Experience Healing and Growth in Faith this Lent

Our recent Sunday Gospels in the season of Ordinary Time have taught us a bit about Jesus’ healing ministry, and the Gospel on Ash Wednesday reminded us of Jesus’ teaching on bringing the right attitude to prayer, fasting, and almsgiving (often equated with charity) - all of which open us to God’s healing mercy and closeness with Him. If we haven’t already decided our intentions to do each of these this Lent, St. Paul reminded us that “Now is the acceptable time, now is the day of salvation,” and God is looking forward to our renewed relationship with him this Lent. In addition to deciding what to give up (fasting), what can we each take up as a practice of justice and charity that reaches out to others (almsgiving) and helps us recognize our responsibility to share our resources and become better stewards of time, talent, and treasure? Fasting and almsgiving with an unselfish intention in our heart helps open us to a more meaningful experience of prayer… how will you make more time for prayer and spiritual growth in your life this Lent?

In addition to the many other Lenten opportunities we can choose from within our collaborative parishes and in our own lives, I am happy to announce the theme of our Lenten Mission this March 18, 19, and 20 at St. Mary Church with our guest Fr. Paul Desmarais. A priest of the Diocese of Providence, he is known for the Masses of Healing he celebrates for any physical, emotional, or spiritual healing we each may need. He is also known for speaking directly about the obstacles to healing and spiritual growth, including the reality of evil in our world. So our Lenten Mission this year will help us to experience God’s healing power, and confronting and overcoming the obstacles to God’s healing in our lives. Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday evenings (March 18-20) will include different scripture readings, music, and talks by Fr. Paul, culminating in an opportunity for the Sacrament of Reconciliation and a special Mass of Healing with the Eucharist and the laying of hands in prayer on those who come forward for healing. Since this is the centerpiece of our Lenten journey in our PWC parishes, like we have done before, all our other church events are suspended for these three evenings so all are free to attend the Mission.

So, block-off the evenings of March 18-20 (Monday through Wednesday) as you finalize your personal plans to give up something, take on some form of outreach, and grow in prayer in this season of God’s healing mercy and growth in our discipleship as followers of Christ.