A Campaign of Christian Service

“The annual observance of Lent is the special season for the ascent to the holy mountain of Easter” (Ceremonial of Bishops, 249). Through its two-fold theme of repentance and baptism, the season of Lent disposes both the catechumens and the faithful to celebrate the Paschal Mystery. Catechumens are led to the sacraments of initiation by means of the Rite of Election, the Scrutinies, and catechesis. The faithful, listening more intently to the Word of God and devoting themselves to prayer, are prepared through a spirit of repentance to renew their baptismal promises.

In the Collect (Opening Prayer) on Ash Wednesday, we will hear prayed:

Grant, O Lord, that we may begin with holy fasting
this campaign of Christian service,
so that, as we take up battle against spiritual evils,
we may be armed with weapons of self-restraint.

Our parish will offer several opportunities to take up this “campaign of Christian service”. Lent is referred to as the Church’s retreat, and so we should each be thinking about how we will choose to enter into the next six weeks, holding fast to our resolve. Growing up, we’re often asked to “give something up,” but as one matures in the faith, Lent might be more about doing something.

Friday Evenings in Lent

7:30 pm • in the church, following fish fries

► Fridays, following Daily Mass, various versions of “Stations of the Cross” booklets will be available for you to offer this prayerful devotion and meditate on your own, throughout the day when the church is open.

Daily Reflections for Lent

Prayerfully journey through Lent with inspiring and meaningful reflections on the daily Mass readings. In just minutes, the insightful meditations can deepen your experience of this solemn season of prayer and penance. Pick one up in the narthex this weekend to have in-hand for Ash Wednesday.

Lenten Bags

Support local agencies by filling bags with needed items and dropping them off at the parish. Beginning this weekend, tags listing needed items for Birthright, Forbes House, Project Hope, St. Augustine Community Cupboard, St. Noel Food Pantry, and St. Noel Neighbor to Neighbor (toiletry collection) will be available on the table in the narthex. Take a tag, collect items, and pray for your agency. Fill a bag with your items, secure the bag and attach the tag, and return your donation to the hallway near the food pantry.

Fish Fries

Fridays, March 7 - April 11 • 4:30-7 pm

► New volunteers are always welcome! Call Chef Randy: (440) 946-6635

Sacrament of Reconciliation

Saturdays • 3:30-4:30 pm

Diocesan-wide Evening of Confession
Wednesday, March 19 • 5-8 pm

Lenten Communal Penance Service
Saint Anselm Parish, Chesterland
Monday, April 7 • 7 pm

CRS Rice Bowl

Celebrating 50 years

CRS Rice Bowl began during Lent in 1975, in the diocese of Allentown, Pennsylvania, as an ecumenical response to the problem of world hunger, specifically the drought in the Sahel region of Africa. Monsignor Robert Coll coordinated the effort with leaders of the city’s Protestant and Jewish communities. 

CRS Rice Bowl invites Catholics and faith communities in the United States to encounter God and our global family throughout Lent by practicing the disciplines of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. Lenten alms donated through CRS Rice Bowl support the work of CRS in more than 120 different countries each year. Twenty-five percent of donations to CRS Rice Bowl stay in the local diocese, supporting hunger and poverty alleviation efforts. Since its inception five decades ago, CRS Rice Bowl has raised more than $350 million.

Your Lenten sacrifice helps families in countries like Nigeria, Guatemala, and Bangladesh to access nutritious food and build sustainable livelihoods. A contribution of $40 covers the cost of fertilizer; $80, a lamb; $150, fruit trees; and $300, a cow. Pray that we may grow closer to God by serving one another this Lent.

CRS Lenten Prayer

Jesus, Bread of Life,
As we encounter you in the Eucharist this Lent,
nourish us with your love
and unite us in communion with our sisters
and brothers,
showing us how we are connected.
Transform our hearts,
that we may be moved to share bread for life
with our global family,
and work for a world where all can thrive.
Amen.