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March 2017
Dear Parents,
Lent begins on Wednesday, March 1 st. Before Ash Wednesday, the religious education catechists will be helping our children in class better understand the meaning of Lent. They will talk about how we can fast, pray, and give alms in special ways throughout our lives but especially during the season of Lent. The teachers will also explain how we prepare ourselves during Lent to celebrate the glorious Resurrection of Jesus.
This would be a good time for you to discuss what Lenten practices your family will observe – such as special family prayer time each Sunday of Lent, or fasting from things that turn our hearts away from God and feasting on things that bring us closer to him like following Jesus’ example and giving of ourselves to others. As you decide on something to do as a family, keep in mind that the season of Lent is about turning our hearts to God.
Instead of just penitential, this season is meant to be transformative. We move from darkness into light. Developing family practices that feast on ways of growing closer to Christ, allows a better appreciation of the full community of the universal Church – that includes your home, the religious education classes, the parish, and the Church around the world. Lent is a good time to reflect on the unity of Christians in light of our common joy in the Resurrection. Together, we can help your children grow to cherish this unity.
Blessings to you and your family this Lent,
Maureen Murtagh, Director of Religious Education