This Wednesday is Ash Wednesday, the beginning of Lent. Masses on Ash Wednesday are scheduled at 6:15, 8:15, 12:30 and 6:30 p.m. As we begin our Lenten journey, Ash Wednesday is a day of fasting and a day of abstaining from meat. Each Friday of Lent is also a day to abstain from meat.
We have many opportunities for devotions during Lent. We will offer Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament in the daily Mass chapel on Wednesdays from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m. Stations of the Cross are offered on Friday evenings at 7 p.m. (in place of our regular Friday holy hour). Stations are also offered at 3:00 on Sunday afternoons.
Lent is our time for prayer, fasting and almsgiving. Even more important, it is the time for us to turn away from our sin. Now is the time to make a plan and make sure that this is for each of us a holy season.
Rice Bowls are available in the back of the church to help with the works of Catholic Charities. As a parish Lenten project, we are also going to raise funds this year to help with the works of the Passionist Fathers in Haiti. In a nation racked with economic and political instability, kidnappings and gang violence, the Passionist Fathers are working to support schools, hospitals, orphanages and the works of the Church. If you would like to help, make out a check to St. Charles and write “Passionist Fathers” in the memo line.
For those who are carrying guilt or shame over a past abortion, a couple of resources are worth mentioning. Check out “Project Rachel” on our diocesan website. Also I have heard a good review about an ecumenical retreat called “Deeper Still.” Google “Deeper Still Northern Indiana” for more information.
Margaret Digan and Maggie Kleber have been organizing our parish outreach to Just Families for fifteen or more years. As they are stepping back, we offer our thanks for all of their dedication.
Finally, our Parish Consultation day, as part of the Diocesan Synod, will be next weekend, Sunday afternoon, Feb. 22 from 2:00-3:30. Please sign up if you haven’t, and take a booklet from the Gathering Space.
