Dear Parishioners and Friends,

On February 22 we celebrate Ash Wednesday, which marks the beginning of the season of Lent. Masses will be celebrated on Wednesday at 12:05 pm and 7:00 pm, with the distribution of ashes during each of these Masses.

As we receive ashes, we will hear the words: "Repent and believe in the Gospel" or "Remember that you are dust and to dust you shall return." These words give us a focus as we begin the journey of Lent. They remind us of our incompleteness, who we are before God and one another, and that we are always in need of conversion and of becoming more like Christ. Further, our Gospel for this day directs us to the traditional practices of Lent – prayer, fasting, and giving alms (works of charity) – practices that are meant to assist us in achieving the ultimate goal of Lent, namely, a heart renewed. In this regard, we have to be honest with ourselves and admit that we cannot transform our lives and hearts on our own. We need the strength and grace that God alone can give. The refrain from the old Lenten hymn Grant to us drives home this point for me: "Grant to us, O Lord, a heart renewed, recreate in us your own spirit, Lord."

Where might Christ be calling you and me to a change of mind, heart, and attitude as we enter the season of Lent? Reflecting on Jesus' own journey of suffering, death and resurrection, challenges we who seek to follow Christ to die to sin and rise to new life in Him.

In addition to the events listed on the next page that we will be offering during Lent at St. Augustine's, I remind you that the Sacrament of Reconciliation is offered every Saturday and Sunday before the evening Masses. An additional opportunity to receive this sacrament during a weeknight in Lent will soon be scheduled and announced. Let us pray that the journey of Lent we make together as a parish community will draw us closer to Christ and one another.

Peace,
Fr. Jim