ENTER INTO THE SEASON OF LENT…2016

Letter of St. Paul to the Philippians:  Chapter 3: verse 20 and 21 and Chapter 4 verse 1:   “Our citizenship is in heaven and from it we await a savior, The Lord Jesus Christ. He will change our lowly body to conform with his glorified body by the power that enables him also to bring all things into subjection to himself.  Therefore brothers and sisters….in this way stand firm in the lord.” 

 Enter this Lenten Season with prayer and hope that the Lord Jesus will work his wonders once again in our hearts.  Stand firm in the ways of the Lord this Lent. Accept the invitation of the Spirit of God and enter this Lent and build a closer relationship with God and our brothers and sisters.

FAST – The church asks us to fast on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday.

ABSTAINENCE – also Abstain from meat on Ash Wednesday and all Fridays of Lent

PERSONAL PRACTICES – of prayer and penance are encouraged for all so that we purify our hearts to be better able to reflect upon the Suffering and Death of Jesus and it meaning for us in our live.

The following events are taking place at Our Lady of the Mountain during the forty days of Lent

ASH WEDNESDAY – Ashes are placed on our foreheads during mass or at the prayer service

9:30 a.m. Mass — Prayer Service at 4:00 p.m. — 7:30 p.m. Mass

CATHOLISM by Bishop Barron…Deacon Jim Jones and wife Cindy will present lead two evenings of reflection using the popular DVD series on Catholicism by Bishop Barron.  The two sessions will take place at 7:30 p.m. on.  Wednesday March 9 and Tuesday march 15^th.  The sessions will be held in the parish center.    Refreshments will be a part of the evening.  Deacon Jim and Cindy helped to organize the Why Catholic programs in prior years.  Mark the dates and plan to be at both sessions.  The Catholicism series by Bishop Barron has won high praise.  Come out for the spiritual evenings of prayer and reflection…

BEST LENT EVER… if you are unable to join us on Wednesday night consider signing up for a FREE

On line Lenten program.  Each day you will receive a video and reflection and prayers on your computer. This is an ideal way to give yourself some prayerful time at home and do something positive for Lent.  Just go to www.BestLentEver.com and sign in.

PRAYERS FOR PEACE AND JUSTICE IN THE WORLD –On the five (5) Mondays of Lent from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. in the church we will have special prayers for Peace.  Each hour will have a different format of prayers and times for silence.  All are invited to come and spend some time on Monday evenings and connect with the Lord.  Dates:  Feb 15, 22, 29   Mar. 7 & 14.  Barbara Froescher will again be our leader of prayer.

STATIONS OF THE CROSS –

Fridays  of Lent @ 7:30 p.m.  –  Feb. 12, 19, 26 Mar. 4, 11, 18, 25* high school youth ministry will present the living Stations of the Cross.

THE SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION –

The Sacrament of reconciliation is offered each Saturday in the confessional room from 4:15 to 4:45 p.m.

DIOCESE OF PATERSON SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION INITIATIVE –

On five (5) Mondays of Lent the Diocese of Paterson has a special Reconciliation initiative – a priest is available in any church of the diocese of Paterson from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. for the Sacrament of Reconciliation.  The Dates are:  Feb. 15, 22, 29 Mar. 7, 14.    Please let others know.

OUR LADY OF THE MOUNTAIN SERVICE OF RECONCILIATION – Monday March 14^th

We will have a parish celebration of Reconciliation on Monday March 14^th that will begin at 7:30 p.m. There will be several priests available to hear your individual confession and celebrate the sacrament of reconciliation with you. This year our 4^th graders will be a part of our service.

OUR LADY OF THE MOUNTAIN WEEKEND SCHEDULE OF MASSES –

Saturday:  5 p.m. 7 p.m.  Sunday:  7:45 a.m.  9:15 a.m.  10:45 a.m. 12:15 p.m.

OUR LADY OF THE MOUNTAIN WEEKDAY MASS:   9:30 a.m. Monday to Friday

CATHOLIC RELIEF SERVICES   “OPERATION RICE BOWL” –

This project offers up an opportunity this lent to again help support their efforts to feed the hungry in our world. The Rice Bowls are available at the doors of the church.  Please take one and put your donations in the Rice Bowl.  It is suggested that each family eat a lesser meal each week and put the saving into the rice bowl as you think of those who are hungry in our world. See articles in the bulletin about the work of Catholic Relief Services throughout the world.

LONG VALLEY CROSS WALK – GOOD FRIDAY MARCH 25

The Long Valley clergy association invites you to be a part of the Cross Walk on Good Friday.  The walk begins at 12 noon from the Presbyterian Church (near Ort Farm) Bartley Road. We walk to Ort Farms to Rt. 517 into the business section and end at the Zion Lutheran Church at the bottom of Schooleys Mt. Road. Each church takes a turn carrying the cross and stops for a brief reflection along the way. This is an excellent family activity to walk together and join with members of different congregations outwardly showing our belief in the power of the Cross. You can park in either church parking lot.  Some like to bring two cars and park one in each.  We really would like you to join us.

FINAL WORD…

MAY GOD OUR LOVING FATHER WHO SENT JESUS AMONG US AS OUR SAVIOR BLESS US THIS LENT AND HELP US MAKE GOOD USE OF THE TIME WE HAVE BEEN GIVEN…