THE GREAT GAZETTE Lenten Issue March 2019

The Season of has been observed since 200 AD and runs from to Palm Sunday. It is named for the time of year when the days begin to lengthen. The season of Lent precedes the Holy Week observance of Jesus’ suffering and death for our sins. The season focuses on giving as our Lord as He gave himself for us.

As this season of Lent approaches, it is a powerful invitation for each of us to embrace God’s call to spread the good news of the Gospel, a call to

Prayer, & Almsgiving To support our efforts to answer God’s call, the Lenten worship and activity schedule is on the back of this Gazette, along with the Holy Week worship schedule. We invite you to join us for Stations of the Cross, Benediction & Adoration and other events during this Lent! We wish you a Blessed and Holy Lent!

Fr. Chris Worland, Fr. Pat Welsh, Deacon Dave Zink and the St. Albert Pastoral Staff

Lent is the Old English word for spring. Lent’s name is a derivative Lent of the Latin term quadragesima or “the forty days.”

Lent begins on Ash Wednesday. Ashes are a symbol of repentance. Ash Wednesday

Jesus spent forty days in the wilderness praying and fasting. 40 days It is fitting for us to imitate Him with 40 days of the same. Lenten Sacrifice PRAYER

Prayer: Sign of the Cross

The sign of the cross - a mini version of the creed - is a profession of faith. By making the sign of the cross, one is saying ‘I belong to God. Christ is my protection and I trust God. With gratitude and love, I want to obey and follow God’s law and Christ’s teaching.’ The sign of the cross is a consecration of oneself to God the Father, God the Son, God the Holy Spirit. When one prays the words of the sign of the cross, one declares the presence of the Holy Trinity and also enters into that presence.

The sign of the cross is the sign of redemption. This sign embraces one’s whole being, body and soul.

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen

Adoration & Benediction Adoration is when the consecrated Host is placed in the monstrance for quiet prayer and adoration. After about 15 minutes, Benediction begins with scripture readings, hymns and prayers. Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament is the blessing of the congregation with the Eucharistic Lord. See the Benediction & Adoration Schedule on the back page.

Stations of the Cross Stations of the Cross will be held most Fridays during Lent, and is the 14-step devotion that commemorates Jesus Christ’s last day on Earth as a man. Live Way of the Cross celebration will have our youth walking in the steps of Jesus. Stations of the Cross at the Nursing Homes will be done by the Knights of Columbus. It involves a power point presentation with pictures of the Stations, and representatives of the Knights walk the seniors through the stations. See the Stations of the Cross Schedule on the back page.

About Scrutinies “The scrutinies,” which are solemnly celebrated on Sundays and are reinforced by an exorcism (which are rites for self-searching and repentance) and have, above all, a spiritual purpose.” (RCIA 141)

Each scrutiny has a different theme and is celebrated with the Elect (those to be baptized at the vigil) on the 3rd, 4th, and 5th Sundays of Lent. “These rites should complete the conversion of the elect and deepen their resolve to hold fast to Christ and to carry out their decision to love God above all.” (RCIA 141)

The rite calls for the larger community of the faithful to be engaged and involved in this (RCIA) process, by prayer, support, and example. Sacraments Prayer: Confirmation What can I do On February 6, fifty two Religious Education and St. Albert to make a difference? School students celebrated this Sacrament. Visit the Adoration Chapel

Reconciliation Our Perpetual Adoration Chapel is open to The season of Lent is a wonderful time to celebrate the reconciling love anyone at any time to pray before the Lord. and healing graces that our Lord offers us. It is located in the Spirit Center. For security See the Regional Penance Schedule on the back page. reasons, you will need a code after hours to access the back door to the chapel. Contact the Parish Office at 293-1191. Holy Orders St. Albert will be celebrating two Ordinations: Dick Strominger becomes a Permanent Deacon on April 27 (celebration will be Sunday, April 28 Go to Confession after 11am Mass); and Jedidiah Tritle becomes a Priest on May 18 Reconciliation cleanses us and brings us back (celebration will be on Sunday, May 26). Look for details in bulletin. to God. He is ready what ever state we are in. St. Albert Confession times: Fridays after Noon Mass Marriage (unless a Holy Day or Funeral) “Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to Saturdays at 3:15 –4pm (before 4:30pm Mass) his wife, and they shall become one flesh.” Genesis 2:24 The Archdiocese The Light is on For You is another wonderful time for Confession and prayer. Join us Tuesday, March 19 at 7pm.

Make a Good Confession

Confession is not difficult, but it does require preparation. We should begin with prayer, placing ourselves in the presence of God, our loving Father. We seek healing and forgiveness through repentance and a resolve to sin no more. Then we review our lives since our last confession, searching our thoughts, words and actions for that which Caleb Wade & Annie Erhart Kevin & Sydney Wagoner did not conform to God’s command to love Married November 16, 2018 Married January 12, 2019 (Caleb not pictured; Him and one another through His laws and Annie with mother and sister) the laws of His Church. This is called an examination of conscience. To make an examination of conscience: Begin with a prayer asking for God’s help. Review your life with the help of some questions, which are based on the 10 Commandments (from the Examination of Conscience pamphlet). Tell God how truly sorry you are for your sins. Make a firm resolution not to sin again. Examination of Conscience pamphlets will be available in the Gathering Space.

Confirmation 2019

Lenten Sacrifice FAST & ABSTINENCE

About Fasting About Abstinence

 Fish  Beef  Eggs  Pork  Milk  Chicken  Grains  Ham + NO FULL MEAL two small meals  Fruit/Vegies  Deer/Lamb ONE YES

What is fasting? What is abstinence?

Fasting means limiting oneself to one full meal on Abstinence from meat is to be observed on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday. On fast days, Ash Wednesday and on all Fridays of Lent. This obligation two additional smaller meals are permitted if prohibits the eating of meat, but not eggs or milk products. necessary to maintain strength. When and why do we fast? When and why do we abstain? Catholics are obligated to abstain from meat every Ash Wednesday and Good Friday. It helps us to pray better. Friday throughout Lent. It is the day of Christ’s saving An empty stomach can lead to more attentive prayer. death on the cross. We abstain to share in His work See more on the next page. of saving the world.

Who has to fast? Who has to abstain? Catholics aged 18 to 60. Children, the elderly, Catholics aged 14 and older. pregnant and/or nursing mothers, and those with health conditions may be exempt from fasting. Paschal Fasting Fast & Abstinence Paschal Fasting on Good Friday and Holy Saturday are days of prayer and quiet reflection. We honor the suffering and death of Jesus and prepare to Examples of Self-Denial share in the joy of His resurrection at Easter.  Fast from watching TV

Let the paschal fast be kept sacred. Let it be celebrated  Fast from Social Media everywhere on Good Friday and, where possible, prolonged throughout Holy Saturday, so that the joys of the Sunday of  Fast from complaining and being unkind Resurrection may be attained with uplifted and clear mind. (Constitution of the Liturgy no.110)  Abstain from bad images  Abstain from negative or unclean thoughts Self-Denial Fasting Fasting verses Feasting Voluntary acts of self denial are recommended on weekdays during Lent.  Fast from judging others Feast on the Christ dwelling in them Fast & Abstinence with  Fast from emphasis on differences Almsgiving Feast on the unity of life  Fast from words that pollute Feast on phrases that purify During Lent, the money we save on food while fasting and abstaining from meat can be given to others in alms. See more on next page.  Fast from discontent Feast on gratitude

 Fast from anger Meat = No Fish = Yes Feast on patience  Fast from complaining On Fridays, we refrain from eating meat since Jesus sacrificed his flesh Feast on appreciation for us on Good Friday.  Fast from bitterness Feast on forgiveness

What is considered flesh meat?  Fast from the thoughts of weakness Flesh meat includes any meat from poultry or mammals, such as beef, Feast on promises that inspire chicken, and pork. Products that come from these animals can be  Feast from shadows of sorrow consumed on Fridays such as milk and eggs. Feast on the sunlight of serenity

 Fast from idle gossip Why is fish permitted on Fridays? Feast on purposeful silence Fish does not belong to the “flesh meats”. The Latin word for meat “caro” from which we get words like carnivore and carnivorous applies to flesh meats and does not include fish. Benefits from fasting

 Strengthens and implements prayer

 Brings blessing of obedience

 Brings humility through repentance

 Gives revelation of God’s way and will for your future

 Establishes authority and power in prayer and spiritual warfare Lenten Sacrifice ALMSGIVING

What is Almsgiving?

Almsgiving is another word for Charity. In simple terms, Almsgiving means helping the poor Charity is love in action and a way to reach out and doing acts of charity and mercy. to those who are in need. Almsgiving is The foundational call of Christians to charity is a  A form of prayer frequent theme of the Gospels. During Lent, we are asked to focus more intently on  Making voluntary contributions to aid "almsgiving," which means donating money or the poor goods to the poor and performing other acts of  The act of giving charity.  A form of self-denial and sacrifice As one of the three pillars of Lenten practice, on behalf of others almsgiving is "a witness to fraternal charity" and "a work of justice pleasing to God." (Catechism of the , no. 2462).

Almsgiving is the most neglected.

“Of the three marks of Lent, Prayer fasting, and almsgiving, Almsgiving: almsgiving is the most neglected,” says the Catholic Education What can I do Resource Center. And yet, in the only place where the Bible brings all to make a difference? three together,

"Prayer and fasting are good, but better than either is almsgiving Donate accompanied by righteousness ... It is better to give alms than  Donate your gently used closed to an to store up gold; for almsgiving saves one from death and Homeless Shelter expiates every sin.  Donate canned goods or a casserole Those who regularly give alms shall enjoy a full life" during the Monthly Food Collection and (Tob 12:8-9). the Meals for the Homeless

 Donate Monetary, if you can. The Catholic Ministries Appeal funds go to the Archdiocese worthy ministries

 Donate the gift of life by giving blood. Why is almsgiving so powerful? The next Blood Drive is March 16. See bulletin for specific information Almsgiving is a form of prayer because it is "giving to God" — and not mere philanthropy. It is a form of fasting because it demands sacrificial giving — not just giving something, but giving up something. Volunteer

 Contact St. Vincent de Paul to volunteer Jesus presented almsgiving as a necessary part of Christian life: at a Food Bank or to serve an Evening Meal at the Homeless Shelter "When you give alms, sound no trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do  Take Holy Communion to the in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may be praised by men. Homebound or Nursing Homes. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you give Contact Paula Smith at 298-1122 alms, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing"  Help out the Garden Guild. They grow (Mt 6:2-3). food and raise funds to help parishioners in need. Contact: Kate Dungan, [email protected] He does not say IF you give alms, but WHEN. Like fasting and prayer,  Help out Catch the Building Spirit. almsgiving is non-negotiable. Parishioners join other Christians to build a house for a family in need Contact: [email protected]

Acts of Kindness

 Visit an elderly neighbor

 Reconcile with someone

 Spend more time with family

 Smile at the people next to you in the pew

 Make a hand written card for a friend who could use some cheering up

 Give someone a hug 3 Ash Wednesday Lenten Activities

Wednesday, March 6 5-Week Lenten Small Faith Group Series Begins first week of Lent Masses at 8:30am, 12 Noon, 6pm Ashes distributed during Mass Small faith groups using Loyola Press’s Luke: The Good News of God’s Mercy Sessions 2-6 Simple Meatless Potluck Supper 7pm Sunday Mornings 9:15-10:30am Spirit Center Join us after the 6pm Mass in the Wednesday Evening 7-8:30pm Spirit Center Spirit Center. Please bring a dish to share. Friday Evening with Potluck 6-7:30pm Spirit Center The Spirit Center will be open at 5:30 to drop off food items. Register / More information at www.stalbertthegreat.net/smallfaithgroups19 After supper, we will have a Lectio Divina of the First Sunday of Lent Gospel Lenten Prayer Baskets Prayer Request forms available in Church & Chapel These will be used for the Easter Vigil fire Reconciliation Lunch with the Lord St. Albert the Great Parish Sponsored by South Dayton Adult Faith Collaborative Fridays after Noon Mass Wednesdays: March 13, 20, 27, April 3, 10 Exceptions: NO confessions if we have a Noon St. Francis of Assisi in Centerville funeral Mass or Holy Day Mass at 12 Noon Lenten Speaker: Fr. Chris Worland Saturdays 3:15-4pm before 4:30pm Mass Sunday, March 24 12:15pm Chapel The Light is On For You Sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation: Tuesday, March 19 7-9pm Why do I have to tell my sins to a priest? 9 St. Albert the Great. An Archdiocese-wide program Rice Bowls for confession and private prayer These are given to RE and School students for Regional Penance Services Catholic Relief Services Thursday, March 28 St. Francis of Assisi 7pm

Tuesday, April 2 Incarnation 7pm Holy Week and Easter

Stations of the Cross Holy Thursday: April 18 Mass of the Lord’s Supper 7pm Fridays: March 8, 15, 22*, 29, April 5 2pm Stations of the Cross with School Good Friday: April 19 7:30pm Stations of the Cross Celebration of the Lord’s Passion Noon & 7pm Stations of the Cross 2pm * No 2pm Stations of the Cross on April 22 Holy Saturday: April 20 Friday: April 12, Live Way of the Cross Morning Prayer / Blessing Easter Baskets 10am 7pm Presented by SAYM Youth Ministry Easter Vigil: April 20 Mass at 8:45pm

Benediction & Adoration Easter Sunday: April 21 Masses at 8am, 9:30am and 11am Fridays: March 8, 22 and April 5 8pm Church