Families and the Gospel: Luke:15:1-3, 11-32
We may feel like the Prodigal Son but the Gospel wants us to focus on the father who was forgiving and understanding. We all make mistakes and need forgiveness. Who in your family needs your forgiveness and acceptance this Lent?
Lenten Guidelines Ash Wednesday is when the church begins the forty-day journey to Easter with the annual disciplines of fasting, praying, and giving alms.
Ash Wednesday (March 5) and Good Friday (April 18th) are days of fast and abstinence. All Fridays of Lent (March 7 ,14, 21, 28, April 4, 11, 18) are days of abstinence.
FASTING refers to only one full meal with two small meals and no eating otherwise for the day.
ABSTINENCE refers to not eating meat at all during the day.
All those who have reached their 14th year are obligated to ABSTAIN. The church directs the Holy fast to all those in their 18th year until their 60th year. (Canon 1525) The ancient practice of fasting and abstaining can occur throughout the other days of
Lent. This is not obligatory and can take a variety of forms distinct from food.
Tuesday 6:30 pm Lenten Faith Sharing Groups
Thursdays: 8:30 am to 9:30 am Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament followed by Benediction
Friday 9:00 am Stations of the Cross
6:30 pm Chaplet of Divine Mercy
7:00 pm Stations of the Cross
The Knights of Columbus will be having the last Lenten Fish Fry’s on April 4th. The time is 4:30 pm – until fish runs out in Harkin’s Hall. Eat-in or take out is available. Cost is $13 for adults and $7 for children. Come and enjoy the best fish dinner in the area and some fellowship!
Bishop Mark Bartchak has appointed Rev. Michael A. Pleva as Pastor of our parish, St. Matthew, and St. Joseph Parish in Bellwood, effective July 16, 2024. Father Michael was formerly assigned (January 2023) as Administrator of our parish and St. Joseph. Congratulations!
Sacrament of Reconciliation will be celebrated on Saturdays at 12:30 pm.
Lenten Penance Services
Thursday, April 3rd
St. Mark Parish, Altoona @ 5:30 pm
St. Catherine of Siena, Duncanville @ 6-7:30 pm
Monday, April 7th
Our Lady of Mount Carmel parish, Altoona @7 pm
Tuesday, April 8th
Good Shepherd Parish, Port Matilda @ 7 pm
Wednesday, April 9th
Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament, Altoona @ 6 pm
Thursday, April 10th
Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, Altoona @ 5:30 pm
St. Rose of Lima Parish, Altoona @ 7 pm
Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament will occur on Thursday during Lent from 8:30 am to 9:30 am. This is great opportunity for spiritual nourishment. Come and spend an hour with Jesus!
Prayer for Pope Francis
O God, shepherd and ruler of all the faithful,
look favorably on your servant Francis,
whom you have set at the head of your Church as her shepherd;
Grant, we pray, that by word and example
he may be of service to those over whom he presides so that, together with the flock entrusted to his care, he may come to everlasting life.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.
Amen.
