We have entered into the season of Lent – a penitential season full of fasting, praying and almsgiving. It is traditional during Lent to take on practices that move us closer to God, perhaps giving up something so we can focus more on God, or taking on a practice that points us back to God. Should you wish to take part in the reconciliation of a penitent (private confession), please let me know and we will schedule a time.
This Sunday we will begin our services with the Great Litany. There is no particular requirement that we start Lent I with the Great Litany, but I admit that I appreciate starting Lent with so comprehensive a prayer. We list off the ways we have failed to live up to God’s intentions and ask for forgiveness. While it can be a sobering look into our souls, I think it also is profoundly cleansing, and I hope you find it starts your Lent off well.
Beginning on March 9 we will offer Living Compass class at 9:30 a.m. in the Chapel. You can pick up a Living Compass Lent booklet in the Narthex and join us on Wednesdays or follow along on your own.
We also have Lent Madness booklets available in Narthex if you would like to learn more about the 32 saints chosen by Forward Movement to compete for this year’s Golden Halo. You can vote daily at lentmadness.org beginning on March 3.
Our Wednesday night program will begin on March 9. We will meet in the Parish Hall for Evening Prayer at 6 p.m., soup supper at 6:30 p.m. and learn more about Anglican Prayer Beads at 7 p.m. I hope you will join us!
Holy Week is still several weeks away, but I am so excited to celebrate my first in-person Holy Week at St. Mary’s! We have two kid-friendly events during Holy Week: an Easter Egg Hunt on Palm Sunday (April 10) and an interactive Holy Week experience on Maundy Thursday (April 14 from 3-5 p.m.) If you are interested in helping with either event, please let me know. Please invite your family and friends to join us, all are welcome!
Prayers and Blessings,
Mother Pippa