February 26th

Dear Friends,


Lent 2023 is underway! Each year when this liturgical season comes around, I find I have the best intentions of making the most of it. Sometimes Holy Week hits and I feel well prepared; other years I feel like I squandered the opportunity of the previous 40 days. My goal this is the same as every year: to deepen my prayer life; to grow in my experience of friendship with Jesus; to reflect on my life and consider what changes I should make to become a better version of myself; to “up my game” with regard to personal compassion and charitable outreach. To make this happen I schedule more time for prayer; I make a point to go to confession; I increase my almsgiving by giving away more money to the needy; I do more spiritual reading. Each of us needs to customize our Lenten practice so that it fits our personality and our needs. But my sense is that many of us benefit from some of the same practices.
These days a lot can be found online, on the internet, that people access during Lent. Inside today’s bulletin is a list of some places I know of that I want to share with you; you may have others you have already found.
ALPHA enrollment continues! This may be just what you need for Lent! Why not sign up to come to the dinner and conversation this Wednesday evening and consider bringing with you someone you think might benefit from a “spiritual boost.” Coming to the first session does not oblige you to attend the rest- but I think you’ll find it to be an enriching experience. Information on how to sign up for this is also in today’s bulletin.
Finally, please be sure to make a pledge for the Annual Catholic Appeal of our Archdiocese. Many filled out their pledges at church last weekend; others handled it online or through the direct mail materials that they received. Every parishioner is asked to participate in this, and I think it is important that we each do our part. Envelopes for this are in the pews, or you can go online to www.archchicago.org and you’ll see a link to the Annual Catholic Appeal page where you can take care of it there. The online page also has information about the good causes that this money is used for.