Dear Parishioners,
It is good once more to be able to greet you and send the weekly Newsletter and Readings for Holy Mass. As we enter the third weekend of Lent, amid snow and an icy blast, we could be tempted to console ourselves with creature comforts. At the school Mass on Thursday we were gifted with some words from our Holy Father, Pope Francis, in regard to, perhaps, the hardest Lenten ‘ask’, that of fasting. They seem appropriate to include here.
Fast from hurting words and say kind words.
Fast from sadness and be filled with gratitude.
Fast from anger and be filled with patience.
Fast from anger and be filled with patience.
Fast from pessimism and be filled with hope.
Fast from worries and trust in God.
Fast from complaints and contemplate simplicity.
Fast from bitterness and fill your heart with joy.
Fast from selfishness and be compassionate to others.
Fast from grudges and be reconciled.
Fast from words and be silent so you can listen. (Pope Francis)
Be assured of daily prayerful remembrance for yourselves and those you hold in the home of your heart, together with kindest thought and affection.
As ever, Fr. Nicholas