Dear Parishioners,
            LENT, 2018!  During Lent, we are asked to devote ourselves to seeking the Lord in prayer and reading Scripture, to service by giving alms, and to sacrifice self-control through fasting. Many know of the tradition of abstaining from meat on Fridays during Lent, but we are also called to practice self-discipline and fast in other ways throughout the season. Contemplate the meaning and origins of the Lenten fasting tradition in this reflection. In addition, the giving of alms is one way to share God's gifts—not only through the distribution of money but through the sharing of our time and talents.
 
            Ash Wednesday begins the holy season of Lent.  Our Mass will be at 5:30 p.m. and blessed ashes will be given after the homily. St Mary’s Church will have Mass with the distribution of ashes at 9:00 a.m. & 12:10 p.m. St Anthony’s Church will be at 7:00 p.m. What will you be giving up for Lent?  Perhaps we could give up impatience, self-pity, name-calling and other negative things that hold us back from loving God and our neighbor. 
 
            Mark your calendars: Mardi Gras Potluck, a great mid-winter event for our parish!  On Tuesday, Feb. 13 ^th, we will have a pot-luck dinner in our parish hall at 6:00 p.m.  Please bring a dish to pass.  Bring the kids !!  The church will provide meat and beverages.  Please sign up at the Communication Center and indicate what dish you are bringing.
 
            Our Chief of Police here in Homer, Robert Pitman, has asked us to host a "Civilian response to an active shooting event." Law enforcement officers are frequently requested by schools, businesses, and community members for directions and presentations on what they should do if confronted with a violent shooting event.  The workshop that will be held here will provide strategies, guidance, and a plan for surviving an active shooting event.  The date is Saturday, February 17th from 1-3:00 p.m. in our church hall.  You do not have to pre-register for this event.
 
            Come to a Lenten presentation - “Adam and Eve, Talking Snakes, Tasty Apples, Prophet Swallowed by Whale and Survives.   Does the Bible Contain Fake News?”  Given by Fr. Paul Alciati on Sunday, Feb. 18 ^th at 9:00 a.m. in our conference room.  Coffee and Danish will be served!
 
            Last April, I had a gathering with some of the men of the parish to talk about "male spirituality."  My hope was that we would start a regular men's spirituality group that would meet once a month for faith-sharing and socializing.  I would like to gather this group and any other men from our parish on Saturday, Feb. 24 at 10 a.m. in our conference room.  I will give a short presentation and then we will break into small groups to do some "faith sharing."  I hope you can attend.
Many thanks. God Bless You,  Fr. Paul J. Alciati