Next Sunday, March 24th is PALM SUNDAY. Pleases join us as we celebrate Christ’s triumphant entry into Jerusalem, greeted by the crowds with shouts of “Hosanna, Hosanna to the King of David”, only to have them turn on Him less than a week later, demanding His Crucifixion. There will be one Mass only at 9:00 AM with blessing and distribution of Palms and procession.
Ash Wednesday is February 14th. That is right around the corner. I hope that everyone is already spending some time each day in thoughtful prayer and meditation as we approach the solemn season of Lent. Lent gives us a chance to ponder the earth shattering implications of Christ’s passion, death and resurrection on the world, both then and now, and how it impacts our lives each and every day as we follow Him to eternal glory. Devotional booklets to help focus you are available on the table in the vestibule. Please take one as you leave.
The celebration of this season is a preparation for Holy Lent. The three Sundays of Pre-Lent come seventy, sixty and fifty days before Easter. The liturgical color of this season which prepares us to anticipate the spiritual rigors of the Lenten Season is rose. Lent then takes on the somber hue of purple signifying the seven-week period of penitence and introspection and our conversion of heart.
During Pre-Lent the Alleluia heard before the proclamation of the Gospel is eliminated from the Mass and will continue to be so through Lent until Easter morning. In place of the Alleluias, we will hear only a mournful chant called the Tract. Also begun in Pre-Lent is the elimination of the singing of the Gloria which will remain silenced through the Lenten season until the Resurrection of Jesus is proclaimed on Easter.
Floral adornments of the high altar are still appropriate through Shrove Tuesday, the day before Ash Wednesday, though such adornment may be abandoned if so desired.
THE SEASON of PRE-LENT BEGINS JANUARY 28TH Read More »
On behalf of all of the members of Saint Stephen the Martyr Parish, I would like to wish everyone a Happy, Healthy and Prosperous New Year.
On behalf of the Parish Committee and myself I would like to wish each and every one of you a Very Merry Christmas and a Happy, Healthy, Blessed and most prosperous New Year!
Today is the first Sunday of the Advent Season. Advent gives us the opportunity to prepare ourselves, physically, emotionally and spiritually for the celebration of the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. There are booklets on the table in the vestibule. Please take one and resolve to spend a few minutes each day in prayer and reflection so that you may truly appreciate God’s great gift to His people, Eternal Life in the form of the Baby Jesus.
Thanksgiving will soon be upon us. As we gather together to thank the Lord for His many blessings, let us not forget those in our community and around the world who are less blessed than ourselves. Please do whatever you can this season to help those unfortunate individuals, be it with monetary donations, gifts of food or clothing or offering your time to help with some charitable event. Remember what Jesus said “Amen, I say to you, whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me.” May God bless you and yours as you bless others.
The Annual Polish Picnic last Sunday was a great success! Thanks to all of the volunteers for their tireless efforts be it in making food, helping the day of the picnic, financial support, donations or whatever else they may have done. God bless all of you. Special thanks to our picnic chairperson, Jay Rowe, for another great outcome.
The date of the Picnic is fast approaching (August 13th). Please remember to spread the word to all you know and come in contact with.
CLICK HERE to view and print the flyer.
And don’t forget to sign up to volunteer to help work the picnic. Sign up sheet is on the table in the vestibule.
I hope to see everyone there.
SAINT STEPHEN’S ANNUAL POLISH PICNIC Read More »
