Dear Parishioners,

Lent is a time of refreshment and renewal.  The word “Lent” comes from the old English, “lencten," which means spring.  Lent is meant to be a "springtime" for the church.  In Lent, we participate in works of charity, prayer, and penance.  Often times people give up something in Lent, and this is certainly a laudable practice. However, it is also good to do more: more prayer, more works of charity, etc.  It is also a time to examine our conscience to see where we need God's help and            forgiveness.  Here are some things to "give up" for Lent: 
19 Things to Consider Giving Up This Lent Besides Chocolate 
  1. Fear: God is on my side. In Him I am more than a conqueror. (See Romans 98)
  2. The need to please everyone: I can’t please everyone anyway. There is only one I need to strive to please.
  3. Envy: I am blessed. My value is not found in my possessions, but in my relationship with my Heavenly Father.
  4. Impatience: God’s timing is the perfect timing.
  5. Sense of entitlement: The world does not owe me anything. God does not owe me anything. I live in humility and grace.
  6. Bitterness and Resentment: The only person I am hurting by holding onto these is myself.
  7. Blame: I am not going to pass the buck. I will take responsibility for my actions.
  8. Gossip and Negativity: I will put the best construction on everything when it comes to other people.
      I will also minimize my contact with people who are negative and toxic and bring other people down.
  9. Comparison: I have my own unique contribution to make, and there is no one else like me.
10. Fear of failure: You don’t succeed without experiencing failure. Just make sure you fall forward.
11. A spirit of poverty: Believe with God that there is always more than enough and never a lack.
12. Feelings of unworthiness: You are fearfully and wonderfully made by your creator. (see Psalm 139)
13. Doubt: Believe God has a plan for you that is beyond anything you could imagine.
      The future is brighter than you could ever realize.
14. Self-pity: God comforts us in our sorrow so that we can comfort others with the comfort
      we ourselves have received from God.
15. Retirement: As long as you are still breathing, you are here for a reason. You have a purpose to influence others for Christ. 
      That does not come to an end until the day we die.
16. Excuses: A wise man once said, if you need an excuse, any excuse will do.
17. Lack of counsel: Wise decisions are rarely made in a vacuum.
18. Pride: Blessed are the humble.
19. Worry: God is in control and worrying will not help.
This week's bulletin contains an insert with several spiritual opportunities for you to enjoy.  I hope you take advantage of these events during this holy season.
       
Many thanks. God Bless You, Fr. Paul J. Alciati