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Our 2021 Lenten Journey

Sacred Heart Parish and St. Joseph O’Brien County Parish

Our Lenten journey this year begins with on February 17.

These days of are a reminder that we need a savior, and that person is . As we spend these 40 days engaged in , almsgiving, and prayer, we root out the sinfulness of our lives so that we might deepen our relationship with God.

Please take a few moments and review the many opportunities that are available for you to take advantage of during this Lenten season.

May our Lenten journey bring us to a deeper faith and renewed heart so that we can truly celebrate .

Visit our website and Facebook pages for more information! spencersacredheart.com https://www.facebook.com/SpencerSacredHeart https://www.facebook.com/SpencerSacredHeartSchool

https://www.facebook.com/ObrienCoFaithFormation Important Dates during Lent

 Ash Wednesday: Marks the start of Lent and the time for . Obligatory day of fasting (ages 18 to 59) and abstinence from meat (ages 14 and over).

 Fridays of Lent: Obligatory abstinence from meat. All Fridays (even outside of Lent) are days of penance.

 Holy Thursday: Lent ends and the Holy Triduum begins in the evening with the celebration of the .

: The anniversary of the Crucifixion of Christ (no ). Obligatory day of fasting and abstinence from meat.

 Holy : We await the fulfillment of the Paschal Mystery. Final day of Lenten fasting (Easter ).

 Sacred Triduum: The period of three days (Holy Thursday + Good Friday + Holy Saturday) during which we remember Christ’s Passion, ending at the (Saturday evening).

 Easter Sunday: Lent has ended and the joy begins, the day of Christ’s resurrection, the pinnacle Christian feast of the entire . This is the celebration of Christ’s victory over sin and death for us by his passion, death, and resurrection from the dead on Easter Sunday.

Mass times for Ash Wednesday – February 17 Spencer 8:30 AM Primghar St. Anthony 12:00 PM Hartley St. Joseph 6:00 PM Spencer Sacred Heart 7:30 PM Ashes will be distributed at each of these liturgies.

Due to the COVID-19 protocols to keep everyone safe, the imposition of ashes will look different for 2021. The presider will sprinkle ashes on the top of the heads of parishioners. This is a practice that goes back centuries and is widely practiced in Europe. Tip: Be sure to bend over slightly when you approach the presider so that he may sprinkle the ashes for you.

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, sign up will be required for all Masses.

Options for sign up at Sacred Heart: Online: spencersacredheart.com/holyweek Email: [email protected] Call: 712-262-3047

Options for sign up at St. Joseph O’Brien County Parish: Contact Megan Wagner at [email protected] or 507-475-1492 and include name, number of guests, and which Mass you will be attending.

All Masses will be live streamed at Sacred Heart: spencersacredheart.com/onlinemass

St. Joseph O’Brien County: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQTiPgSClZcjuQLl9KqkzuQ *Mass recordings can also be found on our Parish Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/ObrienCoFaithFormation

Mass times for Holy Week

Holy Thursday: April 1 Good Friday Service (No Mass): April 2 Primghar St. Anthony 5:30 PM Spencer Sacred Heart 12:00 PM Spencer Sacred Heart 7:30 PM Hartley St. Joseph 7:00 PM

Holy Saturday : April 3 Easter Sunday: April 4 Primghar St. Anthony 7:00 PM Spencer Sacred Heart 7:30 AM (Msgr. Seifried) Hartley St. Joseph 9:00 AM Spencer Sacred Heart 7:30 PM Spencer Sacred Heart 10:30 AM Lenten Requirements for Catholics

Fasting: Eating less food than normal (does not necessarily mean no food). What you can eat: One normal, full-sized meal, and two smaller meals which if combined would not exceed one full meal. Why: “The ultimate goal of fasting is to help each one of us to make a complete gift of self to God” –Pope Benedict XVI

Abstinence: Do not eat meat. Why: “Catholic peoples from time immemorial have set apart Friday for special penitential observance by which they gladly suffer with Christ that they may one day be glorified with Him. This is the heart of the tradition of abstinence from meat on Friday where that tradition has been observed in the holy .” -U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB)

The rules for fasting in the United States are:  Every person 14 years or older must abstain from meat (and items made with meat) on Ash Wednesday, Good Friday, and all the Fridays of Lent.  Every person between the age of 18 and 59 (beginning of 60th year) must fast on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday.  Every person 18 years of age or older must abstain from meat (and items made with meat) on all other Fridays of the year, unless he or she substitutes some other form of penance for abstinence.  Those that are excused from fast and abstinence outside the age limits include the physically or mentally ill including individuals suffering from chronic illnesses such as diabetes. Also excluded are pregnant or nursing women. In all cases, common sense should prevail, and ill persons should not further jeopardize their health by fasting. -U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB)

Confession: Confessions are available on the evenings of and every Saturday at 3:30 PM at Spencer Sacred Heart.

Almsgiving: Material generosity to the less fortunate. What you can give: Money, goods, acts of charity. Why: “Let us also love our neighbors as ourselves. Let us have charity and humility. Let us give alms because these cleanse our souls from the stains of sin. Men lose all the material things they leave behind them in this world, but they carry with them the reward of their charity and the alms they give. For these they will receive from the Lord the reward and recompense they deserve.” -- St. Francis of Assisi Sacred Heart Lenten Bible Study Jesus: The Way, the Truth, and the Life.

We will meet in the Parish Hall at 7 PM on the following nights. Please note that we follow the protocols of social distancing and wearing facemasks.

February 15, 22 March 1, 8, 15, 22 April 5, 12

You can watch the trailer for the study here: https://youtu.be/RLU2nhFweGI

From the Ascension Press website: The marvelous treasures of the Catholic Faith—the , Mary, the saints, and the Creed—are all centered on a single figure: Jesus Christ. Jesus is more than a historical or theological figure. He is our Savior, our Redeemer, our Lord, and our God. While many of us already know a lot about him, how well can we say we really know him? For more information and to register, visit our website at spencersacredheart.com/adult-faith-formation

Wednesday Morning Bible Study Bible study takes place each Wednesday, beginning at 8:00 AM. We will meet in the Fireside Room at Sacred Heart. This would be a good Lenten practice to study the upcoming Sunday readings. Facemasks and social distancing are required.

St. Joseph Virtual Book Study Grow closer to God and your fellow parishioners this Lent! Take part in a book study where we will dissect Matthew Kelly's latest book, I Heard God Laugh. Participants will answer discussion questions through a private Facebook group made just for our book club. Free copies of the book will be available for pickup following Masses at St. Joseph and St. Anthony Church.

For more information, contact Megan Wagner at 507-475-1492 or [email protected].

The Word Among Us During the Season of Lent, free copies of “The Word Among Us Lent 2021— “Behold the Lamb of God” will be available to you. These books include complete Catholic Mass Readings and Daily Meditations. Books are available at Sacred Heart, Hartley St. Joseph and Primghar St. Anthony. They are a good source of meditation and inspiration to help us focus on our Lenten journey. Dynamic Catholic’s Best Lent Ever Nothing will transform your life so completely, absolutely, and forever like really learning how to pray. That’s why this year’s BEST LENT EVER journeys through Matthew Kelly’s latest book I Heard God Laugh: A Practical Guide to Life’s Essential Daily Habit.

Beginning on Ash Wednesday and continuing through all forty days of Lent, you will receive a daily email with a short video to help you reconnect with yourself and your God.

This study is free and sign up is easy! Register at https://www.dynamiccatholic.com/lent/best-lent-ever.html and enter your name and email address.

FORMED is free to all parishioners of Sacred Heart and St. Joseph O’Brien County. Sign up for your account at formed.org.  Create a new account  Find your Parish: Search Sacred Heart, Spencer IA or use Parish code RHCC2T  Enter your name and email address and click on sign up. You will be sent an email to activate your account.  You do not need to create a username or password.  To log back into your account, click on “Sign in” in the upper right hand side.  You will put in your email address and then FORMED sends you an email with a link. You will need to click on that link and it will take you back into FORMED.

Lenten Reflections with Dr. Tim Gray Set yourself up for a transformative 40 days with FORMED Lenten Reflections! Watch these short, daily reflections from esteemed Scripture expert Dr. Tim Gray to get inspiration and practical tips for growing closer to Jesus through fasting, prayer, and almsgiving. Don't miss a day of growing closer to our Lord this Lent. Sign up for daily reflections here: https://formed.org/lent.

A Lent to Remember Using the highly-acclaimed Augustine Institute programs Symbolon and Forgiven: The Transforming Power of Confession, A Lent to Remember explores the ways God reaches out to each of us with his mercy. By reflecting on the Paschal Mystery and making a step-by-step examination of the Rite of Confession, A Lent to Remember communicates God's invitation to each one of us to come experience Contact the Office of Faith Formation at [email protected] or 580-6319 or Megan Wagner at [email protected] or 507-475-1492 if you have any issues setting up an account or registering. Annual 2021 CCCA Online Lent Project Biola's Center for , Culture, and the Arts offers a FREE online Lent Project designed to aid you in pausing each day to reflect on the meaning of the season. Each day of the Lent Project features a Scripture passage, a devotional written by a member of the Biola community, a work of fine art, a poem, and a piece of music.

For more information and to register, visit their website at http://ccca.biola.edu/events/2021/feb/16/lent-project-2021-devotional/.

Eucharistic Adoration at Sacred Heart Are you looking for a way to make this year’s Lent a truly transforming season? In past years, perhaps you’ve given up coffee, soda, chocolate, or wine – worthy sacri- fices for sure. But what if there was something you could actively DO instead? We recommend adding time in Eucharistic Adoration to your schedule. What is Adoration? It is a beautiful practice of giving honor and glory to the One who loves you most. We believe He is present, “body and blood, soul and divinity” in the most precious Eucharist. While spending time with the exposed Eucharist as it sits on the , you are free to praise, worship, pray, read, sit, kneel, or just be and gaze at our Lord. God waits for you, hoping that you will carve out time to be with Him. In the quiet of the church, you will be surprised at the graces that flow as you invest in this most important relationship. Adoration takes place every Thursday, from 8:00 AM to 12 PM in the church. We have regular “adorers” that cover the hours (for it isn’t right to leave Christ alone), so feel free to drop by and spend a few minutes, a half hour, an hour or even more. Most people find it a welcome respite from the noisy world, an opportunity to be refreshed, and a chance to deepen a friendship that is worth more than all the treasures of this world. Wouldn’t that make for an amazing Lenten season?

For more information, visit our website at spencersacredheart.com/adoration What to do in Adoration?

 Pray the Psalms or the Liturgy of the Hours.  Recite the "Jesus Prayer." Say "Lord Jesus Christ, have mercy on me, a sinner," re- peatedly as you quiet your heart and mind.  Meditate using Scripture. Choose a passage from the Bible. Read the words and ask God to let the passage speak to you. Pay special attention to anything that strikes you and ask God what He wishes for you to draw from that message.  Read about the life of a saint and pray with him or her. Most holy men and women have had a great devotion to Our Lord in the Eucharist.  Pour out your heart to Christ and adore Him. Speak to Jesus, aware that you are in His presence, and tell Him all that comes to your mind. Listen for His response.  Ask for forgiveness and intercede for others. Think of those who have hurt you and request a special blessing for them. Ask God to forgive you for all the times you have neglected or hurt someone else.  Pray the Rosary. Ask Mary to join you as you gaze on Christ in the Eucharist and as you pray the Rosary.  Sit quietly and just "be" in the presence of God. Think of a visit to the Blessed Sacra- ment as coming to see your best friend. Sit quietly and enjoy being in each other's company. Instead of talking to the Lord, try listening to what He wants to tell you. *Excerpts taken from https://www.stmarymokena.org/media/1/29/ AdorationBooklet.pdf

A few testimonials about Adoration: “Whenever I go to the chapel, I put myself in the presence of our good Lord, and I say to him, ‘Lord, I am here. Tell me what you would have me to do’ . . . And then, I tell God everything that is in my heart. I tell him about my pains and my joys, and then I listen. If you listen, God will also speak to you, for with the good Lord, you have to both speak and listen. God always speaks to you when you approach him plainly and simply.” – St. Catherine Labouré The time you spend with Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament is the best time that you will spend on earth. Each moment that you spend with Jesus will deepen your union with Him and make your soul everlastingly more glorious and beautiful in heaven, and will help bring about an everlasting peace on earth.” – St.Teresa of Calcutta “Know also that you will probably gain more by praying fifteen minutes before the Blessed Sacrament than by all the other spiritual exercises of the day. True, Our Lord hears our prayers anywhere, for He has made the promise, ‘Ask, and you shall receive,’ but He has revealed to His servants that those who visit Him in the Blessed Sacrament will obtain a more abundant measure of grace.” – St. Alphonsus Liguori

Stations of the Cross/Confession/Mass St. Joseph O’Brien County Stations of the Cross will start at 7:00 PM on Mondays. Father will hear confessions immediately following Stations of the Cross but before Mass at 7:30 PM.

February 22 Primghar St. Anthony March 1 Hartley St. Joseph March 8 Sanborn St. Cecilia March 15 Primghar St. Anthony March 22 Hartley St. Joseph

Sacred Heart Stations of the Cross will be held at 5:15 PM on Tuesdays. Father will be in the confessional during that time. Mass will follow at 5:30 PM.

February 23 March 2 March 9 March 16 March 23

Funerals during Holy Week As per the ancient tradition of the Church, NO funeral Masses are allowed to be celebrated on Holy Thursday, Good Friday, Holy Saturday, or Easter Sunday. If the family would request a service during this time, only the liturgy of the Word and committal at the cemetery would take place. A Mass could be celebrated at a later time.

Almsgiving

During the Season of Lent, there are a number of collections which will be taken up for the needs of the Church throughout the world and in this country. Please be as generous as you can be with these opportunities for almsgiving. February 20-21 Aid To Global Churches April 2 (Good Friday) Holy Land April 3-4 (Easter Sunday) Infirm and Retired Priests of the Diocese Lent and Holy Week Activities for Catholic Families · Adapted from reallifeathome.com

 Have a pancake dinner the night before Ash Wednesday or make a King Cake. This day is known as Mardi Gras as well as Shrove Tuesday. Pancakes were a traditional dish for this day to use up things that weren’t allowed during Lent.  Attend Mass on Ash Wednesday. Wear your ashes out into the world as a witness of our faith.  Commit to reading the Bible every day together as a family.  Attend the Holy Week Masses and Activities at your Parish.  Make at least one of your meatless Friday meals together as a family. This can be a great testimonial for younger children as you remember, together, one of the unique features of our Faith.  Attend Stations of the Cross as a family.

Lenten Family Calendar from Loyola Press Print a Lenten family calendar and post it in a prominent place in your home to help you honor the season of Lent. With ideas for practicing the traditional pathways of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving, your family can take simple steps to a meaningful Lent. https://www.loyolapress.com/catholic-resources/liturgical-year/lent/activities-and- resources/lenten-family-calendar/

Brother Francis: He Is Risen! on FORMED Join Brother Francis as he celebrates the power and splendor of the Christ in this moving and instructive animated presentation! This episode includes:  An animated presentation of key points in the life of Jesus Christ, His Death on the Cross, triumph over death, and Ascension to the Father.  A visual representation of how we celebrate Holy Week and the Easter Triduum.  "He Is Risen!"—a joyful, visualized song that fills our hearts with praise to God.  Steeped in Scripture and instruction, Brother Francis: He Is Risen! is a wonderful reminder of the reality of God’s power and presence!

USCCB Lent 2021 Resources Find more information, prayers, and a Lenten calendar that provides daily inspiration and reflection for your journey.

https://www.usccb.org/prayer-and-worship/liturgical-year-and-calendar/lent Lenten Prayer for Sundays during Lent Heavenly Father, As I enter another week of my Lenten journey, guide me to the path that leads to you. Fill my heart with gratitude, patience, strength, and peace as I strive to be- come the-best-version-of-myself, honestly admitting my shortcomings and sins.

As I renew my resolve each day to become a better person, let me hear your voice in the deepest reaches of my heart. Give me rest in you.

Help me to accept others, showing them your great love instead of casting judgment.

Stay with me through the busy days this week and remind me that when I need comfort, solitude, wisdom, or guidance, I can always turn to you.

Help me develop discipline and generosity through fasting and almsgiving, and come closer to you through prayer this Lent.

In your name I pray, Amen

Prayers for Holy Week Lenten Prayer for Holy Thursday Jesus, in these last few days leading up to Easter, as I recall your passion and death, let me remember that, above all, I am called to feed your sheep. You have given me a model of how to live; may I strive to be all that you created me for, spreading the love of God and the truth of our Catholic faith wherever I am able. You are the way, the truth, and the life. Amen.

Lenten Prayer for Good Friday Jesus, no one knows change better than you. You died on the cross, and three days later you rose from the dead. Forty days later you ascended into heaven and left the world transformed for the rest of time. Help me to transform my soul, to die to sin and death and be reborn in your love and eternal life. Amen.

Lenten Prayer for Holy Saturday Jesus, you are courage incarnate. As you hung on the cross for my sins and the sins of the world, you showed me that all things are possible. You knew that life did not end on the cross. It was only the beginning of a new and glorious eternal life. Amen.

Lenten Prayer for Easter Almighty Father, I thank you for the gift of your son, Jesus Christ, who rose from the dead and redeemed humankind. Fill us with the fire of the Holy Spirit, that we may be faithful disciples and enthusiastic witnesses of our Catholic faith. Alleluia, Christ is risen! He is risen, indeed. Amen.