Dear Parishioners,

It has been nearly a year since we first faced Masses being cancelled because of the pandemic. I know that services here and churches throughout the world have been continuously affected by obstacles and restrictions, causing worry for many people. For many people around the world, unlike in our own country, the practice of religion and Christianity is a disputed right. In some way or another these persecuted Christians do not give up the practice of their faith. I know it has been very inconvenient to keep up your sacramental practices and devotions, and I don’t really know when things will go back to normal again. Despite this uncertainty, we have to make the best of times as God sees fit.

The season of Lent is a penitential experience, during which we consider: “What gets in the way of my relationship with God?” There seems to be a lack of time for things that help us grow in our relationship with God. Making time for God can so easily be forgotten as there always seems to be a rush to get a thousand things done. Finding the time for prayers or reading scripture can seem impossible. This is why during Lent we take time to consider: “Is there anything I can eliminate that gets in the way of my faith? What can I do to grow in my faith?” Faith will bring infinitely more happiness than any material thing. As we grow in our faith, we grow in virtue. Virtues are good spiritual habits, and they help us act and do what we can make the world a better place. 

During this Lenten season, try to imitate Jesus by your works of charity. I know many of you are unable to join us in person, and so we are going to do our best to allow everyone to grow in their faith this Lent. Below are some devotions that are available during Lent: