Abstinence from meat (beast or fowl) is to be observed by all Catholics fourteen years old and older on Ash Wednesday and on all the Fridays of Lent. This obligation prohibits the eating of meat, but not eggs, milk products, or condiments of any kind, even though made from animal fat. Fasting means limiting oneself to one full meal on a given fast day. Catholics who are eighteen years of age but not yet fifty-nine are obliged to fast on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday. On fast days, two additional smaller meals are permitted if necessary to maintain strength. However, the two smaller meals together may not equal one full meal. Moreover, eating solid foods between meals on fast days is not permitted.

With the beginning of the holy season of Lent old blessed palms may be brought to the church and placed in the basket located in the church vestibule. Blessed palms may be disposed of by burning or burying them.

SAINT JOSEPH NOVENA – The novena in honor of Saint Joseph will begin on Monday, March 11th. The novena will take place at the conclusion of the 8 o’clock morning Mass each day. The Solemnity of Saint Joseph is Tuesday, March 19th. Following the 8 o’clock Mass on the feast day the traditional Saint Joseph Table will be blessed in Hayes Hall. All are welcome for coffee and “St. Joseph pastry” on that day.

Due to the pending inclement weather, please be advised that the Padre Pio Prayer Group meeting is canceled for Wednesday, February 20th. The next meeting is March 20th @ 7:00 pm in the parish office.

BISHOP SERRATELLI AT FIRST FRIDAY DEVOTIONS – Our Bishop will preside at First Friday Devotions at Sacred Heart of Jesus Church on East Main Street on Friday, March 1st. Devotions begin at 6:30 p.m. with Exposition of the Most Blessed Sacrament, Confessions, Litany to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, Holy Mass and Veneration of the relic of Saint Margaret Mary Alacoque.

MONDAY – PRESIDENTS DAY – Tomorrow, February 18th is a holiday. Divine Mercy Academy is closed, the parish office is closed, and Holy Hour and the Monday Evening Adult Faith Formation class are cancelled. The church will be open for the morning Masses only. THE BAPTISM PREPARATION CLASS FOR PARENTS WILL MEET IN THE PARISH OFFICE AT 7 O’CLOCK IN THE EVENING.

ECUMENICAL LENTEN LUNCHES – Our parish will host the first of the weekly Friday ecumenical lunches on March 8th. The lunch takes place at the First Presbyterian Church Fellowship Hall starting at 12 noon. Following lunch a prayer service and meditation is provided by a member of the ecumenical clergy group. Our pastor will serve as the presenter on March 8th. All are welcome to attend.

PADRE PIO PRAYER GROUP – The Saint Padre Pio Prayer Group will meet on Wednesday evening at 7 o’clock in the parish office for devotions and prayer meeting. Father Zig’s presentation will be on MONASTERIES AND THE MONASTERY OF SAN GIOVANNI ROTONDO. All are welcome!