Lent begins on Ash Wednesday (February 22) and concludes when the Sacred Paschal Triduum begins with the Evening Mass of the Lord's Supper on Holy Thursday (April 6). The disciplines of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving prepare us for the Paschal Triduum and Easter (cf. Matthew 6:1-18).
-- Prayer: We praise God for being God. We thank God for what God has done, is doing, and will do for us. We share our joys and sorrows, successes and struggles, needs and desires. Cooperating with God, we trust in how God will provide.
-- Fasting: It can help build our self-mastery over our appetites. If we refuse to control our appetites, then our appetites will control us in destructive ways. Controlling our appetites can help us to resist being self-centered.
-- Almsgiving: Works of mercy affirm the inherent dignity of human beings and the importance of community.
Our 2023 HFC theme is, “Conqueror: Overcomers with Christ.” A person who is resolved to live with Christ within His Church is empowered to be a conqueror with Christ.
Growing as disciples of Christ within His Church is a lifelong process. It is important to grow in loving, knowing, and serving our God as individuals. However, it is of the nature of being a disciple of Christ that we do not advance on this journey alone. Growing in faith together as a Church is a gift from God. I invite you to take advantage of the opportunities for growing in faith offered by our parish.
Let us pray for one another that we will have a fruitful observance of Lent. May God be with you and keep you safe.
Father Raymond Harris
HOMILY SERIES
LENT I
February 25 & 26
Overcoming Temptation
with Christ
LENT II
March 4 & 5
Overcoming Fear of Failure
with Christ
LENT III
March 11 & 12
Overcoming a Painful Past
with Christ
LENT IV
March 18 & 19
Overcoming Opposition
with Christ
LENT V
March 25 & 26
Overcoming Death
with Christ