Ash Wednesday is February 14th. The beginning of 40 days of self denial prayer and fasting for the universal Church in preparation for the great Passover the Pasch of the Lord - Easter Sunday of the Resurrection. The faithful are to Abstain from meat (no beef or chicken) and to Fast, have only one meal. The celebration of St. Valentine's Day is forbidden. (Treat your sweetheart another day maybe early!). ALL Fridays of Lent are days of Abstinence. Good Friday is a a day of BOTH Abstinence and Fasting. Reminders: we should always give up bad things. During Lent give up something you like that may even be good, it helps us realize that God alone is the source of our happiness. (Consider: no TV, no news; give up film or going out to eat; give up a tennis match or golf game; fast from sweets altogether or milk or sugar. Spend time with the elderly or the young. Forgive someone who hurt you. Use extra time for prayer, extra money to help the hungry, homeless, the sick). Consider daily prayer devotions, Stations of the Cross, daily mass, Adoration or short visits to the Blessed Sacrament. Pray the Litany of Humility, prayers to the Sacred Heart, etc. Please pray for all to be baptized at Easter and for their families.

100% percent of your Christmas Holy Day tithes and offerings are exempt from Archdiocesan taxes and assessments and remain with the parish. Thank you for your generosity at year's end to this beautiful parish !