Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time

and Notes:  Lent begins this Wednesday, February 18.  We will celebrate Ash Wednesday with two morning Masses (7AM at SMG and 9AM at OLA), and two Liturgy of the Word services (4PM at SMG and 7PM at OLA), all with the imposition of ashes following the homily.  Lent has a twofold theme of repentance and baptism.  This season prepares both catechumens and the baptized faithful to celebrate the paschal mystery of Christ’s dying and rising at Easter.  Catechumens are led to the Sacraments of Initiation by means of various rites and catechesis.  The faithful, listening more intently to the Word of God, and devoting themselves to prayer, fasting and almsgiving, are prepared to renew their baptismal promises.  Once again this Lent, we will be offering “The Light is On for You,” giving our parishioners the opportunity to celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation on Wednesday evenings from 6:30-7:30PM.  This year we will be alternating the site for the Sacrament of Penance on Wednesday evenings:  one week it will be held at OLA; the next week at SMG and so forth.  Each Wednesday, we will expose the Blessed Sacrament during the hour in which Confessions are being heard.  On the Monday of Holy Week, March 30, we will celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation in both parishes from 6:30-7:30PM.  We are also offering you the Little Black Books a resource for your Lenten prayer and reflection.  In addition, our Collaborative Lenten Mission will take place on Sunday, March 1 and Monday, March 2.  You can find details of this wonderful spiritual program elsewhere in today’s bulletin.  Blessings to all of you as Lent begins!