Masses will be at 8:00 a.m. Wednesday Mass at Noon.

HOLY THURSDAY +  Mass of the Lord’s Supper will be at 7:00 pm. followed by procession and Adoration until 11:00 p.m. We are invited by the Lord to watch and pray with Him as He suffered His Agony in the Garden, the night before He died on the Cross.

GOOD FRIDAY +  Solemn Good Friday services will begin at 2:30 p.m. It will consist of Scripture readings, Adoration of the Cross and Holy Communion. It is also a day of FAST and ABSTAINING FROM MEAT.
     STATIONS + of the Cross will be held at 6:30 p.m. Come with your family.

HOLY SATURDAY + Blessing of Easter food, Easter baskets and children, will be at NOON. All are encouraged to come for this special blessing.

The EASTER VIGIL celebration will begin at 8:30 p.m. This is the most important service of the entire year and the most solemn. All are encouraged to attend this Mass.

ADORATION OF THE BLESSED SACRAMENT
During Lent we will have Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament on Wednesday immediately after the Noon Mass, until 4:30 p.m. It will end with Evening Prayer from the Liturgy of the Hours and Benediction. All are highly encouraged to come and spend some quiet time in prayer before our Eucharistic Lord.

Fish Dinners will be served in our Social Hall on Ash Wednesday and ALL Fridays of Lent, except Good Friday. All are encouraged to come and enjoy a great fish dinner. Help is always needed and appreciated.

DIOCESAN LENTEN APPEAL will begin shortly. This appeal helps to fund Diocesan services in which we participate. Our Diocesan goal this year is $15,221. Funds received above this, will be returned to our parish for our own needs. Thank you.  

May the Lord bless each of you during this Lenten Season. May the Risen Lord bring you His peace and joy with the promise of New Life.  God bless you.