FROM THE PASTOR’S DESK - FEBRUARY 17, 2023

Dear St. Martin’s Parishioners,

Lent begins with Ash Wednesday on February 21. It is a special liturgical season in which we take God’s command seriously, “be holy, for I am holy” (Lev. 11:44). St. Paul echoes that command in this Sunday’s 2nd reading: “Do you not know that you are the temple of God, and that the spirit of God dwells in you?” (1 Cor. 3:16). Our lives then should reflect our worship, and, in truth, our lives are a sacrifice of worship and praise of God. We all fall short of that goal, and Lent is a time of refocusing on that fundamental conversion so that the whole of our life is directed toward holiness. Prayer, fasting and almsgiving are the three spiritual keys of living Lent well.

•By prayer we proclaim the truth that we are made for worship, and we activate by faith, hope and love our spiritual life for holiness.

•By fasting, we reject the idols of false worship in our lives so that there is nothing preventing us from holiness.

•By almsgiving, we do penance for our sins and purify the temples of our body. We proclaim by our almsgiving that worship and life are one reality.

I encourage you to take advantage of the opportunities for spiritual growth in this holy season.

•Everything begins and ends with the worship of God at Sunday Mass. If you have the opportunity, try attending an extra Mass during the week as well.

•We offer the sacrament of confession 14 times per week. Nothing facilitates conversion of life more powerfully than confession. Receive the outpouring of God’s mercy through reconciliation at least once this Lent.

•7:30am on Saturday mornings we are offering a video series on the Sorrowful Mysteries of the rosary in the parish hall followed by discussion. Dive more deeply into the mysteries recounting our Lord’s Passion. Zoom participation is available as well.

•Pray the Stations of the Cross with the parish on Fridays at 5:30pm (English) and 7:30pm (Spanish).

•On Monday, March 6 at 6:30pm, we will host an expert on the Shroud of Turin, who will draw us more deeply into the meaning of this holy relic of Christ’s Passion and Resurrection.

•We welcome Fr. Joseph Mary and two brothers of the Pierced Hearts of Jesus and Mary for our parish mission on Monday, March 13 and Tuesday March 14. Don’t miss this powerful opportunity for healing and transformation through the Eucharist.

•On Good Friday, participate in our Living Stations of the Cross by walking in our Savior’s footsteps around our neighborhood. Better yet, why not participate yourself as one of the actors? Rehearsals are on Sunday afternoons from 2:00p-4:00p in the school gymnasium.

Know of my prayers for a fruitful and blessed Lenten season for all of you.

In Christ,

F. Dave