Prepare for the Holy Season of Lent

Time to ‘Bury’ the Alleluia

This weekend at Mass a placard with ‘Alleluia’ was taken from the Sanctuary and processed to the Blessed Virgin Mary’s Altar (at St. Mary) and the old (main) altar (at St. Anthony) where it was “buried” (placed under the altar cloth). The Alleluia will emerge again at the Easter Vigil,after 40 days of Lent, when we hear the Church proclaim the Resurrection of Our Lord.

The burial of the Alleluia is a long-standing tradition of the Catholic Church. The joy of this word, which praises God, is to be denied to us during the season of Lent. This is a mortification of our hearts and voices to remind us that we are entering a time of purification, when we prepare for the celebration of Easter.

The practice of burying the Alleluia enriches and shapes prayer and the sense of discipline as we anticipate Easter. It is a kind of fasting— letting the “Alleluia” lie dormant before the burst of joyful affirmation of the Resurrection. This practice also serves to remind us that although this life may be filled with trials, sacrifice, and struggles, there is incredible joy that awaits us. As we prepare to enter into the holy season of Lent, we encourage you to reflect on how you can best prepare to enter into this season. What needs to happen so you can practice with more integrity and intention in order to fully prepare your heart for the resurrection of Christ crucified.

Below, find information about Lent and opportunities in our parish to make this a spiritually meaningful season of penitence.

Ash Wednesday, March 5, in Our Parishes

• On Ash Wednesday, March 5, Masses will be celebrated at 6:30 am, 8:10 am, and 12:10 pm at St. Mary; and 8 am and 6 pm at St. Anthony.
• Noon confession will be at St. Anthony, as well as 5 pm confession. (There will be no noon confessions at St. Mary, due to the 12:10 pm Mass.)

Fasting

• Catholics in good health ages 18- 59 are required to fast & abstain from meat on Ash Wednesday & Good Friday.
• When fasting, it is permitted to eat 1 full meal, as well as 2 smaller meals that together do not equal a full meal.
• Catholics age 14+ are to abstain from meat on all Fridays in Lent.

More Opportunities for Confession

In addition to the regularly scheduled Confession times at both St. Anthony & St. Mary parishes, from March 10—Good Friday, Fr. Linn will be offering additional confession opportunities from 7-7:30 am on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at St. Anthony. (The exception is March 19 & 21 when he is on a retreat)

Stations of the Cross

Stations of the Cross will take place at St. Mary (12 pm) and St. Anthony (5 pm) Fridays in Lent starting March 7.

Lenten Family Adoration is March 16

Join St. Mary and St. Anthony parish families at 4:30 PM on Sunday, March 16 for a time of Adoration followed by a potluck dinner at St. Mary. 

From 4:30-5 pm we will adore our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament, with Fr. Linn leading us in prayer — spoken and silent.  We will close with Vespers and Benediction. Following Adoration, we will enjoy a shared meal and have an opportunity for fellowship. All parishioners and guests are welcome.  

Adoration will take place at St. Mary’s and the potluck dinner in the St. Mary’s School gym. Please RVSP for the potluck.