Last weekend was one of the more successful malassada sales we have had! Over $1180 profit was realized for the parish. I am grateful to all our Portuguese parishioners who get up in the middle of the night in order to have them ready for the 7:30 Mass.

I am also grateful for your ongoing generosity in the annual fuel collection. To date we have realized 25,729.

This coming Wednesday, we begin the six weeks of Lent leading to the celebration of the Resurrection. This has always been a special time in our church’s year and I’m sure most of you can remember all the ways you have observed Lent in your lives. In more recent years, we have made a more positive approach to the season. Instead of ‘giving up’ something, we encourage doing something extra.

However we choose to observe the season this year, the ultimate purpose is to do something throughout these six weeks that reminds us of our need for God, for God’s love and forgiveness, and for the gift of salvation.

On Ash Wednesday, we wear the sign of ashes as our commitment to enter into Lent and to prepare ourselves for the upcoming feast. A reminder that children (And particularly babies!)who have not received first Penance have no need for repentence; hence instead of ashes they will receive a blessing if they come forth on that day. Of course it is good to teach them about Lent and Easter Sunday.

Let us pray for one another during these weeks and ask God to accompany us on these days of Lenten journey!